My wife, child, dog and I are avid hikers.  The weekend isn’t complete without a camping trip and it’s difficult to unwind after work without a good nature hike.

Over the years, I’ve run into great resources that other people and organizations put together to bring to light some of the lesser known areas of Austin.  In great anticipation of lesser temperatures and the hiking and camping season ahead, below are said links to discover new camping and hiking areas around Austin.

AUSTIN HIKING, SWIMMING RECREATION IDEAS

Austin Park Directory (COA) – http://www.austintexas.gov/page/park-directory

Download the Austin Parks Directory

Austin Park Map Tool –  http://www.austintexas.gov/GIS/ParksWeb/

Full Page View – https://data.austintexas.gov/dataset/City-of-Austin-Parks/ys38-3nde

Texas State Parks around Austin –  http://www.texasoutside.com/austinparks.htm

Swimming Holes in Austin and area  –  http://redcanoerealestate.com/austin-area-swimming/

Austin Hiking – “Find a Hike” tool   http://www.austinexplorer.com/hiking/findahike.aspx

Recreational Parks around Austin (Map)    http://www.co.travis.tx.us/tnr/parks/pdf_files/county.pdf

Scout A Park – http://scoutapark.com

CAMPING IDEAS AROUND AUSTIN

http://hillcountryoutdoorguide.com/activity/camping/ is where I got the following to camp this weekend.. This is a great site to find a range of public and private camping spots close to Austin

Just to name a few I had never heard of before I found this site.

• Barfoot Camping (by Colorado Bend – same thing, but way bigger and private)
• http://www.paradisecanyon.com/ – check this site out
• Mager’s River Camp
• http://www.campwood.com/Nueces%20River%20Adventures/
• Ledge Water Campground
• http://www.koyoteranch.com/tents.htm
• http://www.lcra.org/parks/recreation_areas/cedar_point.html
• Chanckton Ranch (432) 693-2925