Places To Go Camping In Texas

Wine Down At Fredericksburg

After having fun with your children all day, the afternoon may be well spent having a taste of wine at one of the many wineries located near our Fredericksburgs Jellystone Park. With great amenities, accommodations, and activities for the whole family you will know you made the right choice to visit this park!

Camping In Texas Faqs

• Can you camp anywhere in Texas?

  You cannot camp anywhere in Texas. Camping on public land is illegal in Texas. You can only camp on designated camping areas in Texas.

• Where can you camp for free in Texas?

  The most popular FREE campgrounds in Texas are Brazos Island, Camp Creek Recreation Area, and Lake Limestone Public Use Area. No reservations are required but you need to register on arrival.

• Where can I go primitive camping in Texas?

  The most popular places for primitive camping in Texas are Colorado Bend, McKinney Falls or Pedernales Falls state parks.

• How much is camping in Texas?

  Primitive campgrounds start at $10 USD per night and RV campgrounds can vary from $20 USD $80 USD depending on amenities and location.

Eisenhower State Park Near Dennison

Located on the shores of Lake Texoma, near Dennison, Texas, there are many ways to enjoy a visit to this state park.

You can shore fish without a license, and rangers will be glad to loan you all the needed equipment to fish at this lake that is one of the best bass fishing lakes in the United States.

Bring along your all-terrain vehicle or your dirt bikes to enjoy the backcountry wilderness. You will also want to bring along your camera to capture amazing landscape images along the dedicated hiking trails.

Each site has a picnic table making it easy to enjoy meals prepared in the fire rings or on the waist-high grills that you find at many sites.

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Franklin Mountains State Park

Located just 20 minutes outside El Paso is Franklin Mountains State Park. This park at Texas westernmost point is one of the best Texas parks for camping. In fact, it boasts more than 100 miles of trails for jogging, hiking, biking, and generally just exploring the region. But, thats not all. This place is perfect for intrepid adventurers whore craving more adrenaline-pumping pursuits too. For instance, McKelligon Canyon is very famous and popular for rock climbing.

With so much activity, you sure need an excellent place to refuel. Luckily, Franklin Mountains has both primitive and group campsites. RVers, the primitive drive-up campsite with 5 RV hookup sites is the one for you. Read up on the Best Accessories for RV Camping. These self-contained RV sites have no water or electricity, so you might want to pack Portable Camping Smokers, Camping Dutch Ovens, and such. On the other hand, the walk-in primitive campsites are a mix of tent and RV sites . Please note that only high-clearance vehicles can get to campsites 1-5. Despite not having potable water, these sites have lantern posts, tent pads, outdoor grills, and picnic tables.

The Best Camping Texas Has To Offer In Summary

Texas is the perfect location for a camping trip. Whether you enjoy a beach vacation, hiking through a rugged landscape, or dipping a line in a lazy river teeming with bass, youll find something to suit you in this incredibly diverse state.

If you vacation here during the fall and summer months, youre almost guaranteed hot, sunny days, and warm, sultry nights. Imagine sitting around a glowing campfire, sipping something cold, and watching the stars coming out above you. What are you waiting for? Camping in TX has it all!

Camping Trips Further Afield

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Camping Near Austin: Family Getaways

Where To Camp Around Austin

Texans have always had a fascination with camping.

In fact, before houses existed, people were pretty much always camping. When you think about it, living in the great outdoors was humankind’s default mode. Nowadays, we consider it a luxury to steal ourselves away from the omnipresent reality of technology.

Whether it’s a hobby of yours to camp frequently, you’re getting your family and/or friends together for a weekend of laughs and activities, or you’re setting out to take a break from city life and find yourself, this list will help you find your way to a good time. Check out our favorite places to camp around Austin below.

We hear that camping is best paired with pals, campfires, and CANTEEN, the new canned vodka soda in all sorts of flavors.

McKinney Falls State Park

5808 McKinney Falls Parkway

At only 15 miles away, beautified by rushing waterfalls and blossoming wildflowers, McKinney Falls has all the outdoor amenities one could hope for. Without leaving the city limits you’ll be able to camp, hike, mountain or road bike, fish, geocache, go bouldering, and picnic to your heart’s desire. Check out the remnants of McKinney’s estate, and sit and relax by the 500-year-old bald cypress tree towering dubbed “Old Baldy.” With an abundance of bird species, such as the painted bunting, as well as white-tailed deer, raccoons, and armadillos living in the park, it sure makes you feel like you’ve left the city limits, but think again, because you haven’t.

