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.
Compare 2 top campgrounds at a time to find your favorite!
Round 1 of 5
$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."
$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."
$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."
$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??)"
$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. "
$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."
$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."
$25 - $100 / 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. "
$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."
$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."
GuideNice spot next to a dry riverbed. The wild boar kept me up most of the night walking around my tent. The whole pack was in the riverbed the next morning and walked up into the mountains at dawn.
GuideJust north of El Paso. A state park with mostly drive into camp spots. Perfect for tent campers or small trailers. Perfect for my truck and pop up tent. Park office closes at 4pm and the entrance gate closes at 5pm. I was one of only 2 campers for the night on a Friday night. Ranger suggested site C2 and it didn’t disappoint. Very quiet site sitting high on the hill overlooking the valley. You can see the lights of El Paso in the valley below. Beautiful mountains surrounding the area.
TravelerVery nice well kept campground. Staff very nice and professional.
Showers were great!! Hot with lots of pressure!!
TravelerMixed Thoughts: Disappointing, “Looks Nice,” and “Oh Yeah, That Part Was Good.”
Sometimes the negative outweighs the positives!
We reserved party space at Twin Lakes Tiny Home & RV Park in Mount Pleasant and rented Little House #1. The property has potential, but unfortunately our experience fell far short.
First, don’t assume Little House #1 is actually at the lake’s edge based on the professional site map. It wasn’t where we expected. Also, the office closes at 6 PM Friday, which is important when you need a key.
The people working on-site seemed nice and appeared to be trying. The bigger problems were the accommodations and lack of follow-through.
The main AC struggled to cool the house below 85+ degrees. The master bedroom AC worked, so we left that door open trying to help cool the rest of the house. The loft where some of our six kids were staying was especially hot.
Then came the insects.
The first night, our kids had ants in their beds. To their credit, someone arrived within about an hour, sprayed and changed the sheets. Unfortunately, that was basically the last maintenance assistance we received.
By the second day, the ants were back. One of us also received a nasty spider bite in the kitchen. After being away during the day, we returned to find the house even less cooled than before.
We repeatedly called the voicemail and text line seeking assistance. No response.
Before dark on the second night, we finally packed up and left.
Sunday morning, someone identifying himself as the General Manager called, apologized and said someone would contact us within a day or so to discuss the problems.
I waited a week. Nothing.
I even sent another message explaining that I write honest reviews and wanted to give management an opportunity to respond concerning our paid stay. Still nothing.
There ARE positives. The property looks nice and has potential. The party area worked for our gathering, and the staff we encountered seemed pleasant.
However, read the event agreement carefully. There are numerous circumstances where your card can be charged—someone uses a paddle boat, stays beyond the permitted time, furniture isn’t returned as required, etc. I understand rules and holding guests accountable. I simply wish we had experienced that same level of accountability when the property failed to provide what we paid for.
We paid for a weekend getaway but dealt with inadequate AC, ants in the children’s beds, a spider bite, unanswered requests for help, an early departure and a promised management follow-up that never happened.
There really is potential here, and I hope they address these issues.
Unfortunately, based on our experience, I cannot recommend staying here.
I sincerely hope your experience is different.
TravelerMixed Thoughts: Disappointing, “Looks Nice,” and “Oh Yeah, That Part Was Good.”
Sometimes the negative outweighs the positives!
We reserved party space at Twin Lakes Tiny Home & RV Park in Mount Pleasant and rented Little House #1. The property has potential, but unfortunately our experience fell far short.
First, don’t assume Little House #1 is actually at the lake’s edge based on the professional site map. It wasn’t where we expected. Also, the office closes at 6 PM Friday, which is important when you need a key.
The people working on-site seemed nice and appeared to be trying. The bigger problems were the accommodations and lack of follow-through.
The main AC struggled to cool the house below 85+ degrees. The master bedroom AC worked, so we left that door open trying to help cool the rest of the house. The loft where some of our six kids were staying was especially hot.
