Campsites at Cedar Point Recreation Area are located on a peninsula that juts into Lake Travis. Photo couresty LCRA Parks

If low lake levels and sizzling temperatures have kept you away from Central Texas campgrounds lately, we’ve got good news.

Recent rains have boosted water levels in the Highland Lakes, returning campsites long separated from the shoreline to their former waterfront status. LCRA Parks has re-opened boat ramps at its parks and is once again offering canoe, kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals. 

“With higher lake levels on Lake Buchanan and Lake Travis, we’re able to offer water recreation opportunities that we haven’t been able to in recent years,” says Jenny Blackmon, manager for LCRA Parks.

The Lower Colorado River Authority owns more than 40 parks between the Hill Country and the Gulf Coast.

Here are six LCRA parks that are looking their best right now, just in time for fall camping season.

Cedar Point Recreation Area

At Cedar Point Recreation Area visitors can camp on a peninsula that juts into Lake Travis. Photo courtesy LCRA Parks

Put this park at the top of your list. The nine campsites at the 310-acre park about 80 miles from downtown Austin are situated along a peninsula that juts out into Lake Buchanan. That means spectacular views in all directions with your morning coffee, plus easy access for swimming and floating. Water temperatures stay swimmable into October, too. 

Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area

Bluebonnets have been a draw at Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area in recent years. Photo courtesy LCRA Parks

If you’ve visited Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area in the last few years to see bluebonnets, expect a different kind of beauty now that water levels in Lake Travis have increased. Water laps the shore just across the park road from where most of the park’s 41 campsites are located. Visitors can rent kayaks or stand-up paddleboards, and the park’s boat ramp is operational.

Grelle Recreation Area 

Grelle Recreation Area is located on Lake Travis. Photo courtesy LCRA Parks

The quieter, lesser-known neighbor of Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area, Grelle Recreation Area is once again a water lover’s paradise on Lake Travis. The park has multiuse trails (plus a separate entrance for horses). Pro tip? Book campsite No. 11, perched on a small hilltop, with great views of the water.

Black Rock Park

At Black Rock Park, visitors can stay in a colorful cabin. Photo courtesy Black Rock Park

Rent one of the brightly colored cabins, book an Airstream trailer, or opt for one of 32 campsites (including 14 with RV hookups) at this family-friendly park on Lake Buchanan. You can play a round of mini golf or reserve the event hall for a party. The park itself doesn’t have a boat ramp, but Llano County operates one within easy walking distance. Black Rock Park also rents kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and tubes for floating.

Turkey Bend Recreation Area

Water levels have risen in area lakes, making now a great time to visit LCRA Parks. Photo courtesy LCRA Parks

For a more remote locale, head to this 1,146-acre park on the north side of Lake Travis near Marble Falls. Fifteen miles of new trails make it a hotspot for hiking and mountain biking. The park’s 30 campsites are located along the edge of an inlet of Lake Travis. Horseback riding is permitted. (The park will be closed Sept. 29-Oct. 1, Oct. 13-15, and Nov. 3-5.)

Shaffer Bend Recreation Area

At LCRA’s Shaffer Bend Recreation Area, visitors can camp or stay in a safari-style cabin. Photo courtesy LCRA Parks

Not quite ready to rough it? Rent the luxurious safari tent – now a popular spot for marriage proposals – at this park on Lake Travis. After a day of swimming, hiking or riding the trails on a rented e-bike, you can soak in the heated Cowboy Pool just outside the tent. For an alternative option, stay in one of the 24 campsites at the 508-acre park. Utility terrain vehicle tours are also available.