Fall is one of the best times of year to go camping, arguably the best of all, and we have just the spot for you to enjoy the season in all its glory. The Texas Hill Country, located in the heart of the state, is the absolute perfect location for fall camping. Bring the whole family during fall break from school or homeschool from the road, either way, there’s simply no arguing that the later months of the year are the most visually pleasing months to drive off the grid. It’s what RV enthusiasts everywhere crave. It’s why we do what we do.
Whether you’re looking for a picture-perfect opportunity at Distillers Hall in Dripping Springs (above), a quick weekend getaway, a reprieve from the 9-to-5 grind, or are simply ambling about in search of perfect weather, the Texas Hill Country has you covered.
Weather in the Texas Hill Country
Autumn weather combines warm and sunny daytime temps, with chilly evenings cool enough to enjoy with friends and family by the fire. In fact, well into October, you’ll find most days in the mid-’70s and temperatures that rarely dip below 50-degrees at night. It’s the ideal temperature for exploring the landscape during the day and making memories with fun and games back at the campsite at night.
This specific part of the state is known, famous even, for its charming towns. They’re set against the stunning landscape of rolling hills and limestone cliffs carved by tributaries of the Guadalupe and Colorado rivers. It’s the definition of picture-perfect. The region also boasts a diverse blend of cypress, maple, oak, sumac, and sycamore trees providing spectacular fall foliage that is sure to rival every autumn destination across the country. What you might not know about Texas Hill Country is that it’s an unsung wine region. You’ll find most of the state’s vineyards and distilleries (over 50) clustered in this picturesque area. See them all in your RV by following the Texas Wine Trail.
Marble Falls
Image by L Karson from Unsplash
On the north boundary of the Hill Country is the breathtaking Marble Falls. Home to one of the region’s most entertaining and enjoyable fall festivals, it runs continuously through November 10 at Sweet Berry Farms and is always a crowdpleaser. Activities for the whole family include hayrides, pumpkin painting, and scarecrow stuffing.
As if those activities weren’t enough to draw you in, there’s a unique maze to tempt and test your problem-solving skills. A complicated labyrinth of pathways winds through a field shaped like the state of Texas itself. Your goal (because what’s a maze without an added challenge) is to find all 12 signs that mirror actual cities in Texas. The Fall Festival’s theme rotates and evolves throughout the years to keep guests on their toes. For example, the 2019 theme was “O” How I Love Texas where curious maze enthusiasts were asked to look for towns that have an O in their name. Ever heard of Tornillo? You could get lost trying to find it… in more ways than one.
Image by Sweet Berry Farms
RVing Marble Falls
Park the RV at Camp Waterfront at Sunset Point on Lake LBJ. This Good Sam campground is nestled on 20 gorgeous acres with almost a mile of the prime shoreline belonging to Lake LBJ, a reservoir on the Colorado River. That’s not the only campground within close quarters though! Plan your trip and park your RV at any of the nearby campgrounds for a camping experience unlike any other.
Campgrounds nearby: Open Air Resorts and Freedom Lives Ranch RV Resort
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Fredericksburg
Image by Julie Chickery
Moving further south is the lovely town of Fredericksburg. The city’s German heritage is often on display at the Pioneer Museum, which features settlers’ homesteads and artifacts for viewing.
In the nearby town square, Marktplatz, visitors will find the Vereins Kirche, a replica of a 19th-century German church that once stood in the city. Another frequently visited highlight of the city is the National Museum of the Pacific War that features a wide range of WWII exhibits.
While you’re in the area, do not pass up a chance to hike the popular Enchanted Rock State Natural Area! This pink granite dome rises approximately 425 feet above the surrounding terrain to an impressive elevation of 1,825 feet above sea level. With no shade on the dome, mild fall days are the perfect time for a hike to the summit. You’ll be rewarded with the most intense and unforgettable views of Texas Hill Country. Bring your camera or make sure your phone is at full charge, you won’t regret it.
Sunrise on Enchanted Rock. Image: Shutterstock.
RVing Fredericksburg, Texas
If you’re on a family camping trip, stay at the Texas Wine Country Jellystone. They have themed weekends throughout the season with organized crafts, games, and activities for the whole family to enjoy. You can join in their magic pumpkin seed planting, pumpkin painting, site decorating contests, and more, every single fall. It’s the most magical option for the young and the young at heart.
