sleep under the stars

Hill Country RV resort chills out as a best camping destination for 2024

Oak Forest RV Resort is a "bucket list" destination, according to Campspot.

Photo courtesy of Oak Forest RV Resort

Austin's reputation as a bustling tech hub isn't the only reason why out-of-towners flock to the city for a vacation. The Capital of Texas is also one of the best camping destinations in 2024, according to a new report by Campspot.

The online campsite finder ranked a "bucket list" of areas and campsites based on popularity for travelers to reinvigorate their sense of connection with nature. Austin ranked No. 18 out of the 24 U.S. locales.

"Campers in Austin can enjoy the city’s live music scene, eclectic food options, and cultural attractions alongside its many outdoor attractions, including riverside sites along the Colorado River to the serene landscapes of McKinney Falls State Park," the report's author wrote. "With the opportunity for hiking, rock climbing, and water activities in the nearby lakes, camping in Austin provides a perfect balance between urban excitement and outdoor adventure in the heart of Texas."

Campspot suggests Texas travelers looking to explore Austin-area camping should visit Oak Forest RV Resort, which is less than 10 miles east of downtown Austin, and only two miles away from Lake Walter E. Long. The resort provides accommodations for motorhomes, fifth-wheel RVs, and travel trailers. Fully furnished rental cabins are also available for vacationers or small groups who want to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, but keep some amenities.

There's plenty of activities to keep guests and children busy at the resort, including a playground, ping pong tables, and bocce ball courts. Pets can also work through some of their energy at one of the on-site dog parks.

If relaxation is the ultimate goal for a vacation, visitors can get some sun at the resort-style pool or take a dip in the hot tub.

There are many opportunities for exploring the Austin area that don't involve spending time in the city. Campers can take some time to explore the Zilker Botanical Garden, visit Mount Bonnell, or walk along the Barton Springs Greenbelt.

For campers looking to get out of Austin but remain in the Hill Country should set their sights on Hidden Falls Adventure Park in Marble Falls, or Lazy L&L Campground in New Braunfels, which were among Campspot's Best Campgrounds in America in 2023.

The top 10 best places to camp in 2024 are:

No. 1 – Denver, Colorado
No. 2 – Oxford, Florida
No. 3 – Yellowstone National Park
No. 4 – Great Smoky Mountains National Park
No. 5 – Orlando, Florida
No. 6 – Arches National Park
No. 7 – Tampa, Florida
No. 8 – Acadia National Park
No. 9 – St. Augustine, Florida
No. 10 – Phoenix, Arizona

The report can be found on campspot.com.

austin camping reports

HAUTE PROPERTIES

Southern Living picks Texas Hill Country as location of 2026 Idea House

Southern Living Idea House Fredericksburg

Rendering by Jon Messer.

Southern Living Idea House will be open for tours beginning September 18.

Whether Texas is part of the South may still be an open question, but Southern Living is settling the debate with a big investment. The Birmingham, Alabama-based lifestyle magazine will build its newest Idea House in the Hill Country town of Fredericksburg.

For more than 35 years, Southern Living has drafted Southern builders, architects, and designers to build new homes that not only showcase the latest innovations in home design but are the epitomes of Southern style. This year, the magazine chose Fredericksburg's Friedën community, a 130-acre development featuring parks, nature trails, and lakes.

"We're excited to call Fredericksburg home for the year and to celebrate the distinct character of the Texas Hill Country,” says editor-in-chief Sid Evans in a release. “Surrounded by rolling hills and wide-open views, this home reflects the region's natural beauty and the relaxed spirit of the Lone Star State."

The design of the versatile home proves the modern farmhouse trend still has some legs. Southern Living’s designers update the look by ditching whitewashed everything for a more contemporary color palette that blends in with the Hill Country’s natural landscape. Floor-to-ceiling windows further “dissolve the boundaries” between the interior and the great outdoors.

To bring their vision to life, Southern Living drafted a local team, including builder Kurk Homes, architect Andrew Bray of Mustard Architects, landscape designer Melissa Gerstle, and interior designers Jean Liu, Marcus Mohon, and Paloma Contreras. But real estate gawkers will have to wait to see most of the details. The house won’t be unveiled until September 18, when public tours open and the October issue hits stands.

Southern Living, however, did tease a few details, saying the home is being built for “multi-generational” living with sustainable products and appliances, a motor court entry, and a private casita. No doubt, interior design buffs will also find inspiration in the decor's bold choices. Last year’s Idea House in Virginia mixed in everything from garden florals and African mudcloth to animal prints and kitchsy cottagecore art.

The Idea House will be open to the public for tours from September 18 through December 20, 2026. Tickets will be available beginning in April, with a portion of the proceeds supporting area charities. After the open house, the home will be available for sale at an undisclosed price.

homes home design interior design fredericksburg hill country southern living