Best Campgrounds in Texas

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

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 the state caters to both weekend getaways and extended stays.

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. 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 (2,726)

    1. South Area — Colorado Bend State Park Campground

    107 Reviews
    Bend, TX
    +1 (325) 628-3240

    $13 - $75 / night

    "This is a beautiful green park with tons of waterfalls, hiking trails, swimming, and nature. You can hire a rafting trip from nearby and join a ranger hike to the caves too."

    "It is home to Gorman Falls, which is the tallest waterfall in Texas, but even besides that the park is gorgeous with awesome bluffs, river, trails, swimming hole, kayaking, and views."

    2. 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."

    3. 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."

    4. McKinney Falls State Park Campground

    80 Reviews
    Sunset Valley, TX
    Website
    +1 (512) 243-1643

    $20 - $86 / night

    "This state park is a little outside of Austin near the airport."

    "This park is a great option for nature camping very close to all the attractions of Austin."

    5. Chisos Basin Campground (Big Bend, Tx) — Big Bend National Park

    69 Reviews
    Terlingua, 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"

    6. 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. "

    7. Dinosaur Valley State Park Campground

    60 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."

    8. Tyler State Park Campground

    59 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."

    9. Cedar Hill State Park Campground

    63 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. "

    10. Davis Mountains State Park Campground

    55 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."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 2,726 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Reviews in Texas

8626 Reviews of 2726 Texas Campgrounds


  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 2, 2025

    Waylon Jennings RV Park

    Great place to stay!

    I would have given 5 stars but was a little disappointed that the full hook up spots were being taken up with campers that sat empty the entire 4 days I was there.  There are 2 parks (essentially) next to one another.  One has sewer along with water and electric and the other just has water and electric and a dump station.  The dump station is not easy to find as there is no sign for it.  I found it when I was walking my dogs.  The area with the sewer hook ups was occupied with some giant rigs that have junk and stuff all around them.. obviously have been there for many months as witnessed by the tall grass under them.  It is disappointing that the town continues to let people stay there for that long.  Many weren't even occupied (they just sit empty).  

    Overall it is a nice place.  It sits right next to a hardware store.  The employees were very helpful with a few things I needed.  The town has several stores and there is a farm store, over by the Dollar Tree that fills propane tanks too!

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 2, 2025

    Lions Park

    Don't waste your time!

    I pulled into this park and saw the dump station, but did not see any electric hookups.  There were giant windmills within a mile of here and that was a no Bueno for me!  Trashy looking area and no obvious place to park.  If you need a quick overnight stop, this may suffice, but for me.... yeah, I passed and went down the road to Crosbytown.

  • M
    Dec. 1, 2025

    Sam Houston National Forest Cagle Recreation Area

    Very nice place!

    Sites are large, not crammed together. Very nicely wooded campground with lake access. Nice camp hosts, clean bathrooms, electricity and water and sewer hookups. This place is going on my favorites list.

  • B
    Dec. 1, 2025

    North Crest RV Park

    Wonderful Place!

    We loved our stay at the North Crest RV Park! One thing that is missing from many RV Parks are trees and North Crest has many of them to provide wonderful shade. The RV Pad was concrete and level. The owner, Emily, was so helpful and truly a delight. We loved our time visiting Waco and seeing the sites…North Crest was an easy drive to get to all of the things in Waco. We look forward to our next stay at North Crest RV Park!

  • Lance L.
    Nov. 30, 2025

    Cedar Hill State Park Campground

    RV sites are spacious

    The RV sites have a full backyard in them with fire pit and easy access to hook up. The road in front feels kind of busy though, from the satellite view it looks pretty quaint but in reality it's kind of busy.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 29, 2025

    Golden Triangle RV Resort

    Clean and safe

    I been there twice this place is little pricey but clean and safe for kids i wish they had some trees

  • R
    Nov. 27, 2025

    Stubblefield Lake Recreation Area

    Magnificient campground

    Incredible campground. The place is incredibly beautiful, well kept, clean, the showers have nice warm water, the sites are in very good conditions. A ridiculously good value for what you pay ($15) and most of the people staying there are in tents, not RV's. Gives a nice vibe to the place. PJ the campground host is an amazing guy. One of the best campgrounds I've stayed at. 👌🏼👌🏼👌🏼

  • Ricky R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 25, 2025

    Lakeside (TX)

    Well maintained park operated by Corps of Engineers

    Sites in our loop were well spaced, spacious and generally level. The park was quiet and clean.


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.