The top locations to camping in Texas provide gorgeous settings to sleep alongside, from rudimentary tent camping to amazing areas to park an RV.
The Texas Panhandle, the Texas Coast, and the state’s south, middle, and western regions all provide excellent camping opportunities.
Spring-fed swimming pools, untamed rivers, and old tunnels are just a few of the unique characteristics of a few.
Some of the most fabulous tent camping in Texas are at places like Colorado Bend State Park.
Close to Austin, the neighboring Guadalupe River State Site has an excellent RV park.
Both state parks are in the Texas Hill Country, a popular spot for RV camping and tent camping.
Many of the greatest caves in the world are in the Texas Hill Country.
Summary
| Guide | Camping In Texas |
|---|---|
| Things to bring | Torch, tent, etc. |
| Campgrounds | Guadalupe River State Park, and more |
| Best places to visit near | The Alamo, and more |
| Situated | U.S. |
Camping In Texas
1. Big Bend National Park
The Big Bend National Park, which straddles the Rio Grande River and the US/Mexico border, offers a plethora of camping opportunities in West Texas.
The National Park Service manages four established campsites within the area. The Rio Grande Village RV Campground, for example, has 25 full hook-up sites.
Tent camping and dry RV camping are available at the other three Big Bend parks.
The Rio Grande Village Campground is the Big Bend National Park’s largest tent campground, with approximately 100 sites near the river.
At Rio Grande Village Campground, you can reserve half of the sites ahead of time. Every campground is within walking distance of a camp shop and bathing facility.
Address: Big Bend National Park, Texas
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2. Guadalupe River State Park
Nearly 100 campsites are available in this river-centered state park less than one hour north of San Antonio.
The campsites of Guadalupe River State Park have three sections. The Turkey Sink and Cedar Sage Campgrounds are home to most of the state park’s campsites.
These campgrounds are popular for Texas Hill Country RV Camping since they have complete power connections.
On weekends, campsites need a two-night stay (Friday and Saturday). There are nearby flushing bathrooms and shower facilities in Turkey Sink and Cedar Sage.
The Wagon Ford Campground at the state park also has nine rustic sites that require a short walk from a parking lot.
The Bald Cypress Trail and the nearby Guadalupe River are accessible from these walk-in campsites.
Address: 3350 Park Road 31, Spring Branch, Texas
3. Padre Island National Seashore
The Padre Island National Seashore, on the Texas coast, protects the world’s longest unspoiled barrier island.
This 130,000-plus-acre natural region, which borders the Gulf of Mexico, offers unusual camping possibilities.
Padre Island offers plenty of beach camping opportunities for visitors. The Malaquite Campground and the Bird Island Basin Campground are two established camping spots.
The Malaquite Campground has 48 semi-rural sites with flushing toilets and showers.
Bird Island Basin’s campgrounds are very basic, with just chemical toilets accessible.
Because of the world-class recreation within walking distance, windsurfers frequently utilize the sites in Bird Island Basin.
Address: 20301 Park Rd 22, Corpus Christi, TX 78418
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4. Palo Duro Canyon State Park
The Palo Duro Canyon State Park, often known as Texas’ Grand Canyon, offers scenic campgrounds.
This Texas Panhandle state park camping gives amazing views across Palo Duro Canyon.
The Juniper, Sagebrush, and Hackberry Campgrounds provide power on both ends of the state park.
The Sagebrush and Hackberry Campgrounds have parking for RVs up to 60 feet long.
Palo Duro Canyon State Park also has several unique rustic campsites that are within hiking distance of a half-mile walk.
In this basic camping part of the park, there are no designated campsites, so overnight guests choose where they want to pitch their tent.
Cabins and group camping are also available at Palo Duro Canyon.
Address: 11450 State Hwy Park Road 5, Canyon, Texas
Best Places To Visit Near Texas
San Antonio’s River Walk
Many attractive restaurants and amazing outdoor patios to sit and dine in a while overlooking The River Walk.
This pedestrian walkway, which is below street level and follows the river is as popular with locals as visitors day and night.
Although wandering along the river is the most popular activity, a leisurely tour on a riverboat is also a terrific way to take in the atmosphere.
These are available at all times and include anything from regular sightseeing tours to dinner cruises.
The Alamo
The Alamo is one of America’s most important historical landmarks.
This building was built in 1744 by Franciscans as part of a mission station established in 1718. And by 1836, people started to use it as a fort.
It gained notoriety during the Texas Revolution, when a tiny force, including Davie Crockett and James Bowie, barricaded themselves in against a 3,000-strong Mexican army.
While all 187 defenders died in the fall, the cry of “Remember the Alamo!” united the state to defeat the Mexicans finally.
You may visit this historic site today to witness the rebuilt structures and the cenotaph honoring the dead Texans.
Inside is a museum with rotating exhibits of weaponry and items linked to the mission’s events and history.
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Checklist Before Camping In Texas
Here’s a list of things you shouldn’t forget for your camping vacation.
This list should not be exhaustive, but it includes most of our favorite camping things, especially if you’re going camping for the first time in Texas.
- Rain Gear
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- Sunscreen
- Extra clothing appropriate for the weather
- First Aid Kit
- Tent
- Cooking gear
- Duffel bag or Backpack
- Sleeping bag or blankets
- Eating kit
- Watch
- Insect repellent
- Binoculars
- Swimsuit
FAQ
Can I make a reservation for a specific campsite in Texas?
Reservations for most Texas State Parks sites are made on a site-by-site basis.
You can choose a location that best suits your needs. For privately owned parks, it depends.
Is there a limit to how many locations I may reserve online?
For the same park and time period, you can reserve up to five sites in state parks only.
This could be higher or lower for privately-owned campgrounds, depending on where you choose.
How far ahead of time can I book a table?
It is debatable because every camp has its timetable.
Shefali Jain is a Content Writer & Editor at USWorkforce.org
After completing her graduation in hospitality, Shefali decided to follow her passion and started writing. Shefali has been writing for two years now and contributes to our website as a skilled editor and content writer with strong research skills. Writing product and service reviews, biographies, and book reviews are some of her key areas, among many others in which she specializes. In her time at the organization, she has written and edited content on a range of topics, including employment law, human resources, and business management.
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- https://www.beyondthetent.com/30-of-the-best-places-to-go-camping-in-texas/[↩]
- https://www.planetware.com/tourist-attractions/texas-ustx.htm[↩]
- https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/park-reservation-information/faq#:~:text=OHV)%20permit%20online%3F-,Can%20I%20reserve%20a%20specific%20campsite%3F,that%20best%20meets%20your%20needs.[↩]
- https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/park-reservation-information/faq#:~:text=OHV)%20permit%20online%3F-,Can%20I%20reserve%20a%20specific%20campsite%3F,that%20best%20meets%20your%20needs.[↩]