The 18 Best Campgrounds In Texas: Top-Rated & Hidden Gems
Tori Jane
Author
It’s no secret that Texas is absolutely enormous. Second only to Alaska in terms of sheer square mileage (Texas has 268,596 square miles to speak of while Alaska has a hulking 665,384 square miles to speak of), this state is an amalgamation of all sorts of amazing landscapes, wonders, and more. Home to 89 state parks, two National Parks, and literally thousands of incredible campsites across hundreds of campgrounds, Texas is a tour-de-force of natural awesomeness just waiting to be explored, and what better way to explore it than by staying a while? We’ve compiled a list of some of the best campgrounds in Texas for your careful consideration! The best places to camp in Texas vary depending on your needs – there are so many camping spots in Texas, from the plains to the hill country and everything in between, that there’s no way you won’t find the perfect for your dream trip!
Best State Park Campgrounds in Texas
As mentioned above, Texas is filled to the brim with awesome state and National parks to fall in love with over and over again – 89 state parks, to be exact! Of course, the “best” in best state parks in Texas is subjective, but there are definitely some that tend to stick out above the rest in terms of pure wonder. And seriously: nothing is better than waking up to the incredible sights, sounds, and experiences of the great outdoors in the Lone Star State. No matter what you want to do: backpacking, biking, backcountry camping, or simply the best camping in the world – you’ll find it all here. It doesn’t even really matter which park(s) you choose – there’s always time to do them all, from Big Bend National Park to Palo Duro Canyon State Park, Colorado Bend State Park, Dinosaur Valley State Park, Guadalupe River State Park – and everywhere else! Some top contenders for the best state park campgrounds in Texas include:
- Location: Burnet, TX
- Popularity: Popular
- Park Info: Inks Lake State Park is one of Texas’s most beloved, especially for campers. Children 12 and under are free, and for everyone else there’s a $7 day entry fee which must be paid on top of campsite fees upon entry. Consider a Texas Parks Pass for $70 per year if you camp or recreate often. There are almost 200 amazing campsites to choose from, so something will definitely fit your needs.
- Price per Night: Campsites range from $11 per night for primitive sites to $23 per night for sites with electricity. Weekly and monthly options are also available.
Inks Lake State Park is home to Inks Lake, a sparkling blue body of water that attracts folks from all over, especially in the summer (though it’s open all year). Other than camping, there’s plenty to do, like geocaching, hiking, sports, and so much more. Rent a paddleboat and take to the water, and maybe do some fishing. You don’t need a fishing license to fish from a pier or the shore at this park! This park is fairly close to Austin, and we promise it’s worth the drive – so come and stay a while!
- Location: Quitaque, TX
- Popularity: Semi-popular
- Park Info: Children 12 and under are free, and everyone else has an entry fee of $7. With 100 designated campsites to choose from based on your needs and the fact that primitive camping is allowed along the length of the Trailway, this is an awesome option for just about everyone.
- Price per Night: Campsites range from $12 nightly for hike-in primitive campsites, or campsites along the Trailway, to $22 nightly for campsites with electricity.
Caprock Canyons State Park & Trailway is an absolutely jaw-dropping wonder where the buffalo roam... literally! With 90 miles of hiking trails to explore and so many wildlife viewing opportunities that you won’t even know what to do with yourself, this one’s for anyone truly dedicated to the great outdoors. Lake Theo might be fairly small at just 120 acres, but it’s great for swimming, fishing, and no-wake boating. You’d think a park so “small” wouldn’t have so many miles of trails, but, well... here we are. Hikers rejoice!
- Location: Daingerfield, TX
- Popularity: Semi-popular
- Park Info: Kids 12 and under are, as always, free, and for everyone else there’s a small $4 daily entrance fee. As we mentioned before, a Texas state parks pass is $70 for a year and allows you to skip the entry fees and get discounts on camping. When it comes to camping options, there are 58 designated sites available for reservation.
- Price per Night: Campsites range in cost from $10 per night for campsites with water to $25 per night for full hookups.
With such an interesting name, you just know this Texas state park is going to be unique – and it is! Home to towering, stunningly beautiful mature trees, a gorgeous lake, and so much more, this is one of those places you’ll find yourself dreaming of returning to sooner than later. On the lake, go boating or paddling, or try your hand at fishing. Historic cabins are also available, so be sure to check out all your options while planning your trip. Note: With 89 state parks in Texas to choose from, this list is nowhere near exhaustive. Other gems worth checking out for camping, mountain biking, and horseback riding include Caddo Lake State Park, Davis Mountains State Park, Garner State Park, and more. Whether located in the Texas hill country, the Texas panhandle, west Texas, east Texas, near Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, the Gulf of Mexico - it’s sure to be an absolutely jaw-dropping experience.
