Cedar Hollow Camp

For Texans eager to truly disconnect and immerse themselves in the wild beauty of the Hill Country, Cedar Hollow Camp offers a unique and authentic primitive camping experience. Unlike many developed campgrounds with extensive amenities, Cedar Hollow Camp provides a more rugged, back-to-nature escape on the scenic shores of Lake Georgetown. This destination is specifically designed for adventurers who appreciate solitude, natural landscapes, and the challenge of a hike-in camping trip. It's an ideal spot for those looking to swap the hustle and bustle of city life for the tranquility of a starlit Texas night and the sounds of nature.

This article will serve as a comprehensive guide to Cedar Hollow Camp, detailing its distinctive location, the essential services it provides, and the unparalleled natural features that make it a hidden gem for local outdoor enthusiasts. We'll explore why this primitive camp, accessible primarily by foot along the renowned Good Water Trail, is perfectly suited for those seeking a genuine wilderness experience while still being within reach of Georgetown, Texas. Prepare to learn about a camping destination that prioritizes natural immersion and offers a truly unforgettable Texas adventure.

Cedar Hollow Camp is uniquely situated at 20103 W Lake Pkwy, Georgetown, TX 78628, USA. However, it’s crucial for prospective campers to understand that despite having a physical address, Cedar Hollow Camp is primarily a hike-in campsite. It is nestled along the famous Good Water Hiking Trail, specifically located between milepost 4 and 5 of this extensive trail system that encircles Lake Georgetown. This means direct vehicle access to individual campsites at Cedar Hollow Camp is generally not available, adding to its primitive and secluded charm.

To access Cedar Hollow Camp, campers will typically begin their journey from one of the more accessible trailheads around Lake Georgetown, such as those found at Cedar Breaks Park or Tejas Park. From these points, campers embark on a scenic hike along the Good Water Trail to reach Cedar Hollow. This accessibility by foot reinforces the camp's primitive nature, making it a perfect destination for backpackers, long-distance hikers, and those who prefer a more rugged camping experience away from the crowds. While Georgetown provides nearby amenities like gas, groceries, and dining, campers heading to Cedar Hollow should be prepared to carry all their supplies in and out, emphasizing self-sufficiency. The camp's location within the Texas Hill Country, roughly 25 miles north of Austin, also makes it a convenient yet distinctly wild escape for residents of Central Texas.

As a primitive, hike-in campsite, Cedar Hollow Camp offers a minimalist set of services, focusing on providing essential facilities while preserving the natural environment. This approach aligns with the expectations of campers seeking a genuine wilderness experience.

• Chemical Toilets: Unlike more developed campgrounds with flush toilets, Cedar Hollow Camp provides chemical toilets (often referred to as vault toilets). These are basic, non-flushable facilities designed for waste disposal in remote areas, emphasizing minimal environmental impact.
• Tent Pads/Flat Spots: The camp features designated flat spots suitable for pitching tents, ensuring a more comfortable sleeping surface in the natural terrain.
• Fire Rings: Each campsite typically includes a fire ring, allowing campers to safely build campfires for cooking, warmth, and ambiance, in adherence to any burn bans in effect.
• Poles for Hanging Food: To protect food from wildlife, some sources indicate that primitive campsites along the Good Water Trail, including Cedar Hollow, may feature poles for hanging food. This is an essential service for backcountry safety and food storage.
• No Water or Electricity: It is crucial to note that Cedar Hollow Camp does not offer potable water hookups or electricity. Campers must bring all their own water or have a reliable method for filtering and treating natural water sources from Lake Georgetown. Similarly, there are no electric hookups for RVs or other powered devices.
• Non-Reservable (Historically/Potentially): While some sources for other Lake Georgetown campsites mention reservation systems, primitive camps like Cedar Hollow have historically been noted as "non-reservable" or first-come, first-served. However, it's always best to verify the most current reservation policies through official channels before planning a trip, as policies can change.

Cedar Hollow Camp's true appeal lies in its unique features and highlights, which cater specifically to the adventurous spirit and desire for an authentic outdoor immersion.