2585 Park Road 6026

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Lake Houston Wilderness Park

Why you should camp here: This densely forested park is the only one within the Houston Parks and Recreation Department where you can camp overnight.

• Reservations accepted: Yes
• Campsite type: Tents, cabins
• RV hookups: No

Lake Houston Wilderness Parks name is a little misleading since the park isnt actually located in Houston and you cant directly access the lake . But it is under the Houston Parks and Recreation Department, and more importantly, its the only one within said department to permit overnight camping.

Much of your time here can be spent making use of the 20+ miles of trails whether thats on foot, by bike, or on horse. Plan to bring your own equipment if you want to bike, fish, boat, or horseback ride though.

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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Cypress Valley Treehouses And Cypress Valley Canopy Tours

Didnt we all dream of staying in our treehouse when we were kids? Well, lucky for us, we can do that in the Texas Hill Country town of Spicewood, TX at Cypress Valley Treehouses.

Cypress Valley is home to 5 different treehouses, each with its own unique characteristics.

Their largest treehouse, The Nest, is great for a family. While traveling couples , will enjoy the Yoki Treehouse with its soaking tub and multi-level design.

If luxurious simplicity is what you are after, then the Willow or Juniper Treehouse might be more your style. They each have a queen bed with a private deck, but shared bathroom facilities.

The amenities at Cypress Valley are another reason it is considered one of the best glamping spots in Texas.

Guests can book a zip-line tour with Cypress Valley Canopy Tours. Cypress Valley Canopy Tours has been a Texas favorite for years as they guide guests along the 5 zip lines, 2 sky bridges, and a rappel.

Village Creek State Park

• Fee: $10-30 plus $4 entrance fee
• Ambiance: Forest

Just 20 minutes from town, Village Creek is a great place to get off the grid and sleep under the stars without venturing too far from civilization. There are 16 primitive sites for groups of eight with picnic tables, fire rings, lantern posts, and tent pads, 25 developed campsites with all of the above plus water and electrical hookups and restrooms nearby, and group sites which can host up to 50 people and ten cars. The bathrooms and shower facilities are surprisingly clean and just a few steps from most of the sites.

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Exploring the Outdoors in Texas: For some underground adventures in the Lone Star State, our guide to the top caverns in Texas feature guided tours and breathtaking speleothems. For anglers, our guide to the best fishing lakes in Texas will have you landing a big one in no time. Other attractions in the state include the top waterfalls in Texas. While it’s a rare and special sight to see, if you’re dreaming of a white winter, our guide to Where to See Snow in Texas can send you in the right direction.

Austin East Koa Holiday

Whether you are hoping to visit one of East Austins restaurants or cultural centers or just want to experience everything the city has to offer reserve your stay at family-friendly Austin East KOA Holiday. Your whole family will love the on-site outdoor games, heated pool, playground, sandbox and recreational room. Visiting with friends? Austin East KOA Holiday offers buddy sites.

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What People Are Saying About Texas 281 Rv Park

We stopped here for a few days and had a great time. Quiet and shaded. Great jumping-off place for touring the hill country and San Antonio. Rich, Google reviews

Location

Image Source:http://oakcreekrvpark.com/

Located in Weatherford, the cutting horse capital of the world, Oak Creek RV Park is close to plenty of attractions and lots of natural beauty. The park itself is equipped to handle any sort of traveler. Whether youre looking for a weekend stay or a more long-term place to camp, Oak Creek is one of the best RV parks to choose from in Texas! With 120 sites, you can have a small family trip or a large family reunion! One thing is for sure- the fantastic facilities and grounds will please any camper!

Colorado Bend State Park Bend

Colorado Bend State Park is one of the primary outdoor attractions in the state and provides visitors with the perfect blend of outdoor fun activities and mind-blowing views. A must for any list of the best Texas camping spots.

