Camping in Texas with wildlife watching
The largest state in the Lower 48 features no shortage of places to pitch a tent.
96% (22501 reviews)
- Texas
96% (22501 reviews)
Popular camping styles for Texas
Under $50
Available this weekend
12 top campgrounds in Texas with wildlife watching
94%
(521)
Gypsy Moon Hideaway
13 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents20 acres · Weatherford, TX
Located at the end of the road. There is over 20 acres. Some cleared and some still in original woods. Trees, grass and deer everywhere. There is over a quarter mile of Brazos riverfront property although you cannot get to the river on all of it due to it being in its natural state. There is a beach at the main camp that provides easy in and out of the water. the water depth varies with the rainfall but is usually between 2-4 feet deep.
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$28
/ night
99%
(468)
The Best Dam Spot
7 sites · Tents3 acres · Staples, TX
4 dispersed campsites are located on a large gravel bar facing a beautiful private waterfall. Camping is walk-in from the parking lot. No overlanding rigs, RV or car camping allowed at campsites.
Camping spot includes: unlimited river access, use of kayaks and paddle boards, a semi-private outdoor shower with hot and cold water, a rinse off shower and a clean outdoor port-a-potty that is regularly sanitized.
No personal/composting toilets allowed. Please only use the restroom in the portalet provided.
Small campfires are allowed (burn ban permitting). Campers are responsible for bringing their own firewood.
*Climbing on the dam structure is strictly prohibited.
*The cotton gin (big metal building) is private, for reserved parties only.
**No tent air conditioners or electric heaters allowed**
(small fans/ electric blankets are permitted)
*Please arrive BEFORE dark to check-in. No check-ins after dark.
*Children 5 and under are free! (please add children in this age group to your booking in our "Extras").
*Day passes are available for $25 per person/per day. Please add them to your reservation.
**ALL campers staying on property MUST check-in upon arrival, sign Release of Liability Consent form and pick-up wristband.
*To book the entire property, please reach out to me for info/pricing.
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$50
/ night
95%
(769)
Dos Rios
20 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents19 acres · Mason, TX
At the Confluence of the Mighty Llano River and the Majestic James River lies something completely unexpected - an undiscovered gem in the Texas hill country. The Dos Rios.
We have over 19.3 acres of hill country beauty to explore. Take a casual dip in the mighty Llano River, or take the plunge off of 20-foot red rock cliffs into deep cool water. Kayak, canoe, swim, visit the Eckart Bat Cave, or take a scenic drive down the gorgeous James River Road (a winding gravel road that goes over several low water crossings on the crystal clear James River). Enjoy the island in front of the property, with its beaches and multiple access points to swimming holes.
We also have camping, a tiny home and a fully renovated vintage airstream available (see other Hipcamp listings). We also rent kayaks and canoes!
www.dosriosrvpark.com
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$34
/ night
96%
(899)
Sparrow Bend River Retreat
11 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents8 acres · Pipe Creek, TX
Sparrow Bend River Retreat is a beautiful 8 acre multi-site vacation rental property with camping, RV sites and 2 vacation homes.With a private 300yard stretch of the crystal-clear, spring fed MEDINA RIVER your party will spend the day exploring its majestic cliffs and coves, paddling/floating the river (tubes and kayaks for rent), splashing in the shallows, playing yard games on the lawn or sunbathing on a massive bolder.Enjoy a delicious and memorable dinner in Lakehills (15min), Bandera (20min) or Boerne (25min). Or stay in and grill out over the fire, or at the provided grill.Camp sites each have a customized picnic table for you convenience.Spend you evening sharing laughs around the provided firepit as you take in the dazzling canopy of stars. (Firewood available for sale)Our family has always dreamed of hosting a place for families and friends to come enjoy nature however we would have never dreamed of finding a property as unique and beautiful as this. A lake when the water is high, a beautiful river when the waters low. All crowned by a majestic limestone bluff, complete with boulders, coves and endless room for adventures.This land was once a part of a wagon trail along the river and, if you're lucky, you can still find arrowheads along the paths.The property is gated with a high privacy fence along the neighboring borders for security.
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$61
/ night
97%
(1698)
4R Ranch Winery Campsite
141 sites · RVs, Tents1132 acres · Muenster, TX
Where the short-grass prairie drops into the Red River Valley, the 4R Ranch—with its magnificent vistas and rocky terrain—is perfectly suited for growing grapes. Patriarch W.C. Roper encouraged his family of sixth-generation Texans to share the beauty of this extraordinary place with others; and so it was love of this man and love of the land that inspired 4R Ranch Vineyards & Winery. Chinquapin oaks, white-tailed deer, the endangered black-capped vireo, and the occasional Rio Grande turkey inhabit this incredible property. Powered by sun, earth and wind, 4R Ranch Vineyards & Winery calls us all to slow our pace, enjoy the view, and sip a glass of wine in the magnificent Red River Valley.
