It’s no secret that Texas is absolutely enormous. Second only to Alaska in terms of sheer square mileage (Texas has 268,596 square miles to speak of while Alaska has a hulking 665,384 square miles to speak of), this state is an amalgamation of all sorts of amazing landscapes, wonders, and more. Home to 89 state parks, two National Parks, and literally thousands of incredible campsites across hundreds of campgrounds, Texas is a tour-de-force of natural awesomeness just waiting to be explored, and what better way to explore it than by staying a while? We’ve compiled a list of some of the best campgrounds in Texas for your careful consideration! The best places to camp in Texas vary depending on your needs – there are so many campgrounds in Texas, from the plains to the hill country and everything in between, that there’s no way you won’t find the perfect for your dream trip!

Best State Park Campgrounds in Texas

As mentioned above, Texas is filled to the brim with awesome state and National parks to fall in love with over and over again – 89 state parks, to be exact! Of course, the “best” in best state parks in Texas is subjective, but there are definitely some that tend to stick out above the rest in terms of pure wonder. And seriously: nothing is better than waking up to the incredible sights, sounds, and experiences of the great outdoors in the Lone Star State. No matter what you want to do: backpacking, biking, backcountry camping, or simply the best camping in the world – you’ll find it all here. It doesn’t even really matter which park(s) you choose – there’s always time to do them all, from Big Bend National Park to Palo Duro Canyon State Park, Colorado Bend State Park, Dinosaur Valley State Park, Guadalupe River State Park – and everywhere else! Some top contenders for the best state park campgrounds in Texas include:

Best Beach Camping in Texas

Yes, Texas is enormous – and as a result, you’ll be amazed at the sheer diversity in its landscapes. If you happen to be craving a beach day, not to worry; with more than 3,300 miles of coastline, there’s no shortage of excellent options for the ultimate beach camping experience! A beach day (or weekend… or week) might not be the first thing to come to mind when thinking of the Lone Star State, but maybe it should be. As it turns out, there are hundreds of wonderful beaches in Texas, and plenty of these beaches offer excellent options for beach camping in Texas, like:

Top Glamping in Texas

Have you ever heard of “glamping”? It’s pretty much exactly what it sounds like it should be: a mashup of the words “glamorous” and “camping”, and examples can include things like yurts, treehouses, boathouses, tiny homes, and other non-traditional outdoor-oriented stays. With as much land as it’s got, Texas is a hotbed of awesomely unique options for glamping; from yurts to tiny homes, you’ll find the perfect niche stay for your wonderful, niche adventure. Some of the top glamping destinations in Texas are:

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Best RV Camping Sites in Texas

Hear us out: RV camping is the original form of glamping. Long before there were yurts and other fancy arrangements a few steps above roughing it, a good old RV trip was definitely not unheard of (and often encouraged), offering all the luxuries of a hotel on wheels that can come with you into the boonies if you so desire (or the beach… or the woods). Naturally, there are literally hundreds of wonderful places for RV camping in Texas that outshine many, many others across the country, including the ones listed below. Many of the best RV campgrounds in the state are open year-round, adding to the ever-growing list of awesome campgrounds open year-round in Texas.

If you don’t have an RV of your own, no worries – our friends at RVShare have got you covered!

Best Primitive/No Reservation Tent Camping in Texas

What’s the opposite of glamping and/or RV camping? Totally roughing it. Primitive camping is the art of doing exactly that: pitching an old-school tent, crafting a hand-made campfire, and, ideally, catching and cooking your own food (or at the very least bringing some in to cook instead). Naturally, there are many such camping opportunities all over the Lone Star State, where primitive camping is the name of the game. You can find some primitive campsites in Texas that are close to a city or town, or you can really challenge yourself by heading somewhere rustic and remote. Some of them are Texas campgrounds that don’t require a reservation!

Most Beautiful Camping In Texas

Texas just doesn’t get the credit it deserves for its natural beauty, if you ask us. Of the literal thousands of jaw-droppingly beautiful campgrounds in Texas, good luck picking and choosing the best of ‘em – all of it is genuinely wonderful, with so much to offer those willing to experience it. You probably couldn’t explore every single one in a single lifetime, but you can try. A little mix of everything, here are some of the most amazingly photogenic, rustic campgrounds in Texas:

Summary

In short, there’s no place in the world quite like Texas – in all its enormous, beautiful glory! Folks might think the Lone Star State is boring, flat, or simply “flyover country”, but that’s where they’re most definitely wrong – as evidenced by this amazingly diverse list. Where are your favorite places to go camping in Texas? Let us know in the comments! And don’t forget to take a look at our outdoor essentials packing list before embarking on your next great trip.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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Best Campgrounds in Texas

What are the most popular state parks in Texas?

Texas is a ridiculously beautiful state that simply does not get the credit it deserves. There are numerous state parks in Texas, and the most popular state parks in Texas include:

  • Ray Roberts Lake State Park - This park was the #1 most-visited park in 2022, bringing in close to 900,000 visitors.
  • Garner State Park - Attracting more than half a million visitors in 2022, Garner State Park is a mecca for nature lovers and camping enthusiasts.
  • Palo Duro Canyon State Park - This gorgeous slice of paradise brought just over 442,000 visitors in 2022.

 

Learn more about the most amazing state parks in Texas.

What time of year is best for camping in Texas?

Honestly, every time of year is the best time of year for camping in Texas. Best of all, you'll find a convenient array of wonderful campgrounds in Texas open all year 'round, such as:

  • Enchanted Rock State Natural Area - This region is amazingly beautiful, and sleeping here is simply magical.
  • Guadalupe Mountains State Park - This incredible park features Texas's highest peak, and there are few things more awesome than waking up to the views.
  • Colorado Bend State Park - The waterfalls here are awesome no matter what time of year it is.

Learn more about each of these wonderful year-round campgrounds in Texas.

Where can I find secluded campgrounds in Texas?

Texas is gigantic, plain and simple, and getting away from it all - and we mean away from it all - is not overly difficult. Some of the best secluded campgrounds in Texas include ones like:

  • Cedar Breaks Park - Close to (but not too close) Austin is the beautiful Georgetown Lake, and Cedar Breaks Park offers some tranquil camping options.
  • Windy Point Park - You might just forget you're in Texas with this one, as it's situated right on a cliff beside the water!
  • Hill Country State Natural Area - This park is 5,000 acres of peace and quiet.

 

Learn more about the best secluded campgrounds in Texas.

 

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