# The best camping in Texas

Thinking of camping in Texas? Discover and book the best Texas campgrounds in state parks and national parks, plus on farms, vineyards, and nature preserves.

Browse and book on Hipcamp: https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/d/united-states/texas/camping/all

- **Rating:** 94% (30618 reviews)
- **Campsites:** 46116

The largest state in the Lower 48 features no shortage of places to pitch a tent.

## Hipcamps

- [Willow Creek Camping Company](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/land/texas-willow-creek-camping-company-qeohl8xe): Study Butte, TX · from $20/night · 99% recommend (529 reviews) · 13 sites · Pets, Electricity Hookup, Toilets, Campfires, Showers, Water Hookup
- [The Bus Stop Campground](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/land/texas-the-bus-stop-campground-pw1ho82r): Terlingua, TX · from $27/night · 98% recommend (666 reviews) · 10 sites · Pets, Electricity Hookup, Toilets, Campfires, Showers, Water Hookup
- [Good Guad Land Co.](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/land/texas-good-guad-land-co-2ejh5ky7): Dell City, TX · from $16/night · 98% recommend (476 reviews) · 7 sites · Pets, Toilets, Campfires
- [Temple of the Bird](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/land/texas-temple-of-the-bird-pw1hzqx5): Terlingua, TX · from $41/night · 100% recommend (147 reviews) · 27 sites · Electricity Hookup, Toilets, Showers, Potable water, Wifi
- [Terlingua Ranch Campground](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/land/texas-terlingua-ranch-campground-7rvhkok9): Alpine, TX · from $18/night · 94% recommend (174 reviews) · 21 sites · Pets, Electricity Hookup, Toilets, Showers, Water Hookup, Potable water
- [Goat Pens, Cigar Springs Ranch](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/land/texas-goat-pens-cigar-springs-ranch-kk9h8878): Study Butte, TX · from $40/night · 97% recommend (1309 reviews) · 50 sites · Pets, Toilets, Campfires, Showers
- [Angela L'S Land](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/land/texas-angela-l-s-land-2-ex9hr8e6): Fredericksburg, TX · from $31.50/night · 94% recommend (310 reviews) · 10 sites · Pets, Campfires, Toilets, Showers, Potable water
- [5D RANCH](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/land/texas-5d-ranch-49mxh60l): Navasota, TX · from $35/night · 99% recommend (1909 reviews) · 20 sites · Pets, Toilets, Campfires, Showers, Potable water, Picnic table
- [P² Farm | Scenic River Camping](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/land/texas-p-farm-scenic-river-camping-5x5hxr9m): Georgetown, TX · from $30/night · 93% recommend (222 reviews) · 5 sites · Pets, Electricity Hookup, Toilets, Campfires, Water Hookup, Potable water
- [4R Ranch Winery Campsite](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/land/texas-4r-ranch-winery-campsite-wz6h78vw): Muenster, TX · from $6.50/night · 97% recommend (1322 reviews) · 131 sites · Pets, Electricity Hookup, Toilets, Campfires, Showers, Water Hookup
- [Lost Woods](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/land/texas-lost-woods-306yh2wk): San Antonio, TX · from $50/night · 94% recommend (969 reviews) · 10 sites · Pets, Toilets, Campfires, Picnic table
- [Seco Ridge Campgrounds](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/land/texas-seco-ridge-campgrounds-nelhwxqq): Utopia, TX · from $40/night · 99% recommend (838 reviews) · 10 sites · Pets, Toilets, Campfires, Showers, Potable water, Wifi
- [Coyote Crossing](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/land/texas-coyote-crossing-dw9hd1m1): Terlingua, TX · from $18/night · 99% recommend (742 reviews) · 9 sites · Pets, Toilets
- [Outpost 203 - Camp & Glamp](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/land/texas-outpost-203-camp-glamp-qeoho66w): Plantersville, TX · from $45.10/night · 93% recommend (247 reviews) · 32 sites · Pets, Electricity Hookup, Toilets, Campfires, Showers, Potable water
- [3 Dry Wells Ranch](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/land/texas-3-dry-wells-ranch-9mxhrp6w): Blanco, TX · from $31.50/night · 100% recommend (487 reviews) · 4 sites · Pets, Toilets, Campfires
- [Circle C CampGrounds](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/land/texas-circle-c-campgrounds-qeohx1r5): Montgomery, TX · from $28/night · 99% recommend (101 reviews) · 8 sites · Pets, Toilets, Campfires, Showers, Potable water, Picnic table
- [Sparrow Bend River Retreat](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/land/texas-sparrow-bend-river-retreat-ex9hqqrm): Pipe Creek, TX · from $54.40/night · 95% recommend (1041 reviews) · 11 sites · Pets, Electricity Hookup, Toilets, Campfires, Showers, Water Hookup
- [Ranch 3232](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/land/texas-ranch-3232-2-ozxhrn5j): Johnson City, TX · from $25/night · 96% recommend (188 reviews) · 25 sites · Pets, Electricity Hookup, Toilets, Campfires, Showers, Water Hookup
- [Llamaland Tent Camping](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/land/texas-llamaland-tent-camping-3r57hv6n): Tool, TX · from $15/night · 99% recommend (754 reviews) · 14 sites · Electricity Hookup, Toilets, Campfires, Showers, Water Hookup, Potable water
- [Colorado RiverBend Retreat #CRBR](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/land/texas-colorado-riverbend-retreat-crbr-7rvhrpel): Smithville, TX · from $35/night · 99% recommend (269 reviews) · 7 sites · Pets, Electricity Hookup, Toilets, Campfires, Showers, Potable water

