Kelsie R.
Scout
ScoutElm Creek RV Park
Elm creek
Quiet spot nice and clean and on the outside of town you can enjoy the sky yet town is still close enough to not have a long drive to get to the store.
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 (2,793)
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
72 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
57 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."
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Recent Reviews in Texas
8865 Reviews of 2793 Texas Campgrounds
- S
Stephen D.
GuideWolf Pond Group Camp — Lake Somerville State Park
Great spot for the evening
Private campsites
Michelle R.GuideMonahans Sandhills State Park Campground
Beautiful
This is kind of quirky because of the sand dunes, but quite welcome! The campground has numbered spots with electric and water for a really good price!
- KKim T.
TravelerLake Bryan Campground
NO SHOWERS!!
Had booked 8 days to visit with a friend and meet up with my daughter. What a nightmare!! I had called ahead of time to see if they had showers, as I did not see one on the map. The person that answered and assured me that they had showers. I have a self contained, but it was an extra $15/night for water in addition to electric. Anyways, they ONLY have one outside 'rinsing' shower, at the restaurant... There was about 1000 people there, the day I arrived. It was opening day, and it is a college town. The issue is that there was no patrol of the grounds and things were pretty wild. The management even admitted that "we were taken by surprise"... well, from all the people I talked to, this is the norm for opening weekend. People were parked in the camping area and it made it difficult to get into my site. The bathrooms were DISGUSTING! I only ended up staying 4 days and the bathrooms STILL had dirty toilet paper littering them... same paper... I complained about them. I saw what appeared to be the manager go check out the bathrooms, then the park host; not long after I lodged my complaint.. but 3 more days, and the bathrooms had not been touched. The garbage had not been emptied... people there with dogs not on leashes, pooping and not being cleaned up. They have no-one patrolling the grounds. Quiet time is from 10pm-6am but the restaurant had a VERY loud band playing until midnight... so much for rules and quiet time! The ONLY good thing is that they did allow me to check out and refund my money without having a cancellation fee.
If you are looking for clean, family friendly and quiet,,, this is NOT the place to go.
- SStephen D.Guide
Sam Forse Collins Recreation Area
Great spot for an overnight stay
Absolute gem of a place. No fee charged. Maximum stay four nights. Hot showers. Toilet toilets. Lakeside site.
- GGreg K.Guide
Tree Cabins RV Resort
Nice Place to Stay: River, Town & Rocks!
This is a nice spot, off I-10 far enough to cancel out noise. Stayed here two nights. Right on the river, quiet, comfortable. Full hookups. No one was around when I checked in (Fri, 13:00) so make sure you jot down the site number they give you. I've had no issues otherwise. Some shade but not needed in early March. Don't (and won't) know about laundry or any other amenity b/c it's a short stay. For rockhounds, wow, the agate (don't know what it is exactly yet) is prolific throughout the park, in the beige-colored drives and spaces, including (especially) the riverside picnic shelter areas. Wow, what a bonanza! I didn't even have to drive anywhere. Weather is nice, park mostly empty except for the few like me and the other long-term people.
- EEileen D.Traveler
Big Texan RV Ranch
Nice RV park
Large spot, very friendly staff, free shuttle to The Big Texan restaurant. We weren't sure how long we were going to stay due to weather systems along our route. We weren't sure able to extend our stay daily as needed.
John & Amy M.TravelerMother Neff State Park Campground
One of the best State Parks we’ve ever visited
Unbelievable customer service, spotless amenities, great campsites with full hookups! The gravel was even raked in our campsite before we arrived. I thought I’d accidentally pulled into a Zen rock garden! Kudos to TX State Parks for this park. A real Crown Jewel!
- WWePeScout
Haterius Park
Gulf camping
Nice place to park for up to 5 days. Playground for the kids and portable potties.
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.
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