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.

Campground Showdown in Texas

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Round 1 of 5

Best Camping Sites in Texas (2,935)

    1. Inks Lake State Park Campground

    99 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

    85 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

    "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

    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 - $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. "

    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

    51 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."

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Recent Reviews in Texas

9032 Reviews of 2935 Texas Campgrounds

  • Matt K.
    Sep. 14, 2026

    El Campo Lost Lagoon

    For Drinkers and Partiers

    If 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.

  • Trent R.
    Sep. 14, 2026

    El Campo Lost Lagoon

    A Non-Family Friendly Money Grab

    My wife posted a review after our stay, and the owner responded to it. The response was later removed, but we captured a screenshot beforehand for documentation. I am adding this review to provide a clear record of our experience and the sequence of events. Prior to arrival, we spoke with a staff member named Barbie, who quoted a monthly rate of$1,300 plus a$200 event fee for the weekend of September 11. During that conversation, we asked whether the initial payment could be applied toward the monthly rate if we chose to extend our stay. We were told this would be possible. After the weekend, I returned to the office to request the monthly rate and apply the amount already paid, but management declined to honor that verbal agreement. The amenities differed from what we expected based on the website and photos. Many features require additional fees, including Wi‑Fi, and several amenities are limited unless those fees are paid. During our stay, the park was significantly busier on weekends than weekdays. We observed approximately five to ten occupied sites out of more than 200 during weekdays. Because of the lower weekday activity, certain facilities—such as the kitchen being closed during the week, pools closing earlier than expected, and hot tub jets not being available—made the experience comparable to a standard RV park rather than a resort. The site length also differed from our expectations. The park advertises 80‑foot sites, but our 40‑foot RV plus 20‑foot trailer left very limited space for our vehicle. At other locations with 80‑foot sites, we can park our vehicle normally and parallel to the RV without issue. At this location, we had to park the vehicle sideways to fit, which suggests the listed site length may not reflect the usable space. We also attempted to use the on‑site propane service. Staff were unable to fill our tank and suggested the issue was with the tank itself. We later had the tank filled at Love’s in Wharton, where it accepted 23 gallons without issue. For visitors primarily interested in weekend recreation, social activities, or events—and who plan to use the paid amenities—this location may be a good fit. Our experience differed due to the length of our stay, the change in the verbal agreement, the limitations of the amenities during weekdays, and the owner’s now‑removed response to my wife’s review.

  • PThe Dyrt Pro User
    Sep. 13, 2026

    Hereford City RV Park

    Very good

    We pulled in early evening and there were three other rvs here. Nice half mile loop to walk dog. Only noise was train whistles during night. Would definitely stay again

  • David B.The Dyrt Pro User
    Sep. 13, 2026

    Honey Flat Camping Area — Caprock Canyons State Park

    Lovely park and cool bison. Bad water and perhaps unreliable power. Steep grade prevents deep access.

    This park is run at the usual high standards of the Texas State Park system. It features a lovely visitors center with a panoramic glass view of the canyon, and the promised bison do indeed roam freely, right up against the cars and RVs.

    The dark sky aspect is amazing, even if you're not into astrophotography. Just looking out your own windows at night you can see stars at the treeline. You don't even have to go outside or look way up. With the amount of satellites and airplanes out today, the night sky is very busy and an app like Stellarium really helps out here to see what you're seeing.

    Prairie Dog Town is well named as they run the roost in that area, on guard for cars and standing up with cute expressions before popping down into one of their many holes and tunnels, just like in the cartoons. Roadrunners run, too.

    The park's water is gross, a nonfat milk blue color. Like all Texas water, I recommend your own purification or bring bottled.

    Finally, to cap a lovely second evening, a lightning strike in town many miles away took out power throughout the park and I'm writing this on generator, despite the approaching quiet hours. It's terribly hot still.

    While the power issue is not the park's fault, it is a reminder to come here with a full tank of gas (I was at 78%) and a full lithium battery if you have one. Texas State Parks are remote and don't the urban water and power we might always expect.

    Finally, most of the inner park loop lies beyond a 16% grade that isn't well explained until you're handed a park map. This makes key canyon viewing areas off limits to trailers longer than 15 ft, and I decided not to try it with my 27' motorhome. This meant less canyon viewing than I hoped for.

    With planning, this can be great visit! True canyon enthusiasts should visit Palo Duro instead, the true gem of the Texas park system.

