Desert camping in Texas with campfires
The largest state in the Lower 48 features no shortage of places to pitch a tent.
94% (3396 reviews)
- Texas
94% (3396 reviews)
Popular camping styles for Texas
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12 top desert campgrounds in Texas with campfires
98%
(1128)
Goat Pens, Cigar Springs Ranch
50 sites · RVs, Tents640 acres · Terlingua, TX
This central location provides an ideal basecamp close to the Terlingua Ghost Town and both Big Bend State and National Parks. The unique geology and topography of the Goat Pens made this a popular movie set and many westerns were filmed here in the 80's and 90's. Come out and enjoy seclusion, peace and quiet, awesome scenery with sunrises and sunsets to die for. All while still being able to easily take advantage of the area's other attractions.
The Goat Pens includes an outdoor events venue that hosts concerts, stargazing parties, festivals and weddings. The Goat Pens also has the only drive-in movie theater in the Big Bend area. Send a text or check The Goat Pens Facebook page (@goatpens) for information and dates of events.
The Goat Pens of Cigar Springs Ranch is a beautiful part of the ranch. It is well known for its scenery and unique topography. The Goat Pens served as a set location for many westerns filmed during the 1980's and 90's.
Remarkable beauty, easy access, centrally located, seclusion, peace and quiet. All add up to an unforgettable vacation experience.
**New This Winter**
Rachel Wey Ranch Petting Zoo and Pony Rides
Please contact us about hours and availibilty
Rachel.wey.ranch @faceboook.com-
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The Bus Stop Camp Ground
10 sites · RVs, Tents12 acres · Terlingua, TX
Hello Hipcampers! We welcome you to our relaxing desert getaway, our camp ground sits on 12 acres of beautiful desert scenery inside of a stunning range of mountains. There are countless activities to do around the area and no lack of adventure.
Big Bend National Park
Horseback Riding
Plane Tours
ATV Tours
River Rafting
Hiking
Mountain Biking and more!
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$25
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Good Guad Land Co.
3 sites · RVs, Tents50 acres · Dell City, TX
Find extreme solitude and unforgettable views of Guadalupe Peak at this desert escape next to Guadalupe Mountains National Park!
This is choose-your-own-adventure camping. The terrain is rugged, and the dust and wind blow some nights. Once you're here, there are zero amenities (other than picnic tables).
If this sounds fine — you don't mind roughing it — you'll be sleeping under the stars at the foot of West Texas' tallest mountain range. And who else can say they've done that?
Distance to nearby attractions: Guadalupe Mountains National Park Visitor Center, 11 miles; Black River Recreation Area, 42 miles; Carlsbad Caverns National Park Visitor Center, 52 miles
Distance from nearby towns: Dell City, 34 miles; Van Horn, 56 miles; Carlsbad, 65 miles; El Paso, 104 miles
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$35
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BBC Terlingua Overland Camping
3 sites · Tents100 acres · Study Butte, TX
Welcome to Big Bend Camp (https://www.bigbend.camp). The Big Bend region of Texas is a vast and rugged expanse in West Texas, USA, known for its stunning landscapes, remote wilderness, and exceptional opportunities for outdoor activities. Overland camping in Big Bend allows adventurous individuals to immerse themselves in natural beauty while exploring its diverse terrain.
Big Bend Camp Overland is a 100-acre property with three campsites that provide ample space for outdoor enthusiasts to explore and enjoy nature. Overland adventurists often engage in off-road vehicle travel and outdoor camping and would likely appreciate the opportunity to experience the Big Bend Camp property.
Overland camping involves traveling off-road and setting up camp in more remote and secluded areas, often using a specialized vehicle equipped with camping gear and supplies. This camping style is trendy due to the Big Bend's expansive backcountry and the ability to access remote areas inaccessible to regular vehicles.
To access Big Bend Camp, you'll need a high-clearance 4x4 vehicle, preferably with off-road capabilities. This type of vehicle is necessary to navigate the 13 miles of rough and unpaved roads to access the camping sites along the way.
Big Bend Camp has three designated backcountry campsites accessible only by a high-clearance vehicle. These campsites are basic, with no facilities or amenities, allowing visitors to experience an authentic wilderness camping experience.
When overland camping at Big Bend Camp, you can witness breathtaking sunsets, starry night skies, and a remarkable variety of landscapes. From the iconic overlook of Chalk Draw bordering Big Bend National Park to the vastness of Nine Point Mesa and panoramic vistas, the Chihuahuan Desert offers vast stretches of rugged terrain and a diverse range of camping environments for any overland adventurist.
Overland camping at Big Bend Camp offers an unparalleled opportunity to connect with nature, explore remote areas, and experience the untamed beauty of one of America's most stunning landscapes.
