Cedar Hollow Camp

For Texans who truly embrace the spirit of adventure and prefer a more rugged, immersive outdoor experience, Cedar Hollow Camp offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature on the stunning shores of Lake Georgetown. Unlike many developed campgrounds with abundant amenities, Cedar Hollow Camp is a primitive, hike-in or boat-in only campsite, making it an ideal destination for backpackers traversing the renowned Goodwater Loop Trail or those seeking a more secluded and authentic wilderness escape. Located within the scenic confines of Lake Georgetown, in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, this camp allows visitors to truly disconnect from the digital world and immerse themselves in the tranquility of their surroundings. It's a place where the sounds of wildlife replace urban noise, where campfires glow under a canopy of stars, and where the natural beauty of Central Texas takes center stage. Cedar Hollow Camp is designed for those who value simplicity, quiet reflection, and the challenge of a less-developed camping experience, providing a refreshing contrast to the more bustling, amenity-rich parks.

Cedar Hollow Camp is uniquely situated along the famous Goodwater Loop Trail, which encircles Lake Georgetown, within the 78628 ZIP code of Georgetown, Texas. Specifically, it's located between milepost 4 and 5 on the Goodwater Hiking Trail (which is a 26-mile loop). This prime location means accessibility to Cedar Hollow Camp is primarily by foot or by boat, making it a truly primitive and secluded destination. For most campers, this involves hiking a few miles from designated parking areas, often starting from trailheads at parks like Cedar Breaks Park or Jim Hogg Park, both of which are easily reachable from Georgetown and, by extension, major thoroughfares like I-35 for those coming from Austin or other parts of Central Texas. The address, 20103 W Lake Pkwy, Georgetown, TX 78628, serves as a general geographic marker for the area surrounding Lake Georgetown, but direct vehicle access to the campsite itself is not available. This hike-in requirement contributes to the camp's pristine and quiet atmosphere, ensuring a genuine escape into the wilderness. Visitors should plan their route carefully, accounting for the trail distance and carrying all necessary supplies, as immediate re-supply options are not available at the campsite. This commitment to a more remote experience makes Cedar Hollow Camp a coveted spot for serious hikers and those truly looking to unplug.

As a primitive, hike-in/boat-in only campground, Cedar Hollow Camp offers a minimalist set of services, emphasizing self-reliance and an authentic outdoor experience. This design allows campers to fully immerse themselves in nature with fewer distractions. Here's a realistic overview of the services you can typically expect:

• Designated Primitive Campsites: The camp provides specific, undeveloped areas for tent pitching. While not individual, reservable sites with specific numbers like those in developed parks, there are recognized spots for setting up camp.
• Picnic Tables: Most primitive sites, including those at Cedar Hollow, are equipped with a basic picnic table, offering a stable surface for meals and gear organization.
• Fire Rings: Each designated camping spot usually includes a simple fire ring, allowing for safe campfires (when burn bans are not in effect). This is essential for cooking and warmth.
• Lantern Stands: Often provided, these allow campers to hang lanterns for illumination around their campsite.
• Direct Lake Access: One of the most significant "services" is the unimpeded access to Lake Georgetown for water activities like swimming, fishing, and water purification (with proper filtering).
• Compost Toilets/Privies: While not full flush restrooms, primitive campgrounds like Cedar Hollow typically offer basic, open-air compost toilets or privies for waste disposal. It's important to note these are very basic facilities.
• No Potable Water: Campers must bring all their drinking water or be prepared to filter and treat water from Lake Georgetown. This is a critical consideration for any visit.
• No Electricity or Sewer Hookups: True to its primitive nature, there are no electric or sewer hookups, catering to those who prefer off-grid camping.
• No On-site Staff: Unlike developed campgrounds, Cedar Hollow Camp does not have dedicated on-site staff or a gatehouse. Campers are responsible for their own safety and adherence to Leave No Trace principles.
• "First-Come, First-Serve" Basis: Given its primitive nature, sites are generally available on a first-come, first-serve basis, without the need for advance reservations. However, it's wise to plan for potential alternatives during peak seasons.

