By Lake Travis Zipline Adventures · Updated May 2026 · 12 min read
The Texas Hill Country is one of the best destinations for Girl Scout trips in the entire country. Spring-fed rivers, limestone canyon hiking, dark sky stargazing, horseback riding, kayaking, archery, wildlife watching, wildflower meadows, and some of the most genuinely beautiful outdoor landscapes in Texas all come together in this stretch of Central Texas within easy reach of Austin and San Antonio. This is the complete guide to the best Girl Scout trips in the Texas Hill Country in 2026 — starting with the one experience that every troop leader should book first.
Quick Answer — Best Girl Scout Trips in the Texas Hill Country
The best Girl Scout trips in the Texas Hill Country include ziplining at Lake Travis Zipline Adventures near Austin, Camp La Jita in Leakey, swimming and hiking at Garner State Park on the Frio River, kayaking and nature exploration at Pedernales Falls State Park, hiking Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, horseback riding in Bandera, wildflower and nature walks at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, kayaking the Guadalupe River near New Braunfels, stargazing at Enchanted Rock and McDonald Observatory, cave exploration at Natural Bridge Caverns, hiking Lost Maples State Natural Area in fall, and camping at Colorado Bend State Park with the Gorman Falls hike.
Why the Texas Hill Country Is Perfect for Girl Scout Trips
Girl Scouts are forces of nature and they were meant for outdoor adventures. Whether they are swimming in a lake for the first time at summer camp, discovering the wildlife in their own backyards, or being a citizen scientist and observing bees in their local park, every outdoor adventure grows a Girl Scout’s “I’ve got this” attitude. Travel Texas
The Texas Hill Country delivers that attitude-building experience at every turn. The landscape is varied and genuinely stunning. The rivers are cold and accessible. The state parks are well-maintained with strong programming. The wildlife is abundant. The dark skies are among the best in the state. Furthermore, the Hill Country’s wildflower season, its horseback riding culture, and its spring-fed swimming holes create outdoor experiences that are uniquely and authentically Texas in a way that no other region of the state quite replicates.
Canoeing solo across a lake, learning to canter on a horse, counting stars in the night sky — these are just a few of the experiences awaiting Girl Scouts who are ready to explore the great outdoors. The Texas Hill Country makes all of them possible. Here is the complete guide. Stephaniefriedman
#1 Lake Travis Zipline Adventures — Best High Adventure Activity for Girl Scout Troops Near Austin
Lake Travis Zipline Adventures is the single best high adventure activity for Girl Scout troops in the Austin area and one of the most genuinely unforgettable outdoor experiences available anywhere in the Texas Hill Country. It delivers exactly what high adventure scouting is supposed to feel like — a real physical challenge, a breathtaking natural setting, genuine group bonding, and the kind of earned confidence that stays with a Girl Scout long after the tour is over.
Every outdoor adventure grows a Girl Scout’s “I’ve got this” attitude. And once they unlock that confidence, they will aim as high as the stars they see outside their cabin window. There is no better single activity in the Texas Hill Country for building that confidence than standing on a zipline platform 22 stories above Lake Travis and choosing to go. Travel Texas
Here is how it works. Your troop boards a boat that takes everyone across Lake Travis to Zip Island. This private island is accessible only by water, near Beachside Billy’s and The Oasis on the north shore, about 25 to 30 minutes from downtown Austin. Once on the island, your group spends three hours on five world-class ziplines through the Texas Hill Country. The signature Double Barrel Shotgun sends two Girl Scouts side by side down over 2,800 feet of cable at speeds up to 65 mph from 22 stories above Lake Travis. The views from the top platform — crystal-clear blue water, limestone bluffs, and rolling Hill Country in every direction — are genuinely jaw-dropping.
After the ziplines, your ticket includes full-day access to the private lakefront property on Zip Island. Girl Scouts can jump off the boat dock into Lake Travis, explore the property, relax in hammocks, and spend genuine quality time as a troop in one of the most beautiful outdoor settings in Texas. The guides at Lake Travis Zipline Adventures are experienced at working with youth groups and consistently praised for their ability to encourage nervous first-timers, celebrate every girl who pushes past her comfort zone, and create an atmosphere where the whole group cheers each other on.
