Texas

Best Campsites in Texas

The best way to take advantage of the beautiful long days of hotter months is to spend your time in the outdoors. And the best way to do this is to go camping with your partner, friends or family. So if you live in Texas, or you plan to visit, there are so many wonderful campsites in the woods and alongside rivers within just a few hours’ drive from the cities. Since most of these campsites fill up quickly, the trick here is to plan your trip or make a reservation.

In this article, we have highlighted the best campsites in Texas that offer beautiful views and all of the amenities you’ll ever need. Read on to learn more.

1. Fredericksburg Campground

Located in the heart of the Hill Country, Fredericksburg Campground is within a few short miles of the area’s best attractions. This serene campsite is surrounded by grand old oak trees and features many camping amenities such as 50 Max Amp, Wi-Fi internet connection, cable TV, RV storage and set up, pavilion, swimming pool, and Dog Park. You can make a reservation for an RV camping site or tent camping.

2. Caprock Canyons State Park & Trail

This 15,314-acre state park is conveniently situated near the eastern edge of the Llano Estacado in Briscoe County, Texas. Featuring stunning beauty and more than 90 miles of astonishing trails, this park is perfect for campers who like to explore beautiful nature on foot. Besides utility campsites and primitive campsites, the park also has eight equestrian campsites with corrals. With A Texas State Park Pass, you can enjoy unlimited visits without paying the daily entrance fee.

3. Davis Mountains State Park Campsites

This is a 2,709-acre state park found in Jeff Davis County, Texas, within the most scenic areas the Davis Mountains. Some of the campsites within this park include 26 full hookup campsites, 34 campsites with electricity, 33 campsites with water, and 4 primitive campsites (hike-in). Some of the amenities you will find in Davis Mountains State Park Campsites include a picnic table, fire ring, water hookup, sewer hookup, and restrooms.

4. Colorado Bend State Park Campsites

There are several campsites located within this 5,328.3-acre Texas state park. The park has 8 primitive Campsites (Drive-up) with picnic tables, water supply, lantern post and fire ring with grill. Self-contained recreational vehicles of up to 30 feet are allowed here. The park also has other types of campsites such as primitive campsites (walk-in), primitive campsites (hike-in) and several group campsites.

5. Meridian State Park Campground

Meridian State Park features seven campsites with electricity, nine full hookup campsites, nine primitive campsites, eight campsites with water and one group camping hall. Some of the amenities ‘on the site include screened shelters and three cabins for campers who don’t want to camp in tents. Other popular activities include you can engaging during your camping adventure include picnicking and bicycling on park roads.

6. Palo Duro Canyon State Park Campsites

This state park is the best place not only for camping enthusiasts but also for photographers, adventurers, and families alike. There are several campgrounds in this park such as Mesquite campground at the southernmost part of the park, Cactus campground on the southern end, Sagebrush campground, Fortress Cliff campground, Hackberry campground, and equestrian campsites. Other activities you can enjoy during your stay include biking, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, swimming and wildlife watching.

7. Goose Island State Park

Goose Island State Park is a 321.4-acre state park located in the northern part of the city of Rockport. Each year, more than 150 camping sites in this park receives more than 60,000 overnight campers from across the world. Some of the amenities available for campers include a picnic table, water hookup, shade shelter, waist-high grill, restrooms with showers and 20/30/50-amp electric.

8. Big Bend National Park

Located in West Texas, this park offers expansive views of ancient limestone, canyons, and beautiful mountains. If you are looking for the best primitive camping or roadside camping in Texas, this might be the best place for you. If you prefer a more secluded camping area, there are several backcountry spots where you can set up your tent or recreational vehicle. Campers also get a chance to enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities such as kayaking, mountain biking, backpacking, nature watching.

9. Big Thicket National Preserve

The Big Thicket National Preserve is a perfect place for an overnight adventure. There are no designated campsites or developed campgrounds in the preserve. You can pitch a tent or your recreational vehicle and wake up to this beautiful diverse stretch of land. Some of the popular camping locations in this preserve include the Neches River, along the Village Creek, along the Woodlands Trail, the Jack Gore Baygall Unit, the Canyonlands Unit, and Turkey Creek Unit.

