Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area

4.37

54 reviews

2820 County Road 414, Spicewood, Texas, 78669, United States

Scenic ViewsSwimmingSummer Destination

Featured in:Spring Camping Texas Camping Near Austin

Quick Facts

810 ft

Price

$5/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

41 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Opens LCRA Parks site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

810 ft

Price

$5/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

41 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Opens LCRA Parks site

Official Website

Get Directions

Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area

$5.00 - $5.00 / night

Campsite Fees

$5 per person entrance fee (User review). Note that entry fees apply per person rather than per car.

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.37

Recommended

Based on 54 reviews

304 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanhiking

"User reviews for Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area are generally positive, highlighting the natural beauty, spacious campsites, and variety of outdoor activities. However, there are recurring complaints about restroom conditions, lack of trash cans near campsites, and limited amenities."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

2820 County Road 414, Spicewood, Texas, 78669, United States

Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area

2820 County Road 414, Spicewood, Texas, 78669, United States

Driving directions-

"The roads are not concrete roads but gravel and some rocks. If you’ve a car with low clearance, be careful going to steep roads" (User review).

Nearby places

Austin (~36 miles, ~1 hour drive), Marble Falls (~15 miles, ~20 minutes drive)

Nearby supplies

"Potable water is available at the front gate," and firewood is sold on-site for $10 per bundle plus tax (User review). Other supplies may be available in nearby Spicewood or Marble Falls.

Best Time to Camp at Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area

Each season paints Muleshoe Bend in its own distinctive palette. Spring arrives in a riot of color as legendary Texas bluebonnets carpet the hillsides, accompanied by mild temperatures perfect for outdoor exploration. Summer brings the full warmth of central Texas, with temperatures often climbing above 90°F and humid conditions that make those refreshing lake swims all the more inviting. As autumn settles in, the mercury drops to comfortable levels, creating ideal camping weather with crisp mornings and golden afternoons. Winter remains surprisingly pleasant, with cool but manageable conditions that keep the campground accessible year-round for those seeking solitude and natural beauty without the crowds.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.0 / 5

Summers are hot and low water levels can occur, reducing swimming/boating appeal for some.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Milder temperatures and good trail conditions make fall appealing (less peak-season crowding).

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.5 / 5

Top 24% in TX

Peak season due to Texas bluebonnet blooms; reviewers specifically recommend spring visits.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.5 / 5

Open year-round; winter offers quieter camping though fewer activities tied to seasonality.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Spring, particularly late March and early April, is noted for bluebonnet blooms.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round.
Current Alerts: No active alerts beyond general burn-ban advisories mentioned.

About Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area

Nestled along the shimmering shores of Lake Travis, Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its perfect blend of land and water adventures. This scenic campground offers peaceful tent sites beneath towering oaks, where campers wake to birdsong and fall asleep to gentle waves lapping the shoreline. Miles of multiuse trails wind through the property, welcoming hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians to explore the rugged beauty of the Texas Hill Country. With a convenient boat ramp and on-site watercraft rentals, the sparkling waters of Lake Travis become your personal playground for swimming, fishing, and paddling under endless Texas skies.

Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area primarily offers rustic camping options with tent and RV accommodations. The campground emphasizes a natural, outdoor experience, with minimal infrastructure.

Historical SignificanceWhile the modern recreational facilities are the current draw, this area along Lake Travis holds deeper stories waiting to be discovered by curious visitors exploring the surrounding Hill Country landscape.

Weather and SeasonsEach season paints Muleshoe Bend in its own distinctive palette. Spring arrives in a riot of color as legendary Texas bluebonnets carpet the hillsides, accompanied by mild temperatures perfect for outdoor exploration. Summer brings the full warmth of central Texas, with temperatures often climbing above 90°F and humid conditions that make those refreshing lake swims all the more inviting. As autumn settles in, the mercury drops to comfortable levels, creating ideal camping weather with crisp mornings and golden afternoons. Winter remains surprisingly pleasant, with cool but manageable conditions that keep the campground accessible year-round for those seeking solitude and natural beauty without the crowds.

ElevationPerched among the characteristic rises and valleys of the Texas Hill Country, the campground offers varying vantage points across its terrain, though specific elevation details await your personal discovery.

Natural Features and SceneryThe landscape at Muleshoe Bend unfolds like a classic Hill Country postcard, where ancient oak trees spread their gnarled branches to create natural umbrellas of shade across the camping areas. Rolling hills provide ever-changing perspectives of Lake Travis's sapphire waters, while spring transforms the grounds into nature's gallery with spectacular wildflower displays. The famous Texas bluebonnets steal the show, painting entire hillsides in vibrant blue, complemented by Indian paintbrush and other native blooms. This harmonious blend of water, woodland, and wildflower meadows creates an enchanting backdrop for outdoor adventures throughout the year.