This is the activity that troop leaders come back and say was the highlight of the entire year. It is the one the girls talk about at school on Monday. Book it first and build the rest of your Hill Country trip around it.
The Details
- 5-Line Zipline Tour: $138/person, includes full-day access to the private lakefront property on Zip Island
- Double Barrel Single-Line Tour: $88/person
- Location: Near Beachside Billy’s and The Oasis on Lake Travis, about 25 to 30 minutes from downtown Austin
- Best For: Cadette, Senior, and Ambassador Girl Scouts, high adventure programming, group confidence building
- Group Bookings: Contact laketraviszipline.com directly for group availability and rates
- Reservations: Required at laketraviszipline.com
Pro Tip: Book well in advance. Group slots fill up fast especially during spring and summer when troop season peaks. Contact laketraviszipline.com as early as possible to lock in your troop’s spot.
Book Lake Travis Zipline Adventures for your Girl Scout troop today.
#2 Camp La Jita — Leakey, TX
Camp La Jita is a resident Girl Scout camp in the Texas Hill Country where girls find adventure and opportunities to participate in a variety of activities including horseback riding, kayaking, archery, a ropes course, arts and crafts, swimming, stargazing, and singing by the campfire. Lost with Lydia
Camp La Jita, operated by Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas, is one of the most beloved Girl Scout camps in the state and the premier Hill Country resident camp experience available to Texas Girl Scouts. Set in the rugged and beautiful Hill Country near Leakey, the camp offers one of the most comprehensive outdoor programming menus in the region. The combination of horseback riding, kayaking, ropes course, and archery in a Hill Country setting gives Girl Scouts of every level a genuine multi-day outdoor adventure experience.
Camp La Jita summer programming includes water-filled adventure weeks where campers learn water safety while enjoying water games, challenges, and activities all week long. Archery with water balloons, outdoor water relays, and creative splash-filled activities keep the Texas summer heat at bay while building real skills. Lost with Lydia
The Details
- Location: Leakey, TX, in the Texas Hill Country
- Best For: Brownie through Ambassador Girl Scouts, week-long summer camps, overnight troop experiences
- Website: girlscouts-swtx.org
- Best Activities: Horseback riding, kayaking, archery, ropes course, stargazing, campfire programming
#3 Garner State Park — Concan, TX
Garner State Park on the Frio River is one of the most beloved and consistently sold-out state parks in Texas and one of the best Girl Scout camping destinations in the entire Hill Country. Garner State Park offers swimming and floating on the Frio River, plus hiking and nightly dancing in summertime. Downtownaustin
The Frio River runs crystal clear and cold through the park even in the peak of summer, providing excellent swimming, tubing, and nature observation opportunities. The Pecan Flats Trail climbs from the river valley to canyon rim overlooks with sweeping views of the surrounding Hill Country. The outdoor dance pavilion on summer evenings is one of those uniquely Texas experiences that Girl Scout troops from outside the region consistently find joyful and surprising.
Furthermore, Garner is one of the best parks in the Hill Country for wildlife observation. White-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and a remarkable variety of songbirds are abundant throughout the property. The Frio River itself provides outstanding opportunities for freshwater biology education, nature journaling, and the hands-on environmental science programming that Girl Scout badges in nature and science call for.
The Details
- Location: Concan, TX, about 90 miles west of San Antonio
- Cost: $7 per person day use
- Best For: Swimming, river activities, hiking, camping, nature badge opportunities, all Girl Scout levels
- Website: tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/garner
- Best Activities: Frio River swimming and tubing, Pecan Flats Trail hike, wildlife watching, outdoor dance pavilion
- Pro Tip: Campsites at Garner book out 4 to 6 months in advance for spring and summer weekends. Book as early as possible through Texas State Parks.
#4 Enchanted Rock State Natural Area — Fredericksburg, TX
Enchanted Rock State Natural Area is the most iconic hiking destination in the Texas Hill Country and one of the most rewarding outdoor experiences available for Girl Scout troops. A massive pink granite dome rising 425 feet above the surrounding Hill Country, it is the second-largest exposed batholith in the United States and a genuinely spectacular place to spend a day with a troop.