Best Beach Camping in Texas
Yes, Texas is enormous – and as a result, you’ll be amazed at the sheer diversity in its landscapes. If you happen to be craving a beach day, not to worry; with more than 3,300 miles of coastline, there’s no shortage of excellent options for the ultimate beach camping experience! A beach day (or weekend… or week) might not be the first thing to come to mind when thinking of the Lone Star State, but maybe it should be. As it turns out, there are hundreds of wonderful beaches in Texas, and plenty of these beaches offer excellent options for beach camping in Texas, like:
- Location: Sea Rim State Park, Sabine Pass, TX
- Popularity: Somewhat quiet
- Park Info: You know the drill: kids 12 and under are free. Everyone else has a $3 daily entry fee. With 5.2 amazing miles of Gulf coastline, it’s amazing that this park isn’t more popular. Enjoy hiking, fishing, and sleeping under the stars at this jaw-droppingly gorgeous little park. Stargazing has never been so deeply relaxing!
- Price per Night: This ultra-unique place to stay the night is just $15 nightly, plus the daily entry fee. If this one isn’t available (seriously, book WELL in advance), there are other, more traditional sites up for grabs as well.
Spend the night on a floating, primitive campsite right on the lake that’s boat-in only (for obvious reasons). It’s a 13’ x 20’ wooden dock, so no ash fires allowed, please. A waste disposal bucket with solid/liquid waste bag is required. Canoe and kayak rentals are available, so be ready for adventure. If you’re not so sure about the floating campsite, then be sure to check out the 15 other available campsites – all on solid land (whew). Fun fact: you don’t need a permit to fish from any shoreline in any state park (unless otherwise marked), so have a blast! You could easily make this your best camping trip ever.
- Location: South Padre Island, TX
- Popularity: Popular
- Park Info: It’s a literal island with lots of options... what more could you need? You have your choice from several wonderful places to hang your hat (or hook up your RV). Entrance gate is open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.; if you’re lucky and your timing is good, you might even get a camping spot (albeit a primitive one) right on the beach.
- Price per Night: This definitely varies depending on where you decide to set up camp; the KOA offers up tent sites, RV sites, cabins, and more – so check the website for your exact needs. Camping at Isla Blanca Park ranges from $20 for dry camping or tent spaces to $50 during the off-peak season, $70 during the summer and $60 during the winter. Andy Bowie Park has very similar rates.
Padre Island is a literal island getaway you can enjoy without ever leaving Texas, and it’s truly amazing. Who needs an expensive cruise when everything here is so much more affordable (and less crowded)? It’s got it all: nightlife, natural wonders, hiking trails, and, of course, a beach. Whether you want to rough it on the beach or go all-out at a resort, South Padre Island has got you covered. The dining, the palm trees, the ocean sunsets... it’s all just so magical. Who knew Texas could be so delightfully tropical?
- Location: Jefferson, TX
- Popularity: Somewhat quiet
- Park Info: With three campgrounds to pick from, this beautiful little slice of paradise is unlike anywhere else in Texas. The alpine surroundings are so amazingly unique, especially when compared to the rest of the state. There are boat rentals, cabin rentals, campsites, and so much more – check it out!
- Price per Night: Brushy Creek Campground has 62 RV sites and 37 tent sites available. Sites must be reserved on Recreation.gov and range from $18 for the most primitive of sites to $44 for RV electric sites.
This one’s a little different: instead of an ocean beach, this one’s on the beach of one of Texas’s most secluded lakes hidden away in an alpine forest. Lake O’ The Pines sits on a stunningly beautiful 16,919 acres (about the area of Cleveland, Ohio) and is surrounded by woods so beautiful you’ll (once again) forget you’re still in the Lone Star State. At night, the stars are surreal in their beauty. Anyone looking for peace and quiet will most assuredly find it here.
Top Glamping in Texas
Have you ever heard of “glamping”? It’s pretty much exactly what it sounds like it should be: a mashup of the words “glamorous” and “camping”, and examples can include things like yurts, treehouses, boathouses, tiny homes, and other non-traditional outdoor-oriented stays. With as much land as it’s got, Texas is a hotbed of awesomely unique options for glamping; from yurts to tiny homes, you’ll find the perfect niche stay for your wonderful, niche adventure. Some of the top glamping destinations in Texas are:
- Location: New Braunfels, TX, and Waco, TX
- Popularity: Very popular
- Park Info: One of the more extravagant places to go camping on this list, this epic camping resort is everything you ever needed in life. Choose from rustic, primitive tent sites to awesome, full-hookup RV sites. Some truly jaw-dropping cabins are also available, just in case roughing it isn’t what you had in mind.
