SPONSORED CONTENT:
RVshare has an inventory of more than 100,000 vehicles. Photo courtesy RVshare
If you’d rather wake up in inside a cozy trailer or a hip campervan tucked in the woods than at a cookie-cutter hotel in the city, listen up. RVshare lets you rent anything from a sleek silver Airstream to a pint-sized Teardrop –– right from the owner.
The peer-to-peer rental marketplace features more than 100,000 vehicles so you can find one that’s perfect for your next road trip. The only thing left to do is figure out where you’re going. To get you started, below are some RV-friendly spots within a short drive of Austin.
Colorado Bend State Park
A hike to Gorman Falls is a highlight of a trip to Colorado Bend State Park. Photo courtesy Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
Head to this Hill Country gem west of Lampasas with your RVshare vehicle, where you can pull into a slot along the Colorado River. Park highlights include 35 miles of hiking and biking trails and Gorman Falls, where a spring-fed stream spills over a 70-foot, fern-covered drop. (2236 Park Hill Drive, Bend. Entry is $5; 12 and under free. Self-contained RVs up to 30 feet, $15 per night. https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/colorado-bend; 325-628-3240)
North Shore Lake Bastrop Park
Lake Bastrop North Shore Park offers hiking, swimming, fishing and paddling. Pam LeBlanc photo
Park your rig from RVshare on the loop near the lake and you’ll have a perfect sunrise view to go with your morning coffee. Bring a swimsuit, too –– the park offers kayak and standup paddleboard rentals, and good swimming opportunities. If hiking is your thing, make the walk through the pines to nearby South Shore Park. (603 FM 1441, Blanco. Entry $5 adults, 12 and under free. Campsites $35 per night. https://www.lcra.org/parks/lake-bastrop-north-shore-park/; 512-498-1922)
Blanco State Park
Pam LeBlanc jumps off the dam at Blanco State Park. Photo by Chris LeBlanc
Swimmers will swoon for this park, perfect for RVshare customers, which hugs a 1-mile stretch of the cool, green Blanco River. Pack a fishing rod, too, and try your luck. Canoes and tubes are available for rent, and groups can reserve the picnic pavilion built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. (101 Park Road 23, Blanco. Entry $5 adults; 12 and under free. Campsites $25. https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/blanco; 830-833-4333)
Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area
The campsites at Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area offer views of Lake Travis. Pam LeBlanc photo
Bring your mountain bike when you head to Muleshoe Bend, situated on the shores of Lake Travis just west of Austin. The park has a boat ramp, 34 campsites and plenty of trails to explore. It even offers guided night hikes about once a month. (2820 County Road 414, Spicewood. Entry $5 adults; 12 and under free. Campsites $25. https://www.lcra.org/parks/muleshoe-bend/; 512-473-3366)
South Llano River State Park
South Llano River State Park attracts hikers, swimmers and anglers. Photo by Danes Digital Images from TPWD
Focus on birdwatching, fishing and hiking at this riverfront park, home to one of the largest turkey roosts in Texas. Paddler’s Porch offers kayak rentals, or bring a tube and float in the cool water. (1927 Park Road 73, Junction. Entry $5 adults; 12 and under free. Campsites $20. https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/south-llano-river; 325-446-3994)
