Best Camping in Texas
Going on a camping trip is an ideal way of taking a break from the pressure and stress brought by work or the business of city life. Spending time with your family or friends in the great outdoors helps you appreciate nature and its beauty more. Did you know that Texas is an excellent destination for outdoor activities such as camping? If you want to spend the weekend camping in Texas but have no idea where to go, then you will find this camping guide helpful.
Texas’s stunning landscapes and weather make it the perfect destination for camping. The various national state parks and canyons offer scenic views that can only be truly appreciated in person. While you can go camping during the summer, the hot weather may make it difficult for you, so it would be best to go camping in Texas during spring. Winter in the Lone Star State is milder than in other U.S. states, so you can also consider winter camping here.
Read this guide to learn about the various camping sites in Texas. The location, amenities, and fees for every camping destination are listed below. Please note that the entrance fees typically apply to guests ages 13 and up. Children 12 years old and below can usually enter these campsites for free. Without further ado, here are some of the best places to visit if you plan to go camping in Texas.
1. Caprock Canyons State Park
Cost: $5 per person
Location: 850 Caprock Canyon Park Road, Quitaque, TX 79255
Phone: (806) 455-1492
Caprock Canyons State Park is popular among campers because of the astounding wildlife and awe-inspiring scenery. Make sure to bring your camera for this camping trip to take snaps of the bison living in the park.
Aside from setting up camp, there are a lot of fun activities to be had in this place, including hiking, biking, and horse riding. Campers who want to explore the park on foot or by bicycle will enjoy the 90 miles of trail on the park.
You can also enjoy water activities like fishing, kayaking, and swimming on Lake Theo, located in the state park.
2. Padre Island National Seashore
Cost: $5 per person for a one-day pass
Location: 20420 Park Road 22, Corpus Christi, TX 78418
Phone: (361) 949-8069
Are you looking for a camping destination where you can also enjoy a beach escape? Padre Island National Seashore is an excellent destination for anyone looking to relax by the sea. Padre Island’s coastline stretches for over 70 miles and is teeming with diverse wildlife.
There are two developed camping areas to choose from; the Bird Island Basin and Malaquite campground. Both offer a great camping experience, but if you enjoy surfing, you are better off camping at the Bird Island Basin.
There are plenty of amenities here, which include showers and toilets, so cleaning yourself up is easy. Make sure to secure a camping permit when you go here, as this is a requirement. Reservations are also unavailable because the campgrounds are on a first-come, first-served basis.
3. Colorado Bend State Park
Cost: $10 for the primitive walk-up sites
Location: 2236 Park Hill Drive, Bend, TX 76824
Phone: (325) 628-3240
Camping in Texas is not a problem with the abundance of great camping destinations in the state. There are camping spots that stand above the rest, however. One such camping site is the Colorado Bend State Park. This famous park has several campgrounds that are perfect for friends and family who want to camp and relax in the beautiful state.
As one of the best state parks in Texas, the Colorado Bend State Park features several places to camp. If you want to hike, you can also walk the paths in the park. Reservations are recommended, especially if you plan to check out the caverns. The park is a perfect destination for those who want to go on adventure and people who want to relax near nature.
4. Mustang Island State Park
Cost: $5 per person
Location: 9394 TX-361, Corpus Christi, TX 78418
Phone: (361) 749-5246
If a beach getaway is what you want, then Mustang Island State Park is a great destination. Its five-mile coastline is famous for its stunning views and diverse flora and fauna. It’s not uncommon to spot sea turtles and different bird species along the coast. Camping at Mustang Island Park with your closest friends and family is essentially what a memorable day at the beach looks like. The availability of water and electric connections makes camping here more convenient.
You can go camping, hiking, biking, bird watching, and swimming here. There is plenty of fun to be had, so consider this island state park when you go camping in Texas.
5. Guadalupe River State Park
Cost: $7 entrance fee per person, $15-$24 for the campsite
Location: 3350 Park Road 31, Spring Branch, TX 78070
Phone: (830) 483-2656
The Guadalupe River State Park is a great camping destination for anyone who wants to experience camping near a river. The state park is also ideal for campers who wish to ride their mountain bikes on trails or explore on foot.
The Guadalupe River State Park features two campsites: the Cesar Sage and Turkey Sink campgrounds. Both campgrounds have electricity hookups available for campers, making them a popular choice for people on vacation with their RVs.
Those who want to experience nature while camping may opt for the primitive campsites at the Wagon Ford campsite. While no showers are available on the site, campers can access restrooms in the area.
6. Balmorhea State Park
Cost: $7 per person, $15-$30 for group campsite
Location: 9207 TX-17, Toyahvale, TX 79786
Phone: (432) 375-2370
Nestled near Davis Mountain State Park in West Texas is the Balmorhea State Park. The park is famous for having the largest spring-fed pool in the world, which is also its main attraction. Guests can enjoy diving, swimming, or simply relaxing and picnicking under the shade of trees. Other amenities and activities include kid’s playgrounds, an outdoor sports area, and picnic spots.
