j
jeanne K.
Scout
ScoutTadra Point Trailhead & Campground
Boondocking
Free for up to 14 days! Find a spot and park! The site we found it big, nobody around and has a fire pit! We are in a class c
Discover the Best Camping Spots in Texas State Parks
Texas state parks offer a comprehensive network of camping options spanning diverse landscapes from the coastal shores to desert mountains. Pedernales Falls State Park and Inks Lake State Park are among the highest-rated campgrounds, featuring accommodations for tents, RVs, and even cabin rentals. Most Texas state park campgrounds provide electric hookups, water connections, and fire rings, with many offering premium amenities like showers and sanitary dump stations. The extensive camping infrastructure throughout Texas includes over 3,400 campgrounds and campsites that cater to both weekend getaways and extended stays, making Texas a premier camping destination with diverse options for every type of outdoor recreation.
Reservations are strongly recommended for Texas state parks, particularly during spring wildflower season and fall when temperatures moderate. A visitor commented, "Campgrounds like Inks Lake State Park offer year-round access with comfortable facilities, though summer heat can make camping challenging without proper preparation." Many campgrounds feature 30-amp and 50-amp electrical connections for RVs while maintaining tent-friendly areas. During summer months, temperatures frequently exceed 100°F in western regions, while coastal and eastern areas experience high humidity. Winter camping is generally mild in southern portions of the state but can bring freezing conditions to the Panhandle and western mountains.
State park campgrounds consistently receive higher ratings than many private RV parks according to visitor reviews. Big Bend National Park's Chisos Basin Campground ranks among the most scenic destinations with its dramatic mountain views, though fires are not permitted. Davis Mountains State Park offers year-round camping opportunities with impressive dark sky conditions for stargazing. Several reviewers mention the spaciousness of sites, with one noting "camp sites were very spacious and spread apart" at lakeside locations. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department maintains most public campgrounds, with reservation windows typically opening 5 months in advance. From Gulf Coast beach camping to Hill Country riverside spots, Texas campgrounds offer remarkably diverse settings for outdoor adventures. Private campgrounds near urban centers like Austin and Houston provide convenient access but often lack the natural setting that makes state park camping so appealing.
Best Camping Sites in Texas (2,799)
1. Inks Lake State Park Campground
97 ReviewsBuchanan Dam, TXWebsite+1 (512) 793-2223$16 - $55 / night
"An hour and a half away from Austin, we found Inks Lake to be a quiet and relaxing camp area away from the hustle and bustle of the city. There are several sites set up across the state park."
"It was a small drive from our camp to the devil's waterhole. It was a slippery climb in and out but a beautiful swim with people cliff jumping nearby and a view of some falls."
2. Pedernales Falls State Park Campground
85 ReviewsJohnson City, TXWebsite+1 (830) 868-7304$10 - $100 / night
"This was some of the best TEXAS camping we've done. We found a really nice spot that was on the cliffside and had an incredible view of the hill country. It was isolated enough from other campsites."
"This park, for many people in the hill country of Texas, is the quintessential park to visit."
3. McKinney Falls State Park Campground
81 ReviewsSunset Valley, TXWebsite+1 (512) 243-1643$20 - $86 / night
"This state park is a little outside of Austin near the airport."
"We were not really interested in seeing Austin, but the limestone rock formations were amazing and the variety of trails made sure there was something for everyone."
4. Chisos Basin Campground (Big Bend, Tx) — Big Bend National Park
73 ReviewsTerlingua, TX+1 (432) 477-1121$16 / night
"It was on the edge of the camp ground and tucked around a corner. Some of the other sites did look a little close to each other which was why I gave 4 stars and not 5. Most (if not all??)"
"Chisos Basin is a busy, fully hooked-up ground with easy access to hiking, stirring scenery, etc. if you're out in West Texas, make sure to visit BBNP and stay in this ground if you're car camping or RVing"
5. Huntsville State Park Campground
70 ReviewsHuntsville, TXWebsite+1 (936) 295-5644$15 - $60 / night
"Located on the west edge of the east Texas piney woods, this state park features excellent RV and tent camping facilities, and a beautiful network of heavily forested trails."
"The sites are spacious as in most Texas state parks, and there are many shaded sites. The waterfront sites are tiered. The upper tier is where you park your rig. "
6. Dinosaur Valley State Park Campground
60 ReviewsGlen Rose, TXWebsite+1 (254) 897-4588$18 - $70 / night
"Spacious walk-out site. Real hot in July (as expected for Texas). Fire ring and lantern like available. Overall lovely site at a great park."
"This Texas state parks is one of favorites. I have been quite a few times since I was a kid and it never gets old. It is just inside of Glen Rose, Texas, located along the Paluxy river."
7. Tyler State Park Campground
59 ReviewsLindale, TXWebsite+1 (903) 597-5338$18 - $60 / night
"He was very unenthusiastic about camping in Texas. Well Tyler State Park made him change his mind! He LOVED the large trees, said it was the closest he'd felt to home in quite some time."
"This is my favorite state park in Texas! Lots of options for all kinds of campers."