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Haby Ranch
336 sites · RVs, Tents1100 acres · Lake Medina Shores, TX
Come enjoy over 1000 acres of a 3500 acre Texas ranch. Perfect for fossil hunting, biking, hiking, stargazing, and exploring the great outdoors. Depending on rain and current water levels, you can also enjoy creeks, swimming holes, and waterfalls. Unplug and make memories sure to last a lifetime. Located 10 miles from Bandera, Cowboy Capital of the World.
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$55
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96%
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Paisano Azul Ranch
11 sites · RVs, Tents30 acres · Study Butte, TX
Paisano Azul Ranch is on 30 acres located by Terlingua Creek.
The property is just minutes from the Terlingua Ghost Town and a short 3 mile drive to the Big Bend National park.
Come pitch your tent or park your camper amid the peaceful desert hillside with views of plateaus that lead to the Chisos Mountains in Big Bend National Park. There is a fire pit on site for you to toast marshmallows or cozy up near, and you can enjoy a bite to eat at the picnic table provided at each site.
The picnic tables are placed beneath shade sails.
There are two nice and new desert tan flushing Porta-Potties on-site, as well as showers for guests to use. These come in handy after a long day hiking.
We hope you'll enjoy the beautiful open sky sunsets, sunrises, and stargazing
as much as we do.
We are located just 3 miles from the entrance to Big Bend National Park. There are plenty of opportunities to get out and explore - you can hike, bike, canoe & kayak, off-road, swim, go horseback riding, visit hot springs, as well as visit restaurants, galleries, and listen to great music in Terlingua. There is something for everyone to feel free to bring the whole family.
Additional details to note:
- We now have an above ground pool to keep cool in during the summer! Covered with a shade sail the water stays nice and chilly. ($10 fee/person)
- You can stay connected if you'd like to, as cell reception and wifi are both available on our property. Feel free to unplug during your stay though.
- Seeing other campers on your trip at the campsite is very standard, as the sites are far enough apart to feel like they are yours, but they are not private.
- Potable water is provided on-site. We have an artisan well on property that has been certified as drinkable. It is double filtered to give you the best drinking water.
Please feel free to reach out with any questions and we look forward to your stay.
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Wimberley Dark Night Sky Camp
34 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents6 acres · Wimberley, TX
Welcome agritourism guests. Once Cook Ranch, this over grazed land is being revitalized. Located in unicorporated Hays co., in the center of the county, and north of Wimberley on a Farmstead. If you book, check in must be scheduled for check in day between 2pm - 5pm.
Now an organic and pesticide free garden, Bee and Berry Farm, our home is surrounded by Texas Hill Country wilderness our guests will enjoy. Amazing night sky views and a wake up to incredible nature.
Primitive camping or self contained campers, stay on the ledge of our hill side, away from the hives and north of our farmhouse. A game fence protects our guests from wildlife, and our recapped and graded hard packed limestone road base driveways lead you up to sites to choose from. Under the stars, under some oaks, on the Stoney Ridge overlooking a fossil line, or under some cedars, at the barn... all have great privacy.
Toilet port a john, and the barn sink accessible 24 hours. Hipcampers are to follow trash and biosecurity rules on premises. Honeybee yards are located far south of the campsites, no trespassing around the livestock.
Extremely quiet, peaceful and wild, your view of Wimberley valley on our mountainside hike, and a visit to Jacobs Well Nature Preserve on Mount Sharp Road will make this stop worth it, as we are only an 8 min slow drive to Jacobs Well Preserve. Welcome to our Bee and Berries Farm.
Book now! Tent pads are level decks, all other sites are a slight incline
April 2024 Total eclipse path as well, this is a special place. Additionally you can take advantage of local wineries, distilleries, farms, historical centers, parks and activities listed below.
We have some farm cottage industry produce for sale and fresh eggs on site, as well as extras like farm breakfasts or a tour.
2.8 miles away is Jacobs Well Spring Nature Preserve and cenote,
6 miles, and a 12 min drive away is the private swimming hole at Cypress Falls, and their taco bar / tavern http://thelodgeatcypressfalls.com/swimming-hole
Jobelle Bistro and Hildees Diner are also nearby for meals. Grocery in town is a 15 min. drive.
8 miles away is the famous City Park, Blue Hole swimming and recreation area, check city for hours https://www.cityofwimberley.com/289/Swimming-Reservations. Play ground, soccer field, trails, bb court...
20 miles away, situated along a one-mile stretch of the spring-fed Blanco River, the small but mighty Blanco State Park is very family-friendly, offering the spectacular Falls Dam, nature trails, fishing, tubing, kayaking, and deep water for a good, refreshing swim. The stocked river is teeming with largemouth and Guadalupe bass, catfish, sunfish, and rainbow trout, and can be an excellent place for beginning anglers (you can even borrow equipment for free).