## Public campgrounds

- [Abilene Campground](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/campground/united-states/texas/abilene-campground-58orcq6o): Abilene State Park · 100% recommend (5 reviews)
- [Blanco Campground](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/campground/united-states/texas/blanco-campground-9gqmc6q4): Blanco State Park · 100% recommend (9 reviews)
- [Little Red Tent Campground](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/campground/united-states/texas/little-red-tent-campground-lkpqc3j3): Caprock Canyons State Park · 100% recommend (8 reviews)
- [Wild Horse Campground](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/campground/united-states/texas/wild-horse-campground-9ernc70e): Caprock Canyons State Park · 100% recommend (6 reviews)
- [Honea Flat Campground](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/campground/united-states/texas/honea-flat-campground-5wwnc3x4): Caprock Canyons State Park · 100% recommend (8 reviews)
- [Fossil Ridge Campground](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/campground/united-states/texas/fossil-ridge-campground-l7egcd1r): Eisenhower State Park · 100% recommend (7 reviews)
- [Galveston Island Bay Side Campground](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/campground/united-states/texas/galveston-island-bay-side-campground-lqxkcovv): Galveston Island State Park · 100% recommend (5 reviews)
- [Cedar Sage Campground](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/campground/united-states/texas/cedar-sage-campground-9orvcg1z): Guadalupe River State Park · 100% recommend (13 reviews)
- [Turkey Sink Campground](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/campground/united-states/texas/turkey-sink-campground-53pdcre4): Guadalupe River State Park · 100% recommend (10 reviews)
- [Hueco Tanks Campground](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/campground/united-states/texas/hueco-tanks-campground-5ryeck32): Hueco Tanks State Park & Historic Site · 100% recommend (5 reviews)
- [Raven Hill Campground](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/campground/united-states/texas/raven-hill-campground-9orvcgjd): Huntsville State Park · 100% recommend (9 reviews)
- [River Group Campground](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/campground/united-states/texas/river-group-campground-58orcqyk): Colorado Bend State Park · 100% recommend (5 reviews)

