Devil’s River State Natural Area

This wild stretch of the Devil’s River offers primitive camping on limestone bluffs overlooking crystal-clear pools and rapids. The park’s backcountry sites are scattered along 19 miles of river frontage, each requiring a rough drive through mesquite and oak scrub. Sites have fire rings and composting toilets, but no water or electricity. The river runs clear year-round, fed by dozens of springs, making it perfect for swimming and fishing.

Access requires reservations and a 4-mile drive on rough ranch roads that become impassable when wet. Gates are locked outside operating hours. The remoteness is the point here — you’ll likely see more deer than people, especially midweek.

Wild river camping in Texas Hill Country backcountry