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The best desert camping in Texas

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Camping in the desert of Texas? Look no further than Hipcamp! With over 1,200 options specifically tailored to your desert activity and terrain preference, you're sure to find the perfect campsite. Whether you're looking to stargaze at Goat Pens or experience the unique vibe of El Cosmico, our top-rated campsites have you covered. With hundreds of reviews, you can trust that you'll have an amazing experience. And with popular amenities like pet-friendly spaces, toilets, and campfire pits, you'll have everything you need for a memorable trip. So pack your bags, saddle up for some horseback riding, and hit the trails - camping in the Texas desert has never been easier or more affordable, with options starting as low as $5 per night!

95% (5.3K) 2,207 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in Texas

Good Guad Land Co.

1. Good Guad Land Co.

98%
(435)
Dell City, TX · 7 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
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 few amenities (unless you book our cabin, Li’l Capitan). 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? BURN BAN IN EFFECT: Unfortunately, we are under a countywide burn ban. 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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The Bus Stop Campground

2. The Bus Stop Campground

98%
(626)
Terlingua, TX · 10 sites · Tents, RVs
🌵 Welcome to The at The Bus Stop Campground! 🌄 Your peaceful desert getaway nestled in the heart of West Texas! Our 12-acre campground is surrounded by stunning mountains, offering the perfect base for your next Big Bend adventure. 🏜️✨ 🏕️ What We Offer: We have 10 campsites ready to welcome you! Whether you're rolling in with a Sprinter van, a small RV (14ft or shorter), or just pitching a tent, we’ve got everything you need for a comfy, relaxing stay. 🌙 ✅ Each Campsite Includes: 🔌 Electric hookups 🚰 Running water 🪣 Wash tub (perfect for dishes!) 🍴 Picnic table 🪑 Seating area 🔥 Fire pit (bring the marshmallows!) 📶 Amazing Wi-Fi — yes, even out here in the desert! 🚿 Bathhouse Amenities: Our on-site bathhouse will keep you feeling fresh after a day of adventuring! 🚻 4 private bathrooms 🚿 2 double showers 🚿 Outdoor shower — perfect for rinsing off under the stars 🌌 🌟 Why Stay Here? 🧭 Our location is a gateway to adventure! Here are just a few epic activities nearby: 🌵 Big Bend National Park – Explore stunning landscapes, epic hikes, and endless stargazing. 🐎 Horseback Riding – Ride through the wild, open desert. 🏍️ ATV Tours – Get your adrenaline fix with off-road fun. 🌊 River Rafting – Experience the Rio Grande up close! 🥾 Hiking & Mountain Biking – Endless trails to discover. 🚌 Want to Stay in Our Famous Bus Airbnb? Our converted military bus offers a unique stay with all the comforts of home! Check it out on Airbnb by searching: "The Terlingua Bus Stop" 📋 Other Things to Know: We welcome RVs up to 14ft, Sprinter vans, truck/car camping or tent campers. Pets are welcome! 🐾 Just be sure to keep them leashed. Campfires allowed (as long as there’s no burn ban in effect). 🔥 🏜️ Come for the Adventure, Stay for the Stars! 🌌 Our dark sky campground is perfect for stargazing — bring your camera or just sit back and soak in the magic of the Milky Way. ⚡ EV Charging ⚡ Each site includes a standard 50-amp RV hookup, which may also be used for EV charging with your own adapters and equipment. EV charging is optional at $20 per night. Please note: power in Terlingua can be unreliable, and outages affecting the entire area are possible. Charging is not guaranteed and is offered at your own risk.
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Temple of the Bird

3. Temple of the Bird

100%
(125)
Terlingua, TX · 25 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Terlingua's only Hostel. Walking distance to all things in the Historic Ghost Town. We offer private rooms, a bunk room, primitive campsites and small motorhome sites. Huge communal area with a large bar (BYOB), well appointed kitchen, very nice bathrooms/showers, as well as frequent live music. Focusing on creating a strong community, social gatherings, including pot luck and fundraisers, and celebrating music, Willie Nelson and all things middle fingered. As we tell everyone, no need to wave with all your offensive fingers when it only takes 1 finger to say "I Love You!" We have a lot of fun here and have become a real social spot in this incredible community. When staying here you can expect to meet other travelers and locals alike. If you play music, all the better, as music usually fills the air here. From the house piano to any number of friends who stop by just to jam for a while. We are 21 and up, due to having a bar (BYOB) and just want adults to feel comfortable being adults . So bring an instrument, a sense of humor and a middle finger and come experience the magic that is Terlingua, Texas.
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Big Bend Ranch State Park