Swimming at holes, horseback riding, hiking, mountain biking, and birding are a few of the quintessential outdoor Texan activities visitors enjoy most at Pedernales State Park, located near the area of Texas Hill Country where former President Lyndon B. Johnson grew up. Next to the famed Pedernales River, the park is an hour west of Austin, an hour east of Fredericksburg, and about 20 minutes from downtown Johnson City. Wineries and distilleries are a short drive away in nearby Dripping Springs and Stonewall.
No dogs allowed at the camp. Endangered birds are at the top of the property, and our farm cat is scared of dogs, hens, rabbit and roosters may be endangered.
On site:
Site 1, electric via extension cord at barn parking site (30 amp available)
portable electric (1 available), add on via 15amp extension cord to loquat tent sites
bee hive intro. tour, add on
fresh organic chicken eggs per 1/2 doz. , add on
outdoor camp shower with propane hot water can be arranged with rsvp, add on
or choose indoor bath add on
archery, cornhole and board games inside barn space
propane grill and outdoor kitchen space, rsvp
firewood for sale - no sale or use during burn bans
Barn hangout in evenings, chi kung and yoga classes can be arranged.
If you have small livestock, bring your elect fence and allow your horse or stock to range in the front field, free. You must control and feed/water them.
Thank you for your support on our journey to creating a great outdoor space and supporting Texas Agritourism!
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Sheffield Camping
6 sites · RVs1 acre · Sheffield, TX
I have owed this property for over 20 years.
In the past, before I listed this property for camping, travelers would stop and ask to camp on my land.
There are not many options for camping on this stretch of Hwy so I decided to offer up my place.
So far guest have either loved it or hated it.
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Lynn y B's land
28 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents80 acres · Terlingua, TX
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More Travel Less Talk
7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents26 acres · Dell City, TX
Hello and welcome to More Travel Less Talk. All bookings are done through our website at "More Travel Less Talk". We are the closest privately owned campground to the Guadalupe Mountains National Park and all hiking trails in the area. We do all of our bookings on our site, not here. Please go to our page and click the reserve button to book. Thanks. We are a small family owned "campground" that serves the Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Salt Basin Dunes, and Dell City area. We cater to families and individuals looking for a true desert experience. We strive to provide a quiet, secluded, safe, friendly place for people looking for a unique experience in this amazing area.
We offer the following services:
Yurt rentals.
Primitive tent camping sites.
Group Sites
Don't settle for a paved parking lot spot at the Guadalupe national park where you will be packed in like sardines for 30 dollars a night or a tent spot on top of your load neighbors. We have 26 acres of land you can explore and plenty of room between you and our other guests.
We are conveniently located just 6 miles off of HWY 62/180 on FM 1576. 27 miles from Quadalupe National Park. Home of El Capitan and the highest peak in Texas.
Just a quick 15 minutes from Dell City where you can stock up on supplies. Dell City is a beautiful and quaint farming community that offers two grocery stores, a NAPA, fueling stations, two restaurants, a post office, and a wonderful Hardware store owned and run by the Perry's.
14 miles to the Salt Basin Dunes.
70 miles (1 hour) from Carlsbad Caverns National Park
If the idea of seeing a sky full of stars at night, being surrounded by all sorts of desert wildlife, being minutes away from some of the most amazing mountains and hikes you will ever experience, or just looking for a nice overnight experience while traveling or hiking....This is the place for you.
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Terlingua Ranch Primitive Camp
6 sites · RVs, Tents425 acres · Alpine, TX
Terlingua Ranch is 192,000 acres of desert and mountains between Big Bend National Park and Big Bend Ranch State Park in far SW Texas. Our campsites are in the area of the Terlingua Ranch Lodge, which features a swimming pool, cafe, laundry, bathhouse, disc golf course, access to hiking trails, and other amenities. Terlingua Ranch is the perfect venue for your basecamp to Big Bend adventures, family reunions, and myriad other activities in the area.
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Peter's Place, Study Butte
3 sites · RVs2 acres · Study Butte Terlingua, TX
Just a relatively flat plot of land in Study Butte, near Terlingua. Close to everything, especially the National Park. Super easy to get to, a quarter mile of two wheel drive easy gravel road from the highway. Just minutes to food, grocery, showers, toilets, gas, etc... Not the most beautiful spot, neighbors in sorta run down houses, but there are $150 rental cabins a block away,.
A great place to book up for a group of friends. I take 15 to 20 buddies each March. Please note there are no toilets or showers on site, but 24 hour free toilets and $3 pay showers are only a 2 minute drive away at Big Bend Resort and Adventures.
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Available this weekend
Dog-friendly getaways
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Desert camping in Texas with campfires guide
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. 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.
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.
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