• Primitive, Hike-In Experience: This is the defining feature. Cedar Hollow Camp offers a genuine primitive camping experience, requiring campers to hike in their gear and supplies. This makes it ideal for backpackers, experienced campers, and those who relish the challenge and solitude of a less developed site.
• Good Water Trail Access: Situated directly on the 26-mile Good Water Hiking Trail (sometimes listed as 27 miles), Cedar Hollow Camp provides immediate access to extensive hiking and biking opportunities. This rugged trail winds around Lake Georgetown, offering diverse landscapes, including dense juniper forests, hardwood bottomlands, and open prairie grasslands.
• Secluded Natural Setting: Being a hike-in camp, Cedar Hollow is inherently more secluded and less crowded than drive-in campgrounds. This offers a heightened sense of tranquility and an opportunity to truly connect with nature. Campers often report seeing wildlife, contributing to the immersive experience.
• Lake Georgetown Views (Potential): While specific views from each site may vary, its location near the lake means campers are immersed in the Lake Georgetown environment, with potential for scenic views of the water through the trees. The trail itself offers numerous picturesque viewpoints of the lake.
• Bird Watching and Wildlife: The natural habitat surrounding Lake Georgetown is home to various bird species and other wildlife, making it an excellent spot for bird watching and nature photography. The presence of Golden-cheeked Warbler habitat in some areas along the trail adds to its ecological significance.
• Proximity to Georgetown Amenities (but with a wilderness feel): Despite its primitive nature, Cedar Hollow Camp is still relatively close to the town of Georgetown. This means emergency services are accessible, and supplies can be obtained before embarking on the hike, offering a balance between wilderness immersion and logistical convenience.

Given its nature as a primitive, potentially non-reservable, and minimally serviced campsite managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as part of the Lake Georgetown recreation area, Cedar Hollow Camp typically does not have specific promotions or special offers in the traditional sense, like discounts or package deals. Its appeal is in its affordability and natural setting.

• Low Cost/Nominal Fees: Primitive campsites generally have very low or nominal fees compared to full-service campgrounds, making them a budget-friendly option for extended stays or frequent visits. Some information suggests a daily entrance fee for the overall trail/park system may apply to vehicles, even if the campsite itself has a minimal charge.
• America the Beautiful Pass Considerations: While direct camping discounts might be less applicable to primitive sites (especially if they are non-reservable), holders of the America the Beautiful Senior Pass and Access Pass may receive discounts on vehicle entrance fees to federal recreation areas, which could indirectly apply to access points for the Good Water Trail leading to Cedar Hollow Camp. It is always wise to inquire about any applicable fees for park entrance or trail use.

For the most accurate and current information on any fees, access passes, or potential promotions related to Lake Georgetown recreation areas, it is highly recommended to consult the official Recreation.gov website for Lake Georgetown or the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Fort Worth District website.

As Cedar Hollow Camp is a primitive, hike-in site and part of the broader Lake Georgetown recreation area managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, direct contact information specifically for Cedar Hollow Camp might not be available. However, you can typically reach the managing body for Lake Georgetown:

Address: 20103 W Lake Pkwy, Georgetown, TX 78628, USA (This is the general vicinity for the area of the lake, not a direct office for the camp)

For general inquiries about Lake Georgetown camping, trails, and regulations, you would typically contact the Lake Georgetown Office:

Phone: (512) 930-5253 (This number is associated with the Lake Georgetown Office / Cedar Breaks Park, which manages the area)

It is highly recommended to check the official U.S. Army Corps of Engineers website for the Fort Worth District (specifically Lake Georgetown section) or Recreation.gov for the most accurate and up-to-date information on Cedar Hollow Camp's status, access, and any specific regulations before planning your trip.

Cedar Hollow Camp presents a compelling opportunity for Texans seeking an authentic and immersive outdoor experience. Its nature as a primitive, hike-in campsite along the iconic Good Water Trail offers a level of seclusion and connection with nature that is increasingly rare near urban centers. For local users in Texas, particularly those in the Central Texas region, Cedar Hollow Camp provides an accessible yet challenging escape into the wilderness without requiring extensive travel to more remote parts of the state.

The emphasis on self-sufficiency and the absence of extensive modern amenities mean that campers at Cedar Hollow truly embrace the spirit of traditional camping. This appeals to backpackers, experienced hikers, and anyone looking to test their outdoor skills while enjoying the stunning natural beauty of Lake Georgetown and the surrounding Hill Country. The opportunity to hike the 26-mile Good Water Trail directly from your campsite, coupled with the potential for peaceful lake views and abundant wildlife sightings, makes Cedar Hollow Camp a unique and rewarding destination. It's a place where Texans can truly disconnect from daily stresses, reconnect with nature, and create lasting memories through a genuine outdoor adventure right in their backyard.