The summit hike is about a mile round trip and is accessible for Girl Scouts of all fitness and age levels. The views from the top stretch across the Hill Country in every direction. The geology underfoot — 1.1 billion-year-old Precambrian granite — is a natural classroom for earth science and nature badge programming that no indoor session can replicate.
Furthermore, Enchanted Rock is a certified Dark Sky Park. Each starlit night, campers can enjoy tent camping and outdoor cooking which includes building fires, preparing meals, learning about outdoor living, sunset walks, stargazing fun, campfire programs, and more. For Girl Scout troops pursuing stargazing and astronomy badge requirements, a moonless night at Enchanted Rock puts a full Milky Way overhead that most girls have never seen from home. CultureMap Austin
The Details
- Location: 18 miles north of Fredericksburg, TX, about 1.5 hours from Austin
- Cost: $8 per adult day use fee
- Best For: Summit hiking, Dark Sky camping, geology and earth science programming, all Girl Scout levels
- Website: tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/enchanted-rock
- Pro Tip: Enchanted Rock reaches capacity frequently on spring and fall weekends. Book camping permits and day-use reservations 3 to 4 months in advance through Texas State Parks.
#5 Horseback Riding in Bandera — The Cowboy Capital of the World
Bandera calls itself the Cowboy Capital of the World and backs it up with some of the best horseback riding experiences in Texas. For Girl Scout troops, a guided horseback ride through the Hill Country is one of the most authentically Texan outdoor experiences available and one that consistently produces some of the most memorable moments of any troop trip.
GSTOP summer camps offer archery, horsemanship-specific camps, hiking, swimming, arts and crafts, and many Girl Scout camping traditions. Overnight camp sessions at Stevens Ranch include sessions specifically for horses. Travel Texas
Multiple dude ranches and guided riding operations near Bandera offer group trail rides through cedar-covered limestone hills and creek-bottom oak groves that feel genuinely remote even though they are accessible from the highway. The Medina River runs through the Bandera area and provides additional outdoor programming options including swimming holes and nature walks.
The Details
- Location: Bandera, TX, about 50 miles northwest of San Antonio
- Best Ranches: Dixie Dude Ranch, Twin Elm Guest Ranch, multiple outfitters on Hill Country back roads
- Cost: Trail rides from $40 to $80 per person per hour
- Best For: Brownie through Ambassador Girl Scouts, horsemanship skill development, authentic Texas outdoor experiences
- Best Season: Spring and fall for the most comfortable temperatures
#6 Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center — Austin, TX
The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in southwest Austin is 279 acres of native Texas landscapes, botanical gardens, and wildflower meadows dedicated to the former First Lady who helped define the Texas Hill Country aesthetic. For Girl Scout troops, it is one of the most comprehensive and beautiful nature education destinations near Austin.
The Wildflower Center offers structured programming for Scout groups including guided tours focused on native plant identification, pollinator observation, water conservation, and Texas ecosystem education. The spring wildflower season transforms the meadows into a spectacular display of bluebonnets, Indian paintbrush, black-eyed Susans, and dozens of other native species that provide outstanding opportunities for nature journaling, photography, and plant identification badge work.
Whether discovering the wildlife in their own backyard or being a citizen scientist and observing bees in their local park, every outdoor adventure grows a Girl Scout’s confidence. The Wildflower Center delivers exactly this kind of hands-on citizen science experience in a stunning outdoor setting. Travel Texas
The Details
- Address: 4801 La Crosse Ave, Austin TX 78739
- Cost: $12 for adults, $6 for youth ages 5 to 17
- Hours: 9 AM to 5 PM daily
- Website: wildflower.org
- Best For: Nature badge programming, plant identification, citizen science, all Girl Scout levels
- Best Season: March through May for peak wildflower bloom
#7 Kayaking the Guadalupe River — New Braunfels, TX
The Guadalupe River near New Braunfels is one of the best kayaking and canoeing rivers in Central Texas for Girl Scout troops. The water flows from Canyon Lake at a constant 68 degrees year round and the river offers a range of experiences from calm family-friendly stretches to gentle Class I and II rapids on the upper sections near Gruene.
