Desert camping in Texas
The largest state in the Lower 48 features no shortage of places to pitch a tent.
94% (2819 reviews)
- Texas
94% (2819 reviews)
Popular camping styles for Texas
Dog-friendly getaways
Star Hosts in Texas
12 top wheelchair-accessible desert campgrounds in Texas
93%
(1182)
El Cosmico
40 sites · RVs, Tents21 acres · Marfa, TX
El Cosmico takes its inspiration from a long American history of hippies, nomads, bohemians and those living a life of self-determination. We believe in tuning in, dropping out and being here now.
Vehicles are not allowed onto the grounds, so if you are staying in your car or RV you will post up in our large parking lot with easy access to the grounds. Tent camping is dispersed, so you pick your space within the designated camping areas that are indicated on the property map provided at the front desk.
Front desk hours are from 7:30am-11:00pm daily. If you are arriving after 11pm please call ahead for late check-in instructions.
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$30
/ night
97%
(145)
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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98%
(29)
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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$10
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96%
(1048)
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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$39
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99%
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Coyote Breaks Farm
7 sites · RVs, Tents42 acres · Wildorado, TX
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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$30
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93%
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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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$18
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98%
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Lynn y B's land
28 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents80 acres · Terlingua, TX
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$15
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91%
(27)
Rough Run Creek Campground
44 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Study Butte, TX
The name says it all!
'Rough Run Creek Campground:
is conveniently located downtown Study-Butte 1000 feet West of Cottonwood General Store.
Just 2 miles before the western entrance to Big Bend National Park
We have 10 acres of room for tent camping and boondock RV camping-only spots in the roadside spot in downtown Study-Butte Texas.
Come and stay near the Big Bend National Park!
An intimate campsite (not too far off the grid)
A campground just outside Big Bend National Park where you can relax and recharge.
Short walk to Cottonwood grocery ONLY 1000 FEET TO WALK East crossing over the bridge to mile marker 538 just 1000 feet walking distance from Rough Run Creek Bridge to Cottonwood grocery store and supply.
The camping area is about one mile past the intersection of Highway TX-170 and TX-118 approximately one mile South on the left at the Rough Run Creek Campground.
Heading only 3 miles further to the gateway into Big Bend National Park, Texas at the Western entrance following on State Highway TX-118 South.
Big Bend State Park is to the West on Highway TX-170 approximately 29 miles from Rough Run Creek Bridge past the town of Terlingua, Texas 79852
Rough Run Creek Bridge Camping 53737 TX-118, Study Butte, Texas 79852 -
Ten 10 acres of creekfront property
This campground is a roadside camping area, directly on Highway TX-118 at the Southeast end of Rough Run Creek Bridge
On the East side of the highway.
Enter the property between the Rough Run Creek Bridge and the large black mailbox which also marks the South property line of the camping area.
The South property line runs 800' feet deep from the roadside of highway TX-118 along the creek bed of Rough Run Creek.
At the East end of the campground, you will find an old camper shell near the Southeast end of the campground and the property corner.
There are 10 acres in the "dispersed" #BYO everything camping area, #BYO Sleeping bags, #BYO Tent Shades, and #BYO Gas grills, unfortunately, for now, you have to #BYO toilet.
Rough Run Creek Bridge camping area includes the creek bed itself, with beachfront camping.
The best location to stage an early morning hiking trip from locations for campers visiting Big Bend National Park which is only 2 miles away.
Please leave nothing but your tracks when camping or leaving the area for the day.
Each night campers must make bookings by 11:00 AM for check-in and out on a ticketed day pass.
For showers and bathroom facilities, we recommend the bathroom showers provided at the Big Bend Motor Inn where they have coin-operated shower facilities for visiting tourists.
If you need to dump any trash the Big Bend Motor Store and gas station will let you pay $5.00 to use their dumpsters.
Please honor the BURN BAN (no open fires). Propane cooking stoves are okay.
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99%
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Cieloscuro
6 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents40 acres · Terlingua, TX
IF YOU WILL BE STAYING 3 NIGHTS OR LONGER, ASK ME FOR A DISCOUNT CODE!! We offer a uniquely secluded setting with stunning views of the Chisos Mountains. Located just 7 miles from the entrance to Big Bend National Park, and 10 miles from the visitors' center at Big Bend Ranch State Park, it is a perfect base from which to explore all the hiking, boating, and scenic beauty that West Texas is known for. The arts, history, and entertainment of Terlingua Ghost Town are less than 2 miles away.
Like most ruins in the Ghost Town, my stone house was built in the early 1900s to house a miner’s family from the nearby Rainbow Mine. I bought the property in 1986 and began restoring and rebuilding. In 2019 I retired here from NYC and began exploring possibilities for sustainable tourism.
West Texas is one of the best places in the United States to view the Milky Way (both Big Bend parks are certified as International Dark Sky parks). We use shielded LED lighting around buildings and pathways to cut down on light pollution and optimize stargazing opportunities for our astrotourists. And we are applying for dark sky certification from the Texan By Nature program.
Bear in mind that this is the desert, in all its rugged glory. There are critters, rocks, plants with thorns, slippery slopes, sink holes, rusted artifacts and broken glass from decades long past. Bring sturdy shoes and a flashlight, and stay on the paths!
We may eventually add a few more sites and expand our amenities, but our intention is always to provide remote, low-density accommodation for folks who are respectful of the land.
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$44
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95%
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Jackass Flats Campground
23 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Terlingua Ranch / Alpine, TX
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 Texas Longhorn steers and horses in the restored nineteenth century stock pens. Please DO NOT GET CLOSE TO THE FENCE, THESE CATTLE ARE STOCK, not PETS.
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 is "jackassflats" all lowercase, 1 word, no special characters.
We offer wood/snacks/groceries/ice and food items to meet your needs.
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$25
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88%
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Lakefront Vineyard & Winery
8 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents13 acres · Millersview, TX
A true Texas inspiration! Began in 2007 as a hobby to make wine for personal consumption, this vineyard has evolved into an award-winning winery in a location uniquely suited for grape production, right on the border of the High Plains AVA & Hill Country AVA.
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Mel's Place
3 sites · Lodging20 acres · Study Butte, TX
Mel's Place has been a favorite camp spot for many since we opened 5 years ago. Feels secluded and remote, yet only a mile or so from everything you might need and only 5 miles to the national park west (Maverick) entrance. 5 miles to the lively ghost town ofTerlingua with some great bars and restraunts. The views from camp are stunning with breathtaking sunrises over the Chisos mountains. Sunsets aren't too shabby either.
We are an adults only retreat and hope to provide you the peaceful solitude with breathtaking stargazing you need to renew your spirit!!
We are within a few miles of nearly all the local outfitters for your river trips, Jeep or ATV tours, etc.
Come make memories!
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$28
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Under $50
Available this weekend
Desert camping in Texas 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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