Best Texas state parks for RV. Texas is known for its wide open spaces and warm weather, making it the perfect place to camp. There are plenty of state parks where you can set up your camper or RV to enjoy nature. The best part about camping in Texas is that there’s something for everyone.
Whether you want to paddle down one of the many rivers or creeks or just feel like taking a hike in nature, there’s something here for everyone. So get ready to explore these great places!
The Texas State Parks System is the largest state park system in the US, with over 120 parks. Many of them are really beautiful and make for a great place to stay if you’re visiting Texas.
But there are so many to choose from that it can be overwhelming. So I’ve narrowed it down to my favorite ten RV parks and campgrounds in Texas, so you can easily find the perfect place to stay during your next trip!
Best Texas state parks for rvs
Texas State Parks are some of the most beautiful and exciting places in the state. Whether you’re looking for a family vacation or a weekend getaway, Texas State Parks have something to offer everyone.
Included in this list are some of the best Texas state parks for RVs. If you’re headed out on an RV trip and want to know where to stop along the way, these parks are sure to please.
1. Bandera RV Park
The park’s amenities include a store, laundry facilities, and showers. There are also 100 full hookup sites with water and electrical connections at each site.
The park is located in the town of Bandera, Texas, which has many restaurants and stores within walking distance.
2. Bastrop State Park
This state park is located on the Colorado River and offers camping on both sides of the river. Amenities include hot showers, flush toilets, and a dump station.
There are also cabins available to rent if you would like to stay here for a few nights instead of just one.
We have more Texas parks to talk about in this article, so grab a cup of juice and a bucket of popcorn because this article is going to be a long one.
Map of Texas
Key points to have in mind
- Texas weather for camping
- Best texas state parks for 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 Atlanta state park
- #12 Abilene state park
Texas weather for camping
Texas state parks is a great place to camp in the summer. The average high temperature for June and July is around 80 degrees Fahrenheit (25 degrees Celsius).
It can get much hotter, however; 100 F (38 C) isn’t uncommon at all during these months. These are also the most popular months of the year to go camping in Texas, as well as across most of North America.
Texas experiences four seasons with considerable variation between them. Going camping during the winter will certainly have its advantages—like your RV not moving around too much due to strong winds or storms—but it’s not without its challenges either.
The cold season is also known as tornado season in Texas, so keep an eye out if you want to avoid being caught unaware!
Summertime offers warmer weather and fewer potential dangers than winter does; it’s also when most people choose to visit this state park due to its lack of rain showers (and plenty of sunshine).
If you want to spend your RV trip in Texas State Parks and other attractions throughout the state’s many landscapes, make a reservation between April and September before making other plans!
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Best texas state parks for camping
You want to camp in Texas. But you want a great campsite, not just any old spot under the stars. These are the best state parks for camping in Texas, as ranked by visitors who have been there and reviewed them. Texas State Parks.
If you’re looking for a place to pitch your tent or park your RV for the weekend, these are some of the best spots to find one. They’re scenic without being too crowded and offer easy access to other attractions like hiking trails and waterfalls.
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#1 Garner state park
Garner State Park is one of the most popular parks in Texas state parks, and it’s easy to see why. The park offers something for everyone, including hiking trails and fishing spots. You can also go horseback riding or take a scenic drive through the hills.
These activities are great on their own, but they’re even better when you add in Garner State Park’s natural beauty: grassy hills dotted with trees and flowers; waterfalls flowing down cliffs; and shimmering lakes that reflect clouds and trees all around them.
The park has plenty of campsites available too—more than 400 of them! If you want to stay overnight at Garner State Park, make sure to reserve a site early, as many of them book up quickly during peak travel seasons (June–August).
And if you have an RV instead of just a tent, no worries! There’s even more space for RVs here—Garner has some of the largest RV sites available at any Texas state park.
The best time of the year to visit
If you love the outdoors and want to spend some time in nature, then Garner State Park is a great choice. It’s in the Hill Country and has a lot to do and see.
If you enjoy boating, swimming, hiking, or camping, this is a good place for you to visit. The park has over 300 campsites that are open throughout the year.
The campground has sites that accommodate both tents and RVs. There are also showers and restrooms available for use by campers.
Garner State Park is open from 8:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. during the summer season (June through Labor Day).
During these months, there is a daily entrance fee of $5 per vehicle. However, there are no entry fees during other times of the year (except during special events).
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#2 Inks lake state park
Inks Lake State Park is a Texas state park located in Burnet County, Texas, in the United States. The park is located on Inks Lake, a reservoir on the Colorado River formed by Inks Dam.
It was opened to visitors on November 1, 1960, after being inundated by floodwaters from Hurricane Carla (Labor Day Weekend, 1961).
On top of being an awesome RV destination, Inks Lake has quite a bit to offer. There are 8 miles of hiking trails through some beautiful scenery and wildlife viewing opportunities, including birds and deer.
The park also has boating access to the lake with boat ramps as well as fishing opportunities for catfish, crappie, and bass, among others.
You can also check out some fun events at this park, including guided tours through historic cabins from 1934–1936, where there are old photos from that time period displayed along with artifacts found during restoration work done after flooding occurred during Hurricane Harvey in 2017;
or take part in one of many activities available such as swimming or fishing lessons for kids ages 9 to 16 offered only during the summer months; or even enjoy watching movies outdoors like “The Sandlot,” “Cars,” or others at night under their large outdoor screen!
The best time of the year to visit
The best time to visit is in the spring or fall.It’s a great place to go during the winter, but the crowds are more sparse and it’s easier to find a campsite.
The water is still high in the spring and summer, so you can take advantage of the lake’s calm waters for swimming and boating. Inks Lake State Park is also home to one of Texas’ most popular birding trails.