While camping at the Balmorhea State Park is a great experience, rooms are available at the San Solomon Spring Court nearby for people who want more traditional accommodation. RV camping is also common in the state park, with over 30 sites with electricity and cable TV hookups.
7. Tyler State Park
Cost: $6 per person
Location: 15007 FM14, Tyler, TX 57506
Phone: (903) 597-5338
The Rose Capital of America is home to the Tyler State Park, a 64-acre lake popular among camping fans and outdoor lovers. Bring your fishing gear or binoculars for birdwatching if you decide to go here for your camping trip.
To further complete the outdoor experience, you can also opt to go hiking, with over 13 miles of trails that can be explored in the area. You can witness these scenic views, which include the 70-year-old Whispering Pine Nature Trail.
The campsites at Tyler State Park are equipped with water hookups, grills, lantern posts, and picnic tables, making it perfect for an overnight stay for small to large groups.
8. Dinosaur Valley State Park
Cost: $7 per person, $15-$60 for campsites a night depending on group size
Location: 1629 Park Road 59, Glen Rose, TX 76043
Phone: (254) 897-4588
If you are looking for a different kind of campground, you might find the Dinosaur Valley State Park interesting. Campers who want to witness the ground walked on by prehistoric creatures will enjoy camping here.
Visitors can explore the tracks on the bed of limestone in the Paluxy River. When the water is low, you can hike on the dinosaur trackway and camp in the nearby campgrounds. Over 40 campsites are available in the Dinosaur Valley State Park with an electrical connection. Those who wish to embark on a more serious camping time are free to set up camp in the 15 primitive sites in the area.
9. Inks Lake State Park
Cost: $6 per person, $11-$23 a night
Location: 3630 Park Road 4 W, Burnet, TX 78611
Phone: (512) 793-2223
Do you want a camping experience near rocky landscapes with breathtaking scenery? Inks Lake State Park is a great camping destination with numerous campsites and cabins. This state park is just an hour’s drive from Austin and features 200 campsites with various amenities, which include an electrical hookup. The electrical provision makes it an ideal spot for RV camping.
Inks Lake State Park also has primitive campsites for those who want an experience closer to the outdoors. These campsites are only accessible via the 1.5-mile trail, which makes it perfect for adventure seekers. Make sure to bring water as the water supply is unavailable in this part of the park. The lake is open all year round, so you can visit any time.
10. Palo Duro Canyon State Park
Cost: $8 per person
Location: 11450 State Hwy Park Road 5, Canyon, TX 79015
Phone: (806) 488-2227
Outdoor lovers and adventure seekers will find that the Palo Duro Canyon State Park is an excellent camping destination. Some call it the “Grand Canyon of Texas” because the awe-inspiring scenery and rock formation are similar to the Grand Canyon. The Palo Duro Canyon is the second-largest canyon in the country and is frequented by thousands of visitors annually. The canyon offers a wide array of areas that are ideal for tent and RV camping. Other fun activities here are biking, hiking, and horseback riding.
The Palo Duro Canyon State Park is perfect for people who want to hike on trails to access primitive camping sites. The campground is free for all, meaning there are no designated sites, and campers can choose which spot they wish to set up camp.
11. Garner State Park
Cost: $8 per person
Location: 234 RR 1050, Concan, TX 78838
Phone: (830) 232-6132
Do you want to go to a camping location where you will also enjoy various outdoor activities and recreation? Head to Garner State Park and experience a vast selection of activities perfect for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
The park offers over 1,700 acres of stunning landscape and scenery, which includes the Frio River. Campers who want to hike will find an 11-mile trail that provides a beautiful panorama; it’s the perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Camping is one of the main attractions at Garner State Park, but other activities, such as kayaking and hiking, can also be enjoyed here.
Recap
Ultimately, Texas is a great state to go camping in. The various campgrounds featured in this blog post may differ in some features, amenities, and offers, but every location has something unique to offer. You can’t go wrong with any choice as long as you enjoy camping because every suggestion above has great features.
The destinations discussed in this guide have either RV options, primitive camping spots, or both. Campers who also want to try other outdoor recreation are not limited to camping in the woods because other fun activities are available. Some of these activities include hiking, swimming, kayaking, biking, bird watching, and fishing — depending on which camping location you choose to visit.
Are you ready for a camping getaway? Now that you have helpful information about various camping spots in Texas, it’s time to go camping! Pack your bags and prepare your camping essentials. Head to any of these fantastic Texas camping destinations and enjoy a wonderful and memorable time with your family and friends.
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