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Camp at Shaffer Bend Recreation Area

Marble Falls, Texas

Details

Distance

6 miles

Elevation Gain

80 ft

Route Type

Loop

Description

Added by Ben Singer

This is a great secluded campground with nice trails to hike and easy access to a portion of Lake Travis.

After turning off Highway 1431 you'll drive through a little quiet and narrow one road neighborhood to arrive at the entrance to Shaffer Bend Recreation Area. From there you will drive down a dirt road which will take you almost all the way through Shaffer Bend's 523 acre lot, and lead you directly right to a portion of the expansive Lake Travis where the Campgrounds lie. 

The landscape at Shaffer Bend Recreation Area is the epitome of the beautiful Texas countryside with bottoms lands, bluffs, and hills. The almost 6 and a half miles of trails was a joy to walk along where we saw beautiful landscape and plenty of wildlife. Our favorite but unfortunately short trail was the "Sleeping Doe" path where we managed to see a few deer along the walk. And "Dagger" trail had a steep 100ft incline to climb up and provided a decent effort to get through. Nevertheless, all other 6 trails managed to have their own special quirk and all were a joy to go through. 

If you wish to just sit and relax you can enjoy the landscape and nature by unwinding in the secluded camping spots that are all placed directly on the lake front with a gorgeous view of the water. Walking along the Lakeview trail around dusk also offers a stunning view of the sunset as it falls behind the water and tree line for the night.

The campsites themselves are pretty sparse but have plenty of space for a couple of tents, a portable BBQ and enough space between you and your neighbor so that you may enjoy serene and quality time with Mother Nature. Each area is about 10' x 20' and you can drive your car right to each spot so there is no need to hike into your site.  Most sites also offer tree coverage for added privacy. Another plus to Shaffer Bend is it only offers 20-30 Campsites so they're aren't too many people around to crowd the beautiful area.

Campers should also be aware that there is no potable water or electricity. There is one portable toilet in the camping area and one restroom at the entry of the park. So be prepared. 

Here is a link to the website where you may reserve your site online and find more information about the park and the other activities it provides, including a map of the different trails you may walk while there. Whatever you may choose to do, there will be plenty of fun, and plenty of beautiful pictures to take of this Texas Countryside.

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Features

Camping
Photography
Hiking
Bathrooms
Dog Friendly
Family Friendly
Forest
Lake
Picnic Area
River
Romantic
Scenic

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