The Best Camping in Texas State Parks

Best Camping in Texas State Parks — If you love camping, the Outdoors, and sun as much as we do, you will love this guide!

Our superb guide, you will discover the finest Texas state parks for camping for families, nature lovers, adventure seekers, and whoever loves relaxing in character.

We also have included park actions, best times to see, and when to avoid the crowds.

Texas Weather For Camping

In case you didn’t know, Texas is the second-largest state in the USA; it is also in the South Central Region.

Texas weather is also charming! It is possible to enjoy lovely sunny days, and its winter is mild compared to other states.

Incidentally, camping in Texas is cheap! You won’t need to pay an arm or leg to enjoy these State Parks have to offer. Let’s begin!

Best Texas State Parks For Camping

1. Garner State Park

Beautiful Outdoor Fall Foliage Surrounding the Crystal Clear Emerald Green Frio River at Garner State Park, Texas.

This playground Is situated in Concan, TX. It’s also a popular choice among families due to the variety of things to do in this Park. Rest assured, you will not be amazed when visiting this Park!

The best time to visit is in the summer season since they have the dance floor and you’ll be able to join in the fun. Ever since the 1940s, the young people visit the Park’s concession building every summer evenings for a jukebox dance. If you’d like to watch, make sure you arrive early because they close the gates at 8:30 PM. Aside from dancing, you could even enjoy a wide variety of activities here!

In the summer months, you can Additionally enjoy putt-putt and ace your skills! And why not lay on the floor and stargaze! That is a sight that’s not to be overlooked!

Visitors love to swim in the cold waters of the Frio River, which is 2.9 miles long.

Rent A paddleboat or relax and tube down the river to explore it. You can also canoe, kayak, and fish in the Frio River.

This Park has much natural beauty that’s You must see! Even better, why don’t you enjoy it while horse riding!

If You want to enjoy the playground to the fullest and explore every inch of it, then you can stay overnight or so long as you want. They have campsites available, cabins, and screened shelters that you may reserve.

When to visit:

Suppose you are an introvert And don’t fancy audiences. You may hang out from the pools below the dam past the main camping area and revel in some quiet time. You might even be fortunate enough to have it all to yourself!

 

Dont forget to check: Bass Lake Camping

2. Inks Lake State Park one of the Best Camping in Texas State Parks

This I just another family-friendly park that can be appreciated in the water and on land. It is located south of Lake Buchanan, among Texas’s largest lakes.

You Can visit and revel in this Park all year round. The busiest times are in the spring, summer, and autumn seasons. Whether or not you want to go for the day, weekend, or a few days, this Park is ideal!

There are nearly 200 campsites and 22 cabins at this Park that you can book and book. These camping sites also have water and electricity for RVs, plus it even one of the best Texas state parks such as RV camping!

You Can Purchase Snacks, food, camping supplies, and even souvenirs at the Park’s store. You can enjoy 9 miles of scenery and observe nature at its finest! Hike through shadowed woods and enjoy the wildlife viewing!

love mountain biking? Bike your way through the hiking paths or trek through it. You could even enjoy waterfalls in Valley Spring Creek.

Besides swimming, you may also rent a paddleboat, kayak, canoe, and even fishing gear. You can also scuba dive! To get more information about fishing, you can ask for a detailed fishing sheet and some hints. Besides, they offer Ranger Programs; some are canoe excursions, nature walks, geology lifts, and more!

Catch an explorer bunch for your children and revel in the educational applications!

3. Dinosaur Valley State Park

Why are You looking for something more unique? Or perhaps you wish to learn about our notable prehistoric species that once roamed the earth?

At This Park, you will experience the delight of walking into their tracks? You and your family will love this Park and what about it!

This is probably among the finest Texas Hills Country camping parks.

Millions of years back, the dinosaurs left footprints from the mud at the edge of the early ocean—the theropod and sauropod.

Please note that the paths are not always visible, and when it’s rainy, the trails might be closed.

Therefore, Before planning your trip, you should call them and inquire about the paths and their visibility. It is also possible to download maps on your smartphone and map out all the routes and info about them.

Here, your place will be marked, and you’ll see where the dinosaurs walked when their footprints are not observable.

The children will enjoy large structures and statues of dinosaurs in this Park, so ensure you carry your camera along.

You could also view bones around the eastern side of the playground as you’re trekking through.

If You plan on hiking through the Park, so ensure that you wear comfortable shoes. You should also have a pair of extra clothing as you can get wet along the way!

Other Activities:

Along with hiking, you could even enjoy various other activities.

One Of the best actions is horse riding. If you are an advanced rider and you also own a horse, then you can bring him along to get a good ride! Alternatively, you can take a guided horse riding tour in the Eagle Eye Ranch Carriage Company.

