Best state parks in Texas for camping. If you’re planning a camping trip to Texas, you’re in for a treat. There are plenty of state parks and national parks in the Lone Star State, with some of the best camping sites in the country.
Whether you prefer RV sites or tent camping on the beach, these are some of our favorite places to camp out around Texas. If you love camping and want to go somewhere new, you might want to start looking at the best Texas state parks for camping.
So many people don’t realize that some of the very best state parks in Texas also happen to be great for camping too! Here is a list (in no particular order) of the 10 best Texas state parks for camping.
Texas is a big state. If you like road trips and camping, then you’re in for a treat! Let’s get one thing out of the way: It’s always hot in Texas. So being prepared by having the right gear can knock back the sweltering heat.
especially if you’re camping in Texas during the summer months. Here are some great state parks to camp in that have all the necessities you need for an enjoyable vacation.
The best state parks in Texas for camping
Texas is the second-largest state in both area and population, and it’s also home to one of the biggest state park systems in the country. With more than 175 parks in all, there are plenty of options for camping in Texas.
1. Garner State Park
Garner State Park is located on the eastern edge of Uvalde County, about 2 hours northwest of San Antonio. It is known for its beautiful views of the Hill Country, including the 400-foot-high Garner Bluff, which gives it its name.
The park also offers a variety of fun activities, such as hiking, swimming, fishing, and camping. For those looking to get away from it all, there are several backcountry campsites available along the park’s trails.
2. Davis Mountains State Park
Davis Mountains State Park is located near Fort Davis in Jeff Davis County and covers nearly 50 miles of desert terrain spread across 40,000 acres of land.
The park offers several different kinds of campsites, ranging from RV sites with full hookups to primitive backcountry campsites where you must bring your own water supply with you.
If you’re looking for solitude while camping in Texas, this is definitely one place worth checking out! A more comprehensive list of Texas’ most visited parks can be found below.
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Helpful points to learn
- Texas weather: is it good for camping?
- Map of Texas
- Texas State Parks with the Best Camping
- 1. Garner State Park
- 2. Inks Lake State Park
- 3. Dinosaur Valley State Park
- 4. Cedar Hill State Park
- 5. Palo Duro Canyon State Park
- 6. Colorado Bend State Park
- 7. Big Bend National Park
- 8. Pedernales Falls State Park
- 9. Guadalupe River State Park
- 10. Riverfront RV Park
- 11. Cleburne State Park
- 12 Eisenhower State Park
- 13. Enchanted Rock State Natural Area
- 14. Fairfield Lake State Park
- 15. Falcon State Park
Texas weather is it good for camping?
You may have heard that Texas is a hot, dry place. And you’re right—but only part of the time. The average annual temperature in Texas is 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 degrees Celsius).
with temperatures ranging from 50 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit (10 to 35 degrees Celsius) during the summer and 20 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit (-5 to 15 degrees Celsius) during the winter.
Texas’ weather varies greatly by region, so it’s essential to know where you’re planning on camping before you book your trip.
If you want mild winters and hot summers but don’t mind extreme heat or cold, head towards central Texas, where temperatures are usually milder than other parts of the state.
If you prefer cooler temperatures but can handle some heat, head west to Big Bend National Park or south into Mexico, where temperatures are more moderate all year.
The best time to visit Texas is in the spring and fall, when the weather is milder and you can enjoy more outdoor activities without breaking a sweat. If you’re looking for extreme heat or cold, head towards central Texas, where temperatures are usually milder than other parts of the state.
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Map of Texas
Texas State Parks with the Best Camping
Texas has a few state parks that are perfect for camping, but which one is right for you? Here’s a guide to the best state parks for camping in Texas:
- Pedernales Falls State Park (Johnson City)
- McKinney Falls State Park (Austin)
- Lake Somerville State Park (Somerville)
- Garner State Park (Uvalde)
- Palo Duro Canyon SP (Canyon)
Inks Lake State Park: Located on Inks Lake in Burnet County, this park offers many options for backcountry camping. The park is less than an hour from Austin and San Antonio and offers campsites with water and electricity.
