Planning to visit Texas? Take a look at our article that will expose you to the beautiful landscape filled with adventure and fun. For camping, Texas provides a classic experience for all outdoor enthusiasts, with its serene lakeshores to small hills and even deserts. This article will explore the diverse landscapes and facilities of these camping places in Texas, offering advice on the many campground options, the amenities they offer, what fun things you can do, and details on reserving the spot. Texas is your place if you are looking for opportunities to explore or if you simply want to sit back and relax.
Top 15 Campgrounds in Texas:
Check out the list of some of the good camping spots in Texas.
1. Big Bend National Park:
Big Bend National Park is situated in the remote Chihuahuan Desert. This Park has some amazing canyons, rugged mountains, and the winding Rio Grande River.
- Campground Options & Amenities: Campgrounds such as Chisos Basin, Rio Grande Village, and Cottonwood offer various amenities, including restrooms, picnic tables, and water availability.
- Things to Do: Hiking, birdwatching, stargazing, river rafting, and exploring historic sites like the Hot Springs.
- Pet-friendly: Pets allowed but on leash.
- Reservations Required: Recommended, especially during peak seasons (October to April).
- Seasonality and Closures: Open year-round, but certain areas may close during extreme weather conditions.
2. Guadalupe Mountains National Park:
This one is a must-visit campsite in Texas. Guadalupe Mountains National Park is home to the highest peak in Texas. It offers rugged beauty and diverse ecosystems, including desert and alpine environments.
- Campground Options & Amenities: Pine Springs and Dog Canyon campgrounds provide basic amenities like restrooms, picnic tables, and drinking water.
- Things to Do: Hiking trails, including the challenging Guadalupe Peak Trail, birdwatching, and exploring historic sites such as Frijole Ranch.
- Pet-friendly: Yes, pets are allowed on trails but must be leashed.
- Reservations Required: Recommended, especially during peak seasons (spring and fall).
- Seasonality and Closures: Campgrounds are open year-round, but specific trails may close during extreme weather conditions.
3. Palo Duro Canyon State Park:
Known as the “Grand Canyon of Texas,” Palo Duro Canyon State Park features stunning geological formations, vibrant colors, and miles of hiking and biking trails.
- Campground Options & Amenities: Multiple campgrounds with varying amenities, including water and electric hookups, restrooms, and picnic areas.
- Things to Do: Hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, scenic drives, and attending the Texas Outdoor Musical.
- Pet-friendly: Yes, pets are allowed in the park but must be leashed.
- Reservations Required: Recommended, especially for RV sites and during peak seasons.
- Seasonality and Closures: Open year-round, but some facilities may close during winter.
4. Enchanted Rock State Natural Area:
Here is a famous one that you must include in your checklist! Encompassing the iconic Enchanted Rock, this natural area offers unique geological formations, stunning vistas, and opportunities for outdoor adventure.
- Campground Options & Amenities: Limited primitive camping sites; no water or electricity available.
- Things to Do: Hiking, rock climbing, birdwatching, stargazing, and picnicking.
- Pet-friendly: Pets are allowed but must be kept on a leash.
- Reservations Required: For overnight backpacking, but not for day use or primitive camping.
- Seasonality and Closures: Open year-round but may close temporarily during extreme weather events.
5. Davis Mountains State Park:
Nestled in the Davis Mountains, this state park offers stunning vistas, diverse wildlife, and opportunities for outdoor recreation amidst a peaceful setting. This is probably the best camping spot in Texas for families.
- Campground Options & Amenities: Campsites with water and electric hookups, restrooms with showers, and picnic areas.
- Things to Do: Hiking, birdwatching, stargazing at the McDonald Observatory, and exploring historic sites like Fort Davis.
- Pet-friendly: Yes, pets are allowed in the campground and on trails, but must be leashed.
- Reservations Required: Recommended, especially during peak seasons.
- Seasonality and Closures: Open year-round, but some facilities may close during winter.
6. Lost Maples State Natural Area:
Known for its stunning fall foliage, Lost Maples State Natural Area offers picturesque hiking trails, pristine streams, and scenic camping spots.
- Campground Options & Amenities: Tent and RV camping with water and electric hookups, restrooms, and picnic areas.
