Family Fun Places To Camp In Texas
At Texas Children in Nature we emphasize the benefits of a daily connection with nature for kids and families. But there is something extra special about a family campout during the summer in Texas. For some, that might sound like a hot, buggy proposition. Being prepared can mitigate the heat and the pests so you can focus on the fun. Knowing where to go to maximize your family fun time is also important. Weve compiled a list of 15 great places to camp with the family during the summer.
East Texas:
Tyler State Park: At Tyler SP you can boat, fish, swim, camp, picnic, have a reunion, or take a nature walk. Set in the towering pines of east Texas, this park offers 13 miles of hiking and biking trails, plus a large lake for water activities. There are limited use cabins, screen shelters, RV and tent sites for camping.
Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area: Set in the Davy Crocket National Forest, this park was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1936. There is a large lake for swimming and fishing, RV and tent camping, 20 miles of hiking trails and a small playground for the little ones. The shade of the towering pines make it pleasant for camping in the summer.
North Texas:
Central Texas:
Coastal Region Texas:
Mustang Island State Park:Nothing beats the white sandy beaches of the Texas Gulf Coast. Mustang Island offers families RV and tent camping, paddling, beach access, fishing in both the gulf and the lagoon, bird watching and ranger programs.
West Texas:
Cranes Mill Park 1 Hour From Downtown
If you enjoyed the Guadalupe River in its own state park, you might like to see where it flows through Cranes Mill Park. Here the Guadalupe feeds into Canyon Lake, forming a great fishing and boating destination just an hour north of San Antonio. In addition to 30 RV sites and 34 tent sites, there are also two fishing piers, a marina, and a boat launch.
Cranes Mill has great trees for hammock camping as well as traditional campsites. There are all the normal amenities youd expect and there is a lot of space for everyone to spread out. Definitely recommend the park! The Dyrt camper Matt M.
Lake Bastrop South Shore Park
38 miles eastGoings-on in Austin dont seem to matter much at Lake Bastrop, where it feels like LBJ could still be president, as he was when the LCRA built a dam on Spicer Creek to create a cooling pond for a new power plant. Piney thickets surround this placid lake. The views are of dense green thickets on reed-lined banks. A low hum from the power plant is the sonic backdrop to the chucking and squabbling of coots and ducks. The lake is popular with local fishermen, as the LCRA keeps it well stocked with Florida bass, catfish, crappie, and perch. Try your luck at a pier, or rent a canoe and drift around the numerous shallow inlets. Of the two parks on Lake Bastrop, South Shore is the larger and has better camping and amenities. There are lakeside cabins, a playground, and a swimming area. The short Heron Trail loop goes from the campground around Lewis Point, and a sandy 4.5-mile track, great for biking as well as hiking, leads through the woods to the North Shore Park. Multiuse sites, cabins
Pro tips: Get a campsite with waterfront access . Some are very close togethergood for multifamily campingbut for privacy, choose No. 12.
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Secluded Texas Camping Spots Worth A Weekend Trip
Guadalupe Mountains National ParkSalt Flat, 79847, Eisenhower State Park50 Park Road 20, Denison, tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/eisenhowerInks Lake State Park3630 Park Road 4 W, Burnet, 78611, Ray Roberts Lake State Park100 P W 4137, Pilot Point, Cleburne State Park5800 Park Rd 21, Cleburne, Colorado Bend State ParkLocated in Bend, Big Thicket National Preserve 6044 FM 420, Kountze, Mustang Island State Park 17047 TX-361, Port Aransas, 78373, Palo Duro Canyon State Park11450 Park Road, Canyon, Big Bend National ParkBig Bend National Park, 79384, nps.gov/bibe/index.htmCaprock Canyons State Park850 Caprock Canyon Park Road, Quitaqueim_collintheshotsDavy Crockett National Forest 18551 Texas 7, Kennard jcphoto83Dinosaur Valley State Park1629 Park Road 59, Glen Rose, 76043, Possum Kingdom State Park 3901 St. Park Road 33, Caddo, Padre Island National Seashore20420 Park Road, Corpus Christi, Enchanted Rock State Natural Area16710 Ranch Road, Fredericksburg, Krause Springs404 Krause Springs Road, Spicewood, 693-4181, Garner State Park234 RR 1050, Concan, 78838, El Paso, tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/hueco-tanksLake Mineral Wells State Park & Trailway 100 Park Road 71, Mineral Wells, Lockhart State Park2012 State Park Road, Lockhart, Lost Maples State Natural Area 37221 FM 187, Vanderpool, 966-3413, McKinney Falls State Park 5808 McKinney Falls Parkway, Pedernales Falls State Park2585 Park Road 6026 Johnson City,
Blanco State Park 1 Hour From Downtown
Texans know better than most how to stay cool in any weather, and few methods are more fun than visiting swimming holes like the one at Blanco State Park. The pools were built by theCivilian Conservation Corps during the Great Depression, along with numerous other construction projects around the park.
