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Looking for an outdoorsy getaway ─ on a budget? Then look no farther than LCRA’s recreation areas around Lake Travis just outside of Austin. A camping adventure that will entertain the family from seniors to youngsters awaits you there. In Texas, cooler temperatures make fall the ideal time to camp. With a little planning for equipment and food, even first-timers can fit a weekend or longer into a reasonable budget and have a good time enjoying nature. In fact, five LCRA primitive areas on Lake Travis are great places to “practice” camping skills, according to David Whatley, LCRA’s superintendent of parks. “We can get you into the boonies with that new tent and untried equipment,” Whatley says. “We have Central Texas wilds featuring Hill Country flora and fauna no farther than an hour’s drive from Austin. Check out your camping stuff there, and if something doesn’t work well, you’re not too far from home.” See list of parks and details. The recreation area entrance fees range from free to $5 a day per vehicle. Annual permits are $50. Reservations are not required. Don’t expect fancy campgrounds. These out-of-the-way areas have few facilities. Expect to find fishing, hiking and walking trails at all the rec areas. Picnic tables, swimming, toilets, bicycling and horseback riding vary. Check out “LCRA ─ Your Nearby Getaways .” First-time campers? You don't need to break the bank buying equipment. Take the minimum; you can always add on. For instance for a family of four, you’ll need a tent, sleeping bags and pads, camp stove, tarpaulin and battery lamp or lantern, a few dishes, utensils, cooler and pots and pans. Take a first-aid kit, and check for burn bans before you go. For meals, pick easy and inexpensive food. Bring drinking water. Borrow equipment or shop yard sales and thrift stores for good prices. Costs will vary depending on where you shop. Remember: Too much stuff can be frustrating and heavy, especially if you hike into an area. For a peaceful experience in the Central Texas wilds, Whatley suggests a short trip to Shaffer Bend, a scenic area with a sloping shoreline on Lake Travis. “There are huge pecan trees,” he says. “It’s amazing what you can find when you walk a little way. It’s free, and with some planning you will have a fabulous outdoor experience.”
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