Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area
00 review2820 County Road 414, Spicewood, Texas, 78669, United States
Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area
$5.00 - $5.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
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
$5 per person entrance fee (User review). Note that entry fees apply per person rather than per car.
About this campground
Nestled along the shimmering shores of Lake Travis, Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its perfect blend of land and water adventures. This scenic campground offers peaceful tent sites beneath towering oaks, where campers wake to birdsong and fall asleep to gentle waves lapping the shoreline. Miles of multiuse trails wind through the property, welcoming hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians to explore the rugged beauty of the Texas Hill Country. With a convenient boat ramp and on-site watercraft rentals, the sparkling waters of Lake Travis become your personal playground for swimming, fishing, and paddling under endless Texas skies.
Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area primarily offers rustic camping options with tent and RV accommodations. The campground emphasizes a natural, outdoor experience, with minimal infrastructure.
Historical SignificanceWhile the modern recreational facilities are the current draw, this area along Lake Travis holds deeper stories waiting to be discovered by curious visitors exploring the surrounding Hill Country landscape.
Weather and SeasonsEach season paints Muleshoe Bend in its own distinctive palette. Spring arrives in a riot of color as legendary Texas bluebonnets carpet the hillsides, accompanied by mild temperatures perfect for outdoor exploration. Summer brings the full warmth of central Texas, with temperatures often climbing above 90°F and humid conditions that make those refreshing lake swims all the more inviting. As autumn settles in, the mercury drops to comfortable levels, creating ideal camping weather with crisp mornings and golden afternoons. Winter remains surprisingly pleasant, with cool but manageable conditions that keep the campground accessible year-round for those seeking solitude and natural beauty without the crowds.
ElevationPerched among the characteristic rises and valleys of the Texas Hill Country, the campground offers varying vantage points across its terrain, though specific elevation details await your personal discovery.
Natural Features and SceneryThe landscape at Muleshoe Bend unfolds like a classic Hill Country postcard, where ancient oak trees spread their gnarled branches to create natural umbrellas of shade across the camping areas. Rolling hills provide ever-changing perspectives of Lake Travis's sapphire waters, while spring transforms the grounds into nature's gallery with spectacular wildflower displays. The famous Texas bluebonnets steal the show, painting entire hillsides in vibrant blue, complemented by Indian paintbrush and other native blooms. This harmonious blend of water, woodland, and wildflower meadows creates an enchanting backdrop for outdoor adventures throughout the year.
Geological RegionMuleshoe Bend sits proudly within the beloved Texas Hill Country, a geological wonderland where ancient limestone hills meet the expansive waters of Lake Travis. This unique region, carved by time and water, offers dramatic topography that ranges from gentle slopes perfect for family hikes to challenging terrain that tests experienced mountain bikers. The interplay between the rugged hill country landscape and the vast reservoir creates diverse ecosystems and stunning vistas that capture the essence of central Texas's natural beauty.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not explicitly mentioned in the source material.
Sites SizeUser reviews describe campsites as spacious, with generous distances between sites in some areas such as group sites (e.g., site #37).
Sites PrivacyPrivacy varies by site. One review notes, 'The sites are clumped together and there is little privacy,' while another praises the generous distance between group sites.
Total Campsites41 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose sites with tree coverage for warmer months; avoid slanted sites for tent stability (User reviews).
Best CampsitesGroup Site #37 is highlighted as spacious with shade from an old oak tree. Campsites #34-35 are noted for bluebonnets and proximity to the Colorado River.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
4p.m.
Check-out
11 a.m.
Stay Limit
No explicit stay limit mentioned.
Guests Allowed Per Site
No explicit limit mentioned.
Groups
Group sites, such as site #37, are noted for their spaciousness and shade provided by large oak trees. One user stated, 'We camped in site 37 (one of the group sites) and were impressed by how much space we had and the generous distance between us and our nearest neighbors.'
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layout"Sites are clumped together with little privacy" (User review).
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can likely be made through LCRA Parks based on the authoritative content.
Walk-in Availability"Make sure to make reservations or you won't have a spot" (User review). Limited walk-up availability.
Cancellation PolicyCancellation rules not explicitly mentioned.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Showers
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Flush toilets
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The campground is a hub for outdoor recreation, providing activities such as hiking, mountain biking, fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding, horseback riding, and wildlife viewing. Seasonal highlights include bluebonnet blooms in late March and early April. Guided night hikes and educational programs are occasionally offered.
