RV Parks In Burnet, Texas
30.7582° N, 98.2284° W
Quick Overview
Burnet calls itself the Bluebonnet Capital of Texas, and once you camp here you understand why people keep coming back. This is the heart of the Highland Lakes, the chain of Colorado River reservoirs an hour northwest of Austin, and it is one of the best RV bases in the Hill Country. You can park your rig on a constant-level lake, tour a cool underground cavern, and chase wildflowers all in the same weekend. We like it because the camping options actually span the full range, from a budget-friendly state park to full-hookup waterfront resorts, so you can match the trip to your rig and your wallet.
On the public side, Inks Lake State Park is the anchor. It sits on Park Road 4 between Burnet and Marble Falls and has roughly 200 campsites plus cabins. About 123 sites come with water and electric and another 50 are water-only, and there is a dump station on site. Inks Lake holds a constant level, so the swimming, paddling, and the famous Devils Waterhole cliff-jumping spot are reliable all summer. The catch is that it sells out on weekends and during bluebonnet season, so reservations through the Texas State Parks system are essential.
Canyon of the Eagles, run by the LCRA on 940 acres along Lake Buchanan, is the public-adjacent upgrade: 25 full-hookup sites with 30 and 50-amp service, asphalt pads, and room for big rigs up to about 87 feet, plus an on-site restaurant and a dark-sky observatory. For private full hookups, Lake Buchanan RV & Cabin Resort puts pull-through sites and waterfront cabins right on the water, and Big Chief RV & Cabin Resort on the east shore adds a boat launch, pool, and clubhouse.
Big-rig drivers should know the trade-off here. The private Lake Buchanan resorts are the easy call for 40-foot coaches because they offer full hookups, sewer, and longer pull-throughs. The state-park sites tend to run shorter and many are back-in, so check the listed length before you book if you tow or drive something large. Either way, the two main reservoirs, Inks Lake and Lake Buchanan, sit close enough that you can base at one and explore both.
Beyond the water, Longhorn Cavern State Park is a short drive south for guided walking tours through a river-carved cave that stays cool even in August, and the Vanishing Texas River Cruise on Lake Buchanan runs bald-eagle viewing trips in winter. Spring is the showstopper, when the bluebonnets and Indian paintbrush turn the roadsides into something out of a postcard. Reserve early for that stretch, then settle in and let Burnet be your Hill Country home base.
Top Rated Dump Stations in Burnet
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All Dump Stations Near Burnet
| Station Name | Distance | Rating | Category | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Patriot RV Park - Burnet | 2.9 mi | 3.7 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Inks Lake RV Park Inc | 5.4 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Riverside Oaks RV Ranch | 7.5 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Shady Oaks Riverside RV Retreat | 9.7 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Rockaway RV Park | 10.2 mi | 4.7 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Hitching Post RV Park | 11.1 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Patriot RV Park - Bertram South | 11.2 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Two Rooster Ranch RV Park | 11.2 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Sun And Moon RV Parks | 11.8 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Cedar Stays RV Park | 12.1 mi | 4.4 | Dump Station | Varies |
Patriot RV Park - Burnet
2.9 miInks Lake RV Park Inc
5.4 miRiverside Oaks RV Ranch
7.5 miShady Oaks Riverside RV Retreat
9.7 miRockaway RV Park
10.2 miHitching Post RV Park
11.1 miPatriot RV Park - Bertram South
11.2 miTwo Rooster Ranch RV Park
11.2 miSun And Moon RV Parks
11.8 miCedar Stays RV Park
12.1 miTraveling to Burnet by RV
Burnet sits on US-281 about 55 miles northwest of Austin, with TX-29 running east-west through town. Both are comfortable RV routes with normal lane widths and gentle Hill Country grades, so getting a big rig in is straightforward. Most travelers come up US-281 from San Antonio or Marble Falls, or over TX-29 from I-35 at Georgetown. Park Road 4, the loop that connects Inks Lake State Park and Longhorn Cavern, is scenic and fine for rigs, though it is winding, so take it slow.
The nearest major airport is Austin-Bergstrom, roughly 70 miles southeast, which makes Burnet workable for a fly-and-rent trip if you are picking up a rental motorhome in the Austin area. Fuel, propane, groceries, and RV supplies are all available in Burnet and nearby Marble Falls, so you will not need to stock up before you arrive. If you are continuing west into the Hill Country, TX-29 connects toward Llano and the Enchanted Rock area, another popular RV destination worth folding into a longer loop.