- Price per Night: Varies depending on your choices; typically, price ranges from $90 to up to $600. As a rule of thumb, the more amenities, the more the cost – so plan accordingly! RV sites often come with a three-night minimum.
It is difficult to overstate the awesomeness of this particular Texas campground. It’s equal parts campground and resort, and the fun never seems to end! There’s always something going on, from interesting classes to live music to sports, tournaments, and so much more; you and the family will never, ever get bored. If you’re not sure when to book, check out the website for this year’s themes and activities – it's open year-round. There are locations in Waco and New Braunfels, and both are a blast and a half.
- Location: Goldthwaite, TX
- Popularity: Very popular
- Price per Night: Varies depending on time of week and year, but typically averages between $111-$130 per night. It’s strongly suggested that you book well in advance; the cat’s out of the bag with this amazing stay and you’ll have to book early for the best results.
Some Airbnbs are nothing short of totally awesome, and this one is, well, exactly that. Experience the look and feel of an African tent safari – minus the dangerous wildlife – in this amazing glamping experience. The tent has all the amenities and comforts of a hotel room plus the infinite number of stars overhead. There's Wi-Fi, electricity, clean indoor bathrooms and shower, plus an outdoor shower, too! This one is an experience worth paying for.
- Location: Kingsbury, TX
- Popularity: Popular
- Price per Night: Varies depending on which tent you choose. Cost varies from around $350 per night for one-bedroom tents during the week (and $450 during the weekend), $450 per night for two-bedroom tents during the week (and $550 on weekends), and cabin options that range from $295 to $350 per night.
Go glamping in ultimate luxury with these stunningly gorgeous African safari tents. These ones are a few steps above the previous safari tent glamping experience thanks to many more amenities, but no matter which one you go with, you’re in for a glamorous experience you won’t soon forget. There are also kitchenettes, walking trails, amazing river views, a 150-year-old pecan orchard, and so much more. This is magic at its most delightful – and luxurious!
Best RV Camping Sites in Texas
Hear us out: RV camping is the original form of glamping. Long before there were yurts and other fancy arrangements a few steps above roughing it, a good old RV trip was definitely not unheard of (and often encouraged), offering all the luxuries of a hotel on wheels that can come with you into the boonies if you so desire (or the beach… or the woods). Naturally, there are literally hundreds of wonderful places for RV camping in Texas that outshine many, many others across the country, including the ones listed below. Many of the best RV campgrounds in the state are open year-round, adding to the ever-growing list of awesome campgrounds open year-round in Texas.
If you don’t have an RV of your own, no worries – our friends at RVShare have got you covered!
- Location: Crystal Beach, TX
- Popularity: Popular
- Park Info: Situated on 150 acres (about twice the area of a large shopping mall) of stunning oceanfront property, this RV resort is like a never-ending cruise you can drive into. With a crystal-clear swimming pool and oversized parking at sites designed for the biggest of big rigs, events, and more, you’ll never want to leave this place. It’s earned its title as a resort!
- Price per Night: Varies depending on the type of site, nights stayed, season stayed in, and more – be sure to refer to the official website to book.
Camp Margaritaville is pretty much just as relaxing as it sounds. When people think about coastal getaways they probably do not think about Texas – but once they’ve stayed here, they probably will. With all the amenities and events planned as any resort ought to have, you’ll never want to check out of this awesome place! No matter what time of year it is, there’s something fun going on at Margaritaville – guaranteed. Wasting away again in Margaritaville? Not so much – more like thriving. Besides, it’s always nice to have the simple luxuries nearby: picnic tables, restrooms, grills, fire rings... you know, the good stuff.
- Location: Sanger, TX
- Popularity: Popular
- Park Info: It’s an RV park on a real, working alpaca farm, and we’re not sure it gets any better or more delightful than that. Anyone even a little interested in life on a farm will absolutely love this escape from the real world for a while.
- Price per Night: $60 per night for a full hookup site (up to two adults). Weekly and extended-stay rates are also available! Call or visit the official website for the most up-to-date pricing information.
Just when you thought the places on this list couldn’t get better, we go and throw this one at you: an RV park on a real alpaca farm. Yes, it is as wonderful as it sounds. With 102 sites to pick from and a wide-open feeling you can only get in the Lone Star State, this one’s a doozy for the whole family. And did we mention you can hand-feed the alpacas? Because you can hand-feed the alpacas. Score.
