The Campsite at Shield Ranch, located 22 miles from downtown Austin, Texas, has been recognized for its water conservation efforts. The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) awarded The Campsite the Texas Rain Catcher Award in the educational category for 2024, acknowledging its commitment to sustainable water management and promotion of rainwater harvesting.
The Campsite’s rainwater harvesting system boasts a storage capacity of 67,800 gallons, distributed across reservoirs and two cisterns. According to a press release, this system demonstrates sustainable alternatives to traditional water management, potentially simplifying the permitting process for Texans interested in implementing similar systems.
The Campsite’s sustainability efforts are comprehensive, featuring an open-air pavilion, 11 screened shelters, trails compliant with Americans with Disabilities Act standards, solar-powered lighting, and fans.
The upper level of the centrally located pavilion, with a capacity for up to 96 guests, offers an area for dining and events. It is equipped with a commercial kitchen, restrooms, and offices.
Large openings and ceiling fans provide cooling during warmer months, while sliding wall panels, a fireplace, and a wood-burning stove make the space usable in cooler weather. On the ground level, the pavilion features an inclement weather room and rainwater storage tanks, ensuring both comfort and sustainability.
In addition to the pavilion, 11 screened shelters, tucked under the shade of oaks and juniper trees, also provide guests with protection from insects and the elements while remaining cooler and sturdier than traditional tents.
Notably, the campsite houses the first Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ)-approved public water system that relies entirely on rainwater and the first onsite septic facility permitted by Travis County and TCEQ using evaporative waterless toilets.
Education is central to The Campsite’s mission. It offers nature-immersion experiences focusing on sustainability and conservation education, providing hands-on learning opportunities for participants. Designed to welcome 3,500 guests annually, The Campsite offers programs for experiential environmental education, community wellness, mindfulness, spiritual and contemplative retreats, and strategic planning.