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Before You Go: RV Trip Essentials
Dump stations are only one piece of the trip puzzle. Before you set out for your trip to Burnet, Texas, it's worth taking thirty minutes to check that the basics are in place — the four areas below are where unprepared RVers most often get stung.
Check your RV insurance coverage
A standard auto policy rarely covers a Class A, Class C, or travel trailer the way a dedicated RV insurance policy does. If you're financing a motorhome, lenders typically require comprehensive and collision; full-timers should additionally price in vacation liability and personal belongings coverage. Rates vary widely by state and travel pattern — compare quotes from multiple RV-focused carriers before each season.
Know your roadside assistance options
RV-specific roadside plans tow motorhomes and trailers that regular AAA coverage won't touch — flat beds, mobile mechanics, tire service for duallies, and even emergency lockouts at remote campgrounds. Good plans cover your spouse and trailer even if you're driving a separate vehicle, and some include trip interruption reimbursement if a breakdown costs you a reservation.
Decide about an extended warranty early
Original manufacturer warranties on new RVs typically run 12–24 months — shorter than most buyers realize. An extended service contract (essentially a mechanical breakdown policy) covers the appliances, slides, levelling systems, and drivetrain components that can run $3,000–$10,000 to replace. The time to price one is before the factory coverage expires, not after something breaks.
Set up a travel rewards card for fuel and fees
A no-annual-fee travel or gas rewards card pays for itself on a single month of RV travel. Expect to spend $400–$800 per week combined on fuel, campgrounds, and propane — 3–5% cash back on gas alone covers the next oil change. For bigger trips, a sign-up bonus can offset campground fees for the whole season.
RVingLife is supported by advertising. Third-party ads on this page may include insurance quotes, roadside plans, warranty coverage, or financial products relevant to the topics above. We don't endorse any specific provider — compare multiple offers before you commit. Privacy policy.
Dump Station Costs in Burnet
Burnet camping splits cleanly into two price tiers. Inks Lake State Park is the value play: water-and-electric sites run around $23 a night and water-only sites about $16, plus the standard Texas state-park day-use entry fee. That makes it one of the cheaper lakefront state-park stays in central Texas, which is exactly why it sells out. Private waterfront resorts on Lake Buchanan land in the $40 to $60 range for full hookups, with Canyon of the Eagles at the higher end given its restaurant, observatory, and big-rig sites.
To save money, camp midweek or in the shoulder seasons of fall and winter, when private parks often discount and the state park is easy to book. If you are staying a week or more, ask the private resorts about weekly rates, which usually beat seven separate nightly charges. Budget a little extra for boat ramp or rental fees if you plan to get on the water, since that is the main reason most people camp here.
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What RVers Are Saying About Burnet
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Best Time to Visit Burnet by RV
Winter
Nov - Feb
38F - 62F
Crowds: Low
Mild and quiet; parks stay open and bald eagles arrive on Lake Buchanan for the river-cruise season. Easiest time to book.
Spring
Mar - May
57F - 80F
Crowds: High
Bluebonnet season in March and April packs the Hill Country. Reserve Inks Lake and waterfront resorts weeks ahead.
Summer
Jun - Aug
73F - 96F
Crowds: High
Hot; the lakes are the whole point. Book early, claim shade, and plan water time for mornings and evenings.
Fall
Sep - Oct
55F - 80F
Crowds: Medium
Best overall camping weather and lighter crowds after Labor Day; private parks often discount midweek.
Explore the Burnet Area
A few things we have learned camping the Highland Lakes. First, treat Inks Lake State Park as a reservation-only proposition. It books out one to three months ahead for summer weekends, and bluebonnet season in late March and April is even tighter, so lock in dates early through the Texas State Parks system. If you cannot get in, the private Lake Buchanan resorts almost always have full-hookup space and are the better choice for big rigs anyway.
Second, the two lakes camp differently. Inks Lake holds a constant level, so swimming and paddling are dependable; Lake Buchanan is a larger flood-control reservoir that can drop in drought years, so check current conditions if a boat ramp matters to you. Third, drive Park Road 4 in spring for the wildflowers and stop at Longhorn Cavern for a tour on a hot afternoon, since the cave stays cool year-round. Finally, winter is quietly one of the best times here. Crowds thin out, the weather stays mild, and the bald eagles show up on Lake Buchanan for the river-cruise viewing season.