- Things to Do: Hiking, birdwatching, fishing, and enjoying the vibrant fall colors.
- Pet-friendly: Pets are allowed but must be kept on a leash.
- Reservations Required: Highly recommended, especially during peak seasons and for RV sites.
- Seasonality and Closures: Open year-round, but peak visitation is during fall for foliage viewing.
7. Brazos Bend State Park:
This is a must visit spot if you are looking to spot a diverse ecosystem, especially if you love wildlife. This one is a good choice for those looking to camp near Houston.
- Campground Options & Amenities: Campsites with water and electric hookups, restrooms with showers, and picnic areas. Brazos Bend State Park gives you the best river camping in Texas kind of experience!
- Things to Do: Hiking, wildlife viewing, fishing, geocaching, and attending interpretive programs.
- Pet-friendly: Pets are allowed but must be kept on a leash.
- Reservations Required: Recommended, especially for weekends and holidays.
- Seasonality and Closures: Open year-round, but some facilities may close during severe weather.
8. Lake Texoma State Park:
Straddling the Texas-Oklahoma border, Lake Texoma State Park offers scenic lakeshores, water-based recreation, and numerous camping options.
- Campground Options & Amenities: Campsites with water and electric hookups, restrooms with showers, boat ramps, and picnic areas.
- Things to Do: Boating, fishing, swimming, hiking, wildlife viewing, and golfing at nearby courses.
- Pet-friendly: Pets are allowed but must be kept on a leash.
- Reservations Required: Recommended, especially during peak seasons and for RV sites.
- Seasonality and Closures: Open year-round, with peak visitation during summer months.
9. Colorado Bend State Park:
It is situated in the Hill Country. Colorado Bend State Park has rugged terrain, scenic waterfalls, and opportunities for outdoor adventure. This is a good hill country camping option.
- Campground Options & Amenities: Primitive and hike-in camping sites, restrooms, and picnic areas.
- Things to Do: Hiking to Gorman Falls, cave exploration, fishing, swimming, and wildlife viewing.
- Pet-friendly: Pets are allowed but must be kept on a leash.
- Reservations Required: Recommended, especially for weekends and holidays.
- Seasonality and Closures: Open year-round, but some trails and caves may close during wet conditions.
10. Inks Lake State Park:
Located in the picturesque Hill Country, Inks Lake State Park has some tranquil waters, scenic hiking trails, and opportunities for outdoor recreation.
- Campground Options & Amenities: Campsites with water and electric hookups, restrooms with showers, boat rentals, and picnic areas.
- Things to Do: At Inks Lake State Park, there are many options. Try swimming, fishing, hiking to Devil’s Waterhole, kayaking, paddleboarding, and birdwatching.
- Pet-friendly: Pets are allowed but must be kept on a leash.
- Reservations Required: Recommended, especially for weekends and holidays.
- Seasonality and Closures: Open year-round, but certain facilities may close during winter.
11. Mustang Island State Park:
Looking for the best RV camping experience in Texas? Check this one. The Mustang Island State Park is a scenic area with beaches, coastal dunes, and many wildlife. It is located along Texas’ Gulf Coast. This park is home to various ecosystems, such as tidal flats, salt marshes, and sandy beaches.
- Campground Options & Amenities: Some of the options available here are drive-up and walk-in campsites. If you are looking to set up a picnic spot here, you can find picnic tables.
- Things to Do: Begin by enjoying their outdoor activities such as swimming, sunbathing, birdwatching and fishing. Besides these, the park also has opportunities for hiking and paddling trails. This can give you a glimpse of the local wildlife there.
- Pet-friendly: Pets allowed.
- Reservations Required: Reservations needed to avoid the rush.
- Seasonality and Closures: Summer and spring seasons experience high crowds.
12. Corpus Christi Campgrounds:
Looking for a picturesque and calm setting? Check out Corpus Christi Campgrounds that offer an unparalled camping experience. It is situated along the Texas Gulf coast and offer Camping, RVing, and beachcombing, all of which are popular in Corpus Christi because of its sandy beaches, warm climate, and many things to do.
