When you think of Texas, you think more to cowboys, barbeques, oil, cities like Houston, Dallas and Austin and not on camping. In reality, Texas is huge, it takes 24 hours just to cross it and has a diverse landscape make by tons of state parks, sandy beaches, rivers, spring-fed swimming pools and lots of camping places. Keep in mind tough, that camping anywhere in Texas is not permitted and should be done only in designated camping places.
So if you are in Texas and planning to escape the city life and go camping, we put together a list with the best camping spots in Texas (free and paid). We recommend to do a reservation in advance, that way you’ll have higher chances in finding a cool spot.
Big Bend National Park
Big Bend National Park is the first camping place in Texas that we can think of. It’s a big and beautiful national park with over 800,000 acres of canyons, mountains, desert, lots of hiking trails, activities around the Rio Grande River, over 450 species of birds and other wild animals and three camping sites. Big Bend National Park is also known as one of the least visited national park in the States with less than 400,000 tourists annually. To put that in perspective, the Great Smokies are having over 12 million of tourists per year.
Located close to the border between US and Mexico in the west of Texas, the Big Bend National Park is six hours drive from El Paso and and seven hours from San Antonio. There are four campgrounds in the park and the biggest one is Rio Grande Village Campground with over 100 places for the tent that are close to the Rio Grande River. The other campgrounds are Chisos Basin Campground and Cottonwood Campground.
Once there you can hike in one of the many trails that are in the park, like the Chimneys Trail that leads to a rock formation in the desert, the Marufo Vega trail that passes through scenic canyons made by the Rio Grande River and South Rim trail which goes through the Chisos mountains.
Next to hiking you can do bird-watching to observe the vast variety of birds that can be found there and other wild animals. There are more than 4000 species of wild animals in the Big Bend National Park.
If you plan to go camping in the Big Bend National Park, keep in mind that during the hot months the temperatures can get pretty high.
Guadalupe River State Park
Guadalupe River State Park is located somehow in the middle of Texas at the Guadalupe River shore in Kendall and Comal Counties and was opened to the public in 1983. With almost 2000 acres of beautiful land, Guadalupe River State Park is an excellent place for children and an ideal place for camping, hiking, tubing and other watersports and activities. There are four miles of river frontage perfect for tubing, swimming, fishing or canoeing.
For hiking you can take the Bald Cypress Trail or the equestrian trail which can be done on a bike as well or the guided tour of the Honey Creek State Natural Area.
There are three camp sites at the Guadalupe River State Park from which Turkey Sink and Cedar Sage Campground is the biggest. Basic facilities can be found there like showers, electrical hookup for the RV and restrooms and you have to book a two night stay minimum. Also in the park can be found other nine primitive camp sites areas.
Padre Island National Seashore
Padre Island National Seashore is a protected area that separates the Laguna Madre from the Gulf of Mexico and is the biggest undeveloped barrier island in the world with 70 miles of seashore line. Camping amongst the dunes, sea turtles, Spanish shipwrecks, tidal flats and breathing the salty breeze will be a unique experience for any beach or watersports lover.
There are five campgrounds that are open all year round such as Malaquite Campground, Bird Island Basin Campground, and the primitive ones such as Yarborough Pass, South Beach and North Beach on which oyu need to obtain a free permit before setting the camp.
The Malaquite Campground is the biggest one with 48 camping places with toilets and showers but that’s it, no RV electrical hook-ups or firewood to buy. The other primitive campgrounds like Bird Island Basin are having only chemical toilets. To get to these campgrounds at Padre Island National Seashore you’ll need to be prepared to drive through sand so would be preferred a 4WD car but can be accessed with a 2WD car but you have to expect some difficulties if you don’t have the proper equipment, so better be prepared. The beaches are also frequently visited by windsurfers, being a popular place for it’s winds. Late winter and early spring at Padre Island National Seashore are super windy and is not preferred to visit during that period. The best period to visit is in June, July and August.
Palo Duro Canyon State Park
Would you like to camp in the second largest canyon in United States? Palo Duro Canyon State Park is the second largest canyon in the United States. The closest cities are Amarillo and Canyon in the area so called “Texas Panhandle”. It’s around 120 miles long and the maximum depth is 1000 feet. The name means in Spanish “hard stick” and it was changed later on “The Grand Canyon of Texas” for it’s multicolored layers of rock and rough shapes.
There are in total six campgrounds at Palo Duro Canyon State Park. These are the Equestrian Camp Area, Mesquite Camp Area, Cow Camp Cabins, Cactus Campground and the Juniper RV Park. If you camp don’t start any ash producing fire inside the park because it’s not allowed.
The area served as inspiration in Georgia O’Keeffe paintings so you can imagine what impact would have on you spending some night there.
Enchanted Rock State Natural Area
Enchanted Rock State Natural Area is the most known for it’s large pink granite rock formations, the largest in US. Located in the center of Texas, twenty miles north of Fredericksburg, the Enchanted Rock State Natural Area brings the visitor a unique experience when camping next to the giant pink rocks.
There are 35 camp sites with access to water, showers and toilets. some of the camp spot are walk-in camp spots and some of them are primitive camp spots. Other activities that can be done at the Enchanted Rock State Natural Area are rock climbing and hiking the 11 miles of trails in the Park.
Beavers Bend State Park
Even if it’s not technically in Texas, we had to mention the Beavers Bend State Park because it’s just a three hour ride from Dallas and it’s a well known place for camping around Texas where many people regularly visit it for it’s nature with the beautiful lake and forest around and calmness of the place.
