My job requires lots of time on the road, so about a year ago I purchased a sport trailer from Airstream of DFW to make life a little easier. Instead of checking into hotels 4 or 5 nights a week, now I can just find a place to park the trailer and feel like I’m at home away from home. I never really saw myself as being the RV type, but the Airstream has a different vibe than your typical motorhome. Heck, with the way people in Austin are gobbling them up, you know they must be trendy. What started as a convenience has now turned into somewhat of a hobby. Even on weekends, when I could be home, I enjoy taking buddies along in the Airstream for a guys’ weekend of camping.
Residents of Austin have fully embraced the Airstream resurgence.
The great state of Texas, vast and varied, offers a host of unique locales for Airstream camping. The natural terrain and scenic landscapes of Texas are beyond compare. From the woods of East Texas to the Chisos Mountains, there are so many places to see. One of the most stunning areas is the Texas Hill Country surrounding Austin and San Antonio. Brimming with beautiful landscapes, the Texas Hill Country offers a myriad of great camping opportunities. You could spend months in the Texas Hill Country and still not see it all!
Here are a few Texas Hill Country favorites:
Garner State Park
Garner State Park has beautiful foliage in the fall.
Ask anyone who grew up in Texas about Garner State Park and they will know what you are talking about and have a story to tell. A Texas Tradition, Garner State Park offers the ultimate in family recreation. Spring-fed with crystal clear water, the Frio River runs through the middle of the park. Frio is the Spanish word for “cold” and the water is definitely cold. The Frio River provides endless opportunities for swimming, tubing, and kayaking, canoeing and even fishing. Picnicking or just chilling on the banks are among the more laid-back activities. Numerous hiking trails are also within the park’s hilly terrain. Garner State Park in located at the western end of the Texas Hill Country between Concan and Leakey.
The most unique feature of Garner State Park is the evening dances at the pavilion. Every evening in the summer, there a dance is held at the pavilion. With music provided by a jukebox, the pavilion fills with young and old alike dancing to country and western music. Many a young person has found a summer romance at Garner.
After the summer season has waned, Garner State Park offers a beautiful setting for stunning fall color. Due to the mild winters of the area, camping is available year-round in this Texas treasure. The park stretches over 1774 acres and offers a variety of camping options. Campsites are available in 30 and 50 amps.
Blanco State Park
Just an hour west of Austin sits Blanco State Park, which is within walking distance to Blanco’s town square. A charming small park, Blanco State Park is located along the banks of the Blanco River. The spring fed Blanco River maintains a cold temperature, around 68⁰F, which makes it a refreshing stop on a blazing summer day. The swimming area is divided into two areas, one shallow and one deep with a swimming pool area beside the dam. Fishing is a popular past-time in this state park.
Blanco State Park offers 30 and 50-amp service and is one of the rare state parks to offer full hook ups.
Inks Lake State Park
Inks Lake is one of Texas’ most beloved recreational areas, known for its fishing and many hiking trails.
Inks Lake State Park is located in Burnet, approximately an hour northwest of Austin. Inks Lake offers glistening blue water along with vibrant rock outcrops. Inks Lake State Park features hiking trails, boating, skiing, scuba and fishing in addition to the popular swimming hole, Devil’s Waterhole. The lake also features a large no wake area for canoeing or kayaking. The park features two fishing piers, cleaning stations and a boat ramp. Scenic waterfalls are visible upstream from the lake.
Numerous water front sites are available with 30 and 50-amp service. Sites that are not waterfront have easy access to the lake.
