Don't tell anyone about this Centex gem!

Comments: The Goodwater Trail is great, it's the only place in the hillcountry (that I know of) that allows free backcountry camping. The only exception is at Tejas Camp, where the fee is $6.00. The southside of the trail is the best part of the hike. The trail is actually a footpath, as opposed to the north side, and it is more hilly. Cedar Hollow camp is about 4.5 miles from the trail head, but the best spot is 6.5 miles out at Sawyer Camp. This spot sits underneath some large oaks at the foot of a hill right on the lake and solitude is virtually guaranteed. Coyotes serenade every night. The trail vanishes between the end of the 7th and 9th miles, but you can follow fence line most of the way and look for brown trail markers at other times. The 11 mile marker is where you'll find Tejas camp, it is also the only place on the trail to get water from a faucet. A short walk across a road takes you to the north side of the lake. The trail here is an old caliche road, which is flat and easy hiking. The only problem is that there is almost no shade. At 14.5 miles out you'll find Walnut Springs Camp. Since it is so close to the trailhead, it usually has people campng there. The wildlife is decent as well. I've seen turkeys, armadillos, vultures, deer, and lizards, plus this is the only place I've ever heard a large cat of some sort just outside my tent. Overall, the Goodwater Trail is an excellent hike in the Texas Hill Country.