University of Texas at Austin Tailgating

Lot 26 at the North Austin Complex, JH Winters Building (701 W 51st Street) serves as the primary RV parking option for UT Austin games, offering first-come, first-served spaces for standard vehicles, RVs, and oversized vehicles.

Lot 26 Features:

• $20 for overnight parking: 6 pm the day before the game through noon the day after
• $10 for game-day-only parking
• First-come, first-served—no reservations accepted
• No electrical or water hookups available
• Portable toilets are located in the park across the street
• Free round-trip shuttle service to DKR Stadium
• Shuttles run starting three hours before kickoff, continuing one hour after the game ends
• RVs may require the purchase of multiple parking spaces, depending on size
• Pay upon entry—cash and cards accepted

Important RV Guidelines:

• Arrive Friday evening for the best overnight spot availability
• Large RVs should confirm space requirements with attendants upon entry
• Generator use is permitted within your assigned spaces
• Tailgating is allowed within your space boundaries
• No driving within parking areas at night
• Maximum stay includes one night before and the morning after the games

If you prefer full hookups and resort amenities, several exceptional campgrounds near campus provide comfortable staging:

Austin East KOA offers premium RV sites just minutes from campus, featuring concrete pads, full hookups (20/30/50 amp), cable TV, and WiFi. Enjoy seasonal swimming pools, recreation rooms, playgrounds, and clean shower facilities. The campground puts you close to live music venues, Rodeo Austin, Travis County Exposition Center, and UT campus. Many guests park their RV here and drive their tow vehicle to campus for tailgating, returning to comfortable accommodations after the game.

McKinney Falls RV Park sits within McKinney Falls State Park on Austin's south side, providing a natural setting with water and electrical hookups, WiFi, bathrooms, showers, and playground equipment. Located about 20 minutes from DKR Stadium, this pet-friendly campground offers peaceful surroundings while keeping you close to game-day action. Note that during peak attendance, the park may temporarily close to new arrivals, though campers with reserved sites can still enter and exit.

Emma Long Metropolitan Park sits on Austin's northwest side along the Colorado River, offering varying hookup options in a scenic woodland setting. Pets are welcome, and the park provides bathrooms, game courts, and easy water access. Located just 15 minutes from campus, this year-round campground provides a peaceful base while keeping you close to the stadium and downtown attractions.

For more upscale options, consider La Hacienda RV Resort on Lake Travis, featuring luxury amenities including fitness centers, multiple swimming pools, hot tubs, and a dog park. Austin Lone Star RV Resort offers shaded sites with full hookups just minutes from downtown Austin and Lady Bird Lake.

The UT at Austin campus and DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium may be expansive sites, but that shouldn’t be a problem when you realize how many transportation options there are. Take a shuttle from the game to the city, or a golf cart around the venue itself. There are also opportunities to ride your bikes, scooters, and other wheeled transport around your RV and tailgating lots.

When preparing for your Texas tailgating adventure, consider Austin's weather extremes. Football season runs from late August through January, spanning scorching early-season heat to occasional cold snaps in late fall. Early season games regularly hit 95°F with intense Texas sun, while November and December can dip into the 40s. Layer your Longhorns gear strategically: burnt orange T-shirts and shorts for early season, with long-sleeved jerseys, hoodies, and jackets ready for late-season games. Austin's weather can shift quickly, so pack versatile options.

Inside DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium, you'll enjoy modern amenities and protection from the elements, but tailgating happens outdoors where the Texas sun shows no mercy. Wide-brimmed hats, quality sunglasses, and multiple applications of sunscreen are essential even into October. Don't forget your burnt orange—showing up without proper team colors means you're missing the point of Longhorn game day.

Hook 'em Horns starts with proper gear. Pack your favorite burnt orange apparel, Longhorn flags, foam "Hook 'em Horns" hand signs, and folding chairs decorated in team colors. When Longhorns fans pass your RV, they should immediately know you're family. If you need more team spirit, the Texas Team Shop and University Co-op near campus offer extensive merchandise selections.

Bring folding tables, pop-up canopies for shade (most tailgating areas lack natural cover), coolers, grills (gas or charcoal permitted in designated areas), serving supplies, and games like cornhole or ladder toss. Portable speakers playing Texas Fight songs enhance the atmosphere, though keep volume respectful of neighboring tailgaters. Many fans bring small TVs or tablets to watch other games before kickoff. Remember a clear bag that meets stadium requirements if you plan to bring anything inside—backpacks, large purses, and diaper bags aren't permitted.

Texas football is an all-day marathon when you combine parking lot festivities with the game itself. Standing for hours on concrete can take its toll, so bring comfortable shoes with supportive insoles and quality socks. Austin's intense sun and heat require serious preparation: pack mini fans, cooling towels, multiple water bottles, electrolyte drinks, and plenty of sunscreen. Free water stations throughout stadium areas provide refills with cups provided.

Keep a well-stocked first aid kit in your RV with bandages, pain relievers, antihistamines, blister treatments, and any personal medications. If sensitive to loud noises, bring headphones—DKR gets thunderous, especially when Smokey the Cannon fires after touchdowns. The stadium is cashless, so ensure your cards work and have backup payment methods. Hand sanitizer and wet wipes help with outdoor tailgating cleanup.

Longhorn tailgating provides the perfect opportunity to showcase your grilling skills and share good luck dishes with fellow fans. Fire up your gas or charcoal grill in designated tailgating areas and create traditional Texas BBQ: brisket, ribs, sausages, and all the fixings that make Hill Country cuisine legendary. Many tailgaters prepare elaborate spreads featuring queso, seven-layer dips, fajitas, loaded potato skins, and classic burger and hot dog setups.

Your RV's refrigerator keeps ingredients fresh while your onboard kitchen allows food prep in a comfortable, climate-controlled space. Charcoal grillers should dispose of hot coals only in designated containers located throughout parking areas. Gas grills are convenient and cleanup-friendly. Whether cooking simple game-day classics or elaborate Texas feasts, tailgating lets you control quality, save money versus stadium concessions, and create community with neighboring Longhorns fans.

Visiting Austin means experiencing world-class Tex-Mex and authentic Texas BBQ. Within walking distance of campus, you'll find legendary Austin establishments serving breakfast tacos, queso, and brisket that justify Texas's culinary reputation. Scholz Garten, opening three hours before kickoff, serves traditional German fare and craft beers alongside tailgate favorites—it's been a Longhorn institution for generations.

The Drag (Guadalupe Street) along campus features diverse dining from quick-service options to sit-down restaurants. Downtown Austin's entertainment districts—Sixth Street, Rainey Street, and East Austin—offer everything from food trucks to James Beard-nominated fine dining. Don't miss Franklin Barbecue, La Barbecue, or Terry Black's for legendary brisket (arrive early—lines form quickly). For Tex-Mex, Matt's El Rancho, Chuy's, and Torchy's Tacos represent Austin authenticity.

Inside DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium, you'll discover diverse food options that showcase Austin's culinary scene. The stadium operates cashless, so leave cash in your RV and bring cards. Choose from traditional fan favorites like hot dogs and nachos, Salt Lick brisket nachos, Chick-fil-A, Pluckers wings, sausage wraps from The Gridiron, State Fair Fare funnel cakes, and Amy's Ice Cream. The UFCU Fan Club behind the south end zone offers buffet options near Bevo's viewing area.

Drinks include options from Tito's Lounge, Texas Tavern, and Bud Light Back 40, among other locations throughout the stadium. Premium seating areas and club sections offer enhanced dining experiences. With so many choices, even picky eaters find something satisfying. Just remember—everything purchased inside uses card payment only.