These Are the Best Campgrounds in Texas, According to These Camping Experts

Everything is bigger in Texas, including the wide range of camping options. Good thing, because residents often complain that it takes them too long to drive out of state to go camping anywhere else. Starting north in the panhandle, you’ll find lots of fun campgrounds along iconic Route 66. Places like Big Texan RV Ranch and Oasis RV Resort are popular favorites in Amarillo, where you may stop for the 72-ounce steak challenge at the Big Texan Steak Ranch and Brewery. 

If you're looking for quick getaways or longer family vacations outside of cities like Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio, you have your pick of amazing private and public campgrounds. We stayed at the largest campground we’ve ever visited outside of Dallas—North Texas Jellystone—which had everything from a water park to paintball to an onsite escape room. We also found a dizzying amount of wonderful campground options in nearby Hill Country. Search for dinosaur tracks while camping at Dinosaur Valley State Park, or soak in a hot tub with a glass of wine at one of the RV resorts in Fredericksburg. 

The Gulf Coast is another favorite Texas camping destination, and you’ll find plenty of places where you can actually camp right on the beach. Many of the beachfront sites will be primitive camping, but if you want electric hookups, popular spots like Galveston Island State Park and Mustang Island State Park have you covered. 

And if you want to really get away from it all, there is no better camping destination than Big Bend National Park, which the National Parke Service website describes as “splendid isolation.” It has been designated as an International Dark Sky Park, so if sleeping under the stars is your camping jam, put this place on your bucket list. 

Stephanie and Jeremy's Campground Picks in Texas

Jeremy and Stephanie Puglisi are the hosts of The RV Atlas podcast, which has been downloaded more than 12 million times by RV and camping enthusiasts. They are also the authors of the popular "Where Should We Camp Next?" book series, including "Where Should We Camp Next?", "Where Should We Camp Next? National Parks", "Where Should We Camp Next? Budget Camping", and "Where Should We Camp Next? Camping 101". As bestselling authors and longtime RV travelers, they share expert campground recommendations, road trip inspiration, and practical advice for families and adventurers who love the great outdoors.

Here are their picks for family-friendly, budget-friendly, and public campgrounds in Texas:

Family-Friendly: North Texas Jellystone Park, Burleson

Site types: RV rentals, glamping tents, cabins, pirate ship suites, bunkhouse apartments, RV, and tent

Our kids haven't stopped talking about the North Texas Jellystone Park since we visited. This place is gigantic (120 acres) and it's packed with all kinds of crazy amenities that will keep your family busy from sunup to sundown. Little kids love the train rides and “Hey, Hey, Hey Rides” and older kids love the laser tag and paintball.

Pirate’s Cove Water Park is located right next door and registered guests at the campground receive discounted admission. You can walk directly over to the waterpark or ride a golf cart over and park it there. We recommend renting a golf cart here if your budget allows—activities are spread far and wide.

A wide variety of lodging options are available here—making this a great place to stay if you are new to the world of camping and want to give it a try without purchasing an RV or tent of your own. Downtown Burleson is right up the road and plenty of restaurants and shopping.

Budget-Friendly: Dinosaur Valley State Park, Glen Rose

Site types: RV and tent

Dinosaur Valley State Park in Glen Rose has to be one of the most unique state parks in the country. Where else can you search for Dinosaur footprints just steps away from your campsite? The park is also a terrific place to cool off on hot summer days. The Paluxy River winds its way through this park and offers up several perfect swimming holes for cooling off on a hot Texas day. Well-marked hiking and biking trails abound for those who love non-stop outdoor adventure. So this is a great place to chill or a great place to break a sweat.

The campground here is small, and it's popular so it can be difficult to nab a site—but it's well worth the effort if you can get one. Sites are shady and private and the facilities are clean and well-maintained. Big rigs might take caution here as some of the turns are tight and there are low-hanging trees. Tent campers and small RV owners love it here though—and not just because sites have electric hookups so you can run the AC in the summer. Downtown Glen Rose is nearby and has a handful of well-reviewed restaurants and tons of Texas charm.

National Park Gateway: Maverick’s Ranch RV Resort, Lajitas

Site types: RV

Maverick Ranch RV Resort is a terrific basecamp near Big Bend National Park for those who are traveling with friends and family who do not have an RV, because their golf club (which is adjacent to the campground) offers a wide variety of comfortable accommodations for non-campers.

This RV resort actually lives up to its name by offering clean and comfortable facilities and a pool area that is very much like an oasis in the desert. The clubhouse area is also excellent and provides a cool place to lounge or play a game of ping-pong on a hot day.

Dogs seem to love Maverick Ranch just as much as humans do—the dog park is huge and the entire vibe is pet-friendly. The sites here are level and spacious, and the views are spectacular in all directions. Camping inside Big Bend is clearly an epic option, but Maverick Ranch makes staying outside of the park every bit as good.

Explore More Campgrounds in Texas

With its vast landscapes and diverse geography, Texas offers an incredible variety of camping experiences for every type of traveler. Whether you’re exploring the Panhandle along historic Route 66, soaking up the beauty of Hill Country, lounging on a Gulf Coast beach, or venturing into the remote wilderness of Big Bend, there’s a perfect campground waiting for you.

Where Should We Camp Next?

From budget-friendly state parks to full-amenity RV resorts, Texas has something for families, adventurers, and boondockers alike. And if you’re looking for even more inspiration, "Where Should We Camp Next?" series features dozens of additional campground recommendations across the Lone Star State and beyond—helping you plan your next great camping adventure with confidence.

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