The biggest US state is home to 300,000 square miles of landscapes that deliver diverse and astounding natural beauty, making Texas one of the most amazing places to camp in the country.
Whether you prefer primitive camping or amenities that provide some home comforts, there is a campground in Texas to accommodate your needs. Here are four of the best places to camp in Texas.
1. Galveston Island State Park
A bird watcher’s paradise, Galveston Island State Park offers abundant wildlife and natural attractions to cater to any camper. This island in the Gulf Coast is just 30 minutes south of Houston, with miles of sandy beaches for swimming, fishing, and watersports.
Explore the Moody Gardens with its towering glass pyramids housing an aquarium, rainforest habitat, and science exhibit. Alternately, you can wander the coastal hiking trails to enjoy the island in all its natural beauty.
There are a variety of campgrounds available along the island. Most are well-appointed with convenient RV hook-up, bathrooms, and recreational areas to enjoy.
2. Guadalupe River State Park Campground
With the tranquil Guadalupe River running through the center of the park, this area is a popular swimming destination in the scorching Texas summer. Approximately an hour's drive north of San Antonio, Guadalupe River State Park offers almost 100 campsites spread over three campgrounds with full RV hook-ups and ample amenities.
Most areas of the river are slow-moving so you can enjoy fly fishing, kayaking, paddle boarding, and tubing. The park is a wonderful location to explore on bike or horseback because of its 13 miles of trails with scenic views of the river. The densely forested area is also a popular site for geocaching.
3. Big Bend National Park
Named for a well-known curve in the Rio Grande that abuts the park, Big Bend National Park is a vast rugged wilderness that invites exploration. It has exciting historical, cultural, and natural attractions to thrill any avid outdoorsman.
The endless activities include rafting on the Rio Grande or exploring the park on horseback. With hundreds of miles of scenic highways running through the park, it is the ideal location for motorcycle camping.
You can find a wide range of campgrounds across the 800,000-acre park. Primitive sites let you get back to nature, while fully-equipped campsites feature every amenity a camper could need.
4. Padre Island National Seashore
On the southern Texas coast sits the longest undeveloped barrier island on the planet. Padre Island National Seashore is a 130,000-acre preserve that offers unique coastal camping opportunities.
Mid-summer is a great time to view sea turtle hatchling releases by the conservation organization on the island, or paddleboard on the Laguna Madre, one of the saltiest bodies of water on Earth.
The coastal waters of the Gulf offer some spectacular saltwater fishing opportunities, or simply kick back and relax in your favorite all-terrain camping chair and watch the dazzling sunset.
Final Thoughts
The Lone Star State has something to offer every camper from rugged desert landscapes to forested oases to briny seashores. For an unforgettable camping trip, head to Texas for unparalleled natural beauty and ecological diversity.
