Shaffer Bend Recreation Area
00 review706 Co Rd 343A, Marble Falls, Texas, 78654, United States
Shaffer Bend Recreation Area
$26.00 - $26.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$26.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Primitive camping costs $26 per day with a senior discount available.
About this campground
Tucked away in the rolling hills where adventure meets tranquility, Shaffer Bend Recreation Area beckons outdoor enthusiasts seeking an authentic Texas escape. This hidden gem along the shores of Lake Travis invites you to explore winding multi-use trails perfect for hiking boots, mountain bikes, or horseback adventures, all while enjoying the peaceful seclusion that makes this spot a favorite among those who know where to find it.
Shaffer Bend Recreation Area caters to primitive camping, including options for tents and RVs, though these are primitive sites without hookups. Select sites are equipped to accommodate horses.
Historical Significancenull
Weather and SeasonsExperience the full spectrum of Texas weather at Shaffer Bend, where crisp winter mornings averaging 42°F create perfect conditions for trail exploration, while summer transforms the landscape into a sun-drenched paradise with temperatures soaring above 95°F—ideal for those refreshing dips in Lake Travis. The characteristically dry climate means blue skies dominate the forecast, making nearly every day an opportunity for outdoor adventure.
Elevationnull
Natural Features and SceneryThe rugged beauty of the Texas Hill Country unfolds before you at Shaffer Bend, where limestone cliffs and cedar-dotted hillsides frame stunning vistas at every turn. Sandy beaches along Lake Travis provide the perfect contrast to the rocky terrain, offering sun-warmed spots for relaxation between adventures. Scenic overlooks reward hikers with panoramic views that capture the essence of Central Texas—endless hills rolling toward the horizon, the sapphire waters of the lake below, and hawks circling in the vast Texas sky.
Geological RegionTexas Hill Country
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not discussed in the available sources.
Sites SizeStandard-sized campsites suitable for tents and some larger setups. Specific measurements are not provided.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy levels vary by site. Many sites are reported to be clustered with minimal privacy, though some, like sites 10 and 11, offer more seclusion.
Total Campsites24 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose sites close to Lake Travis for views and easy water access. For privacy, opt for sites like 10 and 11.
Best CampsitesSites 16 and 17 are highly recommended for their lake proximity. Sites 10 and 11 offer more privacy but are farther from toilets.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
4p.m.
Check-out
11 a.m.
Stay Limit
Null
Guests Allowed Per Site
Null
Groups
Group camping details are not provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThree main camping clusters with some secluded sites.
Open and Closed Seasonnull
Reservation PlatformsOnline reservation is recommended.
Walk-in Availabilitynull
Cancellation Policynull
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Flush toilets
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Shaffer Bend Recreation Area provides a diverse range of outdoor and water-based activities, including horseback riding, hiking, mountain biking, fishing, swimming, and kayaking. The campground's location near Lake Travis makes it ideal for water recreation.
Hiking
The park features multi-use trails totaling approximately 5 miles. These trails are suitable for hiking and horseback riding. The terrain offers scenic overlooks and access to sandy beaches.Fishing
Fishing opportunities are available along the shores of Lake Travis. Specific fish species and additional details are not mentioned.Swimming
The campground provides access to sandy beaches on Lake Travis, which are suitable for swimming. However, one user review mentioned the presence of leeches in the water.Biking
Trails are available for mountain biking, though specific details about trail difficulty or terrain are not provided.Boating
The large lake area is suitable for kayaking and other non-motorized boating activities.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife such as deer, armadillos, hogs, and even bobcats are frequently sighted, as noted by multiple user reviews.Beach activities
Beach-related activities include swimming and sunbathing along the sandy shores of Lake Travis.Winter Activities
Winter-specific activities are not mentioned, though the campground is noted as being quiet during colder months.Water Sports
Kayaking is mentioned as a popular water sport on the lake.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Subject to burn bans; check alerts for restrictions on campfires, grilling with wood, or charcoal.
- Quiet hours are null
Hazards
General hazardsWildlife sightings including deer and armadillos are common. Some reviews mention leech infestations in the river, as well as terrain challenges due to rough roads.
Active alertsFlood recovery ongoing, as noted in user reviews. Burn bans may restrict campfires and grilling.
Weather forecast
95
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 29%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 8.6 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
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Good to know
Peak season datesnull
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not specifically mentioned in the sources.
Proximity to water featuresLake Travis access with sandy beaches and swimming opportunities. Most sites have views of the river.
Common complaintsHigh cost for primitive camping, lack of privacy between campsites, and limited facilities (no water or electricity at sites).
HostCamp hosts are consistently praised as friendly and helpful, described as 'angels' and 'rock stars.'
Campground Map
706 Co Rd 343A, Marble Falls, Texas, 78654, United States
Driving directions-
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Nearby supplies
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Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Shaffer Bend Recreation Area has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the park's natural beauty, friendly and helpful camp hosts, and diverse recreational opportunities. The lack of amenities such as water and electricity at campsites, as well as minimal privacy, are noted as drawbacks.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
Many reviews praise the campground's scenic beauty, access to Lake Travis, and the friendliness of the camp hosts. Activities like kayaking, fishing, and horseback riding are frequently mentioned.
Common Concerns
Criticisms include the absence of water and electric hookups at campsites, minimal privacy in many areas, and occasional maintenance issues such as rough access roads. Some users also felt the...
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Pro Tips & Recommendations
Recommended campsites include sites 16 and 17 for proximity to the lake and sites 10 and 11 for more privacy. Campers are advised to book online, bring their own water and firewood, and adhere to...
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Seasonal Insights
The campground is popular year-round, though it is noted to be quieter during colder months. Swimming and other water activities are highlights during summer, while winter visitors appreciate the...
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Camper Quotes
1. 'This place is sooooo beautiful! Plus, the owners rock, literally some of the nicest people on the planet.' - Matthew Swartzkopf
2. 'Porta John's were clean and recently serviced. Camp sites were...
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Site-Specific Reviews
Sites 16 and 17 are highly recommended for their proximity to the lake. Sites 10 and 11 offer more seclusion but lack BBQ pits and are farther from the toilets.
Accessibility Features
Accessibility is not explicitly reviewed, though no major barriers for general use are noted.
Pet-Friendly Features
Pets are welcome, and users mention bringing dogs and other pets to the park. Trails allow for dogs on a leash.
Last updated August 10, 2025