The great state of Texas is where diverse landscapes stretch as far as the eye can see! From the rolling hills and clear rivers of the Hill Country to the rugged mountains and vast deserts of the Big Bend region – Texas is rich in stunning natural settings perfect for camping. There’s always a spot in Texas that can make you fall in love with the great outdoors all over again.
And when we talk about camping – it’s more than just pitching a tent. It’s a way to connect with nature, get active and then relax, and create unforgettable memories with your family and friends. The unique blend of environments in the Lone Star State offers a playground for campers of all types.
So, get ready to discover the perfect spot for your next Texas camping adventure!
Hill Country
In Central Texas lies the legendary Texas Hill Country, which is known for its rolling hills, clear rivers, and charming small towns. This picturesque region offers diverse outdoor activities, from hiking and swimming to exploring its unique blend of rugged terrain and lush landscapes.
Garner State Park
Garner State Park spans 1,774 acres of breathtaking Hill Country terrain and offers a wide range of outdoor activities. The park features 11 kilometers of trails, winding through scenic landscapes along the Frio River, perfect for hiking and taking in stunning vistas. Visitors can choose from tent camping, screened-in shelters, or on-site cabins to suit their camping preferences.
A favorite destination in the Texas Hill Country, Garner State Park is ideal for a leisurely weekend getaway. Spend your days tubing, kayaking, and hiking, or cool off by swimming in the Frio River. On warm summer nights, you can enjoy jukebox dances at the park’s historic concession building, adding a nostalgic touch to your visit.
Pedernales Falls State Park
Just 30 miles west of Austin, Pedernales Falls State Park offers a riverfront haven that feels wonderfully remote. The park’s 5,212 acres, once a ranch, are now a playground for outdoor enthusiasts, with the Pedernales River providing ample opportunities for swimming, paddling, and tubing. Explore ten trails on foot, mountain bike, or horseback, including the 5.5-mile Wolf Mountain Loop, which offers scenic views.
For those seeking solitude, Pedernales Falls State Park has primitive campsites that require a minimum two-mile hike, providing a more secluded camping experience. Whether you’re there to hike, bird watch, or simply enjoy the natural beauty, this park offers a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Dinosaur Valley State Park
Located near Fort Worth, Dinosaur Valley State Park offers a unique opportunity to walk in the footsteps of dinosaurs. Spanning 1,587 acres, this park features tracks left by Acrocanthosaurus and Sauroposeidon proteles along the bed of the Paluxy River. With five track site areas spread throughout the park, the best time to see these ancient footprints is during late summer when water levels are low. Don’t miss the chance to snap a photo with the park’s two fiberglass dinosaurs, a 70-foot apatosaurus, and a 45-foot tyrannosaurus rex, which were once attractions at the 1964-65 New York World’s Fair.
Camping at Dinosaur Valley State Park is a delightful experience. The park offers 15 rustic campsites and 44 sites with electricity. It also has two group campgrounds that can accommodate up to 40 people each. While half of the rustic sites require a one—to three-mile hike to access, the adventure is well worth it for the stunning scenery and the chance to explore the dinosaur trackways.
Inks Lake State Park
Inks Lake State Park, often called the gem of Hill Country, is just an hour’s drive from Austin and offers a perfect getaway for outdoor enthusiasts. The park is centered around Inks Lake, providing a myriad of water sports and activities for campers. One of the most popular activities for adventurous visitors is jumping off the cliff into the Devil’s Waterhole.
For those looking to camp, the park offers nearly 200 campsites, many of which are located right by the lake, giving easy access to the water and stunning views. The camping options are diverse – 125 sites come equipped with electrical hookups for RVs. The park also features 22 rustic cottages and campsites with potable water, electricity, and sewerage hookups.
Big Bend Region
The Big Bend Region is located in West Texas, renowned for its dramatic desert landscapes and vast, rugged terrain. Named after the large bend in the Rio Grande River, this area offers a remote and adventurous experience with opportunities for hiking, river rafting, and stargazing.