## Public lands

- [Big Bend Ranch State Park](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/state-park/united-states/texas/big-bend-ranch/all): state-park · Redford, Texas · 96% recommend (81 reviews)
- [Garner State Park](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/state-park/united-states/texas/garner/all): state-park · Leakey, Texas · 99% recommend (71 reviews)
- [Hill Country State Natural Area](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/state-park/united-states/texas/hill-country-state-natural-area/all): state-park · Bandera, Texas · 100% recommend (9 reviews)
- [Caprock Canyons State Park](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/state-park/united-states/texas/caprock-canyons/all): state-park · Quitaque, Texas · 99% recommend (34 reviews)
- [Eisenhower State Park](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/state-park/united-states/texas/eisenhower/all): state-park · Texas · 97% recommend (16 reviews)
- [McKinney Falls State Park](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/state-park/united-states/texas/mckinney-falls/all): state-park · Creedmoor, Texas · 95% recommend (45 reviews)
- [Palo Duro Canyon State Park](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/state-park/united-states/texas/palo-duro/all): state-park · Lake Tanglewood, Texas · 90% recommend (65 reviews)
- [Lake Bob Sandlin State Park](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/state-park/united-states/texas/lake-bob/all): state-park · Rocky Mound, Texas · 100% recommend (14 reviews)
- [Colorado Bend State Park](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/state-park/united-states/texas/colorado-bend/all): state-park · Lometa, Texas · 99% recommend (79 reviews)
- [Padre Island National Seashore](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/national-park/united-states/texas/padre-island/all): national-park-system · Port Mansfield, Texas · 98% recommend (27 reviews)

## About Texas

### Overview

They say everything’s bigger in the Lone Star State, and that includes the variety of options for campers, whether you're looking for an RV park, tent camping, or a primitive camping backcountry adventure. Texas is geographically diverse, with natural treasures ranging from prairies to pine forests to beaches. Its climate is amenable to four-season camping, too. Beat the summer heat on sandy Gulf beaches, or head inland to the arid deserts of Big Bend Country in winter for some of the nation’s darkest skies and best nighttime views. Spring and autumn offer the best weather for wine tasting in Texas Hill Country, hiking the canyons of the Panhandle, or paddling the bald cypress forests of the Texas Pine Curtain.
Further, Texas does an admirable job of managing all that big, large, enormously huge—not to mention scenic—land and ensuring public access for recreation. The state has two national parks (plus another dozen NPS properties), 88 state parks, and four national forests, all ready and waiting for you to enjoy camping and outdoor adventures. Add to that all the vast swaths of private land also available for camping, and we have to admit...size matters. Brag away, Texas!

### Big Bend Country

Remote West Texas boasts some of the most pristine landscapes in the state. Explore the hiking trails of Guadalupe Mountains and Big Bend national parks, raft through narrow canyons along the Rio Grande River, go rock climbing in Hueco Tanks State Park near El Paso, or hit the dunes in Monahans Sandhills State Park. The quirky communities of Marfa, Terlingua, and Marathon serve as convenient gateways to desert adventure.

### Texas Hill Country

Known for its wineries, whiskey distilleries, swimming holes, and rich German heritage, the rolling hills of this central Texas region extend between Austin and San Antonio, with plenty of small towns to explore along the way. Springtime brings bluebonnets to the roadsides of the region. In fall, head to Lost Maples State Park for some of the state’s best leaf peeping. Soak up panoramic views from Enchanted Rock, venture deep into the Caverns of Sonora or the Cave Without a Name, or take a leisurely float along the Guadalupe River.

### Gulf Coast

The Texas Gulf Coast stretches for more than 600 miles along the shores of the Gulf of Mexico and includes the Padre Island National Seashore. Sun seekers will find plenty of sandy beaches with warm Gulf waters (plus opportunities for beach camping), while the natural areas along the coast feature some of the best birdwatching in the nation. Houston, Galveston, South Padre Island, and Corpus Christi are among the most popular areas to stay.