Canoeing solo across a lake is one of the experiences awaiting Girl Scouts who are ready to explore the great outdoors. The Guadalupe River gives troops a real river experience with enough current to feel genuine and enough calm sections for confidence building and skill development. Multiple outfitters near New Braunfels offer group kayak and canoe rentals with shuttle service specifically designed for organized youth group trips. Travel Texas
The Details
- Location: New Braunfels, TX, about 50 miles south of Austin
- Best Outfitters: Rockin’ R River Rides, Gruene River Raft Company, multiple outfitters along the river
- Cost: $15 to $35 per person with shuttle service
- Best For: Aquatics badge programming, kayaking skill development, all Girl Scout levels with appropriate supervision
- Best Season: Spring through fall for the best water levels
#8 Stargazing at McDonald Observatory — Fort Davis, TX
McDonald Observatory in the Davis Mountains of West Texas sits under one of the darkest skies in the continental United States. The Star Parties held on Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday evenings cost $18 to $25 per person and are led by trained astronomers who guide visitors through the night sky using powerful telescopes. On clear nights the views of the Milky Way, planets, star clusters, and deep space objects are genuinely awe-inspiring for Girl Scouts and adults alike.
Stargazing fun and campfire programs are among the most beloved Girl Scout camp traditions. McDonald Observatory takes that campfire stargazing tradition to a completely different level. For troops pursuing astronomy and space science badge requirements, a Star Party at McDonald Observatory is the most comprehensive and memorable astronomy education experience available anywhere in Texas. CultureMap Austin
The Details
- Location: Fort Davis, TX, about 2 hours from Big Bend National Park
- Cost: $18 to $25 per person for Star Parties
- Best For: Astronomy badge programming, science education, West Texas multi-day troop trips
- Website: mcdonaldobservatory.org
- Pro Tip: Combine McDonald Observatory with a Big Bend camping trip for the ultimate West Texas Girl Scout adventure.
#9 Natural Bridge Caverns — San Antonio, TX
Natural Bridge Caverns is the largest commercial cavern system in Texas and one of the best earth science education experiences for Girl Scout troops near San Antonio and the Hill Country. The Discovery Tour takes troops 1.25 miles underground through massive chambers filled with stalactites, stalagmites, helictites, and flowstone formations that took millions of years to form. The constant 60-degree temperature inside the caverns provides welcome relief from Texas summer heat.
For older Girl Scouts, the Adventure Tour takes groups through undeveloped sections of the cave system with headlamps and hands-on exploration that goes beyond the standard guided tour. It is an excellent option for Cadette and Senior troops looking for a more challenging underground experience that connects to geology, earth science, and environmental stewardship badge requirements.
The Details
- Location: 26 miles north of San Antonio, TX
- Cost: $25 per adult for the Discovery Tour
- Best For: Geology badge programming, earth science education, all Girl Scout levels, summer heat relief
- Website: naturalbridgecaverns.com
#10 Pedernales Falls State Park — Johnson City, TX
Pedernales Falls State Park offers 5,200 acres of Hill Country wilderness with hiking trails, backcountry camping, river swimming, and exceptional bird watching opportunities about 40 miles west of Austin. The park’s signature feature is the Pedernales River flowing over dramatic limestone ledges in a series of tiered waterfalls and natural swimming holes that are genuinely spectacular after a good rain.
The Wolf Mountain Trail offers one of the most rewarding backcountry hiking experiences in the Hill Country — 10.8 miles through rugged limestone terrain with outstanding canyon overlooks and a real sense of backcountry immersion. Furthermore, Pedernales Falls is an outstanding location for bird watching badge programming. The golden-cheeked warbler, a federally endangered species that breeds exclusively in the Texas Hill Country, has been observed in the park during spring and summer.