Visitors can also find primitive sites that are free of amenities but still offer a great view of the lake.
Bishop Park: Located in Llano County, Bishop Park offers primitive tent camping with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables available at each site. If you want a more comfortable stay, you can also rent a cabin in the park.
Garner State Park: Garner State Park is located just north of Uvalde in Uvalde County and has one of the largest backcountry campsites in Texas at 1,700 acres!
This park has hiking trails, mountain biking trails, and places to ride horses. There are also primitive tent sites with picnic tables and fire rings.
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1. Garner State Park
Garner State Park is a state park in northern Uvalde County, Texas, located in the United States. The park is on the Rio Grande’s northeastern shore near Lake Amistad, which is a reservoir.
Ross Sells & Company built a dam and hydroelectric power plant between 1913 and 1916. They are still there in the park, which was made in 1964.
The park is open year-round. It features a camping area with 61 campsites, including 14 walk-in tent sites and one group site that can accommodate up to 100 people. The park also has two paved boat ramps and a marina.
The park has two developed boat ramps, one near the dam and the other at the marina. The lake itself is a popular destination for boaters and anglers, while swimmers can enjoy swimming in the lake’s warm waters during the summer months.
The park also features a picnic area with tables and grills located near the dam, as well as an amphitheater, which hosts concerts during the summer months. A playground is also available for children to enjoy.
The best time to go
In the winter months, Garner State Park is a great place for an afternoon picnic. The park has plenty of picnic areas and pavilions that are available by reservation only (except on weekends after April 1).
There are also several hiking trails that are open year-round for those looking for a brisk hike or snowshoeing adventure.
During the spring, summer, and fall months, Garner State Park offers many different activities, such as swimming, boating, and fishing on Lake Nacogdoches.
There are also several hiking trails that are open year-round for those looking for a brisk hike or snowshoeing adventure.
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2. Inks Lake State Park
Inks Lake State Park is a popular destination for boaters, swimmers, and anglers. It has more than 200 campsites with electricity, showers, water, and sewer hookups. The park also has a marina for boat trailers and swimming beaches.
A fishing pier; hiking trails; picnic areas that accommodate up to 100 people each; playgrounds for kids ages 5 to 12; volleyball courts; horseshoe pits; and other playground equipment designed especially for younger children
The park’s campground is located near Burnet in central Texas at 1650 Park Rd. 2, Wylie, Texas 76097 (940) 695-4842.
. The park is open year-round, with the exception of Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day. Campers may stay up to 14 days at a time, but reservations are recommended as sites fill quickly.
The park is open year-round. Reservations are required for camping and may be made up to six months in advance by calling (888) 988-6722 or on the Texas Parks & Wildlife website at www.tpwd.state.tx.us/camping.
The best time to go
The best time to visit Inks Lake State Park is during the spring and fall months. This is because those seasons are when most people want to go camping, fishing, and hiking.
If you’re planning on visiting during these times of year, it’s best to book your campsite as soon as possible since they tend to fill up quickly.
If you want to get away from the crowds during these busy months, consider visiting during the winter or summertime when things slow down a bit.
However, keep in mind that temperatures can be quite low during the winter months, so make sure that you pack warm clothing if you plan on spending any time outside.
3. Dinosaur Valley State Park
How to get there: Dinosaur Valley State Park is located about two hours west of Dallas. The park has a campground with both tent and RV sites, as well as cabins for rent.
If you’ve brought your own tent or camper, follow the signs from Highway 16 onto Dinosaur Valley State Park Road until you reach the entrance kiosk.
If you’re staying in one of the park’s cabins, drive down Dinosaur Valley Parkway until you see signage pointing toward your cabin site.
There are plenty of things to do while visiting this state park! Be sure to check out:
- The dinosaur tracks at Dinosaur Valley State Park
- The story behind how these tracks got here involves some remarkable engineering.