Meanwhile, an hour south back in San Antonio, the Works Progress Administration was busy developing the citys famous River Walk for similar reasonsto introduce flood control to the region.
Take advantage of all that hard work by going for a dip, or renting one of the tubes and kayaks the park has available. Afterwards, you can either cozy up at one of the dozens of tent sites that have water and electric hookups, or get a little fancy with your San Antonio camping at one of Blancos screened in shelters. They arent quite cabins, but theyll keep the pests away.
This park is tucked in the middle of a beautiful hill country town of Blanco. Great for camping or just a day trip. You can swim, fish, or just relax under the shade trees. While youre there, visit the Redbud Cafe. Their Blanco Burger is one of the best burgers you will eat.The Dyrt camper Gary F.
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Alamo City Rv Park 12 Minutes From Downtown
Now under new management, Alamo City RV Park is about as authentic as San Antonio camping can get, right in the heart of downtown. There is room for your big rig, however, with 90 foot Texas Size pull-throughs, as well as a dog park, and a community barbecue and smoker.
There is a public transit stop right outside the park that will easily get you to the River Walk, Alamo, and popular greenways like the Salado Creek Trail.
Im more of a woods-based camper with trails and water recreation, that being said there is a lot within walking distance of this campground, there is wildlife, boats to ride in and you could consider it an urban forest.The Dyrt camper Shelley S.
Skyline Ranch Rv Park Tx
Skyline Ranch RV Park is located in Austin is about two hours away. Bandera is often referred to as the Cowboy Capital of the World while RV camping here, you can see some famous historical and cultural attractions.
The campsites at Skyline Ranch RV Park have pull-through access and can accommodate big rigs. Amenities include restrooms, showers, laundry facilities, a dump station, and WiFi. You will also find a huge
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Mother Neff State Park
Mother Neff Park is a beautiful place to camp, hike, and explore. The park has six different sites with varying amenities, including waterfalls, hiking trails, and cabins for those who prefer more luxury.
There are plenty of fun things to do in the area, from Barton Springs just a short drive away to Lake Buchanan near Burnet, which offers fishing, swimming, and boating opportunities! Tent sites are also available for those looking for a more rustic experience.
Boulderdash Cabin And Rv Park 1 Hour 16 Minutes From Downtown
West of San Antonio in the heart of the Hill Country, the Boulderdash Cabin and RV Park is a simple, family-run operation with generously sized cabin and RV sites. Best of all, its close to Banderaa little town outside of San Antonio that calls itself the Cowboy Capital of the World. Stop for a drink and a bite at the famous Cowboy Bar, the biggest little bar in Texas.
If you come at the right time of year, you can even participate in Cowboy Mardi Gras, when the whole town is taken over by cajun food, zydeco, and horses festooned with mardi gras beads. Camp close by at Boulderdash and you wont miss a minute of the dog costume contest or the epic parade floats. And with sites starting at $15 a night, youll have plenty of cash left over for Cowboy Bars famous steak nights!