4. Big Bend Ranch State Park

96%
(80)
State park in Texas · 48 sites
Remote and rugged terrain, grand vistas, and dark skies draw adventurers and solitude seekers.
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Palo Duro Canyon State Park

5. Palo Duro Canyon State Park

91%
(64)
State park in Texas · 117 sites
The second-largest canyon in the US serves up spectacular terrain for outdoor adventurers.
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Electrical hookup
Toilets
Clear Water Ranch & Resort

6. Clear Water Ranch & Resort

Leakey, TX · 1 site
Clear Water Ranch & Resort – A Private Escape on the Frio River Tucked away in the stunning Texas Hill Country, Clear Water Ranch & Resort is your perfect getaway for peace, adventure, and reconnection with nature. Whether you're bringing an RV, pitching a tent, or settling into one of our cozy cabins, you'll have exclusive access to over half a mile of private Frio River frontage—away from the crowds and surrounded by breathtaking scenery. 🏕️ Stay Your Way We offer a variety of accommodations to suit every kind of camper: 25 RV sites (30 & 50 amp hookups) 12 rustic-modern cabins (sleeping 6-10 guests) 3 spacious bunkhouses for groups 10 boondocking sites for off-grid camping 🌿 Experience the Great Outdoors Clear Water Ranch is more than just a place to stay—it’s an immersive outdoor experience: ✔ Private river access for tubing, swimming, and fishing ✔ Scenic hiking trails with incredible Hill Country views ✔ Campfires & BBQ areas to gather, cook, and unwind ✔ Stargazing under Texas’ wide-open night sky ✔ Kayaking & floating down the crystal-clear Frio River ✔ Special events & concerts on select weekends 🐾 Pet-Friendly & Family-Focused We love pets! Your furry companions are welcome to join your adventure. Just keep them leashed, and a $20/day pet fee applies. 📍 Perfect Location & Nearby Attractions Located in Rio Frio, Texas, we are just minutes from: Garner State Park – A Texas favorite for hiking and scenic views Scenic drives & hidden gems in the Hill Country Local restaurants serving authentic Texas flavors 📅 Booking & Policies Check-in: 3:00 PM | Check-out: 11:00 AM No Wi-Fi or TVs – Unplug and reconnect with nature Peak Season: Minimum stay required—book early! Come experience the beauty of the Frio River, the peace of nature, and the warmth of a true Texas retreat at Clear Water Ranch & Resort. Whether you're here to relax, explore, or make memories with loved ones, we can’t wait to welcome you! 📞 Call now to book your stay!
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Willow Creek Camping Company

7. Willow Creek Camping Company

99%
(479)
Study Butte, TX · 13 sites · Tents, RVs
Tucked away in the rugged desert landscape of Terlingua, Willow Creek Campground offers a peaceful, off-grid camping experience just minutes from the entrance to Big Bend National Park. Set on 20 private acres, this small, rustic campground provides a quiet, scenic base for exploring the Chihuahuan Desert and surrounding mountains. Guests can choose from a mix of tent and small RV sites, some equipped with water and 30-amp power hookups. The campground features clean bathhouses with hot showers, flush toilets, and a community sink for dishwashing. Fire rings and shade structures are available at select sites, and the wide-open skies make it a perfect spot for stargazing in this official dark skies region. Willow Creek is known for its laid-back atmosphere, desert views, and proximity to hiking, river access, and the quirky charm of the Terlingua Ghost Town. It's an ideal retreat for those seeking solitude, natural beauty, and easy access to West Texas’ wildest places. On the east side of highway 118 1.3 miles from Study Butte (grocery store, gas station) 4.3 miles from big bend national park west entrance 6.0 miles from Terlingua ghost town 17 miles from Barton Warnock Visitors Center (tx state park) shade structure site 1-2 small campers up to 22' water and 30a power site 1-5 This is a dark skies community. Please be mindful of your surrounding and limit your use of headlights and noise.
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Sheffield Camping

8. Sheffield Camping

92%
(369)
Sheffield, TX · 3 sites
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.
Electrical hookup
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Terlingua Ranch Primitive Camp