Cedar Hollow Camp, despite its primitive nature, boasts several distinctive features and highlights that make it a compelling choice for a specific type of outdoor enthusiast. These elements emphasize its raw, natural appeal and the unique experiences it offers:

• True Primitive Camping: This is a key highlight for those seeking an unadulterated wilderness experience. The lack of modern amenities means a deeper connection with nature and a test of self-sufficiency.
• Seclusion and Tranquility: Being hike-in or boat-in only, Cedar Hollow Camp offers a level of seclusion and quiet rarely found in more developed campgrounds. It's perfect for escaping crowds and enjoying true peace.
• Direct Lake Access for Swimming and Fishing: The camp's location directly on Lake Georgetown provides immediate access to the water for swimming, fishing (known for Smallmouth Bass and other species), and enjoying the lake's beauty. The "beach" area, though rocky, is often mentioned as a convenient spot for water entry.
• Integral to the Goodwater Loop Trail: For avid hikers and backpackers, Cedar Hollow Camp serves as a crucial and scenic stop along the challenging 26-mile Goodwater Loop. It offers a designated resting point with basic facilities on a multi-day trek.
• Stargazing Opportunities: Away from significant light pollution, the camp offers spectacular views of the Texas night sky, perfect for stargazing and appreciating the vastness of the universe.
• Natural Beauty and Wildlife: The surrounding area is rich in Central Texas flora and fauna, offering opportunities for wildlife observation and immersing oneself in diverse ecosystems, from cedar forests to open fields.
• "Hammock Camping" Friendly Terrain: Due to potential slanting ground and the abundance of trees, the camp is often highlighted as being particularly suitable for hammock campers, offering comfortable and elevated sleeping options.
• Rugged Trail Experience: The hike to Cedar Hollow Camp itself is an adventure, featuring rocky terrain and elevation changes that challenge and reward hikers with diverse scenery and engaging landscapes.

As a primitive, non-reservable campsite, direct contact information for Cedar Hollow Camp itself is limited. It operates under the purview of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) parks around Lake Georgetown. For general inquiries about Lake Georgetown parks, including information pertinent to primitive camping areas, you can use the main office contact:

Address: 20103 W Lake Pkwy, Georgetown, TX 78628, USA (This address points to the general area of Lake Georgetown. For precise access to Cedar Hollow, refer to Goodwater Loop Trail maps.)

Phone: (512) 930-5253

Mobile Phone: +1 512-930-5253

For the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding trail conditions, burn bans, or general park rules that apply to primitive camping, it is best to contact the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Lake Georgetown Office or check official USACE websites for Lake Georgetown recreation.

Cedar Hollow Camp stands as a testament to the wild, untamed beauty that still thrives within the heart of Central Texas, making it an exceptionally suitable destination for locals who crave a genuine outdoor adventure. For Texans weary of crowded parks and seeking a deeper connection with nature, the primitive, hike-in or boat-in only access to Cedar Hollow Camp is its greatest asset. This inherent barrier to casual visitors ensures a level of seclusion and tranquility rarely found elsewhere, allowing for a truly peaceful escape from the urban sprawl of Austin and its surrounding areas. Locals who are passionate about backpacking, avid hikers, or those simply yearning to disconnect from digital noise will find this campground to be a perfect sanctuary.

The camp's prime location directly on Lake Georgetown offers unparalleled opportunities for Texans to engage with one of their state's most beloved natural resources. Whether it's swimming in the clear waters, casting a line for bass, or simply relaxing by the shore, the lake provides a refreshing focal point for activities. Furthermore, being an integral part of the 26-mile Goodwater Loop Trail, Cedar Hollow Camp serves as an ideal overnight stop for those undertaking this challenging and rewarding multi-day hike. This allows Texans to explore the diverse landscapes of their own backyard, from rugged cliffs to peaceful woodlands, gaining a profound appreciation for the region's unique ecological tapestry.

While the lack of traditional amenities requires self-sufficiency, this very characteristic appeals to Texans who embrace the "rugged individualism" spirit. It encourages preparedness, reliance on outdoor skills, and a deeper respect for the environment – core values for many who cherish the state's wild spaces. The quiet evenings, illuminated only by stars and campfires, provide a unique chance for reflection and bonding, fostering memories that more developed sites often cannot replicate. For locals, Cedar Hollow Camp isn't just a place to sleep outdoors; it's an opportunity to embrace the raw beauty of Texas, challenge themselves in a natural setting, and reconnect with the land in a truly meaningful way, all within a convenient distance from home.

Cedar Hollow Camp

20103 W Lake Pkwy, Georgetown, TX 78628, USA