8. Davis Mountains State Park Campground
58 ReviewsFort Davis, TXWebsite+1 (432) 426-3337$10 - $25 / night
"The stars at night are big and bright, deep in the heart of Texas!” "
"First off, drive in one route, then leave another way. Lots to see. (Keep an eye out for wild bores! Almost hit two on drive in) I entered from the north in Kent on TR-118 S."
9. Cedar Hill State Park Campground
63 ReviewsCedar Hill, TXWebsite+1 (972) 291-3900$25 - $30 / night
"Lake is nearby, and fishing permits in Tx are cheap and easy to grab online. Fairly quiet, but the sites themselves are private a shaded for the most part."
"Although a small park, the design is thoughtful and you don't feel like you are so close to the huge DFW area. "
10. Fortress Cliff Primitive — Palo Duro Canyon State Park
50 ReviewsCanyon, TXWebsite+1 (806) 488-2227$16 / night
"The hiking trails are well maintained and are very enjoyable to walk along. The campsites are nicely spaced and have big picnic tables."
"This is a pretty big state Park located in the Panhandle of Texas. It is sometimes referred to as a mini Grand Canyon. There are plenty of trails for horseback riding, mountain biking, and hiking."
Recent Camping Photos in Texas
1870 Photos of 2799 Texas Campgrounds
Kathrina M.
Tin Valley Retro Rentals
Warao O.
Big Woods Hunter Camp
Atul
Texas Hill Country Camping
Erin A.
Canyon of the Eagles Lodge & Nature Park
Pete S.
Texas 6 RV Park
Melissa B.
Alley Creek Camp
Chaz
Park On The Lake
Anita C.
Twin Dikes
Monica R.
Hidden Valley RV Park
Daniel L.
Slay Creek
Kelli B.
Cedar Point Recreation Area
Monte W.
Bouton Lake Campground
Recent Reviews in Texas
8892 Reviews of 2799 Texas Campgrounds
Heather P.ScoutSouthlake RV Resort
Close to NRG & shopping
This is a fairly small park, but it’s quiet. It’s kind of hidden off of the side of the freeway. Not hard to get to fuel is right here at the corner on your way out. Groceries are about 15 minutes down the road. lots of shopping in the grocery area as well. NRG stadium is only 15 minutes away.
- Neil T.
LegendLost Maples State Natural Area Campground
Camp was great - spring break crowd not so much
Camp was clean and the area is awesome. Our site didn’t have much buffer from the site next to us, which usually doesn’t bother me.
Being spring break, the campground was full of kids. It’s great to see them enjoying nature, having fun, and being kids…but several of them were pretty wild without parents doing much to rein them in. Definitely not the park’s fault.
It was well patrolled, but that didn’t stop some camps from lighting camp fires even though a burn ban was in place.
Nice hiking along the river. Would love to be back during the fall.
- Neil T.Legend
Sagebrush Campground — Palo Duro Canyon State Park
Beautiful Sunset
Our second time to stay in the canyon, but our first at this campground. All the spaces were full because of spring break, but it didn’t feel crowded. Nice covered picnic bench and beautiful views in all directions from the camp.
- Neil T.Legend
Memmie’s Farm
Perfect Stop for Us
Our route got changed when our plans changed and we needed a last minute stop for a quick overnight stay. We arrived about an hour before sundown and had to leave at sunup, so we didn’t get to explore the river.
But our spot was perfect for our rooftop tent setup. Usually last minute stops put us in an RV park and this spot was so much better than that. Still felt like camping and not just a spot to park.
We could hear turkeys and coyotes and owls. We enjoyed the stars and felt safe and secure.
There was some road noise from a nearby highway, but it died down at bedtime and dust disturb our sleep.
The best part was the communication from the camp host. She gave great directions and checked on us to make sure we were good with everything. Close to Bandera for a quick breakfast before we continued our journey.
- BBob B.
TravelerMadera Canyon Roadside Park Dispersed
Quiet and Spacious
Free camping at this picnic area! First come, first serve. We had a spacious and quiet site with great views. Every space was taken on this Saturday evening by 6 PM. No facilities.
- CCarl O.Traveler
Davis Mountains State Park Campground
Great campground
Only had one night here due to spring break but it was very nice. The trains and driving roads to viewing points are highly recommended. There are all types of sites, our site has good wat er and electricity. The bath and shower
areas were very clean and the hot water was welcomed. A plus is you are close to the McDonald Observatory which was well worth a visit and tour.
- WWayne F.Scout
Cedar Breaks Park
Beautiful Park not far from Dining and Shopping
Great COE park near Georgetown, TX. Very clean, LOTS of cedar trees and very nice staff. Sites along the lake are some of the best I’ve experienced at any COE park.
- MMike J.Traveler
Sleep Under The Pecan Trees
Always amazing
Best place to go for a clean and quiet place to camp. Beautiful location, sunsets, horses and donkeys makes Sleep Under the Pecan Trees a place we go to camp multiple times a year for three years now.