National Parks Nearby
Frequently Asked Questions About Dump Stations in Burnet
What are the best RV parks in Burnet, TX?
The standouts are Inks Lake State Park for affordable lakefront camping on Park Road 4, Canyon of the Eagles on Lake Buchanan for full-hookup big-rig sites with a restaurant and observatory, and private waterfront resorts like Lake Buchanan RV & Cabin Resort and Big Chief RV & Cabin Resort. Inks Lake is the value pick and the most scenic public option, while the private Lake Buchanan parks are the easy choice if you need guaranteed full hookups, sewer, and longer pull-through sites for a larger coach or fifth-wheel.
Do Burnet RV parks have full hookups?
Yes, depending on where you stay. The private Lake Buchanan resorts and Canyon of the Eagles offer full hookups with water, electric, and sewer, and the private parks have big-rig pull-through sites. Inks Lake State Park is more basic: about 123 sites have water and electric, another 50 are water-only, and there is no individual sewer hookup, though the park does have a dump station on site. If full hookups are a must-have for your rig, book one of the private waterfront parks or Canyon of the Eagles rather than the state park.
How much does RV camping cost in Burnet?
Inks Lake State Park is the budget option at roughly $23 a night for water-and-electric sites and about $16 for water-only, plus the standard Texas state-park entry fee. Private full-hookup resorts on Lake Buchanan generally run $40 to $60 a night, with Canyon of the Eagles at the higher end because of its amenities and big-rig sites. Camping midweek or in fall and winter brings prices down, and weekly rates at the private parks usually beat paying seven separate nightly charges if you are settling in for a while.
How far ahead do I need to reserve a campsite in Burnet?
For Inks Lake State Park, plan to book one to three months ahead for any summer weekend, and even earlier for bluebonnet season in late March and April, since it regularly sells out of both camping and day-use. Reservations go through the Texas State Parks system. Private Lake Buchanan resorts are easier to get into on shorter notice and often have full-hookup space when the state park is full, but holiday weekends still fill up, so booking a few weeks out is smart any time of year.
When is the best time to go RV camping in Burnet?
Fall is our favorite for all-around comfort, with warm days, cool nights, and lighter crowds once summer ends. Spring is spectacular for wildflowers but very busy, especially during bluebonnet season in March and April. Summer is hot but it is prime lake season, so it draws the biggest crowds at the swimming and boating spots. Winter is mild, quiet, and the easiest time to book, plus it is bald-eagle season on Lake Buchanan, which is a genuine highlight if you take the river cruise.
Can big rigs camp in Burnet?
Yes, but the right park matters. Canyon of the Eagles takes rigs up to about 87 feet on asphalt pads with full hookups, and private resorts like Lake Buchanan RV & Cabin Resort have big-rig pull-through sites with sewer. Inks Lake State Park is more limited: many of its sites are shorter back-in spots, so if you drive or tow something 40 feet or longer, check the listed site length carefully before booking, or just opt for one of the private Lake Buchanan parks where big-rig access is the norm.
Are there free or first-come camping options near Burnet?
Not really. The Highland Lakes camping scene is reservation-driven, with the state park and private resorts dominating. There is little in the way of true dispersed or boondocking camping right around Burnet, unlike West Texas or the national forests. If you want to camp without a reservation, your best bet is to call private parks for last-minute openings or aim for an off-season weekday at Inks Lake, but plan on booking ahead for any popular stretch rather than counting on first-come availability.
What is there to do around Burnet besides the lakes?
Plenty. Longhorn Cavern State Park, about 12 miles south, runs guided walking tours through a river-carved cave that stays cool even in August, which makes it a great hot-afternoon outing. Inks Lake State Park has hiking and the Devils Waterhole swimming and cliff-jumping area. In town, Burnet leans into its Bluebonnet Capital identity with a spring festival, and the Vanishing Texas River Cruise on Lake Buchanan offers scenic and winter bald-eagle trips. Wildflower drives along Park Road 4 in spring are a destination in themselves.
Is Inks Lake or Lake Buchanan better for RV camping?
