What To Do Near Austin, TX

"There is something for everyone" may be cliché, but for Austin and the surrounding area, it is true! As one of the fastest-growing cities in the country, Austin, TX, is chock full of great food, quirky local sights, relaxing lakes and delightful live music. Still, despite its size, Austin leaves plenty of space to connect with nature and the thrill of the outdoors at the local forests and rivers near our campground.

The Many Things to Do in Austin, TX

Kick back and relax during your stay at Austin East KOA Holiday and check out some of the famous attractions in Austin. The city houses several cultural districts and distinct areas providing endless entertainment. Austin is located in the Texas Hill Country, with rugged hills and deep caverns. Inside the city, you can find cultural areas like the Red River District, known for its food and live music. The Six Square District preserves the city's Black cultural heritage. Other regions promote a bustling nightlife, family-friendly entertainment or laid-back relaxation. If you are looking for live music in Austin, take a look at The Austin Chronicle for what's playing. The city has hundreds of music venues offering live performances every week in every genre, from jazz to punk rock or country. From large concert venues to intimate music lounges and restaurants with live music, there is an option for any visitor.

Other family activities near Austin include the many museums as part of the Austin Museum Partnership! From history to art, there are plenty of options for great museums in Austin, TX. When you seek to spend time on the water, head to one of the city's many lakes for kayaking, paddleboarding, boating and fishing. Some lakes are just for paddlers, while others cater to motorized boats. 

Book Your Stay at Austin East KOA Holiday While Exploring the Many Attractions in Austin, TX

Whether you tent camp, RV camp or stay in one of the Deluxe Cabins, you will find plenty of on-site amenities to ensure a relaxing and entertaining experience in Austin. However, if you are looking for what to do near Austin, here are some favorite places to go and things to see at the best of South and North Austin's attractions. Our helpful front desk staff can help if you need more information.

Ready to experience Austin? Book your reservation at Austin East KOA Holiday to enjoy the best camping in The Lone Star State! Get in touch with us at 512-732-2812. Looking to stay for a longer period of time? Book an extended stay at our site.

McKinney Falls State Park

McKinney Falls State Park

Located just 20 minutes away is a beautiful state park with just under nine miles of trails and weekend outdoor programming. As you watch Onion Creek flow over the limestone ledges and explore the trails of the Hill Country woodlands, you'll wonder how all this beauty can lie within Austin's city limits. Spend a day splashing in the pools, or get some exercise scrambling over boulders or biking the trails. The local creeks are also a great place to enjoy some peaceful fishing. 

5808 McKinney Falls Parkway
Austin, TX 78744

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Walter E. Long Lake

Walter E. Long Lake

Whether you are in pursuit of some largemouth bass and catfish or searching for a place to relax and unwind with the whole family, you're sure to love all the recreational opportunities at Walter E. Long Lake. Just four blocks from the Walter E. Long Metropolitan Park, this lake offers fishing, kayaking, swimming, floating and picnicking. Large mowed easements offer excellent hiking or dog walking. For a more thrilling visit, be sure to pack your Jet Ski and explore the water.

Walter E. Long Metropolitan Park
6614 Blue Bluff Road
Austin, TX 78724

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Lady Bird Lake

Lady Bird Lake

Lady Bird Lake, owned and operated by the City of Austin and the Lower Colorado River Authority, stretches 416 acres in downtown Austin, TX. The lake's primary purpose is to create a reservoir for flood control. However, Lady Bird Lake also serves as the lake near Austin, TX, to kayak, canoe and stand-up paddleboard. The lake is a popular stop for recreation and is directly connected to many of the things considered must-do's in Austin, TX. The Lady Bird Hike and Bike Trail is the best place in town to walk, jog, run or bike. Check it out!

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Southern Walnut Creek Trail Bike Path

Southern Walnut Creek Trail Bike Path

Located in East Austin, this lovely path of twists and turns is a nature lover's delight. Bicyclists, as well as joggers and hikers, love this recreational resource, which is found in the heart of the city. Southern Walnut Creek Trail is an ideal place to enjoy the trees and foliage as you get a little exercise. Plus, you will cross only one street on this entire-eight mile, 10-foot-wide concrete path through the Walnut Creek Greenbelt.

