As the second-largest U.S. state, Texas holds a vast wilderness you’ll enjoy exploring. From lush forests and brilliant lakes to rocky canyons and endless deserts, you can choose whatever landscape you prefer in the Lone Star State.
Whether you’re up for RV camping, hiking, backpacking, luxurious glamping, or any other arrangement, the options are endless.
Nearly all Texas state parks offer lodgings and camping amenities, but you can also go for the backcountry if you’re feeling adventurous.
Here are our top seven picks of camping spots in Texas.
Big Bend National Park
This West Texas treasure is one of the largest national parks in the country, and it has plenty to offer. The parched desert landscape is home to dinosaur bones and ancient fossils but also to a wide variety of living species.
Its 800,000-acres territory boasts many developed campgrounds. Whether you want to hook up your RV or set up a tent after a long day of hiking, you can find perfect spots with nearby amenities, such as a shower facility or store.
There are also backcountry campsites, which you can access by hiking, off-road driving, rafting, etc.
Big Bend is an International Dark Sky Park, which means you can enjoy the intense view of the Milky Way without any light pollution getting in your way.
Palo Duro Canyon State Park
The Great Canyon of Texas is in the middle of the Texas Panhandle, and its rugged nature will charm you. There are over 30 miles of biking, horse riding, and hiking trails to explore, and nearly all campgrounds offer a magnificent view of the second largest canyon in the country.
You can choose a site with water and electricity or a more primitive tent site. There are even stone cabins for rent on the canyon’s rim and floor.
Recently, they’ve added glamping options for a more luxurious experience in nature. It features all the necessary appliances, A/C, games, porch swings, and much more.
If you visit during the summer, you may see the TEXAS Outdoor Musical at the Pioneer Amphitheater, which explores the adventures and struggles of the early settlers and is kid-friendly.
Balmorhea State Park
This desert wetland in West Texas is ideal if you want to cool down in the Texas heat. It features one of the largest spring-fed pools in the world — a solid 1.3 acres. So bring your swimsuit and goggles for this relaxing retreat.
There are 34 campsites available for an overnight stay. However, if you don’t feel like sleeping outside, you may opt for motel-like lodging in the San Solomon Springs Court. RV camping is also a popular option as there are many sites with electricity for RVs.
No matter which campsite you choose, you’ll be within walking distance of the spring-fed pool, so you can swim your days away if you like.
Caddo Lake State Park
Caddo Lake State Park is one of the most beautiful sites in East Texas, close to the Louisiana border. It’s a peaceful area among the piney woods with access to the lake bayous. Caddo Lake is one of the few natural lakes in Texas. As long as you beware of the alligators roaming the park, you’ll have a wonderful time!
There are numerous campsites. Some of them are water-only, but many provide full RV hookups. Screened shelter is also available, as well as some historic cabins.
You can fish, picnic, hike, paddle among the large bald cypress trees through the gorgeous waterways, and much more. One part of the forest trail is even ADA accessible.
Colorado Bend State Park
Just two hours north of Austin lies one of the most beautiful parks in the state. Colorado Bend is in the Hill Country region, and it is known for its karst features, such as caves and sinkholes.
The park is a camping paradise with options for everyone. There are drive-up, walk-in, and hike-in sites with water in the area and compost toilets.
Colorado Bend is great if you want an active camping experience since there’s plenty to do here. You can explore the 35 miles of hiking and biking trails through pristine nature. If you want to check out the beautiful 70-foot Gordon Falls, you may take a somewhat challenging hike over rocky terrain.
You may even explore underground caves with local guides.
Padre Island National Seashore
The serene seashore on North Padre Island off the coast of South Texas will have you enchanted. It is the longest stretch of undeveloped barrier island you can find around the world, home to almost 400 bird species, and a safe nesting haven for the smallest sea turtles in the world.
This park is ideal for beach lovers. You can enjoy days filled with the smell of sea and the feel of sand under your toes in one of the five available campgrounds. They’re open year-round.
You’ll enjoy warm nights and dark skies in peace. However, beware that the nearest amenities are nearly 12 miles away, so come prepared.
Davis Mountain State Park
This breathtaking historic park is high up in the mountains, and it offers various activities to its visitors. You can hike, mountain bike, and even bring your own horse along for this adventure.
There are both primitive and developed campsites to choose from. You can even stay at a historic motel in the park, the Indian Lodge. It features a swimming pool available to guests only.
Bird watching is a big deal here. There’s an enclosed viewing station with an outside patio and feeders where you can admire the birds. When the night falls, you can enjoy stargazing surrounded by the mountain peace and quiet.
Enjoy Your Camping Adventure in Texas!
We have only scratched the surface with these seven amazing spots in the Lone Star State. There are many more camping places in Texas, with magnificent and varied landscapes to explore.
You may have a hard time deciding on one spot, but one thing is certain — whatever place you choose, you can’t go wrong!
