17 Best Places To Camp In Texas

Discover the Best Places To Camp In Texas —from beach escapes to mountain trails. Find your perfect Texas camping adventure with our complete guide. Texas is the second-largest state in the U.S. It is a precious trove of natural beauty and adventure waiting to be traveled. From the outstanding sight view valley of Big Bend to the peaceful waters of Caddo Lake. In this article we guide you to find out the best times to visit, the best place to visit and which type of things you’ll require. So pack your bags, snatch your tent and get ready to enjoy camping in Texas. Planning a camping trip in Texas? Explore official campground details and make reservations through the Park Reservation- State Texas Park

1. Pubic Parks and Natural Areas

• Palo Duron Canyon State Park: This place is popular for its impressive valley view and various camping options, including drive-up and walk-in sites
• Big Bend National Park: Offers remote and wonderful camping options with fabulous desert parks and mountain views.
• Enchanted Rock State Natural Area:  Offers both original and more advances for camping near the iconic stone vault.
• Guadalupe Mountains National Park: Features campgrounds with access to hill-walking trails and the highest peak in Texas.
• Caddo Lake State Park: Offers camping within a beautiful river and cypress trees, with chances for travelling and fishing.

2. Popular State Parks

• Lake Livingston State Park: Provides lakeside camping with opportunities for swimming, fishing, and boating.
• Inks Lake State Park: This featured beach campsites with easy access to water activities and climbing paths.
• Pedernales Falls State Park:  Known for its charming forces and luxurious campsites with access to hill-walking and swimming.
• Fort Parker State Park: Features campsites near a large lake and offers ancient sites and fun activities.
• McKinney Falls State Park: In this featured camping area close to the park’s mind-blowing waterfalls and hill-walking trails.

3. Wonderful and Remote Campsites

• Garner State Park: This Park provide the best camping with beautiful hill country and access to the Frio River and various outdoor activities
• South Llano River State Park: This place is popular for its peaceful river. It is very stunning for camping, tubing, and bird watching.
• Dinosaur Valley State Park: This Park provides the best camping with access to unique dinosaur tracks and hiking trails.
• Brazos Bend State Park: This Park provide best camping with access to a large lake and excellent for sky watching opportunities

4. Unique Camping Experiences

• Cap rock Canyons State Park: This park is popular for its striking red rock formations and the option for both developed and primitive camping
• Longhorn Cavern State Park: This Park provides best camping with easy access to the park’s impressive gallery and geological order.
• Big Bend Ranch State Park: Here visitors enjoy backwoods camping with a rugged, remote experience in the desert sites.

5. Coastal Camping

• Mustang Island State Park:  Here visitors enjoy the best camping with sea front with direct access to the Gulf of Mexico for fishing and beachcombing.
• Padre Island National Seashore: Here visitors enjoy camping with the wonderful beachside and opportunities for beach activities and exciting nature viewing.

6. Urban and Family-Friendly Parks

• Bustier State Park: This Park is popular for its camping in a scenic, wooded area with access to nearby Fayette Lake for additional recreational activities.
• Lake Ray Roberts Isle du Bois Unit: In this place visitors enjoy useful camping near the Dallas-Fort Worth area with lake access and family-friendly comforts.

All these above locations provide visitors with a more exciting, beautiful, memorable camping trip in Texas.

Best Times to Visit and Camping Equipment for Top Camping Spots in Texas

1. Big Bend National Park – Texas Camping Touches the Soul

In the heart of West Texas, Big Bend offers a rugged escape that feels like touching the edge of the world. For those seeking one of the best places for nature camping in Texas, this is pure magic.

Best time for camping here:

Spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) are ideal due to warmer temperatures. Summer can be very hot, with temperatures frequently above 100°F.

Camping Equipment:

1. Shade structures or sun shelters for protection from the sun.
2. High-quality water bottles or hydration systems to stay hydrated in the desert heat.
3. Warm sleeping bag for cooler nights in the desert.
4. 4WD vehicle if planning to explore backcountry areas.

Type of Camping:

1. Backpacking and primitive camping for a remote skill.
2. Developed campgrounds for more services and relaxed access.

2. Guadalupe Mountains National Park– A Hidden Texas Treasure for Campers

Tucked away in the desert mountains, this park is a sacred retreat for hikers and dreamers. It’s one of the top Texas camp spots where serenity meets towering peaks.

Best time for camping here:

Spring (April to June) and fall (September to November) offer pleasant temperatures for hiking and camping. Winter can be very cold, with snow possible at higher raises.

Camping Equipment:

1. Cold-weather gear for potential cold temperatures.
2. Sturdy hiking boots for trails with raise changes.
3. Tent with a rain fly for protection from wind and possible rain.

