Elgin TexasBEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near Elgin, Texas.
1. Lake Bastrop South Shore Park
LAKESIDE FUN FOR ALL
Lake Bastrop South Shore Park offers visitors a complete waterfront experience with fishing piers, swimming areas, and a variety of watercraft rentals. The park features hiking and biking trails along with waterfront camping options including mini-cabins with heat and air conditioning. Visitors can enjoy activities both on and off the water, including mini golf, making it an ideal destination for families looking for a complete outdoor adventure.
2. Lake Bastrop North Shore Park
PEACEFUL LAKESIDE RETREAT
Lake Bastrop North Shore Park provides a serene waterfront experience on the northern shores of Lake Bastrop. The park offers water activities like swimming, fishing, and boating in a more tranquil setting than its southern counterpart. Visitors can enjoy the natural beauty of the lake while taking advantage of the recreational facilities and camping options available.
3. McKinney Falls State Park
NATURAL SWIMMING HOLES
McKinney Falls State Park features beautiful natural swimming holes where Onion Creek and Williamson Creek meet. Visitors can enjoy swimming in the clear waters beneath limestone ledges or fishing along the creek banks surrounded by ancient cypress trees. The park offers a perfect escape from city life with opportunities for camping, hiking, and wildlife viewing just minutes from downtown Austin.
4. Bastrop State Park
HISTORIC FOREST SWIMMING
Bastrop State Park offers visitors a refreshing swimming pool nestled among the famous Lost Pines of Texas. The park's swimming area provides a welcome respite from the Texas heat while surrounded by the unique ecosystem of loblolly pines recovering from past wildfires. Visitors can combine swimming with other activities like camping, hiking, fishing, and geocaching for a complete outdoor experience.
5. Colorado River Paddling Trail
SCENIC RIVER ADVENTURE
The Colorado River Paddling Trail offers two distinct routes through the picturesque waterways near Bastrop, including the shorter six-mile El Camino Real trail and the longer 14.3-mile Wilbarger trail. The slow-moving waters make it ideal for paddlers of all skill levels to enjoy spectacular scenery and fishing opportunities. Wildlife enthusiasts will appreciate chances to spot native birds including ospreys, hawks, kingfishers, and herons along this peaceful river corridor.
6. Shore Club Volente Beach
WATERPARK LAKE FUN
Shore Club Volente Beach combines a waterpark with Lake Travis access for a complete water recreation destination near Elgin. Visitors can enjoy water slides, swimming pools, and sandy beach areas with direct access to the clear waters of Lake Travis. The venue offers food, drinks, and entertainment, making it a popular summer destination for families seeking both wild water rides and natural lake swimming.
7. Lake Somerville State Park - Nails Creek
TRANQUIL LAKE GETAWAY
Lake Somerville State Park - Nails Creek section offers a peaceful waterfront escape with swimming beaches, fishing opportunities, and boat access to the 11,630-acre lake. The park features sandy shores and clear waters, providing an ideal setting for cooling off during hot Texas summers. Visitors can enjoy camping near the water's edge, hiking through nearby woodland trails, and observing diverse wildlife in this natural lakeside setting.
8. Bastrop / SE Austin / Colorado River KOA
RIVERSIDE CAMPING PARADISE
The Bastrop / SE Austin / Colorado River KOA provides direct access to the scenic Colorado River with opportunities for swimming, fishing, and paddling. The campground offers various accommodation options from tent sites to cabins, all within proximity to the refreshing waters of the river. Guests can enjoy the peaceful riverside atmosphere while still being close enough to explore attractions in both Bastrop and Austin.
9. Webberville Park
HIDDEN RIVER GEM
Webberville Park offers Elgin residents and visitors a tranquil riverfront experience with access to the Colorado River for fishing, paddling, and riverside relaxation. The park provides a natural setting with basic amenities that allow visitors to enjoy the waterfront without crowds or commercial development. Its proximity to Elgin makes it a convenient escape for locals seeking connection with nature and water recreation.
10. Leander / NW Austin KOA
LAKE-ADJACENT FAMILY RESORT
The Leander / NW Austin KOA offers family-friendly accommodations near Lake Travis and other water recreation areas. Visitors can use this campground as a comfortable base camp for exploring nearby swimming holes, lakes, and rivers in the greater Austin area. The facility provides amenities that enhance the outdoor experience while keeping guests close to multiple waterfront destinations in the region.
Elgin Things To Do
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