Camping at Turkey Bend Recreation Area

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If primitive tent camping is your thing, Turkey Bend Recreation Area might be for you! Even if it’s not your thing, I definitely recommend the trip! For me, it was right under a four-hour drive to this 1,146-acre park located along the North Lake Travis shoreline in Marble Falls, Texas. 

Camping at Turkey Bend | Tent | Coastal Bend Mom CollectiveThings I Loved

  • The price! – Campsites are $25 and include two entrance fees; Adults $5; Kids 12 & under, free
  • The scenery-the wildflowers, tall grasses, rolling hills, trees. Nature is a wonder!
  • Renting multiple campsites with friends & family to create a little camping community
  • The winery nearby Flat Creek Estate: Texas Winery & Vineyard
  • The welcoming environment for the fur babies

Kayaking at Turkey Bend | Coastal Bend Mom CollectiveThings to know

  • When you call the listed number for the parks, they are connected to other area parks. So please ensure you are confirming which park you are speaking to if you have specific questions
  • The nearest kayaking rental is going to be an extra drive. Definitely bring your own. If you don’t have one (like me), just bring plenty of floats or tubes & jump in. 
  • Ensure your site is nestled by trees. Many of the sites by the water did not have any shade. 
  • If you’re by the trees, then you will have to trek to the water, or jump into your car.
  • Primitive camping means: 
    • NO running water
    • NO showers
    • NO electricity – bring a power bank for your cell phone! I can not stress this one enough
    • Port-o-can toilets
    •  Reminders
      • We’re in Texas. Even if there’s no chance for rain, put a tarp under your tent regardless (It rained, hard)
      • Bring plenty of cold-iced coffee or give in and buy the percolator
      • Pack a Jacket, just in case!
      • Some of other campers didn’t know about these great sunscreen options
      • Here is the mosquito repellant list too. It’s Texas ya’ll!

Making S'Mores at Turkey Bend | Coastal Bend Mom CollectiveLook, ladies, if the above mention of “primitive camping” scares you into thinking you can’t do this, YOU CAN! I really had not done any tent camping nor sleeping on the ground since my youth. I fell in love with it all over again. I’m looking forward to doing even more very soon. On top of that, we enjoyed great camaraderie amongst the four couples we went with (I went only knowing my cousin).

Camping at Turkey Bend | Coastal Bend Mom CollectiveWe definitely enjoyed picnicking together and even sharing the fire with new neighbors at nearby sites. The kiddos in attendance ranged in age from 8-17. Fun was had by all including the many doggos that made new friends too! What are some of your “primitive camping” hacks mommas? I am all ears and ready for the next one! (Err I bought a smores case and a new lantern already… I’m hooked!)

Playing in the Lake at Turkey BendSee some other Texas Road Trip ideas here!