This was a great location for spending some time on the Medina River and close to Medina Lake. We camped in the tent camping area above the cabin. Its a bit of a steep walk from the campsite to the river, but not bad. We were able to carry our kayak with no problem.The Dyrt camper Paige R.
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What People Are Saying About Blazing Star Luxury Rv Resort
Came to stay when our daughter graduated from Basic Training. This RV park is very nice. Lots of well-kept spaces, clean and secure showers, and toilets. Paved RV pads. Mature trees and paved lanes. I would recommend this park to anyone looking for a lovely place to park your RV for a night, a week, or a month. Jeana, Google Review
Location
- Restrooms: Yes
Rio Guadalupe Resort Tx
On the beautiful Guadalupe River, the Rio Guadalupe Resort is a picturesque RV park in Texas Hill Country. Its just a few minutes’ drive from Austin.
RV camping at the Rio Guadalupe Resort includes access to full hookup sites, with water, sewer, and 30 or 50 amp electrics. There are pull-through spaces, each of which has gravel grounds that extend to 70 or 80 feet in length. In addition, youll find cable TV and complimentary Wi-Fi at the resort, as well as laundry facilities, hot showers, and clean restrooms.
Recreational facilities at the Rio Guadalupe Resort include an outdoor
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What People Are Saying About Rio Guadalupe Resort & Rv Park
We love it and will be back! Their cabins were very comfortable and stocked with the necessary items and the view from the riverfront decks was terrific. The tubing on the river was great. The river flow was a little low, but perfect for the children. Everyone had a great time!” Jane
Location
- Rio Guadalupe Resort & RV Park
- 14130 River Rd.
- Covered Pavilion
Tinaja And Dogleg Canyon Loop
- Trail Distance: 6.4 miles
- Location: Colorado Bend State Park
Although its further away from San Antonio, Colorado Bend State Park is a gorgeous 5,000 acre park located in prime Texas hill country. Tinaja and Dogleg Canyon Loop is a challenging trail thatll take you up and down rocky hills overlooking the Colorado River. Youll hike down near the river and get breathtaking views of the water. Along the path youll also see the entrance to Gorman Cave, but its unfortunately closed to the public. Armadillos are frequent visitors on the trail so get your phones and cameras ready. This is a great hike near San Antonio that offers lots of solitude.
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Scenic Spots To Camp In And Around San Antonio For A Quick Getaway
Maybe you have a hankering for one last summer adventure, or the prospect of cooler fall nights has you dreaming of sleeping under the stars. Either way, you can make it happen without going far.
There are many places to enjoy the great outdoors on a campout in the scenic landscapes around San Antonio. Whether your style is a tent at a primitive campsite or a cabin in the woods, these eight spots have what you need.
Blanco State ParkJust an hour from San Antonio on the banks of the refreshingly chilly Blanco River, this park has camping, swimming, fishing, hiking and boating. The park store rents tubes and kayaks, or bring your own craft . Fish from shore for bass, channel catfish, sunfish, and rainbow trout and, in the winter, trout no license needed. Overnight options include 17 full hook-up sites and 12 with water and electricity. Blanco State Park offers a way for those new to the camping game to ease into it, as the town of Blanco lies just outside the gate.
Guadalupe River State ParkFour miles of Guadalupe River flowing through the park mean plenty of places to swim, fish, tube the rapids, or canoe. Camp at one of 85 water and electric sites or nine walk-in sites. Thirteen miles of hike-and-bike trails snake along both sides of the river, including some open to horses. Sign up for guided two-hour walks to Honey Creek State Natural Area on Saturday mornings, the only way to access those 2,293 acres.
Great Camping Spots To Scope Out In The Texas Hill Country
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Camping is the best way to experience the beauty of the Texas Hill Country. The air is cooler, water clearer, and you can spend all night gazing at the endless starry sky. Weve compiled a list of our favorite spots to pitch a tent in the Hill Country. These primo campgrounds offer opportunities to go fishing, swimming, hiking, kayaking, bike riding, rock climbing and just about anything else you can do outdoors. Is there anything better than friends firing up their propane smokers and enjoying a tasty meal while camping?