  • Lisa  L.
    Sep. 12, 2026

    El Campo Lost Lagoon

    What RVers Should Know: The Good, the Bad & the Ugly After 3 Weeks

    We stayed at El Campo Lost Lagoon for three weeks, including multiple weekends and Labor Day, so our experience wasn't based on a single busy weekend. There are positives. The property is new, the main pool is nice, and we genuinely enjoyed the live music. Unfortunately, the overall experience—particularly the pricing and handling of a serious incident involving minors—left us unwilling to return. PRICING: We were quoted$1,500 for a month. Because we didn't know how long we'd need to stay due to my husband's job, we specifically asked whether our weekly payments could be rolled into the monthly rate if we stayed longer. We were told YES. We therefore booked at$650/week. We ultimately needed three weeks, but management refused to convert us to the monthly rate. We paid$1,950 for THREE weeks—$450 more than we'd been quoted for FOUR weeks. Different weekly/monthly rates are normal; our issue is that we specifically asked beforehand and were told the payments could roll over. Extended-stay RVers: get your rate arrangement in writing. AMENITIES/INTERNET: We weren't told when booking or checking in that essentially everything except the main pool would be closed. The hot tub required asking an employee to turn on the jets, which didn't always happen, and over Labor Day weekend bar staff told us it wasn't working. There was no included campground Wi-Fi available to us. We purchased the third-party service we were given information for and found it terrible. Bring your own hotspot if reliable internet matters. POOL/WEEKENDS: We enjoyed the live music, but during performances the main pool becomes much more of an event/party area. The stage and reserved tables, combined with people gathering near the stage, substantially reduce swimming space, and the speakers were so loud that normal conversation in the pool area was difficult. Across multiple weekends—not just Labor Day—we observed guests who appeared highly intoxicated, loud golf-cart music, profanity/adult language around children, and groups socializing beyond the resort's 10 p.m. music cutoff. Adults drinking and having fun isn't our complaint. Our concern was the lack of consistent enforcement and balance for a property marketed toward families. OUR BIGGEST CONCERN: During Labor Day weekend, our minor son's property was vandalized by another minor camper. When our son attempted to address it with the child's family, an adult family member became extremely aggressive toward him and appeared highly intoxicated when we arrived. Multiple minors witnessed the incident, including children 13 and younger. Management's immediate focus when we arrived was how quickly my husband had driven through the campground to reach our son. He was pulled aside, leaving me, our minor son, another minor child and the aggressive adult while the underlying situation remained unresolved. We ultimately called law enforcement. Multiple minor witnesses spoke with officers, and one child had recorded the incident and provided the video directly to police. Afterward, that child expressed fear of retaliation. Our son walked him safely back to his campsite, where I instructed my son to remain until I personally picked him up after another camper reported that members of the other family were driving around looking for the boys and asking where they were staying. We cannot speak to anyone's intentions, but given what had just happened, we took it seriously. Despite law enforcement responding to an incident involving multiple minors, we received no follow-up from management asking whether the children were okay or whether there were continuing safety concerns. The matter is currently being investigated by a detective. Because the investigation is active and minors are involved, we aren't publicly posting the video or other evidence at this time.bAfter I posted our experience on Google, the business account initially responded,“Sounds about right….😒” The response was later removed. I’ve included the original screenshot with this review and will allow readers to interpret the response for themselvesOTHER RV NOTES: The property is new, so there are essentially no mature trees or natural shade. We experienced a tremendous number of bugs. We also regularly heard repeated gunfire during the day; there is an outdoor gun/rifle range in the El Campo area, although we cannot say it was the source. You'll also hear nearby cows and roosters. BOTTOM LINE: The pool and live music were enjoyable and the property has potential. But after paying$1,950 for three weeks after being told our weekly payments could roll into a$1,500 monthly rate, unavailable amenities, poor paid internet, the recurring weekend atmosphere, and especially management's handling of the incident involving minors outweighed the positives for our family. We would not stay here again.

  • JThe Dyrt Pro User
    Sep. 12, 2026

    Buffalo Lake National Wildlife Refuge

    Very good Place

    I got a easily given this place five stars if there had been water in the lake, but according to all the reviews, there has not been water in this lake for 50 years the place is well maintained. They do a good job of keeping it clean in the with the fries in September the flies will eat you up five star for your effort guys three stars for the 100° and no wind, but I’m the only one here that’s great. I enjoy the solitude.

  • GThe Dyrt Pro User
    Sep. 12, 2026

    Camp Landa Resort

    Wonderful Peaceful!

    Camp Landa has everything we needed and more. We loved the pool in the heat!

  • Brandi W.The Dyrt Pro User
    Sep. 12, 2026

    wild cat park and lake Robert Lee Texas

    Boondocking on the Lake

    When cruising down Wildcat Marina Rd., the road comes to a y and there is a check in both. We came in late, which was no problem due to their easy diy check in system. After filling out the envelope with our information and putting our 5 dollars in the box, we were done 👍 We went left at the y and stayed left at the second y, then arrived at the lake where the land just opened up to lots of boondocking spots. It wasn't hard to find level ground and we were not right next to anybody. What a great spot!

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.