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$6.50
/ night
96%
(292)
this is Paradise on Lake Texoma
27 sites · Lodging, Tents100 acres · Pottsboro, TX
Paradise on Lake Texoma (formerly Paradise Cove) is a beautiful, secluded commercial campground located in the "Big Mineral Arm'' of Lake Texoma. Built in the 80's by the Corps of Engineers, Paradise has been a mainstay of the lake for many years. Recently, the current management team are working to grow Paradise into something special. With a huge focus on community and culture, Paradise has tons of space for people to come together and enjoy the company and also areas to wander off and find a quiet lakeside spot to relax. You'll also be able to catch one of the best breathtaking sunsets on the lake!
The wildlife we have on the property is amazing! I have deer that sleep in my front yard, opossums, 600 bird species, and my favorite… the armadillos!
We offer Kayaking on the property for a fee. We have a beautiful Hammock Garden free for guests to kick back and relax. Texoma Water Taxi is a text away to give guests a ride anywhere on the lake including restaurants. Rock-N A Ranch is roughly 20 minutes away and offers horseback riding.
The Cabins and Campsites are within walking distance from each other but far enough away to create that illusion of privacy. We do have a neighborhood close by but you can’t see or hear them due to the woods.
In my travels, I try to bring back something I’ve seen or learned to help improve the guest experience and environment. You’ll notice little touches of Asia, Mexico, and even Hill Country Texas! We pride ourselves on our excellent customer service and treat every guest like family.
We’re always a text away! You’ll see us out and about on our golf carts. If you ever need anything just holler (:
Check-in time is at 3 pm. Our staff works really hard to make sure everything is perfect for your stay and we can’t guarantee it will be if you arrive before then. Parking, we work really hard to keep our property beautiful. Be sure to park in parking areas only.
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$25
/ night
96%
(394)
River Forest Haven
46 sites · RVs, Tents30 acres · Del Valle, TX
River Forest Haven is a unique space that seeks to bring you closer to nature. We do not artificially light the camp and we strive to leave as much of the property in its natural state as we can. This provides a unique experience that is not your typical campground as we keep all of our campsites tucked under lush natural canopies. Car and tent camping works great! For most sites, you can easily drive up to your spot. Arrive, take a look around and settle into your site. We are always happy to deliver any of our items from our general store- just message us on HipCamp and we will come by.
With nearly half a mile of Colorado riverfront to swim, fish, toob, paddle-board, kayak, and canoe*, along with 30 acres to hike and explore, River Forest Haven is also a quick 20-minute drive from downtown Austin.THINGS OF NOTE: ⁃ cell phone service is mostly non-existent ⁃ firewood can be brought or bought, but not collected.
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$40
/ night
100%
(13)
McDonald Farm
14 sites · RVs, Tents78 acres · Georgetown, TX
We are now offering daytime river access to the San Gabriel River! This is a secluded, hike to spot for fishing, swimming, grilling, picnicing, and hanging out during the day. We offer the river use as an add on for camping or as a day pass for non overnight campers.
McDonald Farm sits in the historic farming community of Jonah, TX between Georgetown and Taylor on scenic Highway 29. McDonald Farm is named after the patriarch of the family, J.H. Mcdonald, who first acquired the property in 1911. The farm sits on the bank of the San Gabriel River and features a lush canopy of huge pecan trees, sprawling corn fields, prairie, and forest.
We are a working farm! We primarily grow corn, but we also have livestock on the property. During daytime hours, you will likely see a variety of farm chores being completed.
We are only 7 miles from the Georgetown, TX historical district and square. Some say it’s the most beautiful town square in all of Texas. Enjoy shopping, dining, and festivals!
We are 13 miles from Granger Lake, which offers boating and bass fishing opportunities.
Highway 29 and the many quaint and scenic country roads that intersect it is popular with cyclists wanting to go for longer rides and enjoy the sights of central Texas and the many historical farms in the area.
There is excellent bird-watching and wildlife-viewing opportunities on the property. We frequently see white-tailed deer, as well as other wildlife and many species of birds.
There is road noise. Highway 29 can be busy at times, despite being a two-lane road. We also have neighbors, so we request quiet hours after 10 pm Sunday - Thursday and midnight Friday and Saturday.