Hiking
The park features extensive trails for hiking and biking, including the 6.5-mile Great Escape trail. Trails are shaded and vary in difficulty. One user noted, 'Great hike, mostly shaded, so you can do it on a warm day. It’s a pretty long walk like over 6 miles if you don’t take any shortcuts.' Another commented on the well-maintained trails, adding, 'Plenty of hiking trails.'Fishing
Fishing is permitted and accessible due to the campground’s proximity to Lake Travis. One user mentioned catching a 'nice fish' during their visit.Swimming
The calm waters of Lake Travis make the area suitable for swimming. However, one user noted that water levels can affect accessibility, stating, 'The water was super low so it was quite a hike, multiple times per day to swim.'Biking
Mountain biking trails are well-maintained and cater to various skill levels. A review highlighted, 'There are various MTB trails for all skill levels (the difficult ones are in fact difficult).'Boating
A boat ramp is provided, and kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals are available on-site. Boating is a popular activity, especially on Lake Travis.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife such as deer, squirrels, cardinals, and lizards can be observed along the trails. One reviewer stated, 'I got to see deer, squirrels, cardinals, lizards, and other wild animals.'Beach activities
The lakeside area offers opportunities for relaxation and family-friendly beach activities. One review describes it as having a 'beach-type entrance' that is great for children.Cultural and Educational Programs
Occasional programs like guided night hikes with UV lights and infrared cameras are offered. These are highly recommended by users.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not explicitly mentioned in the provided information.Water Sports
Kayaking, paddleboarding, and swimming are popular water activities available at the site.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Burn bans may restrict all campfires and grilling with wood or charcoal.
- Quiet hours are Not explicitly mentioned.
Hazards
General hazards"Sticker burrs are abundant and seasonal," and roads can be challenging for low-clearance vehicles (User review). Burn bans may restrict campfires and grilling.
Active alertsNo active alerts beyond general burn-ban advisories mentioned.
Weather forecast
93
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 34%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 7.6 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
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
Emergency services are not explicitly mentioned in the materials, but the closest city, Spicewood, has basic services.
Good to know
Peak season datesSpring, particularly late March and early April, is noted for bluebonnet blooms.
Trash and recyclingTrash disposal facilities are located near the entrance, and there are no trash cans in the main camp areas, requiring campers to store and transport their trash.
Proximity to water featuresDirect access to Lake Travis for swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding.
Common complaints"HORRIBLE, FILTHY BATHROOM FACILITY and no water for hand washing" (User review). Other complaints include lack of privacy at campsites and long walks to bathroom facilities.
Host"Hosts are very friendly and helpful" (User review). Hosts sell firewood and may assist with contactless check-in.
Campground Map
2820 County Road 414, Spicewood, Texas, 78669, United States
Driving directions-
"The roads are not concrete roads but gravel and some rocks. If you’ve a car with low clearance, be careful going to steep roads" (User review).Nearby places
Austin (~36 miles, ~1 hour drive), Marble Falls (~15 miles, ~20 minutes drive)
Nearby supplies
"Potable water is available at the front gate," and firewood is sold on-site for $10 per bundle plus tax (User review). Other supplies may be available in nearby Spicewood or Marble Falls.
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area are generally positive, highlighting the natural beauty, spacious campsites, and variety of outdoor activities. However, there are recurring complaints about restroom conditions, lack of trash cans near campsites, and limited amenities.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
Many users praised the park’s cleanliness, the friendliness of the park hosts, and the abundance of bluebonnets during the blooming season. Activities such as hiking, biking, and fishing received...
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Common Concerns
Frequent complaints include the poor condition of restrooms, lack of running water at campsites, insufficient bathroom facilities, and sticker burrs in the camping areas. One user commented,...
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Pro Tips & Recommendations
Reviews recommend bringing plenty of water for long hikes, visiting during the bluebonnet blooming season (late March to early April), and being cautious of sticker burrs. Visitors with low-clearance...
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Seasonal Insights
Spring is the most recommended season due to bluebonnets. Summers may bring low water levels and hotter temperatures, while winter offers quieter camping experiences.
Camper Quotes
- 'The campsite is beautiful!! The river is beautiful!! The wildlife is beautiful.' - 'The trails are also near the entrance, not the campsites.' - 'The bluebonnets were prolific.' - 'There are...
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Site-Specific Reviews
Site #23 and group site #37 received positive mentions for spaciousness and natural features like shade trees.
Accessibility Features
No specific reviews address accessibility features or accommodations for users with disabilities.
Pet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed and welcomed. One review mentioned, 'My dog was not only allowed in the park but welcome to be taken on any of the trails.'
Last updated August 10, 2025