Whether you’re exploring the local area or hanging out at the campground, KOA Holidays are an ideal place to relax and play. There’s plenty to do, with amenities and services to make your stay memorable. Plus, you’ll enjoy the outdoor experience with upgraded RV Sites with KOA Patio® and Deluxe Cabins with full baths for camping in comfort. Bring your family, bring your friends, or bring the whole group – there’s plenty of ways to stay and explore.
Whether you’re exploring the local area or hanging out at the campground, KOA Holidays are an ideal place to relax and play. There’s plenty to do, with amenities and services to make your stay memorable. Plus, you’ll enjoy the outdoor experience with upgraded RV Sites with KOA Patio® and Deluxe Cabins with full baths for camping in comfort. Bring your family, bring your friends, or bring the whole group – there’s plenty of ways to stay and explore.
From IH-35 (Southbound): Exit 240 and follow signs for US-183 South. Turn east/left on FM 969 (Martin Luther King) 4.3 miles (go past Blue Bluff Rd) turn north/left on FM 973. In 1.3 miles turn west/left on Decker Lake Rd. At the stop sign (1.2 mi) turn south/left on Blue Bluff Rd.
From IH-35 (Northbound): Exit 231 for TX-71/290 toward Bastrop. Take exit for FM 973. Turn North/left on FM 973. Cross FM 969 and in 1.3 miles turn west/left on Decker Lake Road. At the stop sign (1.2 mi) turn south/left on Blue Bluff Rd.
From Hwy 290: Turn South on Decker Ln., turn east/left on Decker Lake Rd., turn south/right on Blue Bluff Rd..
From Hwy 183 (Southbound): Turn east/left on FM 969 (Martin Luther King) 4.3 miles (pass Blue Bluff Rd) turn north/left on FM 973. In 1.3 miles turn west/left on Decker Lake Rd. At stop sign (1.2 mi) turn south/left on Blue Bluff Rd. NOTICE! Your GPS may direct you to turn east/left on Loyola, however it is closed due to construction on US-183. Use next exit for FM 969/MLK Blvd.
From Hwy 183 (Northbound): Turn east/right on FM 969 (Martin Luther King) 4.3 miles (pass Blue Bluff Rd) turn north/left on FM 973. In 1.3 miles turn west/left on Decker Lake Rd. At the stop sign turn south/left on Blue Bluff Rd.
From TX-130 Toll: Take Exit 444 toward FM 969 West (MKL Blvd. W). Turn north/right on FM 973; west/left on Decker Lake RD. At the stop sign turn south/left on Blue Bluff Rd.
GPS: N 30.277617, W -97.611735
Finding affordable ways to vacation in Austin is easier than you may think. This region is the perfect blend of bustling urban excitement and gorgeous natural areas. From art museums, live music and theatrical performances to beautiful lakes and swimming holes, there are many free and cheap activities in Austin your whole family can enjoy. Planning your trip with helpful money-saving tips is the first step to enjoying an unforgettable vacation that stays within your budget.
Planning ahead can help you enjoy exciting, affordable weekend getaways in Texas. Consider the following tips to save money and make the most of your Austin vacation:
Camping is a fun, relaxing and affordable way to stay in Austin. Campgrounds such as Kampgrounds of America provide the opportunity to sleep under the stars and enjoy the great outdoors. Rather than spending your nights inside a hotel room, you can gather your family around a glowing campfire, breathe in the fresh air and rest your head in a cozy tent, RV or cabin.
Austin East KOA Holiday offers an unforgettable camping experience with exciting activities, convenient amenities and various ways to stay. When you stay at KOA, you can take advantage of campground activities to have a blast with your family while saving money. You can fill your evenings or full days with fun and excitement thanks to the following recreational activities at Austin East KOA Holiday:
Spring and fall are peak vacation times in Austin, so you may notice lower prices and more deals during the summer and winter seasons. If you and your family enjoy hot summer days in the water, summer is a great time to hit Austin's lakes and pools. Winter brings mild temperatures, so it's an excellent season to explore Austin with fewer crowds and better deals.
You can also look for special deals and discounts when you plan your trip. Special attractions may offer group discounts, and some campgrounds offer special deals if you stay a certain number of nights or become a KOA Rewards camper. Austin East KOA Holiday offers special savings such as a KOA Rewards Appreciation Weekend, extended stay discounts and summer deals.
Creating fun memories doesn't have to be expensive. You can find plenty of low-cost and free things to do in Austin that will delight the whole family. Fill your itinerary with the following attractions and activities to save money and make lasting memories:
Experience Austin's live music scene for a truly unforgettable trip. You can catch local music artists at Austin's Pecan Street Festival in September or enjoy free outdoor concerts at Mueller Lake Park's Rock the Park concert series on select dates in September, October and November.