It depends on what you want. Inks Lake holds a constant water level, so swimming, paddling, and the Devils Waterhole are reliable all season, and the state park camping is affordable, which makes it ideal for tent-and-electric campers and smaller rigs. Lake Buchanan is bigger and ringed by private full-hookup resorts, so it suits larger rigs and anyone who wants sewer and amenities. Many RVers base at one lake and day-trip to the other, since they sit close together in the same Highland Lakes chain.
Are the Burnet campgrounds open year-round?
Yes. Inks Lake State Park, Canyon of the Eagles, and the private Lake Buchanan resorts all operate year-round, which is a real advantage of camping in central Texas. Winters are mild, so you can comfortably camp in December and January when much of the country is shut down. Winter also brings the bald eagles to Lake Buchanan and the easiest reservations of the year. Just confirm specific amenity hours, since some restaurants, tours, and rental operations run reduced schedules in the off-season.
Can I bring my dog RV camping in Burnet?
Yes. Inks Lake State Park welcomes leashed dogs on the trails and at campsites, as do most Texas state parks, though pets are not allowed inside buildings or on some swimming beaches. The private Lake Buchanan resorts are generally pet-friendly too, but policies and any pet fees vary by park, so call ahead to confirm. Bring proof of vaccinations, keep dogs leashed, and be mindful of summer heat on paws and in parked rigs, since central Texas afternoons get genuinely hot.
How far is Burnet from Austin for an RV trip?
Burnet is about 55 miles northwest of Austin, roughly an hour and fifteen minutes by RV up US-281 or over TX-29 from I-35 at Georgetown. That makes it an easy weekend escape from the city and a practical base if you are flying into Austin-Bergstrom, about 70 miles away, and renting a motorhome. The drive is straightforward Hill Country two-lane and divided highway, with no low-clearance or weight issues to worry about for standard RVs on the main routes into town.
Do I need a boat to enjoy camping on the Highland Lakes?
No, though it helps. You can swim, paddle, fish from shore, and hike without ever launching a boat, and Inks Lakes Devils Waterhole is a great no-boat swimming and cliff-jumping spot. That said, both Inks Lake and Lake Buchanan are boating lakes at heart, so if you own a boat or rent one, you will get more out of the trip. Several private resorts have boat ramps and kayak or paddleboard rentals, and the Vanishing Texas River Cruise lets you see Lake Buchanan without owning anything.
What are the best RV parks in Burnet, TX?
The standouts are Inks Lake State Park for affordable lakefront camping on Park Road 4, Canyon of the Eagles on Lake Buchanan for full-hookup big-rig sites with a restaurant and observatory, and private waterfront resorts like Lake Buchanan RV & Cabin Resort and Big Chief RV & Cabin Resort. Inks Lake is the value pick and the most scenic public option, while the private Lake Buchanan parks are the easy choice if you need guaranteed full hookups, sewer, and longer pull-through sites for a larger coach or fifth-wheel.
Do Burnet RV parks have full hookups?
Yes, depending on where you stay. The private Lake Buchanan resorts and Canyon of the Eagles offer full hookups with water, electric, and sewer, and the private parks have big-rig pull-through sites. Inks Lake State Park is more basic: about 123 sites have water and electric, another 50 are water-only, and there is no individual sewer hookup, though the park does have a dump station on site. If full hookups are a must-have for your rig, book one of the private waterfront parks or Canyon of the Eagles rather than the state park.
How much does RV camping cost in Burnet?
Inks Lake State Park is the budget option at roughly $23 a night for water-and-electric sites and about $16 for water-only, plus the standard Texas state-park entry fee. Private full-hookup resorts on Lake Buchanan generally run $40 to $60 a night, with Canyon of the Eagles at the higher end because of its amenities and big-rig sites. Camping midweek or in fall and winter brings prices down, and weekly rates at the private parks usually beat paying seven separate nightly charges if you are settling in for a while.
How far ahead do I need to reserve a campsite in Burnet?
For Inks Lake State Park, plan to book one to three months ahead for any summer weekend, and even earlier for bluebonnet season in late March and April, since it regularly sells out of both camping and day-use. Reservations go through the Texas State Parks system. Private Lake Buchanan resorts are easier to get into on shorter notice and often have full-hookup space when the state park is full, but holiday weekends still fill up, so booking a few weeks out is smart any time of year.
When is the best time to go RV camping in Burnet?