The Details
- Location: Johnson City, TX, about 40 miles west of Austin
- Cost: $6 per person day use
- Best For: Hiking, backcountry camping, bird watching badge programming, Senior and Ambassador troops
- Website: tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/pedernales-falls
- Best Activities: Wolf Mountain Trail, Pedernales River swimming, bird watching, backcountry camping
#11 Kayaking the Frio River — Concan, TX
The Frio River near Concan is one of the most beautiful and most pristine river valleys in the Texas Hill Country. The water is crystal clear and cold even in the peak of summer, and the surrounding cypress trees and limestone bluffs create a setting that feels genuinely remote. The river is calmer and more suitable for younger Girl Scouts than the Guadalupe, making it an excellent choice for Brownie and Junior troops taking on their first river kayaking experience.
Multiple outfitters near Concan offer kayak and canoe rentals with shuttle service for organized groups. The combination of a Frio River kayak trip with a camping night at Garner State Park just upstream makes for one of the most complete and memorable Hill Country Girl Scout overnight itineraries available.
The Details
- Location: Concan, TX, about 90 miles west of San Antonio
- Best For: Younger Girl Scouts, first-time river kayaking, Brownie and Junior troops
- Best Season: Spring through fall for the best water levels and temperatures
- Pro Tip: Combine with a camping night at Garner State Park for the most complete Hill Country river experience.
#12 Lost Maples State Natural Area — Vanderpool, TX
Lost Maples State Natural Area is home to a rare isolated population of Uvalde bigtooth maples and some of the most rugged and rewarding backcountry hiking in the Texas Hill Country. The Can Creek Trail covers 10 miles of canyon terrain through limestone formations, creek crossings, and plateau overlooks that represent some of the most dramatic hiking scenery in the region.
In October and November the maple leaves turn brilliant gold and red in one of the most spectacular fall color displays in Texas. For Girl Scout troops making a fall camping trip, Lost Maples at peak color is one of the most visually stunning outdoor experiences available in the state. The fall wildflower season also produces excellent butterfly watching opportunities along the canyon floor.
The Details
- Location: Vanderpool, TX, about 2.5 hours west of San Antonio
- Cost: $6 per person day use
- Best For: Backcountry hiking, fall color viewing, butterfly and nature observation, Senior and Ambassador troops
- Website: tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/lost-maples
- Pro Tip: Lost Maples reaches capacity on fall color weekends in October and November. Reservations sell out months in advance.
#13 Colorado Bend State Park and Gorman Falls — Lampasas, TX
Colorado Bend State Park contains one of the most stunning natural features in Texas — Gorman Falls, a 70-foot waterfall covered entirely in maidenhair ferns and dripping with calcium-carbonate formations that create an otherworldly grotto. The 3-mile round trip hike to the falls through limestone canyon terrain is a genuinely special Girl Scout hiking experience that consistently surprises troops with how dramatically beautiful the payoff is.
The park also offers guided cave tours that take Girl Scouts through several of the park’s cave systems with a ranger or trained guide. The spring-fed Colorado River provides river swimming opportunities in a remote and beautiful setting. The combination of canyon hiking, waterfall exploration, cave tours, and river swimming makes Colorado Bend one of the most complete single-destination experiences in the Hill Country.
The Details
- Location: Near Lampasas, TX, about 2 hours northwest of Austin
- Cost: $6 per person day use
- Best For: Hiking, cave exploration, waterfall photography, nature badge programming, all Girl Scout levels
- Website: tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/colorado-bend
- Pro Tip: Gorman Falls guided tours and cave tours book out fast. Reserve well in advance through Texas State Parks.
#14 Bird Watching and Wildlife Observation — Balcones Canyonlands NWR
The Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge near Lago Vista, about 30 miles northwest of Austin, is one of the best bird watching destinations in Central Texas and one of the most accessible for Girl Scout troops based in or visiting Austin. The refuge protects critical habitat for the golden-cheeked warbler and the black-capped vireo, two federally threatened species that breed exclusively in the Texas Hill Country juniper and oak woodlands.
Guided bird walks led by refuge volunteers are available throughout spring and early summer. For Girl Scout troops pursuing the Bird Study badge, Animal Habitat badge, or Environmental Science programming, the Balcones Canyonlands refuge offers a genuine conservation science experience in one of the most ecologically significant landscapes in Texas.