The Red River Cultural District is another place to find live music. This five-block stretch between downtown Austin's 6th and 12th streets features food, drinks and live music throughout the week. Red River venues offer free concerts during special events such as Free Week and Hot Summer Nights.
Austin is also a fantastic place to dance the night away. Bars, such as The White Horse, offer two-step dance lessons you can take with friends or your other half. Lessons at The White Horse are donation-based and take place on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.
Make your vacation magical with a movie under the stars or live theater in the park. Blue Starlight Urban Drive-In features new independent movies and classics for various prices depending on how many passengers are in your car.
Between mid-July and mid-August, you can enjoy free live theater under the stars at Zilker Hillside Theatre. During the annual Zilker Summer Musical, you and your family can enjoy free performances on a beautiful outdoor stage.
The Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail is a beautiful urban path that winds along Lady Bird Lake, offering gorgeous views of the water and the city's skyscrapers. Whether you and your loved ones walk the trail, ride your bikes or rent bikes in the city, exploring this trail is a fun, low-cost way to experience the city's scenery and recreation.
While visiting Lady Bird Lake, consider hitting the water for some fun stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) or kayaking. Accessing the lake is free, so you can enjoy these activities at no cost if you bring your own paddleboards or kayaks.
You can also jump into one of Austin's natural swimming holes, hot springs and waterfalls. Some of the area's best spots to float, swim and splash are:
Austin has a rich historical and cultural background, and it's a wonderful place to experience art and science. The following museums, walking trails and art spots around the city offer fascinating educational opportunities for all ages:
Austin is known for its iconic murals, and strolling downtown can feel like walking through an outdoor art gallery. Take a walking tour through the city and strike a pose in front of your favorite murals. Whether you post them online or frame them for your living room, taking photos in front of Austin's famous street murals is a fantastic and free way to remember your trip. You can find some of the area's most well-known street art at the following spots:
Step back in time at some of Austin's best vintage shops. Room Service Vintage is a shopping wonderland full of items from the 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s that will surely spark a sense of nostalgia. You can continue your search for one-of-a-kind items at Blue Velvet Vintage Clothing and Monkies Vintage & Thrift.
Another fantastic way to save money on vacation is to cook meals. Camping makes it easy to prepare and share family dinners because you can cook delicious meals over a crackling campfire, camping stove or grill. Grill some savory steaks or prepare a hearty stew, and end your night with some gooey, irresistible s'mores.
Austin is known for its mouthwatering BBQ, Mexican and Tex-Mex restaurants. If you want to hit the town and explore some local food spots, try the following affordable restaurants in Austin:
Güero's Taco Bar serves mouthwatering Tex-Mex, Mexican food and refreshing hand-shaken margaritas. Wednesdays through Sundays, you can enjoy live music in the restaurant's Oak Garden for a truly unique experience. With various appetizers, drinks, handhelds and entrées, you can find delicious options that fit your budget.
Juan in a Million offers delicious Mexican breakfast and lunch at affordable prices. From legendary tacos and delectable Mexican soups to fresh salads and delicious lunch plates, you can delight your taste buds while saving money at Juan in a Million.
Donn's BBQ serves a variety of Texas BBQ and southwestern favorites at great prices. Treat yourself to some savory slow-smoked meats, tasty breakfast items or flavorful tacos at this local favorite.
Tumble 22 serves Texas hot chicken at affordable prices. You can choose your level of spiciness and try unique menu items such as special sandwiches, salads and meals.
Try some comforting soup and sandwich combinations at FoodHeads, a family-owned restaurant serving clean, local ingredients. Whether you try flavorful breakfast tacos or stop for a specialty sandwich and the daily soup special, FoodHeads will surely become one of your favorites.
Austin is a spectacular destination if you want to save money and make lasting memories. The city is full of low-cost museums, live music, free concert series, lakes and swimming holes, walking paths and delicious restaurants your entire family can enjoy.
Camping at KOA is one of the best ways to save money on your Austin adventure. You can take advantage of KOA's various site types, convenient amenities and fun recreational activities to enjoy an incredible, relaxing camping experience. Book a stay at KOA to experience all that Austin has to offer.
That doesn't mean this area has to always be empty. When you start reviewing camping options, your history will display here to help compare sites and find the best stay. You will be able to share your stay information with friends or family and save it for a later time if you have a KOA Account.
Make checkout easy by booking all your reservations at once. Add your sites from different campgrounds into your shopping cart* and then choose checkout.
