The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App
Map showing campgrounds in TexasExplore the Map

Discover the Best Camping Spots in Texas State Parks

8,891 Reviews

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.

Campground Showdown in Texas

Compare 2 top campgrounds at a time to find your favorite!

RV TexomaRV TexomaRV TexomaRV TexomaRV TexomaRV TexomaRV TexomaRV Texoma
Click to VoteCampground A
OR
Inks Lake State Park CampgroundInks Lake State Park CampgroundInks Lake State Park CampgroundInks Lake State Park CampgroundInks Lake State Park CampgroundInks Lake State Park CampgroundInks Lake State Park CampgroundInks Lake State Park Campground
Click to VoteCampground B

Round 1 of 5

Best Camping Sites in Texas (2,862)

    1. Inks Lake State Park Campground

    98 Reviews
    Buchanan Dam, TX
    Website
    +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 Reviews
    Johnson City, TX
    Website
    +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

    84 Reviews
    Sunset Valley, TX
    Website
    +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

    74 Reviews
    Terlingua, TX
    +1 (432) 477-1121

    $16 / night

    "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"

    "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??)"

    5. Huntsville State Park Campground

    69 Reviews
    Huntsville, TX
    Website
    +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. Tyler State Park Campground

    60 Reviews
    Lindale, TX
    Website
    +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."

    7. Cedar Hill State Park Campground

    66 Reviews
    Cedar Hill, TX
    Website
    +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. "

    8. Dinosaur Valley State Park Campground

    59 Reviews
    Glen Rose, TX
    Website
    +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."

    9. Davis Mountains State Park Campground

    58 Reviews
    Fort Davis, TX
    Website
    +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."

    10. Monahans Sandhills State Park Campground

    50 Reviews
    Monahans, TX
    Website
    +1 (432) 943-2092

    $15 / night

    "Close to the highway but secluded. Of their 20 or so sites only 3 were taken. Electric and water hook ups, trash, friendly staff, clean bathrooms."

    "A must stop at this unique place in west Texas. Beautiful sunsets and well kept campground."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 2,862 campgrounds

2026 Explorer Giveaway

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Texas Contest

Enter to Win

Recent Camping Photos in Texas

1873 Photos of 2862 Texas Campgrounds

Recent Reviews in Texas

8891 Reviews of 2862 Texas Campgrounds

  • Ashley N.
    Jun. 23, 2026

    Palm Harbor RV Park

    Made up rules; gossip spreads

    A weekend trip this place is fine but any longer you must know this: Rules are made up as the days go and depending on who's working and who you get close with. The people that are long term seem to influence the rule making based off what benefits them. It's almost like high school. No one keeps to them selves, if a situation or problem is brought to the manager or office there is no privacy it becomes the talk of the day over morning coffee, creating gossip and leaving people outcasted. The bathrooms and restrooms don't get changed or Maintained daily. Went a week with no refill on hand soap and constantly walking in on opened canned food with ants. The washers are fine if you don't mind people with pets using them to clean up after thier animals leaving fur behind. I use beads, tide rinse, softner, detergent and still would come out smelling like animals. So if your ok with that then the washers would be fine for you. Half the dryers don't dry. And several times people's clothes have been thrown out so soneone else can use the washers or dryers. The pool is cute but extremely small basically truly getting to know the other people by touching. No one picks up after thier dogs yet its in the policy but again the rules apply to some not all and made up as the days goes. So again this place is great for a weekend stay.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 23, 2026

    Brushy Creek

    Beautiful large sites.

    Large sites in woods or on the water. Lots of wildlife. Boat up to sites.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 23, 2026

    Cedar Hill State Park Campground

    Big and beautiful.

    Lots of different types of sites. Large sites with a lot of privacy. Be sure to look at driveway lengths.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 23, 2026

    Abilene State Park Campground

    Shade and wildlife.

    Beautiful park with lots of trails and wildlife. Great for bikes and hiking.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 23, 2026

    Monahans Sandhills State Park Campground

    Sand

    Sand everywhere. A different experience for sure. Saucers for sale and rent to slide down sand hills. Covered tables and 50 amp and water.

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 23, 2026

    Big Oaks RV Park

    Month long stay

    Nice camping spot. No showers. One restroom in laundry. Hookups are good. Have to pay for decent wifi plan.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 23, 2026

    El Paso Roadrunner RV Park

    Horrible

    The restrooms and showers have evidently been under construction for a long time. There only ports potties, no showers.
    There should be a refund for misrepresentation of how this camp actually is.

  • Catherine H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 22, 2026

    Madera Canyon Roadside Park Dispersed

    Very comfortable

    This area is not super close to anything really. It’s a 33 min drive to the nearest town and we learned last night that most of the town is closed down by 9pm lol. The campsite was super comfortable, it felt very safe. This little area is a nice little cold spot in a desert climate, it was 77° when we got there before sundown while it was still 100° in surrounding areas. There’s trash, picnic tables, and grills which is really nice! Being so close to route 118 was fine, not too much traffic, I was able to run on there in the morning:)

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?

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?

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?

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?

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

  5. View all Texas cities for camping