9. Terlingua Ranch Primitive Camp

94%
(162)
Alpine, TX · 20 sites · Tents, RVs
10% SUMMER DISCOUNT CODE: UVTPEFCP Valid for Stays May 16- Sept 1, 2026 DIRECTIONS: Traveling to Terlingua Ranch Lodge: **DO NOT USE GPS** 1. Fuel up in Alpine or Study Butte, depending on which direction you are traveling from. -From Alpine: take HWY 118 South out of Alpine approximately 62 miles until you come to the only left turn lane. Turn left on Terlingua Ranch Road. You will see the large white Terlingua Ranch Lodge sign. -From Study Butte: take Hwy 118 North 16 miles from the ALON gas station, turn right at the Terlingua Ranch Lodge sign. 2. Follow Terlingua Ranch Road approximately 16 miles. The first 13 miles are asphalt. There is not a center stripe, please stay on your side of the road. THE LAST THREE MILES ARE ON A MAINTAINED DIRT AND GRAVEL ROAD. It can be wash-boarded in areas. Please drive slowly and observe speed limits to help protect our roads We are proud to be a part of The Greater Big Bend International Dark Sky Reserve. All guests are requested to keep their site as dark as possible between 10pm and 6am. Fire Ban: Due to extreme drought, only gas grills and propane burners are allowed. NO charcoal or wood fires. PARK INFO: While we are adjacent to Big Bend National Park, it is approximately 36 miles to the Maverick Junction entrance of Big Bend National Park and an additional 22 miles to Panther Junction Headquarters and Visitors Center. We are about 32 miles to Study Butte and about 37 miles to Terlingua Ghost Town area. 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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Electrical hookup
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Guadalupe Mountains National Park

10. Guadalupe Mountains National Park

98%
(48)
National park in Texas · 54 sites
Camp within view of Texas’s tallest peaks in the Guadalupe Mountains.
Pets
Toilets
Potable water
Enchanted Rock State Natural Area

11. Enchanted Rock State Natural Area

95%
(60)
State park in Texas · 77 sites
Sweeping views, starry skies, and a pink granite dome dominate this Texas Hill Country gem.
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Davis Mountains State Park

12. Davis Mountains State Park

100%
(18)
State park in Texas · 101 sites
The mountains meet the desert in this high-altitude Texas wilderness.
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Electrical hookup
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Seminole Canyon State Park & Historic Site

13. Seminole Canyon State Park & Historic Site

100%
(5)
State park in Texas · 46 sites
Travel back in time without a phone booth in Seminole Canyon.
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Coyote Breaks Farm

14. Coyote Breaks Farm

99%
(320)
Wildorado, TX · 7 sites · Tents, RVs
The sites overlook the beautiful Canadian River breaks to the north with wide open skies to the west and east to enjoy the sunrises and sunsets. These are rustic sites with no improvements. We are just getting started with this so you’ll be able to help us from the ground up. If we are not in a burn ban you’re welcome to have a campfire. There will be opportunities to call up a wild coyote or watch some mule deer or an occasional antelope stroll by. You could even be awakened by the horses on their way to water in the morning and we can set up some horse riding if we have enough notice to schedule time off from the 9-5 haha. Can’t wait to see you on the prairie!
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Mountain View RV Park

15. Mountain View RV Park

98%
(93)
Dell City, TX · 26 sites · Tents, RVs
Family Owned RV Park Discover a peaceful retreat nestled in Dell City, TX, with full hook-ups and stunning views of the Guadalupe Mountains. Experience the best of nature and adventure! Experience the Uniqueness of Mountain View RV Park Tranquil Mountain Scenery - Easy Access to Outdoor Adventure - Central Location for Explore & Play - Stargazing Oasis Newly built bath house with designated tent sites. Tent sites include water and picnic table. 1 2018 Airsream available for a cabin rental, cabin rental is 70.00 nightly.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
The Outpost

16. The Outpost

100%
(14)
Jonestown, TX · 2 sites
Whether you are looking for adventure or prefer to retreat from the world, The Outpost is the place for you! Nestled in the beautiful Texas Hill Country, this multi-acre property features 2 private tiny cabins, an on-site hiking trail, and a large community fire pit where you can make s'mores, make new friends, or make time to reconnect with nature. Our themed cabins were designed to remind you of the joys of being carefree! With the best views of the Texas hills, The Outpost is the perfect place to host your next vacation or small retreat! Our cabins boast: ☆ Full kitchen with mini stove/oven, and fridge ☆ Propane grill and outdoor dining area ☆ Deck with a private hot tub ☆ Premium hybrid Queen-size mattress ☆ Smart 4K TVs with Netflix, Hulu, and more! ☆ Super cold AC and cozy heating ☆ On-site hiking trail (1/4 mile loop) and Community fire pit; multiple hammock areas available ☆ Shared laundry area with full-size washer and dryer ☆ Easy self-check-in There is plenty to explore in the area: Enjoy boating and water sports on Lake Travis. There are plenty of boat ramps & chartered boat companies in the area! If brewery hopping is more your thing, Lago Vista Brewery is 5 miles from the property. Flat Creek and Bent Oak wineries are in nearby Marble Falls, about a 15 min drive. Tons of shopping and dining options are available in Cedar Park, a 15-mile drive from the property. Local grocery stores, pharmacies, restaurants, and coffee shops are approximately 5 miles from the property. Lago Vista, Lake Travis, and Point Venture golf courses are all easily accessible & open year-round! If you want to explore everything the big city has to offer, Austin is only 35 miles away (about an 50 min drive).
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Hot Tub
Goat Pens, Cigar Springs Ranch