Whichever option you select, you can still enjoy views of this scenic Park. The equestrian tour is also available for children.

If you plan on taking the equestrian tour, make bookings in advance to avoid missing out!

When You would like to cool down, you could even enjoy a swim and other water activities.

They have several fun Ranger Programs at this Park.

Other fun activities:

Assess their upcoming events and programs or even get them to set up a special one or excursion just for you

Find new skills in their programs like fishing, archery, and geocaching.

Watch the jungle paths, wildlife, as well as the stars!

When to Visit

Feel a day visit isn’t sufficient? Want to research this Park to the fullest and make the most of it? Not a problem!

You Can make bookings and keep at their primitive campsites. Be sure that you bring your pajamas in case you do not possess an RV or truck shop.

If You’re planning on seeing the Dinosaur Valley State Park, then the best time to go is in summer or whenever it starts warming up.

The Worst time to see the Park is in the winter because the temperatures are cold! That’s between the months of November and mid-March.

4. Cedar Hill State Park

A panoramic view of Cedar Falls at Hocking Hills State Park

If You want to enjoy some nature, unwind or explore a little, then that Park is perfect for you! You can go to for the day or the weekend.

It Is also an inexpensive option and is very cheap! However, you will still need to make reservations. Bring your tent together or your RV and truck shop. They also have showers around the camping areas.

This Park is also silent, which is ideal for all those who wish to enjoy some peace.

Pack Or take a swim in it! There is also a gravel swimming beach. But it’s closed until 2022.

You could also enjoy the hiking trails on foot or on a bike. Investigate 1200 acres of property! Please note that if the tracks are wet, then it is closed. So, be sure to call the Park in advance if you would like to enjoy the trails.

Bring Together your fishing equipment too! Enjoy fishing at the 7,500-acre Joe Pool Lake. Your kids can also enjoy some fishing at the pond.

This Park also offers:

1. Guided hikes in which you can learn about history and nature
2. Outdoor skills workshops.

 

5. Palo Duro Canyon State Park

Enjoy the rich history of Texas, and it’s rugged beauty at this Park!

It is the second-largest canyon in the nation, which can be found in the center of the Texas Panhandle.

Explore and revel in this canyon by trekking through it. You can also research it on a bike or horse (you will have to bring your own).

Hurry through 1500 acres of trails, which are just for horse riding. Or you may combine the hikers and bikers in their paths.

You May also camp in luxury at this Park! They predict glamping. The kitchens are also fully equipped.

The glamping sites also have bikes, coffee makers, and games. If you want to relax, you might again chill on the porch swings.

You Can choose a driving tour with Park’s rangers. You will learn about Longhorn cattle and birds. If you’re interested in taking this excursion, you’ll have to schedule it together.

When to Visit

The ideal time to see this Park is in summer. That’s if you don’t mind crowds.

This period, they possess the Texas Outdoor Musical — that is family-friendly! This series is super fun with dance, singing, fireworks, and even some Texas comedy which will have you rolling on the ground in laughter! However, during the summertime, it can be moist, which leads to the paths being closed. So, plan your journey carefully.

If you’re looking for smoother, then the best time to visit would be in autumn or spring.

6. Colorado Bend State Park

Gorman Falls, cascade down a wall of rocks at Colorado Bend State Park

Please take pleasure in the wilderness at its finest when you see this Park! It is located two hours from Austin. This Park is an additional affordable option.

Love Hiking through this Park, which stretches approximately 35 kilometers, and enjoying nature’s beauty! The biking trails are also 14 mph.

When Along with this river, you could also delight in the spring-fed waterfalls and swimming holes. You can also hike to see among Texas wonders along with the many stunning waterfalls, Gorman Falls!

Swimming Is prohibited in Gorman Falls, but it’s still possible to admire it! You may also paddle and fish from the river. The best time to see this Park if you would like to fish is in the early spring.

Among the highlights of This Park is your wild cave tours. You’ll have to book the tours in advance. The children will also benefit from the ranger apps! They can become a Junior Ranger and earn badges.

Pack your tent and revel in camping on their camping websites. It is also possible to come with your RV or camping bath.

The ideal time to visit is from the summer and spring. This age is also the busiest.

7. Big Bend National Park

Situated by the boundary of Mexico is separated by a huge bend in the Rio Grande river. It’s also said to be among Texas’s gifts and natural miracle. There is a lot to love about this Park.

Here as they have a variety of activities and things to do. Whether you’re in the mood to explore mountains, deserts, or enjoy the river — it is possible to do it all!