The interpretive center at Dinosaur Valley State Park is where you can learn more about the park’s geologic and paleontological history. The hiking trails that criss-cross the park
including a short hike to see the dinosaur tracks up close. Kayaking or canoeing on Lake Tawakoni—a man-made lake created by damming up an area of Cypress Creek
The best time to go
The best time to visit Dinosaur Valley State Park is during the spring and fall seasons. The spring season, which runs from March to May, is a great time to see the park’s wildflowers in bloom.
The fall season, which runs from September to November, is a good time for leaf peepers who want to catch the changing colors of the leaves before winter comes along.
The summer months can be oppressively hot for many people and extremely crowded with tourists.
It’s also important to note that many of the facilities at the park are closed during this time as well, so you may want to plan your trip around one of these dates if you want access to them all.
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4. Cedar Hill State Park
Cedar Hill State Park is a state park in southwestern Missouri. It is located west of Lebanon and 4 miles (6 km) north of Cuba. The park features an 18-hole golf course and a 9-hole par-3 course. The park also has hiking trails, playgrounds, picnic areas, and campsites.
The park has many types of wildlife, including white-tailed deer, raccoons, squirrels, and many other small mammals. There are also many species of birds that call the area home, including cardinals, blue jays, red-tailed hawks, and other birds of prey.
Cedar Mountain Lake is a man-made lake in the park that fish like largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, and channel catfish live in.
Cedar Hill State Park has about a mile and a half (1.6 km) of shoreline on Cedar Mountain Lake, which makes it a great place to fish from the shore or from a boat.
- Cedar Hill State Park is located in Cedar Hill, Texas.
- Camping sites are available year-round at this park.
- This state park offers a variety of campsites, and the campgrounds include tent sites and RV hookups.
- The activities offered at Cedar Hill State Park include hiking, biking, and swimming.
- Amenities at this state park include restrooms with showers, laundry facilities, playgrounds for children, and picnic areas.
Cedar Hill State Park has many facilities, including: cabins for rent; an RV dumping station; an amphitheater for concerts and performances; and a nature center with exhibits about wildlife found in Texas (including snakes).
During the summer, there is a swimming pool with lifeguard service and a fishing pond stocked with catfish where you can catch your own dinner!
There are many hiking trails at Cedar Hill State Park. These trails include the Cedar Trail (1 mile), the Lakeview Trail (1/2 mile), and the Overlook Trail (.25 miles). This park also has a swimming pool and picnic areas where you can enjoy your lunch.
The best time to go
The best time to visit Cedar Hill State Park is during the summer months. The park has a number of things to do, including hiking, camping, and horseback riding. The park also features a campground and cabins that are available for rent.
Cedar Hill State Park is located in Cherokee County, Oklahoma. It was established in 1969 and covers an area of approximately 2900 acres (1290 hectares).
The park has several attractions that include hiking trails, campsites, and cabins for rent, as well as horseback riding opportunities.
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5. Palo Duro Canyon State Park
Palo Duro Canyon State Park is a unique wonder. It’s the largest canyon in Texas, and it’s one of the most spectacular features of the landscape that inspired America’s love for the cowboy.
Located in West Texas near Amarillo, Palo Duro Canyon State Park has plenty to offer visitors from all over the world who want to explore this beautiful part of America.
The park offers campsites where you can pitch your tent or set up your RV, as well as cabins and lodges if you’re looking for a place that feels more like home while you’re out exploring and enjoying yourself here!
If you enjoy hiking trails and scenic views that seem to go on forever (and who doesn’t? ), Palo Duro Canyon State Park’s expansive 1,000+ miles of trails that wind through various areas of The Grand Canyon Of The South Plains will provide them all year long.
The state park is also home to one of the largest herds of American bison in the country. You can take a ride on an old steam train that travels through the canyon, as well as enjoy the beautiful views from above via scenic flights and hang gliding excursions!
The best time to go
The best time to visit Palo Duro Canyon State Park is in the summer. The days are long and hot, and the weather is dry, which makes it easier to explore all of the different hiking trails.
