
Texas is home to some of the best camping spots in the world, with a stunning blend of deserts, mountains, lakes, and coastal areas. While some camping spots in the state are far from ideal, others are appreciated for their captivating scenery and friendly camping services. Here are the top 15 parks considered the best in Texas.
Big Bend National Park

Big Bend National Park offers some of Texas’s most diverse camping encounters. Set against the backdrop of the Chihuahuan Desert and bordered by the Rio Grande, this park features four campgrounds, including the Chisos Basin Campground, to provide stunning views and is a hub for popular hiking trails.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park

Another of Texas’ famous camping spots, it showcases a rugged scenery formed by ancient marine fossil reefs. Sites like Pine Springs and Dog Canyon are perfect bases for exploring the park’s rugged peaks and diverse wildlife, which include mule deer, black bears, and golden eagles.
Palo Duro Canyon State Park

Often known as Texas’s Grand Canyon, Palo Duro Canyon State Park is a breathtaking place to camp. With a 120-mile-long and 800-foot-deep geological topography, it is the second-largest canyon in the United States. This park provides primitive and full-hookup campsite options for traditional campers and RVs.
Enchanted Rock State Natural Area

As a massive pink granite dome rising approximately 425 feet above the surrounding terrain, this site is one of the best places for rock climbing, hiking, and stargazing. The park’s campsites offer nearly 11 miles of hiking trails and various outdoor activities like primitive backpacking and nature study.
Davis Mountains State Park

Another wonderful Texas camping site is Davis Mountains State Park. Offering a cooler, higher climate at 4,892 feet above sea level, this site features 93 single-family campsites that accommodate tents and RVs. Options include 26 full hookup sites, 3 with water and electricity, and 23 with just water.
Garner State Park

Texas campers love Garner State Park, located along the Frio River, which winds through 1,774 acres of scenic Hill Country terrain. This water body makes this spot popular for anyone who loves swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Visitors enjoy a mini-golf course and seasonal summer dances at the historic pavilion.
Pedernales Falls State Park

Located near Austin, Pedernales Falls State Park sits on the banks of the Pedernales River. Its campgrounds offer hiking, mountain biking, and bird-watching opportunities, including sightings of the endangered golden-cheeked warbler. Campers visit this location to unwind and listen to the soothing sound of rushing water.
Caddo Lake State Park

Caddo Lake is one of the biggest natural lakes located in Texas, spanning approximately 26,810 acres. This unique State Park is famous for its tall bald cypress trees covered in Spanish moss. The lake supports over 70 species of fish. Hence, it is a very ideal location for fishing enthusiasts.
Inks Lake State Park

At Inks Lake State Park, year-round water levels and the lake’s outstanding clarity provide a haven for campers interested in watersports. Campsites offer access to swimming, boating, or fishing activities, with nearly 200 campsites available. Furthermore, the park’s beauty and numerous trails have become a versatile destination for relaxation and adventure.
Lost Maples State Natural Area

Lost Maples is a unique destination, especially in the fall when its foliage turns to brilliant shades of red, orange, and yellow. The park offers primitive campsites situated among steep canyons and dense woodlands. Visitors are offered opportunities to immerse themselves in the beauty of the Texas Hill Country.
Caprock Canyons State Park

This park, home to the official Texas State Bison Herd, is sited among stunning red rock formations that display Llano Estacado’s geological history. Tourists can hike along the trails winding through the canyons and catch glimpses of bison roaming freely in their natural habitat.
Lake Livingston State Park

Campers at Lake Livingston State Park enjoy opportunities for boating, fishing, and swimming. This is one of Texas’s largest reservoirs, with over 5,000 acres of attractive landforms and 82,400 acres of lake surface. Its well-maintained facilities include restrooms, picnic areas, and a store with supplies.
Brazos Bend State Park

Brazos Bend State Park is a short drive from Houston. Known for its abundant alligator sightings—estimated at around 250 alligators—and rich wildlife, it is perfect for those who enjoy nature and wildlife photography. Several hiking and biking trails offer glimpses of diverse ecosystems, including various bird species and plant life.
Sea Rim State Park

This is the ideal place for those seeking a seaside resort. You can pitch your tent along the Gulf Coast, where nearly 2 miles of pristine shoreline allow for direct beach access and stunning views. The site best serves people who enjoy kayaking and bird-watching and provides gear rentals and primitive camping options.
Colorado Bend State Park

If you love spelunking, Colorado Bend State Park may be just the place for you. Home to Gorman Falls, the park is surrounded by rugged terrain that endlessly beckons visitors to explore its 35-mile trails. Additionally, visitors can go on publicly accessible cave tours to discover over 400 caves.