Lake Whitney State Park

4.42

125 reviews

433 FM 1244, WHITNEY, Texas, 76692, United States

Scenic ViewsSummer Destination

Featured in:Swimming Camping Texas Family-Friendly Campgrounds Texas Pet-Friendly Campgrounds Texas

Quick Facts

561 ft

Price

$5/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Lake Whitney State Park site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

561 ft

Price

$5/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Lake Whitney State Park site

Official Website

Get Directions

Lake Whitney State Park

$5.00 - $5.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Day use fee is $5 per person aged 13 and older. Overnight camping requires additional fees, but specific campsite fees are not listed in the...

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

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground

Reserve America

Provider

2546943793

Help improve this page

See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.42

Recommended

Based on 125 reviews

1312 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanrestroomshiking

Some mention

noise

"User reviews commonly praise the park's scenic views, clean facilities, and variety of recreational activities. Many describe the park as a wonderful getaway with family-friendly amenities."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

433 FM 1244, WHITNEY, Texas, 76692, United States

Lake Whitney State Park

433 FM 1244, WHITNEY, Texas, 76692, United States

Driving directionsFrom Dallas/Ft Worth: Take I-35 South to Hillsboro. Exit #370 at Hwy 77 to downtown Hillsboro. Turn right at Hwy 22 West. Go through Whitney for 2 or 3 miles. Turn right at light, on Hwy 933 North for 12 mile Turn left on FM 1244, dead-ends at park. From Austin: Take I 35 North to Waco. Exit on LAKE SHORE DRIVE. Turn left to Hwy 933 North and turn right. Stay on Hwy 933 for 1/2 mile North Hwy 22. Turn left at FM 1244 to the park.

The roads leading to Lake Whitney State Park are paved and accessible year-round. Some user reviews noted narrow campsite loop roads with damaged asphalt along the edges.

Nearby places

Hillsboro (25 miles, approximately 30 minutes), Waco (33 miles, approximately 40 minutes), Fort Worth (70 miles, approximately 1.5 hours), Austin (approximately 2 hours).

Nearby supplies

The nearest grocery store is approximately 6 minutes away. Walmart is about a 30-minute drive in Hillsboro, and other smaller shops and camping supply stores are available in nearby towns.

Best Time to Camp at Lake Whitney State Park

Experience the dynamic seasons of Central Texas at Lake Whitney, where each time of year paints the landscape in different hues. Summer brings those legendary Texas days – sweltering heat tempered by moderate breezes off the lake that make afternoon swims absolutely essential. As autumn arrives, the intensity softens into perfect camping weather. Winter transforms the park into a peaceful retreat with crisp, cool air and occasional gentle rains that refresh the landscape, while predominantly dry conditions ensure your outdoor adventures continue uninterrupted. Spring emerges with wildflower blooms and ideal temperatures for every activity the park offers.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Top 23% in TX

Summer offers swimming, long daylight and boating, though Texas heat is a factor.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 14% in TX

Milder weather, scenic foliage and strong outdoor-activity availability make fall excellent.

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring provides comfortable weather and good wildlife/viewing opportunities; activities ramp up.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.0 / 5

Park open year-round and quieter in winter, but fewer water activities and cooler temperatures.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Peak season details are not explicitly mentioned.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Lake Whitney State Park is open year-round. Winter hours for the Park HQ begin December 1, while expanded hours are implemented starting March 1.
Current Alerts: No active alerts are mentioned.

About Lake Whitney State Park

Tucked away in the heart of Texas Hill Country, Lake Whitney State Park reveals itself as a true hidden gem where crystal-clear waters meet limestone cliffs and dense woodlands. This pristine sanctuary invites adventurers to dive into refreshing swimming holes, cast lines into fish-filled waters, explore winding hiking trails, and set up camp under star-filled skies. Families return year after year, drawn by the park's immaculate facilities and the warm hospitality of staff who treat every visitor like an old friend. Whether you're launching your boat at dawn, teaching a child to fish from the shore, or simply soaking in the tranquility of nature, Lake Whitney State Park offers the perfect escape from the everyday.

Lake Whitney State Park provides multiple camping options, including tent sites, RV sites with full hookups, primitive sites, and cabin accommodations.

Historical SignificanceThe timeless landscape of Lake Whitney State Park holds stories yet to be discovered, where ancient limestone formations whisper of geological epochs past and the land itself serves as a testament to Texas's natural heritage.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the dynamic seasons of Central Texas at Lake Whitney, where each time of year paints the landscape in different hues. Summer brings those legendary Texas days – sweltering heat tempered by moderate breezes off the lake that make afternoon swims absolutely essential. As autumn arrives, the intensity softens into perfect camping weather. Winter transforms the park into a peaceful retreat with crisp, cool air and occasional gentle rains that refresh the landscape, while predominantly dry conditions ensure your outdoor adventures continue uninterrupted. Spring emerges with wildflower blooms and ideal temperatures for every activity the park offers.

ElevationRising and falling with the natural contours of the Texas Hill Country, the park's varied terrain creates diverse ecosystems and stunning vantage points throughout the property.