The Details
- Location: Lago Vista, TX, about 30 miles northwest of Austin
- Cost: Free, federal lands open to the public
- Best For: Bird Study badge, Environmental Science badge, conservation education, all Girl Scout levels
- Best Season: April through June for peak warbler and vireo breeding season
#15 Nature Journaling at Barton Creek Greenbelt — Austin, TX
The Barton Creek Greenbelt in Austin has nearly 13 miles of free trails through limestone canyon walls, spring-fed swimming holes, and shaded creek beds right inside the city. For Girl Scout troops based in or visiting Austin, the Greenbelt is one of the most accessible and genuinely beautiful nature settings available for outdoor programming without leaving the city.
Nature journaling along the Greenbelt combines art, observation, writing, and science in a format that resonates naturally with Girl Scouts across every level. Twin Falls and Sculpture Falls swimming areas provide cool water in the Texas heat. The rock faces along the trail provide excellent geological observation opportunities. And the abundant songbird population makes the Greenbelt a productive bird watching destination from early morning onward.
The Details
- Location: Multiple access points throughout South and West Austin
- Cost: Free
- Best For: Nature journaling, bird watching, swimming, all Girl Scout levels, day trips from downtown Austin
Badge Opportunities in the Texas Hill Country
A well-planned Hill Country Girl Scout trip can advance multiple badges simultaneously. Here are the strongest badge connections for each major Hill Country activity:
Lake Travis Zipline Adventures: High adventure, courage, challenge, teamwork. Connects to Girl Scout Leadership Experience programming for Cadette, Senior, and Ambassador levels.
River Kayaking and Canoeing: Aquatics badge, kayaking skill development, water safety, Leave No Trace education.
Enchanted Rock Hiking: Hiking badge, geology and earth science, outdoor living skills, camping badge requirements.
Horseback Riding: Horsemanship, animal care, Texas cultural heritage education.
Bird Watching: Bird Study badge, Environmental Science badge, conservation advocacy.
Cave Exploration: Geology badge, earth science, environmental stewardship.
Wildflower Center: Plant identification, pollinator science, citizen science, environmental action.
Stargazing: Astronomy badge, space science, STEM programming.
Nature Journaling: Art, writing, science, observation — a natural multi-badge activity for any outdoor setting.
Planning Your Girl Scout Hill Country Trip — Tips for Troop Leaders
Book Everything Early. Texas state parks fill up months in advance for spring and fall weekends. Garner State Park, Enchanted Rock, and Lost Maples are the most competitive. Book 4 to 6 months in advance. Lake Travis Zipline Adventures group slots also fill up well in advance during peak season — contact laketraviszipline.com as early as possible.
Follow the Girl Scout Outdoor Progression. The Girl Scout outdoor progression helps determine the best fit for your troop’s experience level. Match your activities to where your girls are in the outdoor progression. A first-year Brownie troop needs different programming than a Senior troop preparing for high adventure. Stephaniefriedman
Plan for Texas Heat. Schedule all hiking and strenuous outdoor activities before 10 AM and after 6 PM during summer months. The Hill Country rivers, spring-fed swimming holes, and Natural Bridge Caverns provide essential midday heat relief that should be built into every summer troop itinerary.
Embrace Citizen Science. The Hill Country’s diverse ecosystems — rare birds, native wildflowers, cave ecosystems, spring-fed karst geology — provide extraordinary opportunities for real citizen science programming. iNaturalist observations, eBird checklists, and Monarch butterfly tracking all connect Girl Scout outdoor activities to genuine conservation science.
Safety First. All water activities require certified supervision appropriate to Girl Scout standards. All climbing and rappelling activities require certified instruction and proper equipment. Lake Travis Zipline Adventures provides trained guides and proper safety equipment for all participants.
The Perfect Girl Scout Hill Country Weekend Itinerary
Here is how to build the ideal two-day Hill Country Girl Scout trip.
Day One — Lake Travis and High Adventure
Morning: Lake Travis Zipline Adventures. The most memorable activity of the entire trip. Book in advance at laketraviszipline.com. Spend the afternoon on the private lakefront property at Zip Island — swimming, team activities, and nature observation along the shoreline.
