Texas is a camper’s dream. Whether you’re pitching a tent under a canopy of Spanish moss, gazing at the Milky Way from a desert peak, or falling asleep to the sound of waves crashing just feet away, the Lone Star State delivers outdoor adventures in every corner. From glamping in a canyon to paddling through cypress swamps, the camping options are as diverse as the landscape itself.
Whether you’re a rugged minimalist who prefers primitive backcountry camping or someone who won’t go without Wi-Fi and A/C, this list has something for every kind of explorer. Here’s a look at the best places to camp in Texas—and exactly why each one deserves a spot on your bucket list.
Palo Duro Canyon State Park — Canyon, TX
Best For: Canyon Views & Glamping Options
Known as the “Grand Canyon of Texas,” Palo Duro Canyon offers jaw-dropping scenery and a landscape sculpted by millions of years of water and wind erosion. The second-largest canyon in the U.S. has 30 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Look out for hoodoos—bizarre, balanced rock formations that defy gravity.
Amenities: RV hookups, glamping sites with A/C and microwaves, equestrian camping
Camping Tip: Book a glamping cabin for hot summer nights—it’s a lifesaver in the Panhandle heat.
Must-Try Restaurant: Feldman’s Wrong Way Diner in nearby Canyon is a quirky spot for burgers, brisket, and homemade pie.
Padre Island National Seashore — Corpus Christi, TX
Best For: Beachfront Camping & Sea Turtle Sightings
Wake up to the sound of crashing waves at this barrier island with 66 miles of protected coastline. This is the place to escape the crowds of South Padre and truly commune with the sea. If you visit between mid-June and August, you might catch a rare sea turtle hatchling release.
Amenities: Primitive, first-come-first-serve camping; vault toilets; outdoor showers
Camping Tip: Bring a high-clearance 4WD vehicle to access the best beachfront sites.
Must-Try Restaurant: Head into Corpus Christi for Blackbeard’s on the Beach—a local legend for seafood and beachy vibes.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park — Salt Flat, TX
Best For: Challenging Hikes & True Solitude
Ready for something remote? Guadalupe Mountains National Park is a wild, untamed wilderness hugging the New Mexico border. Hike to the top of Guadalupe Peak (8,751 ft), the highest point in Texas, and enjoy panoramic views that stretch into forever.
Amenities: Primitive campgrounds (no showers), limited cell service
Camping Tip: Pack everything, including extra water—this is remote country. Showers can be found 30 miles away in Whites City, NM.
Must-Try Restaurant: Cornudas Cafe, the nearest diner (and only one for miles), offers home-cooked charm and Texas hospitality.
Big Bend Ranch State Park — Terlingua, TX
Best For: Stargazing & Desert Vistas
Big Bend Ranch is Texas’ largest state park and one of the best stargazing spots in North America. With over 238 miles of trails, the park is a haven for hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders. All campsites are primitive—perfect for those who want to disconnect entirely.
Amenities: Primitive sites only, vault toilets
Camping Tip: Bring your own firewood and extra fuel—resources are scarce.
Must-Try Restaurant: Starlight Theatre Restaurant & Saloon in Terlingua offers live music, a funky vibe, and killer chili.
Caddo Lake State Park — Karnack, TX
Best For: Paddling & Mystical Bayous
Drift through a dreamy maze of moss-draped cypress trees and tranquil waters at this East Texas gem. The 26,810-acre lake boasts 50+ miles of paddling trails and legendary fishing.
Amenities: Campsites with water/electric, screened shelters, cabins
Camping Tip: Rent a canoe or kayak to explore the full magic of the lake.
Must-Try Restaurant: Big Pines Lodge serves up classic East Texas catfish and hush puppies on the lakeside.
Lost Maples State Natural Area — Vanderpool, TX
Best For: Fall Colors & Birdwatching
If you’re chasing autumn magic, head to Lost Maples. Its rare Uvalde bigtooth maples turn fiery red and orange in October and November. Even outside fall, it’s a gorgeous spot for hiking, birdwatching, and stargazing.
Amenities: Campsites with water/electric; primitive hike-in sites
Camping Tip: Book early during fall—spots fill fast for peak foliage.