Hike through the most lovely scenery. There Are a number of avenues to choose from. If you’re a healthy and experienced hiker, you may choose to go on a longer hike. As soon as you’ve finished your hike, you can take a dip in the hot springs on the Rio Grande River’s edge. Alternatively, you can cool off in the river!

You can also take a panoramic drive through the Park and make sure that you make a halt in the Fossil Discovery Exhibit. Here, They have some interesting displays, including the giant alligator Bravoceratops dinosaur and one of the greatest flying monsters! So, why don’t you spend some time studying the ancient creatures that inhabited the Big Bend National Park many years ago?

You can also research the Rio Grande River by canoeing through it. Last but not least, there are also camping spots at this Park! Bring your tent along and camp under the gorgeous stars.

 

8. Pedernales Falls State Park

View of this Texas Pedernales River from a High Bluff. With Fall Foliage and Blue Tooth

This Park is only 30 miles from Austin, and it is popular because of its own river. The highlight of this place is Pedernales Falls!

The Beautiful river is also perfect for enjoying with your family and taking a dip after a very long day! You can also tube, kayak, canoe, and fish in the river. But, please be aware that this river can be turbulent, and it also flashes floods. So, be careful, and if you notice anything strange or different — leave immediately. It is also possible to telephone the Park to make sure that it is safe for visiting.

Over the river, You May Also enjoy other activities here:

1. They’ve biking and hiking trails for both beginners and advanced visitors. Some of the trails are the Tobacco and the Mescal Mountains.
2. It is also possible to relax and cool off in the pools along your hike.
3. If you have your own horse, then you could also saddle up and ride through the paths. You will need to check — since they close when it’s wet.

The busiest months in this Park are located in spring, summer, and fall. Thus, avoid going during these months.

 

9. Guadalupe River State Park

This condition park Isn’t far from Austin and San Antonio, and it offers tent camping too! It’s possible to rent the camping and fishing gear at the Park. They have walk-in tent sites with electricity and water.

Guadalupe River State Park offers numerous chances. It is just beautiful, to begin with!

Consider this super entertaining activity you can do there:

1. Swimming in the swimming hole.
2. Canoeing.
3. Angling.
4. Tubing down the river.
5. If you enjoy fishing, you’ll be pleased to know they offer fly fishing!

Let us remember, and you can even explore 13 miles of bike and hike paths. Some of these trails also lead to a stunning and scenic expression of the river.

Horse Riders will also be welcome to come and ride through the trails. If you got children, they would love the Children’s Discovery Center and the playgrounds in the playground!

Enjoy geocaching with Your Children and bird Watching at the Park too. Don’t forget to make reservations before planning your camping trip.

 

10. Riverfront RV Park

Get your RV ready and spend a night or 2 in Riverfront RV Park! If you do not have an RV, no worries! You may also camp in a tent.

This area is really nice and silent, offering amazing views of the Nueces River. It is the best spot for people who wish to take some time off to relax.

You can also enjoy wildlife Seeing here, beautiful fish and birds! There is also plenty of shade under the huge oak trees. Riverfront Park also has WiFi so you can skype your buddies and make them jealous!

Additionally, You won’t get Bored. The Park offers activities such as paddling, boating, or fishing in the Nueces River. If you are planning a trip, make certain you make your bookings beforehand so that they can reserve your spot.

Other place you may consider: Caprock canyons state park, Davis mountains state park, padre island national seashore.

FAQ:

Is wild camping legal in Texas?

Yes, it is. However, no tents may be pitched within 50ft of a residence/landmark without permission from the resident if one exists. Smaller objects such as backpacks and chairs cannot be left unattended for any longer than necessary for regular use.

Quiet after 10PM. Certain areas require campers to pack out waste in a bag with their food – usually national parks or designated camping sites which are often monitored by armed guards on horseback up until they close for the day at sunset.

Cleanup should always take place during daylight hours as nighttime temperatures can make it difficult or unpleasant to dispose of waste (risking attracting predators). In some rare cases bear-proof trashcans are installed.

Is there any free camping in Texas?

Yes. There are state and county parks, as well as Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) that offer free camping to the public. San Angelo State Park has a list with campsites and prices.

Is Boondocking allowed in Texas?

YES, Boondocking is allowed and encouraged on BLM land and Forest Service Area. Texas has a large portion of its surface area dictrict as private commercial forestland.

Can you sleep in your car in Texas state parks?

People are always asking me about whether they can sleep in their car at Texas State Parks. I tell them, of course you can! Walmart has always been the best place for travelers to park and enjoy a long rest before continuing with what’s ahead. And, it turns out that Texas State’s parks are safe for you to park and sleep in your car too.