Of course, you should do a little research before you pack your tent and go. Be sure to check weather and water conditions, research the best tent for heavy rain, and dont forget to inquire about campground pet policies. Also be aware of the difference between primitive and improved campgrounds, so you can be prepared. Here are our 10 best camping spots in the Hill Country. Additionally, one resource for learning more about RVs and motorhomes is outingxpert.
1. Garner State Park Concan, TX
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Mountain Breeze Campgrounds New Braunfels Tx
Mountain Breeze Campground is in New Braunsfels, Texas, and is about an hour from San Antonio. It offers prime access to the Guadalupe River and all of its beauty. Their campground is packed with amenities like showers, bathrooms, as well as sand volleyball and horseshoe pits.
Whether youre looking for an action-packed getaway or a peaceful spot to relax by the river, they have got you covered!
They have some really nice cabins that can accommodate 2-6 people depending on your needs. They have spots for tent camping and RVs available. Campfires are allowed within the designated fire ring of each campsite.
These fees do not include your tube rentals for the river but they do have a free shuttle service for their patrons. On Saturday nights in the summer they have a DJ or live music.
If you are looking for family fun then do not go on a holiday weekend, it gets rowdy. On normal weekends and summer days, the place is quite nice for families.
As an added bonus, New Braunsfels is in the heart of the Texas Hill Country and is within driving distance to San Antonio, Austin, and Wine Country.
Guadalupe River State Park 52 Minutes From Downtown
Popular with hikers, paddlers, and equestrians alike, Guadalupe River is a great place to cool off due north of San Antonio. There are 85 campsites with electricity and water and nine that are walk-in style. This isnt a horse camp though, so riders need to limit themselves to daytime excursions.
Guadalupe River State Park is also a stop on the Nichols Landing Paddling Trail, so if youve been curious about yakpacking, heres your chance. You can also have fun geocaching, viewing wildlife on the West Guadalupe Loop, and peeping for the rare golden-cheeked warbler amongst the parks virgin Ashe juniper and bald cypress stands.
Trout fishing is great, swimming is too! Weve kayaked this river at least 100 times in the last 5 years and each time we had lots of fun. Outside the park boundary, unfortunately, all of the land is privately owned so you cant go out and explore on foot. The Dyrt camper Justin D.
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Hill Country State Natural Area
You can do many things at Hill Country State Natural Area that will satisfy your need for adventure! If you love hunting as much as you enjoy being outdoors, this is an excellent place for you! With more than 2,000 acres that span 30 miles from San Marcos all the way to New Braunfels, there are many opportunities for hunters.
There is currently no cost associated with hunting at Hill Country State Natural Area. All deer season dates and bag limits must be approved by Parks and Wildlife before the season starts.
This is true primitive camping as its best. You have to bring all of your own supplies including your own drinking water. It is just you and mother nature. But this natural area is pristine and has to be seen.
Palo Duro Canyon State Park
Also known as the Grand Canyon of Texas, Palo Duro Canyon State Park provides campsites with a view. Camping in this Texas Panhandle state park is spread between different areas of Palo Duro Canyon. Campsites with electricity are on both ends of the state park at theand Hackberry Campgrounds. RVs up to 60 feet long can find spaces to park in the Sagebrush and Hackberry Campgrounds.
Palo Duro Canyon State Park also features unique primitive campsites that are only accessible by a half-mile hiking trail. No designated sites exist in this primitive camping area of the park, and overnight visitors pick the spot where theyd like to pitch a tent. Group camping is also available at Palo Duro Canyon, as are cabins. All campsites are close to mile-long views of Palo Duro Canyon.
The canyon is one of the top things to see around Amarillo, just 30 minutes away.
Address: 11450 State Hwy Park Road 5, Canyon, Texas
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