Then came the insects.
The first night, our kids had ants in their beds. To their credit, someone arrived within about an hour, sprayed and changed the sheets. Unfortunately, that was basically the last maintenance assistance we received.
By the second day, the ants were back. One of us also received a nasty spider bite in the kitchen. After being away during the day, we returned to find the house even less cooled than before.
We repeatedly called the voicemail and text line seeking assistance. No response.
Before dark on the second night, we finally packed up and left.
Sunday morning, someone identifying himself as the General Manager called, apologized and said someone would contact us within a day or so to discuss the problems.
I waited a week. Nothing.
I even sent another message explaining that I write honest reviews and wanted to give management an opportunity to respond concerning our paid stay. Still nothing.
There ARE positives. The property looks nice and has potential. The party area worked for our gathering, and the staff we encountered seemed pleasant.
However, read the event agreement carefully. There are numerous circumstances where your card can be charged—someone uses a paddle boat, stays beyond the permitted time, furniture isn’t returned as required, etc. I understand rules and holding guests accountable. I simply wish we had experienced that same level of accountability when the property failed to provide what we paid for.
We paid for a weekend getaway but dealt with inadequate AC, ants in the children’s beds, a spider bite, unanswered requests for help, an early departure and a promised management follow-up that never happened.
There really is potential here, and I hope they address these issues.
Unfortunately, based on our experience, I cannot recommend staying here.
I sincerely hope your experience is different.
ScoutGated area with grass around each site. Sites are level with DG and concrete borders. Pool is nice w/spa. Laundry and showers available.
Scoutpaid $ 25 a night for electric / water - very large city park - fishing pond - clean - felt safe local police patrolled area - i needed leveling blocks for site 12 - great walking areas - only had one other camper while here - i would stay here again
TravelerNice place and empty. They just close before 5 so you can’t come last minute easily. Empty and quiet
ScoutIf you are a drinker who likes to party and pay for over priced, watered down drinks, then this place is right up your alley. The weekends are full of loud, obnoxious people driving around in illuminated golf carts blaring loud, explicit music and screaming to each other across sites. On Sundays, everyone leaves and the place becomes a ghost town with only a few sites occupied the rest of the week. They close everything up early during the week because of it, typically an hour early. We drank one night and was served arguably the worst margaritas we've ever had served in a small, clear plastic cup that was filled to the brim with ice. There are no posted prices anywhere and I found out those horrible drinks cost$10 each. This concept is clearly built into their business model because they have you pay for all the amenities with your wristband that's linked to your credit card so when you buy something, they scan your wristband and don't inherently inform you how much they are pulling. You have to explicitly ask every time. The pool layout is designed with the drinkers in mind with two pool side bars, band stage, and lots of tables and cabanas(additional fees to use of course). It's not conducive for kids playing or anything like that. The lazy river is a terrible design because the ledge is continuous sharp rocks that catch your raft/floatie and sounds like it's going to pop it. It also contains several areas where you have to watch your head from contacting low bridges, rocks, etc., and then at the end, it spits you out into the pool with all the tables and you bump into people eating and drinking. In order to return, you have to paddle your way back to the entrance, through the people and tables, or get off and walk over. The experience is hardly a lazy or relaxing one. Another fundamental complaint about this place is that almost everything costs additional money above your base site fee, including WiFi, RC cars, pool obstacle course, arcade, floaties/rafts, etc. Also, the place claims it's completely cashless, but that's not 100% true. The laundry takes coins and so does the arcade. I wasn't fond of the staff either, because they were rude and snooty. The El Campo and Wharton areas have a lot of nice, down-to-earth people...they just don't work here. The bugs are REALLY bad here too on top of everything else. There is simply WAY too much competition in this areas of Texas to sell yourself short and stay at El Campo Lost Lagoon and get eaten alive by fire ants and flying insects.
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.
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