Geological RegionMuleshoe Bend sits proudly within the beloved Texas Hill Country, a geological wonderland where ancient limestone hills meet the expansive waters of Lake Travis. This unique region, carved by time and water, offers dramatic topography that ranges from gentle slopes perfect for family hikes to challenging terrain that tests experienced mountain bikers. The interplay between the rugged hill country landscape and the vast reservoir creates diverse ecosystems and stunning vistas that capture the essence of central Texas's natural beauty.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

4p.m.

Check-out

11 a.m.

Stay Limit

No explicit stay limit mentioned.

Guests Allowed Per Site

No explicit limit mentioned.

Groups

Group sites, such as site #37, are noted for their spaciousness and shade provided by large oak trees. One user stated, 'We camped in site 37 (one of the group sites) and were impressed by how much space we had and the generous distance between us and our nearest neighbors.'

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutSites are clumped together with little privacy" (User review).

Reservation PlatformsReservations can likely be made through LCRA Parks based on the authoritative content.

Walk-in AvailabilityMake sure to make reservations or you won't have a spot" (User review). Limited walk-up availability.

Cancellation PolicyCancellation rules not explicitly mentioned.

AccessibilityAccessibility features are not explicitly mentioned in the source material.

Site SizeUser reviews describe campsites as spacious, with generous distances between sites in some areas such as group sites (e.g., site #37).

PrivacyPrivacy varies by site. One review notes, 'The sites are clumped together and there is little privacy,' while another praises the generous distance between group sites.

Total Campsites41 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose sites with tree coverage for warmer months; avoid slanted sites for tent stability (User reviews).

Amenities available

Showers

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

The campground is a hub for outdoor recreation, providing activities such as hiking, mountain biking, fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding, horseback riding, and wildlife viewing. Seasonal highlights include bluebonnet blooms in late March and early April. Guided night hikes and educational programs are occasionally offered.

HikingThe park features extensive trails for hiking and biking, including the 6.5-mile Great Escape trail. Trails are shaded and vary in difficulty. One user noted, 'Great hike, mostly shaded, so you can do it on a warm day. It’s a pretty long walk like over 6 miles if you don’t take any shortcuts.' Another commented on the well-maintained trails, adding, 'Plenty of hiking trails.'

FishingFishing is permitted and accessible due to the campground’s proximity to Lake Travis. One user mentioned catching a 'nice fish' during their visit.

SwimmingThe calm waters of Lake Travis make the area suitable for swimming. However, one user noted that water levels can affect accessibility, stating, 'The water was super low so it was quite a hike, multiple times per day to swim.'

BikingMountain biking trails are well-maintained and cater to various skill levels. A review highlighted, 'There are various MTB trails for all skill levels (the difficult ones are in fact difficult).'

BoatingA boat ramp is provided, and kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals are available on-site. Boating is a popular activity, especially on Lake Travis.

Wildlife viewingWildlife such as deer, squirrels, cardinals, and lizards can be observed along the trails. One reviewer stated, 'I got to see deer, squirrels, cardinals, lizards, and other wild animals.'

Policies & Safety

Hazards & Alerts"Sticker burrs are abundant and seasonal," and roads can be challenging for low-clearance vehicles (User review). Burn bans may restrict campfires and grilling.

Active AlertsNo active alerts beyond general burn-ban advisories mentioned.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Fire PolicyBurn bans may restrict all campfires and grilling with wood or charcoal.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are Not explicitly mentioned.

Emergency ServicesEmergency services are not explicitly mentioned in the materials, but the closest city, Spicewood, has basic services.

Trash & RecyclingTrash disposal facilities are located near the entrance, and there are no trash cans in the main camp areas, requiring campers to store and transport their trash.

Water FeaturesDirect access to Lake Travis for swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding.

Camp Host"Hosts are very friendly and helpful" (User review). Hosts sell firewood and may assist with contactless check-in.

Weather at Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area

Reviews

4.4

54 reviews

Recommended

Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area are generally positive, highlighting the natural beauty, spacious campsites, and variety of outdoor activities. However, there are recurring complaints about restroom conditions, lack of trash cans near campsites, and limited amenities.

Review Summaries

Based on 54 reviews

What Campers Love

Many users praised the park’s cleanliness, the friendliness of the park hosts, and the abundance of bluebonnets during the blooming season. Activities such as hiking, biking, and fishing received...

Based on 54 reviews

Common Concerns

Frequent complaints include the poor condition of restrooms, lack of running water at campsites, insufficient bathroom facilities, and sticker burrs in the camping areas. One user commented,...

Based on 54 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Reviews recommend bringing plenty of water for long hikes, visiting during the bluebonnet blooming season (late March to early April), and being cautious of sticker burrs. Visitors with low-clearance...

Based on 54 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring is the most recommended season due to bluebonnets. Summers may bring low water levels and hotter temperatures, while winter offers quieter camping experiences.

Based on 54 reviews

Camper Quotes

- 'The campsite is beautiful!! The river is beautiful!! The wildlife is beautiful.' - 'The trails are also near the entrance, not the campsites.' - 'The bluebonnets were prolific.' - 'There are...

Based on 54 reviews