Natural Features and SceneryDramatic limestone cliffs rise from the water's edge like ancient sentinels, their weathered faces telling stories millions of years in the making. Dense canopies of native Texas trees provide cool shade and shelter for the park's abundant wildlife – watch for graceful deer stepping through the underbrush at dawn and the flash of brilliant blue as Eastern Bluebirds dart between branches. The crown jewel of the park's trail system, the Sunset Ridge Loop, rewards hikers with a spectacular natural phenomenon where fortunate visitors can witness both the sun's descent and the moon's rise in a single breathtaking panorama – a moment that transforms an ordinary evening into an unforgettable memory.

Geological RegionSituated in the magnificent Edwards Plateau of Central Texas, Lake Whitney State Park showcases the region's signature rocky terrain and distinctive limestone cliffs that have been carved by time and water. This geological wonderland offers commanding views across the shimmering expanse of Lake Whitney, where the water meets a landscape adorned with native trees and teeming with diverse wildlife. The park stands as a living classroom of Texas geology, where every trail reveals the powerful forces that shaped this remarkable corner of the Lone Star State.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Park gate open daily 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

Check-out

Check-out times are not explicitly stated.

Stay Limit

Stay limits are not explicitly stated.

Guests Allowed Per Site

The maximum number of guests per site is not specified.

Groups

No explicit details provided about group sites.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campground includes loops such as Bluebird and Horseshoe, with a mix of pull-through and back-in RV spots and several tent sites.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online or by calling the park headquarters at 254-694-3793.

Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability appears to be possible after the office closes, as users mention filling out forms and using the gate after office hours.

Cancellation PolicyIf your plans change, please modify or cancel your reservation as soon as possible to allow someone else to enjoy the park." This suggests flexibility but does not detail penalties.

AccessibilityMultiple restrooms are described as storm shelters, providing additional safety during severe weather. User reviews indicate clean facilities and ease of access.

Site SizeVaried RV and tent sites, including pull-through and back-in options.

PrivacyUsers noted mixed privacy levels; tent sites near the water were described as having more privacy compared to RV sites.

Recommended SitesChoose waterfront sites for lake views. Avoid west-facing sites to reduce heat exposure. For level ground, site 90 is recommended.

Amenities available

Showers

Electricity hookups

Dump station

Picnic tables

Lodging and accommodations

Sewer hookups

Activities you can enjoy

Lake Whitney State Park offers a range of activities for visitors to enjoy, including hiking, fishing, boating, swimming, wildlife viewing, and biking. User reviews reflect positive experiences with fishing, hiking trails, and swimming areas.

HikingTwo hiking trails are available, characterized as short and easy. User reviews highlight the scenic views and opportunities to identify wildlife and plants.

FishingFishing is highly praised by users, with catches including perch, channel catfish, and striper. Some reviews describe difficulty accessing fishing spots due to rocky terrain.

SwimmingSwimming is available at the lake, with a designated swimming area. Some users noted that the swimming spot is more suited for adults due to rough conditions, lacking safeguards for children.

BikingTrails for mountain and surfaced road biking are available.

BoatingBoating is supported with access to a boat ramp. Users noted ease of use for boat ramps and opportunities for kayaking.

Wildlife viewingDeer sightings are commonly mentioned in user reviews, along with opportunities to identify various plants and wildlife.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsHazards include rattlesnakes, scorpions, and other insects as highlighted by reviewers. Loose rocks near the water can make fishing difficult.

Active AlertsNo active alerts are mentioned.

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed, but fallen wood collection is prohibited as the wildlife uses it for habitat.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are not explicitly mentioned.

Emergency ServicesThe nearest emergency service is in Whitney, approximately 12 miles away. Nearby towns like Hillsboro and Waco also provide hospitals and police stations.

Trash & RecyclingNo explicit details provided, but a user review mentioned a lack of trash hanging facilities within the park.

Water FeaturesThe park is situated along Lake Whitney, offering swimming, fishing, and boating opportunities. Screen shelters and campsites near the shore provide direct water access.

Camp HostPark hosts are described as "friendly" and "helpful."

Weather at Lake Whitney State Park

Reviews

4.4

125 reviews

Recommended

Lake Whitney State Park is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews commonly praise the park's scenic views, clean facilities, and variety of recreational activities. Many describe the park as a wonderful getaway with family-friendly amenities.

Review Summaries

Based on 125 reviews

What Campers Love

Scenic lake views, clean restrooms and shower facilities, friendly staff, and diverse activities including fishing, hiking, and swimming.

Based on 125 reviews

Common Concerns

Concerns include difficult access to fishing spots due to rocky terrain, poor maintenance of some facilities, issues with scorpions in screen shelters, and noisy neighbors. Limited trash disposal...

Based on 125 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users suggest booking cabins or shelters well in advance, bringing flashlights for evening use, opting for east-side campsites to avoid heat, and preparing for poor network connectivity. Fishing...

Based on 125 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews mention long daylight hours and more opportunities for outdoor activities like swimming and fishing, but also note increased temperatures. Winter experiences are described as quieter...

Based on 125 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Lake Whitney State Park is a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Texas." "Our campsite had plenty of shade and a great view of the lake." "This place is underrated and really good for camping,...

Based on 125 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites 93 and 90 in the Bluebird camping loop are mentioned, with site 93 offering great lake views but being unlevel. Site 90 was described as more level and also having a nice view.

Based on 125 reviews