- Campground Options & Amenities: Corpus Christi and the surrounding area feature several campgrounds catering to tent and RV campers. Restrooms and shower rooms, along with picnic tables are available.
- Things to Do: Swimming, sunbathing, beachcombing, and birdwatching along the miles of sandy shoreline. Fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and windsurfing are other adventurous games to try here.
- Pet-friendly: Many of them are pet-friendly, however it is best to check officially.
- Reservations Required: Reservations recommended.
- Seasonality and Closures: Peak visitation typically occurs during the summer when the weather is warmest.
13. Pedernales Falls State Park:
This is a great choice if you want to go camping in Central Texas. It is located in Central Texas, Pedernales Falls State The park covers about 5200 acres and offers a beautiful terrain for camping and for all the nature lovers. It features small ponds and lush greenery, making it a very picturesque platter!
- Campground Options & Amenities: Pedernales Falls State Park includes campsites with water and electric hookups for RVs and primitive campsites for tent camping. Amenities include restrooms with showers, picnic tables, and fire rings.
- Things to Do: Hiking trails, Swimming and wading are popular activities in the Pedernales River. Fishing is another fun activity here. The park also offers opportunities for birdwatching, wildlife viewing, and stargazing.
- Pet-friendly: Yes, pets are welcome in Pedernales Falls State Park but must be kept on a leash at all times.
- Reservations Required: Reservations are recommended, especially for weekends and holidays.
- Seasonality and Closures: Pedernales Falls State Park is open year-round.
14. Big Bend Ranch State Park:
Situated in the remote and rugged terrain of West Texas, Big Bend Ranch State Park offers primitive camping at its finest. Spread over 300,000 acres of diverse landscapes, including desert expanses, deep canyons, and the iconic Rio Grande River, this park is an absolute spot for all enthusiasts.
- Campground Options & Amenities: This one comes with limited facilities and so it is advised to come prepared accordingly. It is typically meant for people looking to be secluded for while.
- Things to Do: Hiking along the rugged trails, visit the waterfalls and canyons. It is the best Primitive camping in Texas,
- Pet-friendly: Pets allowed, but on leash.
- Reservations Required: Not needed.
- Seasonality and Closures: Open throughout the year, but it is best to avoid the place during summers.
15. Port Aransas Camping:
Love hitting the beaches? Check this! Port Aransas, is on the Mustang Island on Texas’ Gulf Coast. The coastal atmosphere is calming and relaxing at the same time.
- Campground Options & Amenities: Restrooms, showers, ranger station and a picnic area.
- Things to Do: Try sun-bathing here. The area is also ideal for fishing, as well as bay fishing. Water sports like kayaking, paddleboarding, and kiteboarding are also popular here. You can go birdwatching, nature photography, and dolphin-watching excursions.
- Pet-friendly: Yes.
- Reservations Required: Reservations are recommended, especially during peak seasons and holidays, as campgrounds in Port Aransas can fill up quickly.
- Seasonality and Closures: Summer experiences a huge rush and the park is generally throughout.
Conclusion:
Camping in Texas offers an unmatched tapestry of varied landscapes and breathtaking natural beauty waiting to be discovered while camping. From the serene shores of Lake Texoma to the untamed canyons of Big Bend, every location offers outdoor enthusiasts something different. Campers experience Texas’s rich history, which is endless, whether you are setting up a tent under the starry skies or pulling an RV up next to a bubbling stream. Texas welcomes campers of all ages and interests with year-round accessibility, various campground options, and pet-friendly lodging.
FAQs
Where is the best camping in Texas with fishing?
Some of the best camping spots in Texas for fishing include Lake Texoma State Park, Garner State Park, and Falcon State Park. These locations offer scenic camping areas with access to prime fishing spots.
Where is the best Camping in Texas with hiking?
For camping combined with hiking, you can try Big Bend National Park, Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Lost Maples State Natural Area and Pedernales Falls State National Park.
What are the best beaches for camping in Texas?
The best beaches for camping in Texas include Mustang Island State Park, Padre Island National Seashore, and Galveston Island State Park. These coastal destinations offer scenic campsites, beachfront access, and a range of amenities for camping enthusiasts looking to enjoy the sun, sand, and surf.