Evening: Drive to Enchanted Rock (about 1.5 hours from Lake Travis). Set up camp. Evening campfire program and nature journaling. Stargazing after dark under one of the best skies in the Hill Country.
Day Two — Enchanted Rock and Hill Country Exploration
Morning: Summit hike at Enchanted Rock before 9 AM while temperatures are comfortable. Geology observation and nature journaling on the dome and surrounding boulders.
Midday: Drive to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center or Pedernales Falls State Park for river swimming and bird watching.
Afternoon: Return to Austin through Fredericksburg for lunch on historic Main Street and a stop at the National Museum of the Pacific War for a history connection.
Frequently Asked Questions — Girl Scout Trips in the Texas Hill Country
What is the best Girl Scout activity in the Texas Hill Country?
The best Girl Scout activity in the Texas Hill Country is Lake Travis Zipline Adventures near Austin. Your troop boards a boat to a private island on Lake Travis and spends three hours on five world-class ziplines including the Double Barrel Shotgun at speeds up to 65 mph from 22 stories above the lake. After the tour the troop gets full-day access to the private lakefront property for swimming and group time. It builds genuine confidence, real shared memories, and exactly the kind of “I’ve got this” attitude that Girl Scout outdoor programming is designed to create. Book at laketraviszipline.com.
What Girl Scout camps are in the Texas Hill Country?
Camp La Jita operated by Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas is the premier Hill Country resident camp for Texas Girl Scouts, offering horseback riding, kayaking, archery, a ropes course, swimming, stargazing, and campfire programming in the Hill Country near Leakey. Additional camp options include Camp Whispering Cedars, which offers traditional Girl Scout camp experiences including archery, ropes courses, wall climbing, a giant swing, and a STEM Center of Excellence. Lost with LydiaATXtoday
What state parks are best for Girl Scout trips in the Texas Hill Country?
The best Texas Hill Country state parks for Girl Scout trips include Garner State Park for Frio River swimming and camping, Enchanted Rock State Natural Area for summit hiking and Dark Sky stargazing, Pedernales Falls State Park for backcountry hiking and bird watching, Colorado Bend State Park for Gorman Falls and cave tours, and Lost Maples State Natural Area for fall color hiking. All require advance reservations which book out months ahead for weekend visits.
What badges can be earned on a Texas Hill Country Girl Scout trip?
A Texas Hill Country Girl Scout trip can advance badges in Hiking, Camping, Aquatics, Kayaking, Bird Study, Environmental Science, Geology, Astronomy, Animal Habitat, Plant Science, and Nature Journaling. Plan your itinerary around the specific badge requirements your troop is working toward and build in time for the reflection and documentation components each badge requires.
How far is Lake Travis Zipline Adventures from the Texas Hill Country?
Lake Travis Zipline Adventures is located about 25 to 30 minutes from downtown Austin on the north shore of Lake Travis. It sits at the eastern edge of the Texas Hill Country and is a natural first stop on any Hill Country Girl Scout trip itinerary. From Lake Travis, Enchanted Rock is about 1.5 hours west, Garner State Park is about 2.5 hours west, and Camp La Jita is about 2.5 hours southwest. Book at laketraviszipline.com.
Plan the Girl Scout Hill Country Trip They Will Never Forget
Camp is a place where girls forge lifelong friendships, embark on exciting adventures, and uncover passions worth revisiting. Let your daughter’s imagination soar as she embraces independence and endless possibilities. Swept Away Today
The Texas Hill Country delivers all of that and more. From the ziplines at Lake Travis to the Gorman Falls hike, the Frio River in summer, the Milky Way at Enchanted Rock, and the golden-cheeked warbler at Pedernales Falls — the Hill Country gives Girl Scouts the kind of outdoor experiences that shape who they become.
Start your Hill Country Girl Scout adventure with the best single activity in the region. Book Lake Travis Zipline Adventures for your troop at laketraviszipline.com and lock in your group’s spot before it sells out. Then build the rest of the perfect Hill Country trip around it.
For more Austin and Lake Travis outdoor inspiration check out our guides to the Top 50 Outdoor Activities in Texas, Best Things to Do on Lake Travis, and Best Family Friendly Activities in Austin TX.