The temperatures can reach up to 100°F (38°C), so be sure to bring plenty of water and sunscreen.
If you are planning on visiting during the summer months, then be sure to make reservations for camping sites ahead of time.
There are only a limited number of campsites available at each of these locations: Twin Peaks Campground, Seminole Canyon Campground, and Panther Creek Campground.
6. Colorado Bend State Park
Colorado Bend State Park is a state park in Texas located on the Colorado River in the Texas Hill Country. The park is located about 35 miles (56 km) southwest of Austin. It is a popular destination for camping, hiking, and fishing.
The park has a variety of wildlife, including white-tailed deer, coyotes, bobcats, and raccoons. The park also contains over 400 species of birds, including bald eagles, hawks, and owls.
The park is home to a variety of plant life, including cacti and other desert vegetation. Bend State Park is a popular destination for camping, hiking, and fishing.
The park has a variety of wildlife, including white-tailed deer, coyotes, bobcats, and raccoons. The park also contains over 400 species of birds, including bald eagles, hawks, and owls.
The best time to go
Colorado Bend State Park is a popular destination for visitors to the Texas Hill Country. It’s located in the northern part of the state, just off Highway 71, about 40 miles south of Austin.
The park has a variety of camping options and trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.
Colorado Bend State Park is open year-round, but it does close for several weeks during the winter months. Camping is available from March through November.
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7. Big Bend National Park
Big Bend National Park is the largest national park in Texas, covering 801,163 acres of land. The park is in the Trans-Pecos region of west Texas. It was set up in 1944 to protect the natural resources and cultural history of this area for future generations.
The park has many different kinds of landscapes, from deserts and mountains to grassy plains. It is home to hundreds of plant species and native animals like coyotes, javelinas (collared peccaries), black bears, bobcats, and mountain lions.
Big Bend National Park has many places to camp, like Chisos Basin Campground and Rio Grande Village Campground, which have hookups for RVs, and Cottonwood Campground, which has primitive tent sites.
Cottonwood Equestrian Center offers equestrian sites; Chisos Mountains Lodge & Cabins offers cabins year round; Rio Grande Village Group Site offers group sites with kitchen facilities; and Castolon Group Site offers group sites without kitchen facilities on a first-come, first-served basis.
The best time to go
The best time to visit Big Bend National Park is from October to April. The summer months are extremely hot and dry in the area, and it can become very uncomfortable during the afternoon hours.
The winter months bring cooler weather and more cloud cover, which helps keep temperatures down. Snow occasionally falls on the higher elevations at this time of year, but it rarely lasts long enough to make any impact on travel in the park.
8. Pedernales Falls State Park
With its expansive views of the Texas Hill Country and its proximity to Austin, Pedernales Falls State Park is a perfect place for camping. The park offers campsites with electric hookups as well as primitive sites for those who prefer to rough it in an authentic way.
There are many miles of hiking trails in the park that wind through the native plants and along the Pedernales River.
There are also opportunities for swimming, canoeing, and kayaking (depending on water levels), picnicking, and relaxing by the riverfront fire pits.
Camping fees at Pedernales Falls do not include entrance into the park itself; you’ll need to purchase an annual pass or pay $10 per vehicle if you’re not headed straight there from home.
If you’d rather avoid driving altogether, consider booking one of their cabins instead—they’re only about 20 minutes away from downtown Austin!
The best time to go
The best time to visit Pedernales Falls State Park is during the spring and fall seasons. The climate in this region is very pleasant throughout the year, so you can choose a time that suits your needs.
The park gets crowded during holidays, but otherwise it is not a busy place. If you are looking for an adventurous outdoor experience, then visiting the park during the summer is ideal.
The winter season is also great as there are fewer people around, which means that you will have more space to enjoy your trip.
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9. Guadalupe River State Park
Guadalupe River State Park is located near Austin and has a lake. There are lots of activities to do at this state park, including swimming, fishing, and golfing.