For a terrific couple’s retreat, stay at the quieter, Buckhorn Lake Resort in nearby Kerrville. Designed with the feel of a true resort in mind, the beautifully landscaped full hook-up site offers an adults-only hot tub and pool area set alongside a small, winding river. It’s peak relaxation goals.
Campgrounds nearby: Fredericksburg RV Park and Oakwood RV Resort
Lost Maples State Natural Area
Image by Sean Chickery
Experience one of the most scenic drives in the state as you head south to Lost Maples State Natural Area. The highway curls and curves back and forth through the Hill Country crossing the gorgeous Frio River. Experience a kaleidoscope of colors as you pass bright red Sumacs, blazing yellow Cottonwoods, and burning orange Sycamores for a full fall experience that will have you wanting to revisit year after year. We might even see you there!
Lost Maples gets its name from the Big Tooth Maple trees that brilliantly change color in the fall. Spend your days hiking and geocaching with this large, pristine area of beautiful hills and canyons on the upper Sabinal River. The Lost Maples East Trail starts under a canopy of maples and rises 546 feet boasting several spectacular overlooks along the 4.4-mile loop.
Fishing is also a popular activity as the Sabinal River and Can Creek pass through the grounds, offering peaceful sounds and intoxicating views. Even better, as if that’s possible, anglers don’t need a fishing license as long as you fish from the shore or a pier.
Image by Sean Chickery
RVing Lost Maples
If you’re lucky enough to get one of the seemingly rare coveted reservations, you can stay within the park at one of its 30 campsites that have both water and electricity hookups for your convenience. Perhaps the greatest thing about staying here is that it is far enough from any major city. As a result, visitors enjoy stunning evening views of global star clusters. Go ahead, make a wish. We’d be lying if we said we don’t do the same.
Be sure to head over to the Great Hill Country Pumpkin Patch at nearby Love Creek Orchards. Every weekend in October, attendees can participate in the apple orchard tours, hayrides, challenging mazes, entertaining sing-a-longs, and more. Enjoy their fabulous apples, old-fashioned sweet cider, and baked apple goodies! It’s a fall-lovers paradise.
Campgrounds nearby: Whistle Stop RV Resort and Ridgeview RV Resort
Garner State Park
Image by Ashley Savarino
Your final destination to the southern edge of the Hill Country is out towards Garner State Park. The road climbs to some of the highest elevations in the Hill Country—up to 2,300 feet—and roadside lookouts offer great vistas of reds, greens, yellows, and golds. You’ll feel like you stepped out of a fall-inspired movie scene.
The park itself boasts an impressive variety of trees such as Mesquite, Texas Red Bud, Bald Cypress, Western Ash Juniper, Spanish Oak, Cedar Elm, and Pecan. Further down, along the river that cuts through the canyons, you’ll find Cypress trees that turn a glowing orange in late September. With the warmer fall days, you’ll most likely want to partake in the abundance of water activities. Bring your canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards, or rent one at the various pop-up spots there. You can also fish along the 10 waterfront acres of the Frio River (again without a permit, just a friendly reminder).
If you’re feeling adventurous, hike up Old Baldy, the park’s most iconic hill. It’s a short but challenging hike, and well worth the time, requiring some scrambling in places to get up the 400-foot bluff. If it happens to be one of those days where bravery isn’t your strong suit, no worries. Instead, enjoy some of the ranger-led activities or search out one of the many geocaches hidden around the park. Regardless of your choice, it’s a win-win.
Beautiful Fall Color on Giant Cypress Trees Reflected in the Clear Waters of the Frio River at Garner State Park, Texas. Image: Shutterstock
RVing Garner State Park
Camp at one of the park’s 347 sites and get ready for some serious fall fun! Also, don’t forget to bring your bikes if you’re able to. Biking really is the best way to get from the camping areas to the rest of the park. That’s an inside secret. You’re welcome. Bicycles are even allowed on some trails like the Madrone Walkway, Old Entrance Road, Highway Trail, Frio Canyon Trail, and Ashe Juniper Trail.
Campgrounds nearby: Abilene KOA and Buck Creek RV Park
As you know, everything is bigger in Texas and that includes fun! Who doesn’t enjoy big fun? With terrific weather, stunning limestone bluffs, scenic rivers, and all the fall foliage your heart can desire, the Texas Hill Country is a fabulous fall camping destination. If you have time, stick around for winter because Texas is just as pleasing in the colder months, too.
Have anywhere in the Texas Hill Country you’ve traveled and would recommend? Leave a comment below!