Fall is our favorite for all-around comfort, with warm days, cool nights, and lighter crowds once summer ends. Spring is spectacular for wildflowers but very busy, especially during bluebonnet season in March and April. Summer is hot but it is prime lake season, so it draws the biggest crowds at the swimming and boating spots. Winter is mild, quiet, and the easiest time to book, plus it is bald-eagle season on Lake Buchanan, which is a genuine highlight if you take the river cruise.
Can big rigs camp in Burnet?
Yes, but the right park matters. Canyon of the Eagles takes rigs up to about 87 feet on asphalt pads with full hookups, and private resorts like Lake Buchanan RV & Cabin Resort have big-rig pull-through sites with sewer. Inks Lake State Park is more limited: many of its sites are shorter back-in spots, so if you drive or tow something 40 feet or longer, check the listed site length carefully before booking, or just opt for one of the private Lake Buchanan parks where big-rig access is the norm.
Are there free or first-come camping options near Burnet?
Not really. The Highland Lakes camping scene is reservation-driven, with the state park and private resorts dominating. There is little in the way of true dispersed or boondocking camping right around Burnet, unlike West Texas or the national forests. If you want to camp without a reservation, your best bet is to call private parks for last-minute openings or aim for an off-season weekday at Inks Lake, but plan on booking ahead for any popular stretch rather than counting on first-come availability.
What is there to do around Burnet besides the lakes?
Plenty. Longhorn Cavern State Park, about 12 miles south, runs guided walking tours through a river-carved cave that stays cool even in August, which makes it a great hot-afternoon outing. Inks Lake State Park has hiking and the Devils Waterhole swimming and cliff-jumping area. In town, Burnet leans into its Bluebonnet Capital identity with a spring festival, and the Vanishing Texas River Cruise on Lake Buchanan offers scenic and winter bald-eagle trips. Wildflower drives along Park Road 4 in spring are a destination in themselves.
Is Inks Lake or Lake Buchanan better for RV camping?
It depends on what you want. Inks Lake holds a constant water level, so swimming, paddling, and the Devils Waterhole are reliable all season, and the state park camping is affordable, which makes it ideal for tent-and-electric campers and smaller rigs. Lake Buchanan is bigger and ringed by private full-hookup resorts, so it suits larger rigs and anyone who wants sewer and amenities. Many RVers base at one lake and day-trip to the other, since they sit close together in the same Highland Lakes chain.
Are the Burnet campgrounds open year-round?
Yes. Inks Lake State Park, Canyon of the Eagles, and the private Lake Buchanan resorts all operate year-round, which is a real advantage of camping in central Texas. Winters are mild, so you can comfortably camp in December and January when much of the country is shut down. Winter also brings the bald eagles to Lake Buchanan and the easiest reservations of the year. Just confirm specific amenity hours, since some restaurants, tours, and rental operations run reduced schedules in the off-season.
Can I bring my dog RV camping in Burnet?
Yes. Inks Lake State Park welcomes leashed dogs on the trails and at campsites, as do most Texas state parks, though pets are not allowed inside buildings or on some swimming beaches. The private Lake Buchanan resorts are generally pet-friendly too, but policies and any pet fees vary by park, so call ahead to confirm. Bring proof of vaccinations, keep dogs leashed, and be mindful of summer heat on paws and in parked rigs, since central Texas afternoons get genuinely hot.
How far is Burnet from Austin for an RV trip?
Burnet is about 55 miles northwest of Austin, roughly an hour and fifteen minutes by RV up US-281 or over TX-29 from I-35 at Georgetown. That makes it an easy weekend escape from the city and a practical base if you are flying into Austin-Bergstrom, about 70 miles away, and renting a motorhome. The drive is straightforward Hill Country two-lane and divided highway, with no low-clearance or weight issues to worry about for standard RVs on the main routes into town.
Do I need a boat to enjoy camping on the Highland Lakes?
No, though it helps. You can swim, paddle, fish from shore, and hike without ever launching a boat, and Inks Lakes Devils Waterhole is a great no-boat swimming and cliff-jumping spot. That said, both Inks Lake and Lake Buchanan are boating lakes at heart, so if you own a boat or rent one, you will get more out of the trip. Several private resorts have boat ramps and kayak or paddleboard rentals, and the Vanishing Texas River Cruise lets you see Lake Buchanan without owning anything.
Are there free dump stations in Burnet?
Yes — there are free RV waste disposal options available near Burnet.
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