There’s also a pool open from Memorial Day to Labor Day. If you want to stay here for the night, you can choose from different campsites for tents or RVs (recreational vehicles).
The park is open year-round and has a visitor center that’s open daily. There are also trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. There are several picnic areas and playgrounds as well.
The park has fishing, boating, and swimming at Lake Dunlap. There are also cabins available for rent. The park has a visitor center that’s open daily, and there are many trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.
The best time to go
The Guadalupe River State Park is open year-round, but the best time to visit is during the spring or fall seasons. There are many reasons why this is the case.
During these times of the year, there are fewer people on the trails and campgrounds. This gives you more privacy and allows you to enjoy your surroundings more.
Another benefit to visiting during these seasons is that it gives you a chance to see some of the most spectacular scenes in nature.
The spring season offers a chance for you to see wildflowers blooming all over the park. This is a beautiful sight that can’t be missed if you’re planning on visiting during this time of year.
10. Riverfront RV Park
Riverfront RV Park is located in New Braunfels, Texas. It sits along the banks of the Guadalupe River and has 100 campsites for campers to enjoy. Riverfront RV Park offers a pool, playground, and laundry facilities to its guests, along with a general store and restaurant on site.
Along with the river, there are lots of trees and grassy areas for campers to enjoy. The park has a fishing pier, restrooms, and showers available. The Riverfront RV Park is located near Gruene Hall, Schlitterbahn Waterpark, and the New Braunfels Golf Course.
The park is located in a great area for families to enjoy. There are plenty of things to do and see nearby. The Riverfront RV Park offers many amenities, including a pool, a playground, laundry facilities, and a general store. Campers can also enjoy fishing.
The best time to go
The best time to visit Riverfront RV Park in the spring is April and May. The temperatures are warmer, and the air is fresh and clean. The trees are starting to bloom, and the flowers are beginning to open up.
This is also a good time for fishing because the water temperature has risen enough so that fish can be caught.
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11. Cleburne State Park
Cleburne State Park is a state park in Cleburne, Texas, in the United States. It is located on Lake Pat Cleburne and was opened in 1974. The park has a boat ramp and dock, as well as hiking trails throughout the area.
The campground at Cleburne State Park consists of 155 sites, including three primitive campsites (no water). Each site has a table, grill, and lantern post, with two or three tent pads available for use depending on the type of site selected (primitive or non-primitive).
At each campsite, campers and non-campers who come to fish on Lake Pat Cleburne or use one of the 12 miles of shoreline at this beautiful lakefront facility have access to restrooms with hot showers.
The park also offers a dump station, playgrounds, and picnic areas. The campground is open year-round and has some sites that are reservable. Pets are allowed but must be on leashes at all times.
The best time to go
Cleburne State Park has beautiful spring wildflowers. The best time to see them is typically from late February to early April. The park is open all year, but it can get very hot during the summer months (June through September).
12. Eisenhower State Park
Eisenhower State Park is located in Wichita Falls and features a lake, golf course, and camping. The park’s campground has sites that are available for spring, summer, and fall camping.
There are showers, bathrooms, and tent camping sites that can fit up to eight people each.
The Ike Golf Course is open to the public during business hours from April 1st until October 31st every year, with no greens fees required for walkers or joggers during these months.
During the winter months when it snows overnight, temperatures plummet below freezing, so you won’t want to spend too much time outside your tent before heading back inside where there are plenty of indoor activities such as swimming at the pool or playing ping pong instead!
There is also plenty of wildlife activity at Eisenhower State Park, including wildflowers in the springtime when everything comes alive again after winter hibernation.
Hikers in this area can fish for salmon through holes in the ice on nearby lakes, watch birds, especially during migratory seasons, and hike on many different types of trails, depending on what they like (flat terrain or steep hills).
Horseback riding trails allow riders the opportunity to ride around without worrying about traffic congestion since there aren’t many cars allowed inside.
The best time to go
The best time to visit Eisenhower State Park is during the fall months of September and October. The weather is still warm enough for swimming, but you won’t have to deal with the annoying crowds that come during the summer.