Ask us about pasture-raised eggs, naturally-raised produce, and baked goods!
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$10
/ night
87%
(67)
Sandy Bottoms River Company
29 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents7 acres · Weatherford, TX
Learn more about this land:
Sandy Bottoms River Company is a diamond in the rough offering primitive tent with river access, river bank tent camping, RV spots, RV rentals, cabins and a vacation home. $28 Primitive remote tent camp is a short walk across the street to a 3 level dock for access to the sandy Brazos River. River tent sites give you the option to upgrade and camp on the river with a 300' of sandy beach to play on. $50.00 for direct primitive river front tent camping. All of our spots are heavily shaded! Porta Potties, fire rings, picnic tables and water available at all campgrounds. If you are looking for an RV, cabins or vaca home to rent for your stay, message us for more details. Enjoy 123 miles of river connecting Possum Kingdom to Lake Granbury for tubing, fishing, kayaking, paddle boarding, swimming, wildlife watching, and the great outdoors.
BOOK today for tubing, kayaks and standup paddleboard! $5 BYOTT {bring your own tube and transportation} $20 per person for tube day pass, transportation and tubes included! If you are interested in golf we can make accommodations at our local course. Check us out at Sandy Bottoms River Company @ Facebook
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$23
/ night
83%
(130)
Rebecca Creek Campgrounds
34 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents16 acres · Spring Branch, TX
Rebecca Creek Campgrounds started out as a smaller Campground and Marina back in 1963! Over the years has grown and changed hands a few times to become an RV Park, Primitive Campgrounds, Cabins, Glamping.
The newest ownership in 2021 is revamping this charming Hill Country Spot into a destination Campground for all Campers, Weekenders and RVs to enjoy for years to come!!
With this drought, our part of the River has dried up and we can just pray for the rain Gods to bring it back soon!! Till then, Camping and hanging out with family is the best with the HIll country view out here under the big Texas starry sky!!
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$15
/ night
100%
(31)
Texas Safari Camp
54 sites · Lodging, Tents31 acres · Kaufman, TX
Welcome to Texas Safari Camp
Escape the stresses of city living on this heavily wooded 31 acre pristine wildlife habitat. Relax your body, refresh your mind, heart and spirit. Only one hour east of Dallas but it feels like another world. This piece of east Texas paradise is 20 minutes from Buc-ee's, restaurants, grocery stores and about 25 minutes from Canton First Monday.
We offer a much more personal experience than any State Park. Your host is Randall Oliver, a woodworking artist whose energy, creative vision and love of the outdoors have transformed this property into the jewel that it is. He has been organizing group campouts for 30 years and enjoys hosting, bringing people together and inspiring a passion for the outdoors. Everyone is sincerely welcomed regardless of race, religion, color, creed or sexual orientation. Randall enjoys sitting around the campfire with his guests, sharing stories, laughter and good will. He can teach your kids how to build a campfire and paddle a kayak. This property is his back yard and the people who camp here are treated like family.
One of our most popular traditions is our Saturday night potluck dinner. Sharing food is the most social thing people can do. It is usually served indoors around 6:30 and it is always a feast! Some folks will eat indoors, some will eat outside around the campfire. After dinner everyone needs to help with the kitchen cleanup. Participation is optional, just bring a real food contribution and join us!
At the end of a one lane rock road- this is a very secluded, QUIET and safe property. It is perfect for tent campers (sorry no RV's) with abundant clean, flat tent sites. It's positive vibe attracts good people (including a lot of first time campers) and is more peaceful and relaxing than most state parks. It is next to a 950 acre wildlife park. The Texas Zoofari Park has 900 exotic animals, many can be seen from the road (or you can pay to drive through). This can make for some interesting wildlife noises while sitting around a campfire. While it adjoins the wildlife park on two sides, Texas Safari Camp is in no way affiliated with Texas Zoofari Park.
This is an environmentally important property and is part of the largest virgin, old-growth forest in Kaufman county. The only clearing has been done around the ponds. No hunting is allowed. It has never been in ag use and all of the native brush and cover has been left to benefit the wildlife.
Imagine two ponds in the middle of a forest. Enjoy swimming and kayaking in the clear water front pond. Kayaks and paddleboards are available on request. Both ponds are stocked with bass, cat, crappie and bluegill. You can hike the jungle trail back to a peaceful, secluded seating and hammock area we call Heaven.
There is plenty of room for camping around the front pond and four established communal fire pits. You can camp on the front berm for an elevated view of the property. The back pond has two camping areas with firepits. Deep in the jungle, it offers a higher degree of seclusion but it is farther from the parking areas and outhouses.
