Camp Ben McCulloch
A rustic, peaceful campground near Austin on Onion Creek, offering natural beauty and a dog-friendly escape with fair pricing.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Quieter, more peaceful
Camp Ben McCulloch
Best Time
Quieter, more peaceful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A rustic, peaceful campground near Austin on Onion Creek, offering natural beauty and a dog-friendly escape with fair pricing.
"A relatively unknown close to Austin Gem that can handle everything from family camping all the way to music festivals."
📞 Confirm Reservations
Reach out multiple times via phone or email for reservations, as responses can be slow. :iphone:
🚗 RV Access Check
Be mindful of low-hanging trees and overgrowth if you're RVing; some spots may be challenging to access. :motorhome:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Onion Creek Serenity
Along Onion Creek
Enjoy the peaceful banks of Onion Creek, a perfect spot for relaxation and enjoying nature's tranquility.
Historic Camp Vibes
Throughout the grounds
Explore a historic campground with a rustic feel, offering a glimpse into simpler times and natural beauty.
Rope Swing Adventures
River access points
Relive childhood fun with rope swings, a classic activity for a refreshing dip in the river.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Rustic Charm
RV Considerations
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Looking for places to swim in/around Austin that isn't Barton Springs.
📞 Confirm Reservations
Reach out multiple times via phone or email for reservations, as responses can be slow. :iphone:
🚗 RV Access Check
Be mindful of low-hanging trees and overgrowth if you're RVing; some spots may be challenging to access. :motorhome:
Dripping Springs
Other Things to See Near Salt Lick
💧 River Fun
Bring your swimsuit and enjoy the natural beauty of Onion Creek, with rope swings for added fun. :swimmer:
🐾 Dog-Friendly Fun
This campground is very welcoming to dogs, so bring your furry friends along for the adventure. :dog:
Tips
from all over the internet
📞 Confirm Reservations
Reach out multiple times via phone or email for reservations, as responses can be slow. :iphone:
🚗 RV Access Check
Be mindful of low-hanging trees and overgrowth if you're RVing; some spots may be challenging to access. :motorhome:
💧 River Fun
Bring your swimsuit and enjoy the natural beauty of Onion Creek, with rope swings for added fun. :swimmer:
🐾 Dog-Friendly Fun
This campground is very welcoming to dogs, so bring your furry friends along for the adventure. :dog:
🚶 Explore the Grounds
Discover the rustic charm and natural beauty of this historic campground. :hiking_boot:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Camp Ben McCulloch is lauded as a hidden gem offering a peaceful, rustic camping experience with fair pricing and great management. Visitors love the natural beauty of Onion Creek and the dog-friendly atmosphere. However, some RV campers find the grounds challenging to navigate due to overgrowth, and communication for reservations can require persistence.
"Great owners/management. Fair pricing. Wonderful space, nature at her best, and clean, useful shared facilities. A relatively unknown close to Austin Gem that can handle everything from family camping all the way to music festivals. I believe it's only recreational camping and I think the max stay is two weeks, with a 90 day interval.
Crystal the manager has always taken good care of my gf Teresa thru many a camping
Extravaganza. :)
Highly recommended. Give them a try for your next campout."
Robin Strickland
"Love this campground. It's very quiet and peaceful even if hundreds of people are here for a music festival. This place is very rustic and fun to explore. There is an open pavilion, playground and is very dog friendly."
S
"This place is very old and poorly maintained if you're RVing. We could not pull our RV through most of the spaces because there was so many low-lying trees and overgrowth.
There are no facilities to speak of but obviously that doesn't bother some people cuz there's a lot of people here after we arrived. The bathrooms were poorly lit especially when you're going in there at night. The spaces are poorly (or not) marked so you don't know where you're supposed to be going? We were given the wrong information about the cost per night from someone who frequents this place often. We could not get any responses out of anyone by phone or email prior, so if that's important to you, just know that in advance
Otherwise it's a pretty spot to visit if you're not camping there."