The park is located a couple of hours drive from Austin, Texas, and is well worth the journey. There are drive-up campsites, primitive sites, and backpack sites all available in this stunning setting. The hike-in and drive-up sites all have water nearby but no hookups. There are composting toilets provided at one trailhead and close to the main camping area, and theres an open-air, rinse-off shower right by the campground.

Perhaps the highlight of this location is spectacular Gorman Falls, where water cascades down 65 feet into a fern-shrouded grotto. On hot summer days, you can cool off in one of the many pretty swimming holes here.

The state park offers visitors ample opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors from paddling the river, fishing, mountain biking, and hiking around 35 miles of trails. While youre here, why not get down and dirty and take a guided cavern tour?

Fishing here at Colorado Bend is reputedly some of the best to be found in Central Texas, and you dont need a fishing license to cast a line here. There is a boat ramp in the park, enabling you to travel downstream to Lake Buchanan. You can bring your own craft or rent double or single sit-on-top kayaks right here at the park.

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Walk The Beach At Night

One of the best things about camping at Padre Island National Seashore is that you can go for a walk on the beach at night.

This is a simply amazing experience especially if its a full moon night.

You can see the large coast crabs come out and skitter on the sand.

You can also dip your toes in the warm Gulf water.

We recommend carrying a flashlight and looking out for wildlife.

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Retreat To Peaceful Rolling Hills

Texas Hill Country is one of the best camping destinations for newbies and experienced campers. Plus, camping is a pet-friendly vacation idea so you dont have to leave your beloved pup behind. Now that you have a better idea of what to expect when camping in Texas Hill Country, theres nothing left to do but plan your trip!

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Camping Near Dallas: 10 Delightful Parks + Campgrounds

Texas has preserved so many great land areas over the years to provide people with an opportunity to escape from the hustle and bustle of the cityand the result is plenty of amazing destinations for camping near Dallas.

What were once cattle trails and open fields have been transformed into animal sanctuaries and conservation efforts. Whether youre looking for a more traditional camping experience or some fun glamping near Dallas, there is a site for you!

RV parks, primitive grounds, and fully hooked up campsites can be found in all corners of Texas.

Heres where to head for the best camping near Dallas, TX!

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Is There Glamping In Texas

The short answer isABSOLUTELY!

There are so many awesome places in the Lone Star State to give Texas glamping a try, especially in the hill country! Thanks to our abundance of land and wide-open space, Texans have grabbed hold of this trend and arent letting go.

The Lone Star State has many options for you to consider where planning your luxury camping getaway.

There is pretty much every glamping type you can think of in this state, including yurts, teepees, a safari tent, bubbles, canvas tents, cabins, treehouses, old railroad cars, and more!

Not only that but some of the best cities in the state offer you the opportunity to glamp. You can find glamping in Dallas, Austin, Houston, El Paso, and tons of small towns around them!

This allows you to be near some of the top outdoor destinations in the state while Texas glamping as well. Im talking about Texas road trip destinations like Big Bend National Park, the Texas Hill Country, the Guadalupe River, and more.

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Padre Island Loved By Surfers Free Camping Texas

If youre in the mood to rough it, Padre Island camping is ideal. Please note that there are no reservations taken for these campgrounds first come, first served is the rule.

Additionally, there are no water or electrical hookups at these sites, though RVs are welcome and there is a water filling station and a dump station.

Make sure to prepare for your camping trip to Padre Island. Its about 12 miles from the entrance to the nearest amenities, so make sure to stop, shop and stock up before getting to your campsite.

Once you get to Padre Island, be ready to relax and enjoy the best camping in Texas.

Make sure you check out Bird Island Basin for beautiful views and a quiet night.

No generators are allowed from 10 pm to 6 am. Its just you, the wind and the waves.

Located within walking distance of McDonalds Observatory and across from Big Bend National Park, Prude Ranch offers 30 spaces for RV campers along with many other housing choices.

You can find many activities on this ranch, including horseback riding, a climbing wall, paintball, and orienteering.

Join other campers on a hayride and listen to local entertainers while eating gourmet smores. Take a dip in the pool located inside one of the oldest buildings on this ranch.

This ranch offers horse corrals, and there are plenty of open spaces to explore.

Your children can also be involved in a summer camp program while you enjoy camping at this ranch.