Type of Camping:

1.  Backpacking and backcountry camping for a more exciting skill.
2. Developed campgrounds with access to trailheads and facilities.

3. Palo Duron Canyon State Park – The Grand Canyon of Texas Camping

Few places stir the soul like Palo Duro. With stunning cliffs and glowing sunsets, it’s truly among the 17 greatest Texas camping getaways.

Best time for camping here:

Spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) for cooler temperatures. Summer can be quite hot, with temperatures reaching over 90°F.

Camping Equipment:

1. Sun protection like hats and sunscreen.
2. Cooling equipment, such as portable fans.
3. Durable tent and shade tent to manage heat.

Type of Camping:

1. Drive-up campgrounds for accessibility and features.
2. Hiking and primitive camping for more rugged skills.

4. Enchanted Rock State Natural Area

Under a sky full of stars, Enchanted Rock whispers ancient stories. This natural wonder ranks high among Texas’s best camping spots for stargazers and adventurers.

Best time for camping here:

Fall (September to November) and spring (March to May) are ideal for mild temperatures. Summer can be hot and is less comfortable for camping.

Camping Equipment:

1. Portable fans and cooling towels for hot weather.
2. Lightweight tent and sleeping pad for comfort on rocky ground.

Type of Camping:

1. Primitive camping for a more immersive nature skill.
2. Family-friendly campgrounds for easy access to hill-walking and rock climbing.

5. Caddo Lake State Park – A Dreamlike Escape into East Texas Wilderness

Mystical cypress trees rise from still waters, creating a fairytale scene. For a surreal and peaceful trip, this is one of the most unique places to camp in Texas.

Best time for camping here:

Spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) for pleasant weather and little ticks. Summer can be hot and humid with increased insect activity.

Camping Equipment:

1. Insect repellent to manage parasite activity.
2. Waterproof gear for possible rain and swampy conditions.
3. Canoe or kayak for exploring the bayous.

Type of Camping:

1. Primitive camping for a more secluded skill.
2. Waterfront sites for easy access to water activities.

6. Inks Lake State Park– Water Meets Wild in Central Texas

Whether you’re kayaking at sunrise or roasting marshmallows by the fire, Inks Lake is a gem among the top 17 camping destinations Texas has to offer.

Best time for camping here:

Spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) for mild weather and lake activities. Summer can be hot, but it’s good for water sports.

Camping Equipment:

1. Waterproof storage for gear and clothing.
2. Swim gear for lake activities.
3. Bug netting for lakeside campsites.

Type of Camping:

1. Family-friendly campgrounds with lake access.
2. RV camping and tent camping for a variety of services.

7. Pedernales Falls State Park – Camp Beside Cascading Beauty

The gentle roar of the falls is nature’s lullaby here. For a riverside retreat, Pedernales is one of the best camping experiences in Texas that blends water and wild perfectly.

Best time for camping here:

Spring (March to May) and Fall (September to November) for optimal weather. Summer can be warm, but the falls are a popular spot.

Camping Equipment:

1. Cooling gear like fans and water bottles for hot weather.
2. Water shoes for exploring the falls.

Type of Camping:

1. Developed campgrounds for easy access to the falls and hiking trails.
2. Primitive camping in more secluded areas of the park.

8. McKinney Falls State Park– A Peaceful Oasis Near Austin

Minutes from the city, this serene park feels miles away from it all. It’s one of the top hidden camping spots in Texas for families and solo campers alike.

Best time for camping here:

Spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) for the best weather. Summer can be hot, but the falls provide a nice cooling opportunity.

Camping Equipment:

1. Shade structures or canopies for sun protection.
2. Waterproof gear for possible splashes and rain.

Type of Camping:

1. Family-friendly campgrounds with facilities and easy access to trails and the falls.
2. Primitive camping for a more secluded skill.

9. South Llano River State Park– Nature’s Playground in West Texas

River tubing, birdwatching, and cozy campsites await in this family favorite. It deserves its place on any list of the 17 best places for camping in Texas.

Best time for camping here:

Spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) for the most enjoyable fevers. Summer can be hot but good for river events.

Camping Equipment:

1. Sun protection such as hats and sunscreen.
2. Water gear like swimwear and floatation devices.

Type of Camping:

1. Family-friendly campgrounds near the river.
2. Primitive camping for a more rustic experience.

10. Brazos Bend State Park – Camp Among Gators and Galaxies

Feel the wild heartbeat of Texas as you camp beside alligators and stargaze at a world-class observatory. This is a top Texas camping destination for the curious and brave.