Guide to Texas
Camping in Texas offers a unique blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure. From serene lakes to sandy beaches, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
What to do
- Fishing and Boating: Many campgrounds, like Lake Brownwood State Park Campground, are perfect for fishing and boating. One camper mentioned, “The lake has a nice grassy shaded swimming area. We saw plenty of people fishing.”
- Hiking: Explore the trails at COE Hords Creek Lake Lakeside Park. A visitor noted, “There are deer roaming every morning and evening,” making it a great spot for wildlife watching.
- Beach Camping: For a different vibe, check out Edwin King Atwood Park. One happy camper said, “We spent 5 amazing nights here on the beach, and can’t really beat camping right on the sand.”
What campers like
- Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review from Lake Brownwood State Park Campground stated, “Rest room, shower is very clean.”
- Friendly Staff: Many visitors rave about the helpfulness of the staff. One camper at Edwin King Atwood Park shared, “Sweet gatekeepers. Clean bathrooms. Always filled with info about your stay without even asking.”
- Spacious Sites: Campers enjoy the roomy sites at places like COE Hords Creek Lake Lakeside Park. A reviewer mentioned, “The site was roomy with lots of shade trees.”
What you should know
- Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Sowell Creek at Proctor Lake, have fewer amenities. A camper noted, “You will need to pack everything in to this site and bring your water, food, and toilet.”
- Wildlife Encounters: Be prepared for wildlife. One visitor at COE Hords Creek Lake Lakeside Park said, “There are deer roaming every morning and evening.”
- Weather Considerations: Texas weather can be unpredictable. A camper at Edwin King Atwood Park advised, “The sun and wind can be unforgiving along this beach.”
Tips for camping with families
- Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with amenities for kids, like playgrounds. One camper mentioned, “There was a nice, covered playground in the Lakeside Park campground.”
- Plan for Activities: Bring along games and outdoor gear. A family at Lake Brownwood State Park Campground enjoyed the “medium length hiking trails with lots of deer, feral hogs, snakes, skunks, raccoons, armadillo and more to see.”
- Pack Snacks: Keep everyone fueled up. A camper at Sowell Creek at Proctor Lake noted, “The lake views are amazing. It’s quiet and calm.”
Tips from RVers
- Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Sowell Creek at Proctor Lake mentioned, “Sites 1-7 are full hookups and BRF except site 2 (low hanging tree).”
- Be Prepared for Soft Sand: If you’re heading to the beach, a camper at Edwin King Atwood Park warned, “Some areas had very soft sand. We got stuck coming in.”
- Bring Extra Supplies: Stock up on essentials. A visitor at COE Hords Creek Lake Lakeside Park said, “There was a strict fire ban when we were there.”
Camping in Texas can be a fantastic experience with the right preparation and knowledge. Enjoy the great outdoors!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best tent camping locations in Texas for families?
What are the best tent camping locations in Texas for families?
Tyler State Park Campground is perfect for families with its variety of lakefront sites and large shade trees that create a comfortable camping environment. The park's towering pines provide a refreshing forest feel that even impresses visitors from cooler climates. For families seeking a different experience, Berry Springs Park & Preserve offers a convenient location just north of Georgetown, about a mile off Interstate 35. This county park features spacious grounds with plenty of open space for kids to play, while still being easily accessible for families traveling between Dallas and Austin.
When is the best season for camping in different regions of Texas?
When is the best season for camping in different regions of Texas?
Texas camping seasons vary significantly by region due to the state's diverse climate patterns. In East Texas, where Steele Creek Park Campground is located, spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) offer pleasant temperatures and lower humidity. Central Texas, home to Inks Lake State Park, is ideal for camping from October through April, avoiding the intense summer heat. The Panhandle region around McDowell Campground has milder summers than South Texas but can experience cold winters with occasional snow. West Texas and Big Bend areas are best visited in late fall through early spring, as summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F.
What amenities can I expect at popular Texas campgrounds?
What amenities can I expect at popular Texas campgrounds?
Texas campgrounds offer a wide range of amenities to enhance your camping experience. Indian Mounds Recreation Area in East Texas provides RV and tent campsites with fire rings, picnic tables, and potable water. The campground offers beautiful lake views within a forested setting. Meanwhile, McKinney Falls State Park Campground near Austin features accessible waterfalls within the park boundaries. Many state parks offer electrical hookups, shower facilities, and flush toilets. Private RV parks often provide additional amenities like Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, swimming pools, and community spaces for gatherings.
Which Texas state parks offer the most scenic camping experiences?
Which Texas state parks offer the most scenic camping experiences?
Caprock Canyons State Park offers some of Texas' most breathtaking landscapes, with its primitive North Prong campsites providing an immersive natural experience. The park features stunning canyon views, roaming bison herds, and brilliant night skies perfect for stargazing. For water lovers, Pace Bend Park on Lake Travis delivers scenic cliff-lined shorelines ideal for swimming and cliff jumping. The park's peninsula setting provides extensive water views and beautiful sunset vistas. Other scenic options include the mountain vistas at Davis Mountains State Park and the ancient dinosaur tracks alongside the Paluxy River at Dinosaur Valley State Park.
Keep Exploring