The park offers plenty of activities for individuals and for groups as well. Some of these activities are eagle watching from November through February, horseback rides, fishing, hayrides, hikes, water sports, jet ski, renting boats and many more. Plenty of activities and festivals are held in Beavers Bend State Park all way through the year. It’s a special place for any kind of personality and hobbies.
There are almost 20 campgrounds and camping possibilities with lots of amenities like fireplaces, RV hook-up, AC, cabins with full bathrooms with all sorts of kitchen appliances.
Caddo Lake State Park
Caddo Lake State Park is located in in the piney woods of eastern Texas very close with the border with Louisiana. The lake was formed by a gigantic log jam, also known as the Great Raft. The area is rich in tall cypress trees and bayous and is one of the best camping and fishing destination in eastern Texas. There are plenty of places for tent camping close to the water toilets and showers and plenty spots for RV-hookup.
If you plan to camp in Caddo Lake State Park we highly recommend you to take a canoe or a boat ride and maybe do some fishing as well. Other popular activities are hiking on the popular trails in the area.
Camp Tonkawa Springs
Escape the crowdedness of the city and spend a relaxed weekend at Camp Tonkawa Springs close to a crystal clear spring fed pond and surrounded by forest. At around three hours drive from Dallas and three hours from Houston, in east of Texas, Camp Tonkawa Springs is a clean campground with friendly staff and the piece of la resistance is the blue pond close to the camp. There is a $10 entry fee for swimming there but it’s totally worth it. It’s a perfect way to refresh in a hot summer Texas day.
Gulf Waters Beach Front RV Resort
Situated next to Mustang Island beach and Port Aransas Gulf Waters Beach Front RV Resort is a luxury RV resort close to the sea and is a great choice for those who prefer all the amenities and comfort that a luxury camping resort can offer. You can sleep in a hotel, RV or tent and the good part is that the resort is far enough from the town so the beach there is not so crowded. You could walk along the beach amongst lush vegetation, ponds and palm trees or visit Cinnamon Shore which is right next by.
There are 158 places for the RV with concrete pads and a picnic area and some of them are having a grill, a pergola or a fire place. Even if you catch bad weather and the sea waters are unfriendly then you can enjoy the swimming pool or the hot tub.
Caprock Canyon State Park
From the hearth of the Texas panhandle, Caprock Canyon State Park is the third-largest state park in Texas and is a perfect place for campers with either RVs or tents. Surrounded by 10,000 acres of red big rocks, deserts, trails and wild big animals like bison and horses which you need to be careful for by not feeding them or approaching them. If you are an adventure lover you can hike one of the 90 miles of trail or catch an epic sunset on one of the tall rocks or explore the area while riding a horse.
There are many campgrounds in the Park with prices starting at $10 a night. Restrooms and showers can be found near the RV camping area. There are also eight equestrian campsites with corrals. Some camp places are being provided with water and electricity and some don’t, but definitely all spots are having nice views to a canyon.
Colorado Bend State Park
Colorado Bend is one of the best, biggest and most popular outdoor and camping destinations in Texas. Located in the Texas Hill Country region, Colorado Bend State Park provides great trails especially along the spicewood creek and Gorman Falls. The area is known for it’s karst features typically for the Hill Country, with many caves, springs and sinkholes.
There are quite a few camping options in Colorado Bend State Park such as, 15 drive-up campgrounds and 28 primitive and backpack campers. If you are a nature lover, Colorado Bend is a place to visit. Be aware that there is no electricity and internet and don’t forget to bring your own food and propane tanks.
Garner State Park
If you are in the San Antonio area, the Garner State Park is a must see and one of the most beautiful camping places in Texas. The park has the area of almost 1,800 acres and provides plenty of outdoor activities like hiking the 11 miles of trails, including The Old Lady Trail with a breathtaking view offer the Hill Country. Other activities like fishing, canoeing, kayaking, swimming or tubing in the clean and clear waters of Frio River but according to it’s name, the river is pretty cold if you are not there during the hottest days.
There are more than fifty campsites in the Garner State Park for both tent camping and RV camping and even affordable cabins. The campsites are provided with showers, toilets, a souvenir shop and a small store with a big variety of products. If you are lucky to be there in the right time, the park’s concession building is hosting summer night dances from a jukebox.
Lost Maples State Natural Area
Our recommendation about the best time to go to the Lost Maples State Natural Area is when the leaves change colors during the Fall months of mid-October to mid-November. Other popular activities are hiking the trails amongst canyons made by the Sabinal River and observe the wildlife and the many species of wildflowers.
There are over 30 campsites with basic amenities like electricity, tables, shelters and running water and if you like the wilderness and seclusion you can hike to one of the primitive camping sites. Lost Maples is located only 30 miles from San Antonio.
Dinosaur Valley State Park
No matter if you are with family, friends, kids, history and paleontology lovers, visiting Dinosaur Valley State Park will let you pleasantly surprised. Take a glimpse into the dinosaurs world that lived there 113 million years ago. In the hot summer days when the water level is low you can see the dinosaur tracks and if you are in a mood for a hike then that’s even better because the Dinosaur Valley State Park is knows for having a pretty extensive trail system.
The campgrounds are all clean and organized with newly remodeled restrooms and every camp spot has its own electricity and water source and the river is close for you to cool off in the hot Texan summer days.
Lake Livingston State Park
Camping, hiking, going to swimming destinations on a horse, a pool, white bass fishing are all mandatory things to do when coming to Lake Livingston State Park. The lake is located in the Piney Woods region, relatively close to Houston, one hour north, more precise.
There is an activity center close to the lake and the kids will definitely like it, especially the water slides and wings. The management and the staff are offering excellent services on the facilities and the camp spots are with lake views, picnic tables, water and electricity. There are also some nice restaurants nearby if you want to go fancy and not eat at a fire pit.