### Panhandle

The plains of the Texas Panhandle comprise one of the largest regions in the state. Here you’ll find America’s second-largest canyon within Palo Duro Canyon State Park, as well as the iconic Cadillac Ranch car sculpture along road trip-worthy Route 66.

### Pine Curtain

Lakes, forests, and swamps dominate the landscape of the lesser-known Piney Woods of East Texas. Step back in time at Mission Tejas State Park, straddle the state line in Texarkana, pitch a tent among the gargantuan pines of Daingerfield, or make the 835-mile camping trip along the Texas Forest Trail. If you want to get out on the water, it's hard to beat a kayak in Caddo Lake State Park.

### Prairies and Lakes

This region sweeps down through the center of the state from the Dallas-Fort Worth area to Waco, Bryan, and College Station (home of Texas A&M University). You don’t have to drive far to find a lakeside campground or on-the-water activity, thanks to the area’s 17 Texas state parks and one national wildlife refuge.

### Tent camping in Texas

Traditional tent camping in Texas is perfect for those who want to rough it under the stars. Tent camping sites can be found near national and state parks, national forests, and on private lands. Advantages of tent camping include being more affordable than RV camping and letting you get closer to nature. Car camping is a good fit for those who want the convenience of driving to their campsite without having to hike long distances.

Tent camping in Texas ranges from family resorts packed with on-site activities and amenities to more rustic options with little more than a tent pad, drinking water, and a restroom. Browse tent campsites in Texas carefully to ensure you get the style of camping you prefer.

### Texas camping packing list

Your packing list will look different depending on whether you’re tent camping, RVing, or glamping in Texas, as well as your own personal camping style. But no matter what style of camping you’re planning, here are some key items to put at the top of your list. Just be sure to adjust your pack list according to the amenities at your campsite.

Sun protection: Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, and light, breathable clothing are essential. Bring all these things even if the forecast is for cooler weather, as the sun in Texas is always a potential hazard.
Insect repellent: Mosquitos are a scourge all over Texas, so bring insect-repellent spray and perhaps some citronella items for your campsite.
Water bottles: Most campsites and parks have a plentiful drinking water supply, but you must bring suitable containers for carrying lots of water with you at all times. Don’t underestimate the risk of dehydration whenever you’re outdoors in Texas, especially if you’ll be venturing off the beaten path.
First-aid kit: This is always essential for tent camping, RVing, or glamping in Texas. Bring a mini first-aid kit for your day pack as well.
Binoculars for wildlife spotting and a camera for capturing all the gorgeous scenery.
Camping gear may include a tent, climate-appropriate sleeping bag, sleeping pad, camp stove, and backpack, though backpackers will prefer a minimalist approach. So long as you carry plenty of drinking water, you'll be golden. If you’re car camping, RVing, or glamping, some additional items worth bringing camping in Texas include camp chairs, a hammock, a shade canopy and recreational equipment.
Food and drinks are easiest to bring when RVing or glamping. Gather ingredients for meals, and know that having refrigerator access changes your shopping list considerably. Some glamping places provide meals, and larger campgrounds may have an on-site cafe or restaurant. Tent campers need to be aware of fire safety rules in Texas along with campground regulations—bring an appropriate camp stove and fuel.

### Things to do while camping in Texas

Hiking

The diverse landscapes of Texas make for incredibly varied hiking terrain. Options range from short desert loops with wide-open views for miles to high-elevation mountain hikes. Hikers must always consider the weather forecast, with heat very often a factor. Consult park rangers and pick up paper maps whenever possible, as cell phone service isn’t always reliable away from urban areas.

Boating, fishing, and swimming
Texas boasts a huge variety of waterways, many of which are ideal for swimming, fishing, or boating. Creeks, springs, rivers, lakes, and the Gulf of Mexico beckon campers to cool off and enjoy some time on the water. Some 70 state parks in Texas allow fishing without a license, and some offer tackle loaners and learn-to-fish programs. Canoe, kayak, and paddleboat rentals are often available at popular recreation sites. Be aware of alligator habitats in some regions of Texas, and always consult a ranger or campground host about safe swimming holes.

