Many people drive through Central Texas on the way to somewhere else, but we think that would be missing an opportunity. There’s actually a lot of beautiful country, Hill Country, between Austin and Waco, including big lakes and river trails. It’s the perfect place for a relaxed RV tour.
Pick a single base instead of moving all the time
The first thing you’ll want to do is pick a single base instead of moving around all the time. As any experienced recreational vehicle owner will know, packing up and setting up are exhausting, especially when it involves stowing all of your loose items and packing away your pergola.
We suggest choosing an RV park in Copperas Cove or a similar location. A relatively central hub like this allows you to explore all of the nature that Central Texas has to offer and then return at night. A lot of places are within an hour’s drive, so you’re not going to be exhausted. You can simply go back to the campsite, hook your RV up to your pitch, and enjoy a quiet evening roasting marshmallows.
Go to the Colorado Bend State Park
If you are a fan of big outings, make sure you take a trip to Colorado Bend State Park. It’s home to the 70-foot Gorman Falls and features more than 35 miles of trails for biking and hiking. All of the trails are waymarked, so there’s very little chance of getting lost, and there’s plenty of support nearby from park rangers.
If you want to, you can also go fishing and paddling in the Colorado River. If you’re new to the area, it’s sometimes a good idea to book a cave tour. This is a great way to see what the park looks like from underground.
Mother Neff State Park
If you’re a bit of a history buff, you might want to go to Mother Neff State Park on the Leon River. While it’s smaller and less imposing than Colorado Bend State Park, it has an impressive history. For example, the original 6 acres of the park were donated in 1921 by Isabella Neff. It was only later that the Civilian Conservation Corps built roads and buildings in the area, including the somewhat conspicuous stone lookout tower.
Overall, there’s around 3.5 miles of trails, which makes it easier for parents with children.
Go to Belton Lake
Belton Lake is a relaxed location for picnics and fishing by the bank. Run by the Army Corps of Engineers, most families go armed with their fishing rods, coolers, and folding chairs. You can set up pretty much wherever you want, and there is a small fee to get in.
Some tips
If you are planning on traveling in Central Texas during the summer, bear in mind that it can get very hot. The best time to go is during the shoulder seasons, when the weather is significantly cooler. If you are going in the summer, don’t walk in the midday heat. Somebody will definitely get heatstroke.