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How to Camp at Enchanted Rock State Natural Area for South by Southwest

The Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, located about 20 miles north of Fredericksburg, Texas, is an exciting place to get away from the hustle and bustle of Austin during its annual South by Southwest Music Festival. The centerpiece of the campground, the Enchanted Rock itself, is a pink-granite dome that rises 425 feet above the ground and sometimes emits loud groaning and creaking noises. If you enjoy the outdoors, you can camp at Enchanted Rock during the SXSW Festival.

Things You'll Need

  • Firewood
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Instructions

    • 1

      Calculate your commute times to Austin from Enchanted Rock, and work them into your itinerary. The Enchanted Rock is nearly 100 miles from Austin. During the South by Southwest Festival, it may take two hours or more each way, depending upon traffic.

    • 2

      Plan to camp during South by Southwest by making your reservations well in advance. The campground tends to fill up before noon on the weekends and by 5 p.m. during the week. You can reserve your spot by email, phone or fax.

    • 3

      Take advantage of the many camp amenities available at Enchanted Rock, including restrooms with showers, picnic tables, tent pads, fire rings and the Texas State Park Store, where you can buy souvenirs. Make sure you bring your own firewood, however, since all of the natural vegetation is protected.

    • 4

      Explore Enchanted Rock by hiking on one of the many natural trails available to campers and taking note of the flora and fauna. The park is home to many varieties of wildlife, such as squirrels, rabbits, armadillos, lizards and even turkey vultures, which hold court on top of Enchanted Rock itself. Note that rock climbers will need to register with park rangers before climbing.

    • 5

      Check out the website for Enchanted Rock, which will give you more information about making reservations (see Resources below). The website, run by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, also contains information about entry fees, rules and regulations, maps and directions, current weather conditions and park-sponsored events.

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