There are no preassigned campsites- it is first come first serve. Camping is $22 per person per night. Kids 12 and under are $12.00 per kid per night. Day visits are $12 each for kids and adults, payable in cash upon arrival. Friendly, non barking and leashed dogs are allowed for free. Most people camp around the front pond but you can camp anywhere. Campfires are restricted to the existing fire rings.
There is a rustic outhouse with a modern, ventilated composting toilet and sink and a hummingbird window touch of class. Water and electricity is available behind my home as well as an open air cold water shower.
The hand crafted Hummingbird Treehouse has leaded glass windows, screened operable windows and a loft sleeping area with an operable porthole window. It overlooks the front pond and features a full size bed, lights and outdoor tables and chairs. Bring your own sleeping bags to enjoy this comfortable and classy alternative to tent camping. It rents for $80 per night for two people. No food, smoking or pets are allowed in the tree house.
Texas Safari Camp Rules
There are no specific site reservations so it’s first come, first served. Tent camping only- no vehicles allowed on the property. Off road wagons are provided for hauling your gear back to camp. Front pond camping areas are 30-100 yards from the two parking areas. Wagons must be returned to parking area after being unloaded.
Careful, humane catch and release fishing only in the two ponds and only single, barbless hooks are allowed.
There is some split firewood and you can gather and burn sticks off the ground. Bring your own firewood is case we are running low. No chainsaws, no cutting, carving or harvesting wood from trees. All garbage (including food scraps) must be packed out. No burning of garbage.
Parents of non swimming children must provide a personal flotation device (PFD / life jacket) and personally supervise their swimming. No sun block or insect repellent can be used by swimmers.
All forms of hunting, guns, bow and arrows, bb guns, slingshots and weapons of any kind are forbidden.
No electronic music is allowed (without ear buds), acoustic music is allowed but there is a 10pm to 8am curfew for noise.
Campers must be respectful of the property and other campers. Auto alarms must be disabled. Loud, vulgar and drunken behavior, fireworks, generators or anything that disrupts the peace and tranquility of the property is forbidden. Property has minimal cellular service.
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$22
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92%
(544)
Texas Music River Ranch
35 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents111 acres · Webberville, TX
The Texas Music River Ranch is 111 acres located in the quaint village of Webberville, Texas, only 20 miles east of downtown Austin. The large oak and pecan trees amid the rolling green hills of this gorgeous ranch land are nestled on the banks of the lazy Colorado River.
Swim, kayak, or canoe...but there’s no better way to beat the legendary Texas heat than by grabbing an inner tube and enjoying a calm, steady float along a river known for an abundance of fossils and its wildlife. Bring your own tubes, kayaks and canoes, we are currently replenishing our inventory.
Or perhaps you prefer to fish the shady tree-lined banks. Either way, you'll see a variety of birds while you relax on or beside the cool waters of the Colorado River.
We're kid and dog friendly and we love musicians. Bring an instrument and join us for an impromptu jam session in our special events room or around the campfire. Cook dinner on our BBQ pit. Firewood is available onsite
A few rules...
1. Check in is before sunset
2. No wondering by the upper level cabins (these are private property). Showers are behind these cabins. Please respect staff spaces.
3. If you have an extra vehicle, please park it with your other vehicle.
4. If you have a 3rd extra vehicle, let us know and we will direct you where to park it.
5. Please be courteous of other campers space and road access.
6. All kids are free. If your kids are 17 and under do not add them or it will charge.
7. If you have an impairment please let us know before booking so that we can ensure a space is ready and suitable for you.
8. If you have an RV please book through TMRR No Hookup, TMRR Electric only Hookup or TMRR Electric and Water Hookup.
If you have any questions or concerns, contact our Office phone @ (737)318-8412
Office Hours: Monday-Saturday 9am-9pm, Sunday 11am-6pm
We look forward to making your acquaintance and sharing our little piece of Central Texas heaven with you, your family, and your friends.
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$30
/ night
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Camping in Texas with wildlife watching guide
Overview
Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to website for finding the perfect camping experience. With over 7,600 options in Texas for wildlife watching, you're sure to find the ideal spot to immerse yourself in nature. Whether you're a seasoned wildlife enthusiast or just starting out, there's something for everyone. Check out top campsites like 5D RANCH with 822 reviews, Goat Pens, Cigar Springs Ranch, and Camping near Hamilton Pool. With popular amenities such as toilets, campfires, and pet-friendly locations, you'll have all the comforts you need. So pack your gear and get ready to explore the beautiful wildlife of Texas. Prices range from as low as $5 to an average of $50 per night.
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