Best time for camping here:

1. Spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) for comfortable heats and clear skies.
2. Summer is hot and can be humid, but good for astrophysics.

Camping Equipment:

1. Stargazing equipment like telescopes or binoculars.
2. Insect repellent for ticks.

Type of Camping:

1. Developed campgrounds with access to the lake and astrophysics facilities.
2. RV and tent camping for various needs.

11. Dinosaur Valley State Park– Time-Travel Through Texas Camping

Walk where dinosaurs once roamed and sleep under prehistoric skies. It’s a magical addition to the must-visit camping parks in Texas.

Best time for camping here:

Spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) for ideal weather and fewer crowds. Summer can be hot but offers the chance to see the dinosaur tracks.

Camping Equipment:

1. Sun protection and hydration systems for warm weather.
2. Sturdy hiking boots for exploring the trails and tracks.

Type of Camping:

1. Family-friendly campgrounds with amenities and access to the tracks.
2. Primitive camping for a more adventurous skill.

12. Garner State Park – Hill Country Charm Under the Stars

Dancing under the stars at Garner is a Texas tradition. This beloved location is one of the best family-friendly campgrounds in Texas.

Best time for camping here:

Spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) for the best hiking and swimming conditions. Summer is popular for river activities but can be very hot.

Camping Equipment:

1. Swim gear and sun protection for river activities.
2. Cooling devices like fans for hot weather.

Type of Camping:

1. Family-friendly campgrounds with easy access to the Frio River.
2. Primitive camping in more secluded areas for a natural skill.

13. Big Bend Ranch State Park– The Wilder Side of Texas Camping

Remote, rugged, and breathtaking—this is for true wilderness lovers. Easily among the most untamed camping destinations in Texas.

Best time for camping here:

Spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) for milder temperatures and clear skies. Summer can be extremely hot, so plan hence.

Camping Equipment:

1. High-UV protection gear like sunblock and hats.
2. Hydration systems and cooling devices for desert heat.

Type of Camping:

1. Backcountry camping for a remote and rugged skill.
2. Developed campgrounds for easier access and services.

14. Longhorn Cavern State Park– Camp Near Nature’s Underground Wonder

Sleep above ancient caves and explore deep beneath the surface. This park is one of the most fascinating Texas camping places you’ll ever visit.

Best time for camping here:

Spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) for comfortable weather and cave tours. Summer can be hot but still wieldy with proper gear.

Camping Equipment:

1. Cooling equipment for warm weather.
2. Flashlights for exploring the caverns.

Type of Camping:

1. Family-friendly campgrounds with access to the park’s features.
2. Primitive camping for a more rugged skill.

15. Cap rock Canyons State Park– Camp Where Bison Still Roam

Vast canyons and free-roaming bison create a raw, untamed camping adventure. This place is a bold highlight among the top 17 Texas campgrounds.

Best time for camping here:

Spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) for the best weather and clear skies.Summer can be hot, so be prepared for heat.

Camping Equipment:

1. Sun protection and hydration systems for hot conditions.
2. Sturdy hiking boots for exploring the canyons.

Type of Camping:

1. Developed campgrounds for access to amenities.
2. Primitive camping for a more isolated skill.

16. Mustang Island State Park – Beach Camping on Texas Shores

Let the ocean be your lullaby and the sand your welcome mat. This is one of the best coastal camping sites in Texas, perfect for salty souls.

Best time for camping here:

Spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) for mild temperatures and fewer crowds.Summer for beach activities, but be prepared for heat and damp.

Camping Equipment:

1. Beach gear like umbrellas and swimwear.
2. Cooling equipment for hot weather.

Type of Camping:

1. Beachfront camping for easy access to the Gulf of Mexico.
2. RV and tent camping with facilities for beachgoers.

17. Padre Island National Seashore– The Ultimate Texas Beach Campout

Waves, wind, and wide-open sky—Padre Island is freedom in its purest form. No list of the top places to camp in Texas would be complete without it.

Best time for camping here:

Spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) for pleasant weather and fewer insects. Summer is great for beach activities but can be very hot.

Camping Equipment:

1. Beach camping gear like sand stakes and sun shelters.
2. Insect repellent for organization bugs.

Type of Camping:

1. Beachfront camping for direct access to the ocean.
2. Primitive camping for a more isolated beach skill.

These guidelines and equipment suggestions will help ensure that your camping skill in Texas is enjoyable, comfortable, and well-prepared for the specific conditions of each location. If you’re dreaming beyond Texas, don’t miss our guide to the Best Places To Camp In Oregon—a journey through lush forests, volcanic peaks, and serene lakesides.