- Location: Winona, TX
- Popularity: Popular
- Park Info: This RV resort is another that definitely lives up to its “resort” moniker. With a sparkling, clear pool and all the amenities you could ever hope for, Stillwater RV Resort is the place to be for couples, families, and everyone in between.
- Price per Night: Ranges based on time of year and availability; ranges from $63.99 per night for a back-in, no sewer spot to $103.99 for a waterfront premium back-in hookup site. As always, check the website for your dates for the most accurate pricing information. Different amenities may cost extra.
No shortlist of the best RV campgrounds in Texas would be complete without mentioning the Stillwater RV Resort in Winona. Amenities include a heated saltwater pool, a saltwater lazy river, and even RVs you can rent on-site. Check out the event calendar, as there’s always something fun going on here no matter what time of year it is. Come see why this is one of the most popular RV destinations in the entire Lone Star State – and that’s saying a lot.
Best Primitive/No Reservation Tent Camping in Texas
What’s the opposite of glamping and/or RV camping? Totally roughing it. Primitive camping is the art of doing exactly that: pitching an old-school tent, crafting a hand-made campfire, and, ideally, catching and cooking your own food (or at the very least bringing some in to cook instead). Naturally, there are many such camping opportunities all over the Lone Star State, where primitive camping is the name of the game. You can find some primitive campsites in Texas that are close to a city or town, or you can really challenge yourself by heading somewhere rustic and remote. Some of them are Texas campgrounds that don’t require a reservation!
- Location: Lake Travis, TX
- Popularity: Somewhat quiet
- Park Info: Windy Point Park is known as one of the best diving destinations in the US, but did you know it’s also an amazing place to pitch a tent? Sure is. Situated on beautiful Lake Travis near Austin, Windy Point Park is a no-reservation paradise.
- Price per Night: Camping for ages nine and under is $15 per child. Weeknights are $25 per person, weekends/holidays are $30 per person. Daytime use rates are also available and range from $10 - $15 per day.
Lovers of all things on the lake will love this breathtaking, no-reservation campground. Operating on a first-come, first-served basis, Windy Point Park is probably one of the best hidden gems in the state. It’s popular among those who know about it – and everyone else is bound to learn about it soon. If you’re a SCUBA diver, you’re in luck – this is one of the most beloved diving destinations in the state as well. The maximum stay is 14 consecutive days, so plan accordingly. We get it – we didn’t want to leave either.
- Location: Fritch, TX
- Popularity: Popular
- Park Info: With absolutely incredible views, no reservation needed, and no money necessary, either we’re not sure Texas campgrounds get much better than this. It’s tough to believe this one’s free! It’s first-come, first-served, though, so arrive early and/or during the week for the best chances of getting a prime camping spot. You’ll have to beat the others to it, but it’s well worth the effort.
- Price per Night: Free
Lake Meredith is absolutely breathtaking, and the views of it you get on this epic cliffside campground are second to none. You’ll forget you’re in Texas with this one, as the water combined with the mountains makes this one feel something like the west coast instead of the Lone Star State. There are plenty of things to do around here for the avid outdoorsperson, like hiking and exploring the incredible canyons and cliffs of this gorgeous Texan gem.
- Location: Padre Island, TX
- Popularity: Popular
- Park Info: While camping at North Padre Island is free, the standard entry pass for the Padre Island National Seashore is needed to enter and costs $15 for one day or $25 for seven days. Annual passes are, as always, also available. There is no water or electric hookups at this park, so plan accordingly.
- Price per Night: Free
Camping at North Beach, South Beach and Yarborough Pass is first-come, first-served, and campers must fill out a free self-issued camping permit at the kiosk they’ll find at the park’s entrance. There’s an RV dump station and a freshwater filling station located near the entrance of the Malaquite Campground – you can’t miss it. There’s a park store offering up the basics and a little more open daily in the Visitor’s Center from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; items available include sunscreen, bug spray, snacks, and more.
Most Beautiful Camping In Texas
Texas just doesn’t get the credit it deserves for its natural beauty, if you ask us. Of the literal thousands of jaw-droppingly beautiful campgrounds in Texas, good luck picking and choosing the best of ‘em – all of it is genuinely wonderful, with so much to offer those willing to experience it. You probably couldn’t explore every single one in a single lifetime, but you can try. A little mix of everything, here are some of the most amazingly photogenic, rustic campgrounds in Texas:
- Location: Eastern Texas
- Popularity:> Very Popular
- Park Info: Angelina National Forest consists of just over 153,100 acres of absolutely jaw-dropping beauty so wonderful you’ll forget you’re still in Texas. Contained within the forest are five parks with campgrounds: Bouton Lake, Boykin Springs, Caney Creek, Harvey Creek, and Sandy Creek. This particular national forest is among the most beloved in the entire state, and for great reason: it’s utterly awe-inspiring.