Big Bend National Park
Big Bend National Park is an outdoor adventure paradise and the oldest national park in Texas, offering over 200 miles of hiking trails and 250 miles of roads, with 100 paved and 150 unpaved, to explore. The park’s southern border along the Rio Grande River provides 118 miles of opportunities for rafting, canoeing, and kayaking. The park is particularly stunning in March during wildflower season when bluebonnets carpet the roadsides.
Advance planning is essential for campers, especially between February and April, as the park’s four developed campgrounds often sell out. Camping options in Big Bend National Park include the Rio Grande Village RV Campground, with 25 full-hookup sites, and three additional campgrounds for tent and dry RV camping. The Rio Grande Village Campground is the largest tent campground, offering around 100 sites, half of which can be reserved in advance. The park also features numerous backcountry spots for those seeking a quieter, more secluded experience.
Davis Mountains State Park
Davis Mountains State Park offers breathtaking views that change dramatically throughout the day, from vivid blue skies to fiery sunsets and stunning night skies filled with stars. This mountainous landscape is perfect for mountain biking and hiking, with trails that cater to all levels of adventurers. Bird watchers will find plenty of opportunities to capture unique species with their cameras.
The park boasts over 100 camping sites, ranging from primitive spots to those equipped with electricity, water, cable TV, and sewers. Whether you prefer a rustic camping experience or the comforts of modern amenities, Davis Mountains State Park has something to offer. Spending a day here allows you to experience the full spectrum of natural beauty, making it a must-visit destination in West Texas.
Piney Woods
The Piney Woods region in East Texas comes with dense forests and rich biodiversity. Known for its towering pines and lush greenery, this area is perfect for hiking, bird watching, and exploring its unique swampy environments and abundant wildlife.
Big Thicket National Preserve
Big Thicket National Preserve, located in Southeast Texas’s Piney Woods region, is a haven for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Known as “America’s Ark,” this preserve spans 112,500 acres and touches 14 counties, offering a diverse array of ecosystems and an impressive level of biodiversity. The park is open year-round and offers free primitive camping, making it an ideal destination for those seeking an adventurous and immersive outdoor experience.
The preserve is the first of its kind in the United States and showcases a stunning variety of plants and animals, from longleaf pine forests to cypress-lined bayous. Horseback riding, canoeing, and biking are also popular activities, allowing visitors to explore the preserve’s vast landscapes. Setting up a tent and camping overnight in Big Thicket allows you to wake up surrounded by nature’s wonders.
Caddo Lake State Park
Caddo Lake State Park is an enchanting East Texas hideaway where you can paddle through a maze of bayous, sloughs, and ponds lined with bald cypress trees draped in Spanish moss. The 26,810-acre lake offers over 50 miles of paddling trails and is home to more than 70 species of fish, making it a paradise for anglers. Best of all, you don’t need a fishing license to fish from shore within the state park.
For campers, Caddo Lake State Park offers a variety of options, including 46 campsites and ten historic cabins. The Mill Pond Camping Area sites are the closest to the water, providing easy access for paddling and fishing. Whether you prefer the comfort of a cabin or the rustic experience of tent camping, you’ll find the perfect spot to enjoy the park’s serene and unique environment.
Sam Houston National Forest
Sam Houston National Forest is a sprawling expanse of lush, wooded terrain, offering a peaceful escape from city life. The forest is perfect for hiking, with numerous trails, including the famous Lone Star Hiking Trail, which stretches over 100 miles. Wildlife viewing is another highlight, with opportunities to spot deer, birds, and other native animals as you explore the forest.
Camping in Sam Houston National Forest provides a range of options, from developed campgrounds with restrooms, showers, and picnic areas to more primitive sites for a back-to-nature experience. Dispersed camping is also available for those seeking solitude. Whether setting up a tent or bringing an RV, you’ll find a suitable spot to enjoy this pristine forest’s tranquility and natural beauty.
