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Discover the Best Camping Spots in Texas State Parks

8,765 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

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Round 1 of 5

Best Camping Sites in Texas (2,829)

    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

    73 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

    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."

    7. 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."

    8. 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."

    9. Cedar Hill State Park Campground

    65 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. Brazos Bend State Park Campground

    48 Reviews
    Thompsons, TX
    Website
    +1 (979) 553-5101

    $12 - $75 / night

    "A quick, 45 minute drive southwest will get you out of the concrete jungle that is the sprawling Space City metropolis and into one of the lushest, greenest parts of Texas."

    "Before we stopped at the Brazos park we went from Pottsville Arkansas to the beaches in Texas .Started out in Houston and seen the San Jacinto Monument , The Washburn Tunnel, Aquaworld in down town Houston"

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Recent Camping Photos in Texas

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Recent Reviews in Texas

8765 Reviews of 2829 Texas Campgrounds

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 30, 2026

    Big Texan RV Ranch

    quiet, safe

    Can't say there was anything particularly special but it was quiet, safe, there are full hookups, many spots for very large rigs (ours is small and so we had a small spot). There are trees but really not much, if any shade. That said there are numerous spots throughout that have covers to drive under and park. Bathroom were clean in main building; there is another building to the west that has about 4 bathrooms, all with there own shower stall/toilet/sink (more pvt. than main bldg.), indoor pool was clean (9 a.m.--9 p.m.). Also a sauna in main  bldg (we did not use). There is a store but there are no groceries such as butter/eggs/milk--there are wines and domestic beers (no craft beers). There are 4 dog runs (3 near main building; another 1 north of the small bathroom/shower bldg. on west side of park. There is a long green grass strip running norht/south near the west bathrooms/dog run area. Doggie bags available. There is a shuttle from ~4pm to 9pm that leaves on the hour from the RV park to the Big Texan restaurant (about 1.2 miles to the east). The shuttle is based at the restaurant so when you're done there, you can just walk outside and let them know you're ready to return--so you do not have to wait until a certain time for ride back (if it's not there, they'll be back soon from RV Park pickups).

  • Shawn S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 29, 2026

    love's fort stockton

    Good overnight

    Good for a quick right off the highway to stop and dump, refill tanks, and sleep. It is pretty expensive though. Easy in and out. Has a dog park and food in the station.

  • Shawn S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 29, 2026

    Mustang Island State Park Campground

    Beast beach area

    We stayed 2 werks at this location. The spots are mainly in a parking lot, but well done and right by the beach that you can drive on or bike on. It was quiet and peaceful in February when we visited. The rates are great and it is close to things to do. Great ranger events to take part in. Good foor at the pier (Snoopy's).

  • Shawn S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 29, 2026

    Hickory Creek COE Campground

    Peaceful lake campground

    We have stayed here twice and loved it. Make sure you tie down any kayaks or boats due to wind buy the water. Ours blew away, boo. The spots are great and amenities perfect. The gate does close at night so be careful that you dont get locked out. Learn from our mistake or you have a long walk.

  • Shawn S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 29, 2026

    McKinney Falls State Park Campground

    Close to Austin Airport

    We choose this due to proximity to the airport where my wife needed to fly out (5 minute drive). Great spots that are well spaced. Loved the bike trails and hiking.

  • Shawn S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 29, 2026

    Goose Island State Park Campground

    Ocean view

    We loved the views, birding, amenities, space, and vibe of the campground. We stayed in the primative area. The trees were a bit low coming in, but if you take it slow and drive more towards the center of the incoming road you are fine with high clearance rvs. It is a bird watchers paradise.

  • S
    Apr. 29, 2026

    Stanford Ranch Rv Resort

    Beautiful, Quiet, relaxing location right on the lake.

    Great RV park, located right on the Lake Bridgeport.  Lots of activities on and off the water.  Pickleball, basketball courts, hiking, star gazing, fossil hunting and of course fishing, boating and lake activities.  This place is full of wildlife, ducks, geese, guls, pelicans and even bald eagles.  We also saw groups of deer and turkey. As well as the cattle grazing around the park.   The park is also close to downtown Bridgeport with lots of food options and a nice area to walk around and shop.  This park is one of our favorites and we will make sure to visit again.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 29, 2026

    Fort Stockton RV Park

    ok for overnight

    RV sites were close together. Lots of fire ant mounds so watch for them. Bathrooms were clean and not too far. Lots of road noise- not from road in front of park but from the interstate so try to get site by entrance. Nice office and pool area with chairs and umbrellas. Sites themselves could use some work, leveling and such.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 29, 2026

    San Antonio Alamo KOA

    ok campground, good location

    Nice site at back of lot near walking path. Unfortunately lots of traffic noise even at back of lot due to an interstate nearby (not road in front). Did laundry- good facilities- need quarters. Decided to sit in lounge next door and read. Well a family came in with several children who were loud and running around- then they left the children there by themselves!!! (5, 6 years old) I finally had to use my teacher voice and tell them to quiet down and stop running around. This lounge should be labeled for adults- there are plenty of other spaces for children. My biggest disappointment was there was no hot water in the shower. KOA's are expensive ($100)- how can you not have hot water for the shower!!!! (and yes, I let it run for a long time).They also had nowhere that you could park your RV to take the bus into town (We were leaving that afternoon but with checkout so early we would not get back in time) so we had to drive the RV to the Alamo. There was absolutely NO RV parking downtown.

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

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