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When it’s about camping and outdoor recreation, nothing can beat Texas. It is so diverse that it would be hard for any other state to compete with it in any aspect. Camping in Texas has something for every camper. You just name it, and you’ll find it here.
More than 20 million visitors enter Texas state parks each year. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department runs more than 140 state parks
There are some tremendous campsites in Texas to pitch a tent and spend the night under the stars. Due to its diversity and vast geographical regions, Texas offers campers a variety of ecosystems and landscapes to choose for their adventure.
One just can’t fully experience Texas without going on a camping trip at least once.
Here is a list of ten incredible campsites in Texas that will make you fall in love with camping even more.
1. Big Bend National Park
First on our list of campsites in Texas is Big Bend. It is nominated as an International Biosphere Reserve. Big Bend is easily the best spot for camping in Texas. It offers a variety of outdoor recreational activities in a primitive setting.
The park features mountains, canyons and other amazing, memorable opportunities for adventure.
Things to do in Big Bend National Park
- Camping
- Mountain biking
- Fishing
- Boating
- Hiking
- Nature watching
- Star gazing
2. Garner State Park
Garner State Park is the most popular state park in Texas. Campers can choose either primitive campsites or cabins when planning to stay overnight. One day simply isn’t enough to enjoy the adventure and absorb the beauty of this place.
Things to do in Garner State Park
- Camping near the beautiful, big and scheduled Frio River
- Enjoy water sports like tubing, swimming, and canoeing in the beautiful, Frio River
- Hiking on 11 miles of tracks
- Bird watching, fishing, kayaking, and more.
3. Colorado Bend State Park
This incredible park looks like an enchanted scene from Tarzan. Camping in the midst of beautiful lush greenery and a 70-foot-tall Gorman Falls is a dream of every camper.
This breathtaking waterfall will amuse you in the sunlight and gently soothe you at night in your tent with the sound of its trickling.
Things to do in Colorado Bend State Park
- Campers can go swimming
- Hiking
- Biking
- Explore mysterious caves
- Fishing
4. Big Thicket National Preserve
There are countless primitive campsites and access points to this exotic preserve, as it is spread out across seven districts. Annually, thousands of nature enthusiasts explore this exotic place that contains a diverse group of plants and animals.
This part of Texas is no doubt an ideal location to spend a tent vacation and offers great activities to the campers. There are no developed campgrounds or campsites in the Preserve, so be prepared to make your own.
Things to do in Big Thicket National Preserve
- 40 miles of hiking trails allow campers to observe many different ecosystems
- Bird-watching
- Hunting
- Kayaking
5. Palo Duro Canyon State Park (Canyon)
Number 5 on our list of campsites in Texas is Palo Duro Canyon, The Grand Canyon of Texas. The second largest canyon in the United States is a beautiful place to camp. Waking up surrounded by towering red rocks is an amazing feeling. Campers in Palo Duro Canyon can choose from campsites with water and electricity, primitive drive-up sites, equestrian sites, or backpack camping areas.
Things to do in Palo Duro Canyon State Park
- Hiking
- Mountain biking
- Horseback riding
6. Lost Maples State Natural Area (Vanderpool)
Lost Maples is known for its autumn color, but it is beautiful year-round. This breathtaking spot is right on the Sabinal River. You’ll not only enjoy the scenic river but also the abundant wildflowers and steep canyon walls.
Things to do in Lost Maples State Natural Area
- 30 campsites with water and electricity or backpack to six primitive campsites.
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Bird-watching
- Swimming
7. Enchanted Rock State Natural Area (Fredericksburg)
Climbing the magical, mystical and enchanted ancient dome of Enchanted Rock provides a panoramic view of the Texas Hill Country like nothing you’ve ever seen. The beautiful scenery, rock formations, and legends attract thousands of visitors annually.
Things to do in Enchanted Rock State Natural Area
- Camping – Most of the campsites have plenty of shade
- Hiking
- Rock climbing
- Shopping from the park store where you can buy gifts items, drinks, food and also wood for campfires.
8. Davis Mountains State Park (Fort Davis)
This beautiful and historic park offers a unique and remote destination for all sorts of adventures. The wild and remote Davis Mountains is considered one of the most scenic areas of Texas.
Things to do in Davis Mountain State Park
- Hiking
- Biking
- Camping
- Horseback riding – one of the most popular activities here.
9. Padre Island National Seashore
The longest stretch of undeveloped barrier island in the world, offering some of the most remote seashores to be found anywhere.
Padre Island National Seashore has a wide variety of opportunities for everyone to enjoy its natural beauty and wonder. For campers wishing to get away from the crowd, Padre Island National Seashore is an ideal location.
Things to do in Padre Island National Seashore
- Camping – both semi-primitive and primitive campsites are available
- Canoeing and kayaking
- Fishing
- Bird-watching
- Hunting
10. Hueco Tanks State Historic Site
The last in our roundup of scenic campsites in Texas is Hueco Tanks. One of the biggest attractions to this historic place are the prehistoric pictographs that dot the cave walls there. This historic site offers a range of outdoor activities that give campers a wide variety of unique ways to spend their days while camping. Visitors today marvel at the imagery left by those ancient people.
Things to do in Hueco Tanks State Historic Site
- Hiking
- Camping
- Rock climbing
- Bird-watching
- Study nature and history
- Picnic
- Guided and self-guided tours to view rock imagery left by ancient people.
So get ready for the most exciting camping experience of your life. Go camp, explore, dream and discover!
All you need to do is grab a tent, prepare your backpack, wear your lightweight hiking boots and head into the wilderness.
“A bad day camping is still better than a good day working.”
Photo credits: Flickr