- Price per Night: Rates depend on which campground you choose. Boykin Springs and Caney Creek start at $6 per day, as does Sandy Creek.
This awesome national forest is like something out of a fairy tale and consists of three main areas - Boykin Springs Recreation Area, Caney Creek, and Sandy Creek – though there are more throughout the area. The Angelina National Forest Campground website has many more details about each campground so you can figure out which one(s) best meets your needs. Be prepared: Angelina National Forest is nothing short of spectacular.
- Location: Jasper, TX
- Popularity: Very Popular
- Park Info: Don’t let the spooky-sounding name fool you: Martin Dies State Park is easily one of the most beautiful in Texas. Daily entry fees are $4 per person aged 13 years or older. A Texas State Parks Pass is $70 annually, and definitely the best deal.
- Price per Night: Campsites vary from $14 per night for campsites with water to $20 nightly for campsites with electricity. These fees are on top of the daily entry fee.
With 169 wonderful campsites to choose from, Martin Dies Jr. State Park is an amazing place for anyone who loves the outdoors to come and stay a while. Do keep in mind that it’s one of the most popular state parks in Texas, so you’ll probably never be alone out here – but sometimes that’s part of the fun! Anyone happy to make new friends out of their campground neighbors is sure to adore this Texas state park thanks to its popularity. In total, this gorgeous park is 1,300 acres of photogenic perfection. Enjoy!
- Location: Vanderpool, TX
- Popularity: Popular
- Park Info: The Lost Maples State Natural Area is an awesomely photogenic peek at just how beautiful Texas can be. The park charges an entry fee of $6 per person for anyone 13 years or older. Popular aspects of the park include bird watching, camping areas, and plenty of easy access camping spots.
- Price per Night: Primitive campsites are $10 nightly, and campsites with electricity are $20 nightly.
With 78 campsites to pick from, this particular gem of a park in Texas is wonderful for anyone with even a small interest in the outdoors. This park also just so happens to be one of the best places to see fall foliage in Texas, so planning a camping excursion during that time of year is especially sought-after. Book well in advance for the best results – you never know which amazing campsites will be open when you do!
Summary
In short, there’s no place in the world quite like Texas – in all its enormous, beautiful glory! Folks might think the Lone Star State is boring, flat, or simply “flyover country”, but that’s where they’re most definitely wrong – as evidenced by this amazingly diverse list. Where are your favorite places to go camping in Texas? Let us know in the comments!
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More to Explore
Best Campgrounds in Texas
- What are the most popular state parks in Texas?
Texas is a ridiculously beautiful state that simply does not get the credit it deserves. There are numerous state parks in Texas, and the most popular state parks in Texas include:
- Ray Roberts Lake State Park - This park was the #1 most-visited park in 2022, bringing in close to 900,000 visitors.
- Garner State Park - Attracting more than half a million visitors in 2022, Garner State Park is a mecca for nature lovers and camping enthusiasts.
- Palo Duro Canyon State Park - This gorgeous slice of paradise brought just over 442,000 visitors in 2022.
Learn more about the most amazing state parks in Texas.
2. What time of year is best for camping in Texas?
Honestly, every time of year is the best time of year for camping in Texas. Best of all, you'll find a convenient array of wonderful campgrounds in Texas open all year 'round, such as:
- Enchanted Rock State Natural Area - This region is amazingly beautiful, and sleeping here is simply magical.
- Guadalupe Mountains State Park - This incredible park features Texas's highest peak, and there are few things more awesome than waking up to the views.
- Colorado Bend State Park - The waterfalls here are awesome no matter what time of year it is.
Learn more about each of these wonderful year-round campgrounds in Texas.
3. Where can I find secluded campgrounds in Texas?
Texas is gigantic, plain and simple, and getting away from it all - and we mean away from it all - is not overly difficult. Some of the best secluded campgrounds in Texas include ones like:
- Cedar Breaks Park - Close to (but not too close) Austin is the beautiful Georgetown Lake, and Cedar Breaks Park offers some tranquil camping options.
- Windy Point Park - You might just forget you're in Texas with this one, as it's situated right on a cliff beside the water!
- Hill Country State Natural Area - This park is 5,000 acres of peace and quiet.
Learn more about the best secluded campgrounds in Texas.