If you want to avoid crowds and enjoy the park’s natural beauty, stay away from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.
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13. Enchanted Rock State Natural Area
Enchanted Rock is a Texas state park in the Llano Uplift, about 35 miles (56 km) southwest of Fredericksburg and 15 miles (24 km) east of Llano.
The granite dome rises 425 feet above the surrounding land and covers 17 acres. Enchanted Rock has been known by many names but was called Enchanted Rock because it reminded early settlers of a gourd when viewed from a distance.
The Indians believed that the spirit of an Indian princess dwelt in the rock, which was thus taboo to them as well as to white settlers until after her death; even then, it was thought her spirit might be present there still.
The state acquired title to this area in 1875 for $2 per acre under provisions made for such purchases by Acts passed in 1871–72 (Chapter 25).
The best time to go
The best time to visit Enchanted Rock State Natural Area is during the fall and spring when the weather is pleasant and the crowds are smaller.
On the first weekend of October, Enchanted Rock becomes the center of attention when it hosts its annual rock crawling competition. At this event, people race their all-terrain vehicles up and down the face of the rock.
14. Fairfield Lake State Park
Fairfield Lake State Park is located near Fairfield, Texas. The park is located on the shores of Fairfield Lake, which offers fishing and boating opportunities. The park features a sandy beach area, a swimming area, hiking trails, and campgrounds for camping.
The park has a variety of amenities, including restrooms with showers and drinking water. There are also picnic areas available for visitors to enjoy. Visitors can expect to see wildlife such as deer and egrets in the area.
There are several activities and amenities available at the park. There are two boat ramps, which allow visitors to enjoy fishing and boating. The park also features a swimming area where campers can swim in the lake during warm months.
The park has several hiking trails that visitors can take advantage of. The park has a picnic area where visitors can enjoy meals during their trip to the park. There are also restrooms available for public use throughout the park.
The best time to go
The best time to visit Fairfield Lake State Park is in early spring. This park has an abundance of wildflowers that bloom in March and April, providing visitors with a colorful display of blooms.
During this time of year, there will be fewer people at the park because many people have not yet had their vacation time approved by their companies or don’t have enough days saved up to take a trip.
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15. Falcon State Park
Falcon State Park is a great place for camping, hiking, swimming, and more. It has two lakes (Falcon and Falcon North) that offer boating, fishing, and swimming opportunities. The park also boasts a waterpark and golf course.
The park’s 1,972 acres include more than four miles of Colorado River shoreline as well as camping areas, with over 100 campsites available at any one time during peak season (March through October).
There are also many hiking trails in the park, including one that leads to a waterfall. In addition, the park has an outdoor amphitheater for concerts and performances.
The best time to go
The spring months are when most people visit the park, as it’s a time when the temperature is pleasant and there aren’t any bugs or mosquitoes. Spring also offers a variety of wildflowers and many types of birds and animals.
Also, many of the trails are open during this time as well. Falcon State Park gets very hot in the summer months, so if you’re looking for a cool place to hang out, this is it!
You can take advantage of all of the trails that are open during this time and enjoy hiking through shaded areas. There are also plenty of waterfalls that run throughout the park where you can cool off on hot days.
End of the line
We hope that this list of the best state parks in Texas for camping has been helpful. We know how much time and effort goes into planning your next trip, so we tried our hardest to make sure that we’ve covered everything you might need to know about each park.
Whether you’re looking for a campground close by or an adventure further off the beaten path, there are plenty of options out there!
In the end, this list is intended to offer readers a starting point for their camping endeavors. It was never our intention to dictate where you should go and when.
Rather, we simply wanted to provide a set of resources that will help you decide what type of camping you’re looking for in Texas, based on state parks rather than national parks.
But ultimately, use your own judgment and make your own decisions when it comes to picking the best Texas State Park for camping purposes.
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Joseph Benson I love exploring new places and cultures, meeting people from all over the world. And because I am a traveler who is always on the go, never miss an adventure with me.
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