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Texas Capitol

Texas Capitol

Explore one of the most beautiful and historically rich attractions in all of Texas — free of charge. Free 30-minute tours of the largest state capitol building in the United States are given daily, excluding some holidays. As you step through the storied rooms and halls that make up this stunning building, you are sure to gain a deeper insight into the Lone Star State.

1100 Congress Ave
Austin, TX 78701

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Local Area Recreation Near Austin East KOA Holiday

Fishing and Boating

Fishing and Boating

Fishing is a great way to relax and enjoy the outdoors. Whether you are an avid angler or introducing the kids to the joys of fishing, there are plenty of fishing spots in and around the Austin area: 

  • Catch a largemouth bass, hybrid striped bass, catfish or sunfish in the 1,200 acre Walter E. Long Lake located a half-mile mile up the road from our campground.
  • Find a spot along the banks of Lady Bird Lake among the tree roots and cattails and enjoy some great fishing right in the middle of downtown Austin.
  • Explore the hidden gem of Texas Hill Country. The temperate waters of Canyon Lake allow the typically cold-water rainbow trout to thrive. You'll love angling for these eye-catching purple-colored fish.

Austin's mild climate also makes it a haven for water enthusiasts. If you get tired of fishing, enjoy some water sports in this area's many rivers, creeks and lakes. Two of our favorite nearby places to boat, kayak or stand-up paddleboard include McKinney Falls State Park and Pedernales Falls State Park.

Hiking and Biking

Hiking and Biking

Hiking near Austin is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and get to know this great land's natural beauty. The area features many trails where you can hike, walk or jog. Some of the best trails are located right inside the city limits. The Hill Country also features state parks and preserves galore. If you're looking for spectacular views and invigorating climbs, some of our favorite hiking trails are Mount Bonnell, Blunn Creek Preserve and Barton Creek Greenbelt.

If you are traveling by two wheels, there are also tons of biking routes in Austin, TX for all levels of biking enthusiasts. Walter E. Long Metropolitan Park is the closest area to our campground. However, if you are looking to up your difficulty level, Goodwater Loop is a rigorous 28-mile dirt loop that offers a few stop-offs along the way for swimming. For some varied terrain, stop by Emma Long Metropolitan Park, which allows cyclists to journey off the beaten track. The Texas Hill Country Loop is another stunning option if you're looking for a longer trail with gorgeous views — this loop runs over 300 miles, beginning and ending in Austin.

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Golf

Golf

Grab your clubs and tee off as you experience some of the best golfing in Austin, TX, during your stay at Austin East KOA. There are a variety of courses, both public and private, nestled among the rolling hills of Texas Hill Country. These links offer high-quality greens, clubhouses and fully stocked pro shops, all among some of the most gorgeous scenery in Austin. Whether you're a weekend amateur or you are planning an exciting golf retreat, our campground is the perfect home base for your golfing trip.

Several public golf courses are located nearby. Bluebonnet Hill Golf Club is only four miles away from our campground on Decker Lane. Lion's Municipal is a historic Austin golf course that has hosted some golfing greats during its long history. There are also plenty of golf clubs that welcome visitors who wish to pay the daily fee.

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Swimming Holes

Swimming Holes

Hitting up the local swimming holes is one of the best ways to soak up the sun during a warm Texas day. If you're looking to enjoy the water in a more relaxing way, there are various natural swimming pools to lounge at within an hour of the campground! Pack your suits and make a day trip out of visiting some stunning geological wonders.

The Hamilton Pool features a 50-foot waterfall with nearby hiking and running trails to cool down in the shade. For an opportunity to swim directly in an artesian spring, take a trip to Jacob's Well. This spring is also surrounded by beautiful rock ledges and foliage. 

If you're looking for something a little closer to the campground, spend an afternoon along the Barton Creek Greenbelt a hidden gem just south of downtown Austin. The Greenbelt provides awesome rocky areas to explore as well as views of Twin Falls and Sculpture Falls. The Barton Springs Pool is a wonderful alternative to the greenbelt for a more relaxing activity. Take a dip in this natural 350-acre pool fed by cool springs underground.

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