17. Goat Pens, Cigar Springs Ranch

97%
(1302)
Study Butte, TX · 50 sites · Tents, RVs
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.
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Mariposa Community Land Trust

18. Mariposa Community Land Trust

84%
(122)
Bishop Hills, TX · 33 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Mariposa EcoVillage – Primitive Camping on the Plains Mariposa is a nonprofit land trust focused on sustainable development and community connection with nature. Founded in the 1990s, the land was originally a quarry used for caliche mining and soil grading. Today it offers a quiet place to camp, enjoy the wide views of the Texas Panhandle, and experience the peaceful open landscape. Camping at Mariposa provides a simple outdoor experience with plenty of space and privacy. Visitors can enjoy beautiful sunsets, expansive plains views, and a unique landscape shaped by its quarry history. Camping Options We currently offer primitive camping for RVs, vans, self-contained rigs, and tent campers. • There are no hookups available at this time. • Primitive camping areas are spread out across the property for privacy and quiet. • Guests are welcome to choose a comfortable area to set up within the designated camping space. Property Access Mariposa is located within a gated community, and access to the property requires entry through the gate. After booking, please call or text 806-759-1354 when you arrive, and someone will meet you at the gate and guide you into the camping area. Amenities • Potable well water access • Dumpster available for trash disposal Please plan accordingly as this is a primitive camping experience. Explore the Property Guests are welcome to walk the surrounding land and enjoy the open environment. The elevated areas of the property offer beautiful views of the plains and unique features from the land’s former quarry use. Travel Note There is currently construction on Loop 335 near the property, so travel routes may vary depending on the time of your visit. Questions If you have questions before or after booking, please message us through Hipcamp or call/text 806-759-1354.
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Jackass Flats Campground

19. Jackass Flats Campground

95%
(286)
Terlingua Ranch / Alpine, TX · 20 sites · Tents, RVs
Located 25 miles north of Terlingua, TX on State Highway 118, close to the historic Comanche Trail, under the brilliant west Texas stars and below famous Nine Point Mesa. Within 25 miles of Big Bend National Park, Big Bend Ranch State Park, Terlingua Ghost Town, Rio Grande Outfitters and river access. The area is not only famous for its rich ranching history but also for its diverse geology and awesome night skies. Enjoy the Terrymar Pavilion for group gatherings, picnicking or taking in the panoramic views, phenomenal night skies, sunrises and sunsets. View our resident donkeys, mules and horses in the restored nineteenth century stock pens. Please DO NOT FEED THEM. Be sure to FILL YOUR WATER tank before arriving. NON POTABLE water can be accessed. There is no city water services available in our area. Stay connected with free Wi-Fi at The Little Burro Country Store which is also on premises. Password can be acquired within the store. We offer wood/snacks/groceries/ice and food items for sale on the property to meet your needs at The Little Burro Country Store. You can also find more of what we offer through our Linktr.ee. https://linktr.ee/jackassflatsimprovement
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Full hookups
Hobo Hacienda

20. Hobo Hacienda

94%
(16)
Terlingua, TX · 1 site · Tent, RV
Elevated high desert hideaway . Private shack with panoramic view of the mountains. Just one campsite, you would have the whole place to yourself. Located 10 mile north of the town of Terlingua Texas. Access property via South County Rd next to Terlingua. Refer to Hobo Hacienda, Terlingua, Texas on Google maps Update: the property location has been updated on Hipcamp App. (But you can also find it on Google maps ). from the turn off on the paved road it takes 50 minutes down a dirt road ..up and down and bumpy. Don't need 4wd , but must have higher clearance like a SUV or truck. It's worth the drive!! Campfire is allowed Plenty of roads to explore.
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Campfires

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field