Gulf Coast
Stretching along the southeastern edge of Texas, the Gulf Coast is famous for its sandy beaches and vibrant marine life. This coastal region offers a variety of activities, including swimming, fishing, and beach camping, making it an ideal destination for water enthusiasts.
Padre Island National Seashore
Padre Island National Seashore offers a pristine coastal camping experience with 66 miles of untouched shoreline. Wake up to the sound of waves and enjoy a range of activities like bird watching, beachcombing, fishing, and swimming. One of the park’s unique features is the opportunity to drive on the beach, though you’ll need a high-clearance four-wheel-drive vehicle to reach most destinations.
Camping at Padre Island is available year-round on a first-come, first-serve basis. For a special treat, plan your visit between mid-June and August to witness the sea turtle hatchling releases. With its white sandy beaches and extensive natural areas, Padre Island National Seashore is perfect for a two-day getaway, offering a serene and scenic escape from everyday life.
Mustang Island State Park
Mustang Island State Park is known for its beautiful beaches and rich marine life, making it an ideal destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts. The park’s five miles of sandy shores provide ample space for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking. Kayaking is also popular here, with opportunities to explore the coastal waters and observe local wildlife.
Camping options at Mustang Island State Park include both primitive campsites and more developed sites with water and electricity. The park’s amenities, such as clean restrooms, hot showers, and picnic areas, ensure a comfortable stay. Whether you’re setting up a tent or bringing an RV, you’ll find everything you need for a relaxing and enjoyable beach camping experience.
Panhandle Plains
The Panhandle Plains, located in the northernmost part of Texas, are known for their expansive plains and striking canyons. This region provides unique outdoor adventures like hiking, mountain biking, and exploring the breathtaking canyon landscapes.
Palo Duro Canyon State Park
Known as the “Grand Canyon of Texas,” Palo Duro Canyon State Park is the second-largest canyon in the United States, located in the Texas Panhandle. This stunning park features 30 miles of hiking, biking, and equestrian trails, where you can explore the rugged landscape and marvel at unique geological formations like hoodoos—large rocks balanced atop thin rock spires. The park is easily accessible from the nearby cities of Canyon and Amarillo, making it a convenient destination for a weekend getaway.
Camping options at Palo Duro Canyon are plentiful, with nearly 100 RV and tent campsites offering a range of amenities. For those who prefer not to rough it, the park also offers glamping sites complete with air conditioning, microwaves, and covered porches. Activities in the park include mountain biking, birding, fishing, and hiking, providing something for every outdoor enthusiast.
Caprock Canyons State Park
Caprock Canyons State Park is a hidden gem in the Texas Panhandle, allowing visitors to experience the region’s rugged beauty and unique wildlife. The park is home to the state’s official bison herd, which roams freely throughout the area, providing a rare opportunity to see these majestic animals up close. The park’s dramatic red rock formations and expansive vistas create a striking backdrop for a variety of outdoor activities.
Hiking is a popular pastime at Caprock Canyons, with numerous trails that wind through the park’s scenic landscapes. Mountain biking and horseback riding are also favorite activities, with trails catering to different skill levels. Camping options include both primitive sites and sites with water and electricity, ensuring a comfortable stay for all visitors. With its stunning scenery and abundant wildlife, Caprock Canyons State Park offers a unique and memorable camping experience in the heart of the Texas Panhandle.
Conclusion
Texas offers an incredible variety of camping experiences, from the rolling hills of the Hill Country to the rugged beauty of the Big Bend Region, the dense forests of the Piney Woods, the sandy shores of the Gulf Coast, and the striking canyons of the Panhandle Plains. Each region has its unique charm and outdoor activities, ensuring there’s a perfect spot for every type of camper. So pack your gear, pick a destination, and get ready to explore the diverse and breathtaking landscapes of Texas. Happy camping!