Must-Try Restaurant: Lost Maples Café in nearby Utopia is known for Texas comfort food and sky-high pies.
Colorado Bend State Park — Bend, TX
Best For: Waterfalls & Wild Caves
Tucked away in the Hill Country, Colorado Bend offers one of Texas’s best hidden gems: Gorman Falls, a lush 70-foot waterfall. The park also has over 400 caves and spring-fed swimming holes.
Amenities: All sites are primitive, even drive-ups
Camping Tip: Take the Adventure Cave Tour if you’re not claustrophobic—it’s like spelunking in another world.
Must-Try Restaurant: Barefoot Fishing Camp Café nearby offers old-school Texas eats and river views.
Enchanted Rock State Natural Area — Fredericksburg, TX
Best For: Rock Climbing & Night Sky Parties
The massive pink granite dome of Enchanted Rock is iconic. Whether you’re climbing, hiking, or geocaching, there’s something magical here—especially at night during “Rock Star Parties,” where telescopes and park rangers make stargazing even better.
Amenities: Primitive and walk-in campsites
Camping Tip: Visit on a weekday to avoid crowds—weekends are packed.
Must-Try Restaurant: Grab authentic German fare at Otto’s German Bistro in Fredericksburg.
Pedernales Falls State Park — Johnson City, TX
Best For: River Fun & Scenic Hikes
Just 30 miles from Austin, Pedernales Falls feels worlds away. Swim, tube, or paddle in the river, or tackle the Wolf Mountain Loop for stunning Hill Country views.
Amenities: Water/electric sites, equestrian and primitive campsites
Camping Tip: Primitive sites require a 2-mile hike in—pack light!
Must-Try Restaurant: Pecan Street Brewing in Johnson City has craft beer and wood-fired pizzas.
Big Bend National Park — Southwest TX
Best For: Epic Scenery & River Adventures
With over 800,000 acres of wilderness, Big Bend is Texas’ most iconic national park. Hike, raft, or just marvel at the massive desert and mountain terrain. March brings wildflowers and cooler temperatures.
Amenities: Four developed campgrounds, backcountry permits available
Camping Tip: Book early—this park fills up fast from February to April.
Must-Try Restaurant: Chisos Mountains Lodge Restaurant offers hearty meals with million-dollar views.
Balmorhea State Park — Toyahvale, TX
Best For: Desert Swimming & Scuba Diving
Cool off in the world’s largest spring-fed swimming pool, which stays between 72 and 76 degrees year-round. It’s a desert oasis like no other.
Amenities: Water/electric campsites, showers
Camping Tip: Get there early to beat the heat and the crowds.
Must-Try Restaurant: Cueva de Oso in nearby Balmorhea serves excellent tacos and cold beer.
Sea Rim State Park — Sabine Pass, TX
Best For: Unique Floating Campsites
Sea Rim offers a rare experience: you can paddle to a floating campsite and sleep on the water. Not into that much effort? Camp right on the sand or stay in the park’s beach cabin.
Amenities: Developed and primitive beach sites, kayak vending machine, floating platform site
Camping Tip: Bring bug spray—mosquitoes are legendary in this marshy area.
Must-Try Restaurant: Tia Juanita’s Fish Camp in Port Arthur is a Cajun-meets-Tex-Mex gem.
Dinosaur Valley State Park — Glen Rose, TX
Best For: Family-Friendly Fossil Fun
Kids and adults alike love hunting for real dinosaur tracks preserved in the bed of the Paluxy River. The park also has miles of trails and river access for paddling.
Amenities: Campsites with water/electric, walk-in tent sites
Camping Tip: Visit in late summer when the water is low for the best fossil visibility.
Must-Try Restaurant: Loco Coyote Grill is just outside the park and offers massive burgers and cold beer.
Seminole Canyon State Park — Comstock, TX
Best For: Ancient Rock Art & Desert Vistas
History buffs and solitude seekers will love this park’s ancient pictographs dating back over 4,000 years. Ranger-led tours bring the stories to life.
Amenities: Small campground with water/electric, restrooms
Camping Tip: Bring binoculars—the desert skies are amazing at night.
Must-Try Restaurant: Look no further than The J & P Bar and Grill, and the Devil’s Burger.