Photography
Photography enthusiasts have plenty of scenic places to choose from for camping in Texas. Spring is especially photogenic as it’s wildflower season. If night sky photography is of interest, pick one of the state's numerous Dark Sky Parks.

Texas is also excellent for wildlife photography. The state has a remarkable variety of birdlife and iconic creatures like the Texas longhorn, armadillo, and Mexican free-tailed bats famous for flocking in the thousands at twilight.

Horseback riding

Horseback riding is closely associated with Texas culture and is a really fun activity to pursue while camping. Equestrians may ride their own horses on all gravel roads and certain trails at Big Bend National Park and along select trails at numerous state parks. Copper Breaks, Lake Arrowhead, and Palo Duro Canyon state parks are among those that welcome horseback riders. Also, look into guest ranches and dude ranches offering equestrian experiences across Texas.

## Explore nearby

- **Nearby cities:** [Houston, TX camping](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/d/united-states/texas/houston/camping/all), [Galveston, TX camping](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/d/united-states/texas/galveston/camping/all), [New Braunfels, TX camping](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/d/united-states/texas/new-braunfels/camping/all), [South Padre Island, TX camping](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/d/united-states/texas/south-padre-island/camping/all), [Corpus Christi, TX camping](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/d/united-states/texas/corpus-christi/camping/all), [San Antonio, TX camping](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/d/united-states/texas/san-antonio/camping/all), [Amarillo, TX camping](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/d/united-states/texas/amarillo/camping/all), [Grapevine, TX camping](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/d/united-states/texas/grapevine/camping/all)
- **National parks and forests:** [Big Bend National Park camping](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/national-park/united-states/texas/big-bend/all), [Sam Houston National Forest camping](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/p/united-states/texas/national-forest/sam-houston/all), [Guadalupe Mountains National Park camping](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/national-park/united-states/texas/guadalupe-mountains/all), [Davy Crockett National Forest camping](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/p/united-states/texas/national-forest/davy-crockett/all)
- **State and regional parks:** [Colorado Bend State Park camping](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/state-park/united-states/texas/colorado-bend/all), [Possum Kingdom State Park camping](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/state-park/united-states/texas/possum-kingdom/all), [Garner State Park camping](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/state-park/united-states/texas/garner/all), [Dinosaur Valley State Park camping](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/state-park/united-states/texas/dinosaur-valley/all), [Pedernales Falls State Park camping](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/state-park/united-states/texas/pedernales/all), [Guadalupe River State Park camping](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/state-park/united-states/texas/guadalupe/all), [Cedar Hill State Park camping](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/state-park/united-states/texas/cedar-hill/all), [Inks Lake State Park camping](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/state-park/united-states/texas/inks-lake/all)
- **Nearby regions:** [Hill Country](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/d/united-states/texas/hill-country/camping/all), [Lake Travis](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/d/united-states/texas/lake-travis/camping/all), [Lewisville Lake](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/d/united-states/texas/lewisville-lake/camping/all), [West Texas](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/d/united-states/texas/west-texas/camping/all), [Sam Rayburn Reservoir](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/d/united-states/texas/sam-rayburn-reservoir/camping/all), [Lake Palestine](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/d/united-states/texas/lake-palestine/camping/all), [Lake Ray Hubbard](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/d/united-states/texas/lake-ray-hubbard/camping/all)
- **Nearby states:** [New Mexico](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/d/united-states/new-mexico/camping/all), [Oklahoma](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/d/united-states/oklahoma/camping/all), [Missouri](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/d/united-states/missouri/camping/all), [Arkansas](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/d/united-states/arkansas/camping/all), [Colorado](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/d/united-states/colorado/camping/all), [Arizona](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/d/united-states/arizona/camping/all)
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