James Moore
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Camp Ben McCulloch is located in Driftwood, Texas, a short drive from Austin. Take Highway 183 South and follow signs for Driftwood. It's a scenic drive through the Texas Hill Country.
While generally accessible, RVs might find some interior roads challenging due to low-hanging trees and overgrowth. It's best to check conditions if you have a larger vehicle.
The campground is spread out with natural features. Familiarize yourself with the layout upon arrival, as spaces may not be clearly marked.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Reservations can be made by phone or email, though prompt responses are not guaranteed. Persistence is key! It's recommended to call ahead to confirm availability and pricing.
Pricing is described as fair, but it's advisable to confirm the exact cost per night when making your reservation, as information can vary.
Yes, the maximum stay is typically two weeks, with a required 90-day interval between stays.
Yes, it's considered a pretty spot to visit even if you're not staying overnight, offering a chance to enjoy the natural surroundings.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The campground offers essential shared facilities, including an open pavilion and playground. Bathrooms are available but have been noted as poorly lit.
Yes, the campground provides 30A & 50A shore power and water hookups. However, there are no tank hookups or a dump station.
Enjoy exploring the natural beauty, relaxing by Onion Creek, and taking advantage of rope swings. It's also a great spot for dog-friendly outings.
The space is versatile and can accommodate events, including music festivals, while maintaining a peaceful atmosphere.
It's known for being quiet and peaceful, even during events. The atmosphere is rustic and offers a chance to connect with nature.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no specific dining facilities within the campground itself. However, it's located across from The Salt Lick, a renowned BBQ restaurant, offering a convenient dining option nearby.
As a campground, you are welcome to bring your own food and cooking supplies. There are no specific restrictions mentioned regarding personal cooking.
📸 📸 Photography
The natural beauty of Onion Creek, the rustic camp structures, and the surrounding Hill Country landscape offer numerous picturesque opportunities. Capture the serene creek banks and the historic charm of the grounds.
Absolutely. The peaceful setting along Onion Creek provides a tranquil environment for capturing wildlife and scenic views.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the rustic nature is part of its charm, parents should be mindful of the natural terrain and potential for overgrowth, especially if exploring off-path. The rope swings offer a classic, fun activity that kids (and adults!) can enjoy. It’s a great place to foster a love for nature and create lasting family memories in a relaxed setting.
💰 Budget Travelers
While there are shared facilities, they are basic, which contributes to the lower cost. The real value here is in the access to nature and the peaceful environment. It’s an excellent option for travelers who prioritize experience and tranquility over luxury amenities.
🚗 RV Enthusiasts
However, RVers should be prepared for the rustic nature of the campground. Maneuvering larger rigs can be challenging due to low-hanging trees and overgrowth in some areas, and spaces may not be clearly marked. It’s wise to confirm site accessibility and dimensions when booking. Remember to plan for off-site dump station use as there are no facilities for this on-site.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Rustic Camping Experience
While the campground is well-loved, it's important to note that it leans towards a more unspoiled, natural experience rather than a resort-style setup. This means embracing the outdoors and its inherent characteristics. The presence of Onion Creek is a major draw, offering a serene backdrop for relaxation and recreation.
Navigating RV Camping
A significant point of feedback from RV campers is the potential for difficult maneuvering due to low-lying trees and overgrowth along some of the interior roads and in certain spaces. This can be a challenge for larger RVs. Additionally, the spaces are described as poorly or not marked, which can add to the initial navigation process. It's recommended to have a clear understanding of your site's location and accessibility before arrival.
Community and Communication
However, potential visitors should be aware that communication can sometimes be a challenge. Some reviews indicate that getting responses via phone or email prior to arrival might require persistence. This is a common theme for more rustic or independently managed sites, and it's advisable to factor in extra time for confirmations and inquiries. Despite this, the overall sentiment is that the effort is worthwhile for the unique experience offered.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit