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Best Campgrounds near Wharton, TX

271 Reviews

Wharton, Texas serves as a gateway to multiple camping opportunities in the Gulf Coast region of Texas. The surrounding area includes developed campgrounds, RV parks, and state parks offering various accommodation types. Brazos Bend State Park Campground, located about 40 miles east of Wharton, provides tent camping, RV sites, cabins, and glamping options with full hookup capabilities. Hollywood Bottom Park offers free primitive tent camping along the Colorado River with limited amenities. Several private RV parks such as Jetstream RV Resort, TeePee RV Park, and Mark and Bobby's Island provide concrete pads and full hookups for recreational vehicles within Wharton city limits.

Many campgrounds in the Wharton area remain open year-round due to the mild Gulf Coast climate, though summer months bring high humidity and temperatures. "Free camping geared towards river use (raft/kayak/canoe). Great rest stop while on the Colorado River," notes one camper about Hollywood Bottom Park. Road access varies considerably between developed RV parks and more remote camping areas, with most sites being drive-in accessible. Reservations are strongly recommended for popular destinations like El Campo Lost Lagoon and Brazos Bend State Park, especially during weekends and holidays. Sites with water and electrical hookups are abundant throughout the region, while primitive camping options are more limited.

Wildlife viewing represents a significant attraction at several camping areas near Wharton. Brazos Bend State Park in particular has earned a reputation for its alligator population. According to one visitor, "Brazos Bend is known as the Alligator Park...and for good reason! If you go on a moderate temperature day you can see literally dozens of massive alligators." The Colorado River corridor offers fishing opportunities at several access points. Campground amenities vary widely, with some private RV parks featuring swimming pools, concrete pads and full hookups, while state parks typically provide more natural settings with hiking trails, fishing ponds, and wildlife observation areas. Family-friendly amenities like picnic tables and fire rings are standard at most established campgrounds in the area.

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Best Camping Sites Near Wharton, Texas (86)

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Recent Camping Photos near Wharton, TX

91 Photos of 86 Wharton Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Wharton, TX

271 Reviews of 86 Wharton Campgrounds

  • Eugene C.
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Matagorda Bay Nature and RV Park

    The campground is nice but the bungalow’s furniture and mattresses are bad

    The furniture is out  door furniture even in doors. They are not comfortable at all. U slide off the couch . Never did get the tv to work. The mattresses are the worst I’ve even slept on. My body hurts and is bruised on my hips from laying on the hard mattresses. There is no back support on the chairs of the dining table. The backs of the chairs are short so u can’t lean back in them. They need to redo the furniture because it’s cheap junk. And they made all of them with one bathroom. Six people with one bathroom and they have a bungalow that sleeps eight still with only one bathroom. Also the front door needs a blind because anyone can look in at night .

  • Donald L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Stephen F. Austin State Park Campground

    Nice wooded spot.

    This is a great park to overnight or stay a couple days. It's very quiet. And the hiking trails are well maintained. AT&T coverage is weak.

  • Thomas M.
    Sep. 22, 2025

    South Main RV Park

    Great Houston location

    I visited South Main Rv Park this past weekend for a three night stay it was out of the world very helpful staff conveniently located at 610 in Main Street. We went to an event at NRG Stadium, and also to the Medical Center.

  • Halsey C.
    Sep. 10, 2025

    Sugar Land RV Park

    Such an amazing and very beautiful place!

    Sugar Land RV Park is a nice spot to stay if you’re visiting Sugar Land, Texas, with easy access to local attractions like the museum and town square. The calm, flat terrain makes it comfortable for RV travelers, and while you enjoy your trip, you can also check out tools like install onstream for pc to keep up with entertainment or streaming during your downtime.

  • Tara R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Houston West RV Park

    Very convenient

    This park is only about a block off of Route 10 near Houston. Great place to stay if you are just passing through. The pool and hot tub are nice, and the lake is pretty. They've got a pretty severe red ant infestation everywhere, so you can't spend too long standing outside on the gravel or the grass.

  • J
    Aug. 30, 2025

    Medical Center RV Resort

    Paved and level, full hookups

    Close to medical district of Houston, clean well maintained.

  • kenvin R.
    Aug. 18, 2025

    Stephen F. Austin State Park Campground

    A small park that offers a charming and relaxing nature experience.

    This park may be on the smaller side, but it’s full of charm!🌿 The trails are peaceful and great for spotting wildlife, while the shady trees make it perfect for hammocks or picnics. The campsites feel cozy yet spacious, and sprunki, clean, well-kept facilities make the whole experience even more enjoyable. A hidden gem worth visiting!✨

  • baseball D.
    Jul. 13, 2025

    Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park™ Camp-Resort Waller

    Good family place

    This Jellystone Park is amazing! The water park and themed activities kept the kids thrilled. Our whole family had a blast! Highly recommend! 

    Ragdoll Archers

  • emma F.
    Jul. 4, 2025

    Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park™ Camp-Resort Waller

    Our family had such an amazing time at Jellystone Park Waller!

    The kids absolutely loved the water zone and lazy river—we literally couldn’t get them to leave. The staff was super friendly, and everything felt clean and well-maintained. We stayed in one of the cabins and it was super cozy and convenient. The themed activities and crafts were a huge hit, especially the Halloween fun! We’re already planning our next visit. Highly recommend for families looking for a fun and relaxing getaway close to Houston!

    escape

Guide to Wharton

Camping near Wharton, Texas, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a peaceful retreat, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Nature Walks: Explore the trails at Brazos Bend State Park Campground. One camper mentioned, "If you like hiking, you can get it done here, just watch out for the gators." The park is known for its scenic views and wildlife.
  • Fishing: At Thousand Trails Colorado River, you can enjoy fishing in the river. A visitor shared, "We love it here. Right on the Colorado river plus two ponds to fish in."
  • Beach Access: Magnolia Beach is a great spot for beach camping. One reviewer said, "It’s beautiful to wake up to a beach no matter what."

What campers like:

  • Spacious Campsites: Campers appreciate the roomy sites at Stephen Austin State Park Campground. A visitor noted, "Sites are very nice, wide, and (mostly) level."
  • Clean Facilities: Many enjoy the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. One camper at Whispering Oaks RV Park remarked, "Bathroom is like one in your own home, very clean and kept up."
  • Friendly Staff: The welcoming atmosphere at Brackenridge Park & Campground is a highlight. A camper said, "The pleasant and helpful staff made me feel like a valued guest throughout my stay."

What you should know:

  • Watch for Wildlife: At Brazos Bend State Park Campground, alligators are part of the experience. One camper warned, "Just watch out for the alligators."
  • Limited Amenities at Some Sites: Campers at Follett’s Island Beach noted the lack of facilities. A visitor mentioned, "Primitive camping with no amenities. Just what we were looking for."
  • Busy Weekends: If you prefer a quieter experience, consider visiting during the week. A camper at Magnolia Beach said, "Beautiful views, but the weekends get very busy."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Playgrounds and Activities: Look for campgrounds with family-friendly amenities. At Quintana Beach County Park, one parent said, "Beach wasn’t crowded, playground, showers, toilets, beach access with rinsing station! Loved it!"
  • Pack for the Weather: Be prepared for Texas heat. A camper at Lake Texana State Park advised, "Be stocked up with all the goodies you enjoy."
  • Plan for Activities: Bring games and outdoor toys to keep kids entertained. A visitor at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park™ Camp-Resort Waller mentioned, "The park is brimming with activities."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Lengths: Some campgrounds have shorter sites. A reviewer at Lake Texana State Park noted, "Most campsites are short in length."
  • Wi-Fi Availability: If you need internet, check ahead. A camper at Thousand Trails Colorado River mentioned, "Starlink is pretty quick here and T-Mobile is smoking fast."
  • Secure Your Spot: Reservations are recommended, especially during peak seasons. A visitor at Whispering Oaks RV Park said, "I will stay here every time when going on I-10."

Camping near Wharton, Texas, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Make sure to check out these campgrounds for a great outdoor experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Wharton, TX?

According to TheDyrt.com, Wharton, TX offers a wide range of camping options, with 86 campgrounds and RV parks near Wharton, TX and 1 free dispersed camping spot.

Which is the most popular campground near Wharton, TX?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Wharton, TX is El Campo Lost Lagoon with a 5-star rating from 5 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Wharton, TX?

According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Wharton, TX.

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