10. Garner State Park Campgrounds

Garner State Park, which sits on 1,774 acres of land, offers a wide array of outdoor recreation for adventurous travelers. The park is a very popular destination for camping enthusiasts looking for a perfect place to camp and experience the great outdoors. It has 8 full hookup campsites, more than 200 campsites with electricity, and 124 campsites with water. Some of the amenities on these campgrounds include a lantern post, water, fire ring, outdoor grill, and a picnic table.

11. Enchanted Rock State Natural Area

This area is famously known for its natural rock formations such as the pink granite rock. Walk-in campsites with tent pads are available in this area in addition to primitive hike-in campsites, where ample amount of shade and amazing Hill Country views offer a fantastic place for a picnic and respite after a day of adventure. Spend your nights stargazing after a memorable day in the outdoors, as popular activities include rock climbing and hiking through the 11 miles of hiking trails.

12. Guadalupe River State Park

Guadalupe River State Park is a popular destination in Texas for summertime. There are three campgrounds available within this park that offers the perfect spot for family and friends. Besides camping, visitors also enjoy a broad range of recreational activities such as biking and biking on 13-mile long trails, swimming, fishing, canoeing and watching the beautiful scenery. No ash-producing fires including charcoal or wood are allowed here.

13. Padre Island National Seashore Campground

All campgrounds in Padre Island National Seashore are open year-round. If you are planning your trip, no reservations are required because most of the spots are first-come-first-served campgrounds.  There are no recreational vehicle hook-ups anywhere in the park, but a water filling station and a recreational vehicle dump station are available. Camping is permitted only in the five camping sports available for public use. All types of campers must obtain a camping permit from the kiosks found at the entrances of each campground.

14. Inks Lake State Park Campgrounds

Located in the Texas Hill Country, Inks Lake State Park features sparkling blue waters, a variety of rocky landscapes and numerous outdoor recreational adventures. Campers visiting this park can dip themselves in the refreshing Devil’s Waterhole or explore the 9 miles of picturesque hiking trails. Besides camping, the park offers the perfect weekend getaway for residents or visitors who want to boat, water ski, swim, and scuba dive.

15. Lost Maples State Natural Area

If you are looking for a great place in Texas to go camping during busy and hot months, Lost Maples State Natural Area is another good spot. Located just two hours northwest of San Antonio, this natural area offers camping enthusiasts a chance to soak in views of steep canyon walls and pristine wildlife. More than 30 campsites are available with electricity and electricity. If you prefer a more secluded area, there are six primitive campsites available for you.

16. Pedernales Falls State Park Campgrounds

Pedernales Falls State Park is a state park located on 2585 Park Rd 6026, Johnson City, Texas, around about 30 miles outside of Austin. There are several miles of mountain biking and hiking trails to explore. Campers at this state park also enjoy the beautiful views of Hill Country reward, rock formations, creeks, and Pedernales Falls. If you are looking for a perfect place for kayaking, swimming or tubing, make sure you visit the Pedernales River.

17. Purtis Creek State Park Campgrounds

Purtis Creek State Park is one of the largest state parks in Texas. Located on14225 FM316, Eustace, Texas, this state park has 64 single-family campsites located on the shores of a beautiful 355-acre lake. The park has 59 campsites with recreational vehicle hookups, 14 primitive tent-only sites, 5 walk-in sites, and a group camping site. Most of the camping sites in this park accommodate tents, RVs and trailers, and have amenities such as drinking water, restrooms, showers, electricity, grills and fire rings.

Conclusion

Whether you plan to camp in a tent, bringing your recreational vehicle or planning to stay in a cabin, most of the camping sites in Texas that we have reviewed here, offer everything you need to make a fabulous vacation. Just keep in mind that some camping sites require booking while others are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Otherwise, you will need to plan your camping trip.