Palo Duro Canyon State Park
Best time of the year to visit: fall or spring. Palo Duro Canyon State Park is open all year, but crowds are thinner from October through April. The park has two campgrounds with more than 400 sites available for tents, trailers, and RVs up to 50 feet long.
The park also offers several hiking trails that lead out into the canyon itself, which is home to some interesting rock formations and wildlife species like javelina and mule deer.
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#3 Dinosaur valley state park
Dinosaur Valley State Park is located in Glen Rose, Texas. It’s open year-round, and you can camp there or just visit for the day. There’s also a visitor center and gift shop, as well as picnic grounds with playgrounds for kids.
The park features a fossil trail that leads through an area rich with dinosaur bones from the Late Cretaceous Period (about 70 million years ago).
Dinosaur Valley State Park is a state park in the Palo Pinto Mountains of north-central Texas, in the United States.
The park is named for the Paluxy River, which cuts through the park and exposes dinosaur tracks on its banks. Although many of these tracks have been found, they are not all located in one area.
Rather, they are scattered throughout the park. The park is located approximately 25 miles (40 km) south of Glen Rose and 60 miles (97 km) west of Fort Worth.
The main attraction at Dinosaur Valley State Park is the Paluxy River (often called Dinosaur River), which exposes dinosaur tracks on its banks.
The river has cut through layers of rock that have exposed dinosaur footprints from various periods in geologic history. Various trackways can be seen along the riverbanks:
some belonging to bipedal dinosaurs and others belonging to quadrupedal dinosaurs such as sauropods (long-necked herbivores).
These trackways range in age from about 20 million years old to about 200 million years old; however, most seem to be about 100 million years old. It is believed that these animals were traveling together.
The best time of the year to visit
Dinosaur Valley State Park is a favorite for RVers. The park offers plenty of camping spots, swimming, and boating opportunities. The park also features a large number of trails that are perfect for hiking or biking.
The best seasons to visit Dinosaur Valley State Park are spring and fall.This park has over 1,000 acres of land for you to explore and enjoy.
The park is home to several attractions, including a campground, a lake, and hiking trails. If you are looking for a park that offers a little bit of everything, then this is the one for you!
The campground at Dinosaur Valley State Park can accommodate RVs up to 40 feet in length. There are approximately 150 sites available, so it’s important to make reservations ahead of time if possible.
The campsites do not have hookups, but each site does have electricity and water access, as well as picnic tables and fire rings.
There are several hiking trails available at Dinosaur Valley State Park, including the Fossil Rim Nature Trail, the Lower Cretaceous Trail, the Upper Cretaceous Trail, and the Upper Jurassic Trail.
Each trail offers different views along with different parts of history, so make sure you check them all out before heading home!
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#4 Cedar hill state park
Cedar Hill State Park is located in northern Texas, where the climate is hot and dry. The park features a variety of natural resources, including beautiful landscapes, rolling hills, and valleys.
There are many activities for visitors to enjoy at Cedar Hill State Park, including hiking, swimming, and camping.
Cedar Hill State Park is a Texas park located in the rolling hills of eastern Texas. The park has a wide variety of activities, including camping, fishing, and boating.
Cedar Hill State Park is located near the town of Cedar Hill, Texas, at the junction of Highway 67 and FM 1382. The park is 1,500 acres (610 ha) big and is made up of grasslands, wetlands, and wooded areas.
There are several lakes within the park, including Lake Texoma and Lake Bob Sandlin.
The park was established in 1961 as a recreational area for fishing and hunting. In 1971, it was designated an official Texas state park.
The best time of the year to visit
Cedar Hill State Park is a great place to visit year-round. The park offers a variety of activities, including boating, fishing, hiking, and horseback riding.
The park is located along the shoreline of beautiful Lake Texoma and is home to two historic buildings and the Cedar Hill Longhouse Museum.
The park’s most popular time for visitors is during spring and summer, when temperatures are warm and water activities are available on Lake Texoma.
The park also hosts an annual water festival each June that features live music, canoe races, and other water sports.
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#5 Palo duro canyon state park
Palo Duro Canyon is the second-largest canyon in the world, so if you’re looking for a place to get away from it all, this might be right up your alley.
Located in the panhandle of Texas, Palo Duro is home to a large number of wildlife species, including foxes and groundhogs. It also has many trails that can be hiked or biked through the sandstone basin.
There are two campgrounds within Palo Duro Canyon State Park: Cottonwood Campground and Juniper Campground. Cottonwood offers RV sites with full hookups (30 amps) and no pull-throughs.
Juniper offers tent camping only, with water and pit toilets available on site. Both offer dump stations as well as Wi-Fi hotspots throughout their grounds, so you can stay connected while enjoying nature’s beauty!
The best time of the year to visit
The best time of year to visit Palo Duro Canyon State Park is in the spring, summer, and fall months. The park is open year-round, but during the winter months there is not much to do.
During the summer months, it can get very hot and dry, so it is important to bring plenty of water with you.
If you are planning on hiking or riding a horse into the canyon during the summer months, be sure to check with rangers about trail conditions before heading out so you don’t get stuck in the sand.
The best time of day to visit Palo Duro Canyon State Park is either early morning or late afternoon, when temperatures are cooler and there are fewer people around.
If you’re planning on visiting during peak season (May through September), be sure to make reservations as early as possible because these days tend to fill up quickly!
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#6 Colorado bend state park
Colorado Bend State Park is an excellent camping location.It has a lot of activities to do, such as hiking and horseback riding trails, fishing lakes, and picnicking areas. You can also check out the cabins for rent that sleep up to eight people each. These cabins include:
- A/C
- Full kitchen
- Shower in your own bathroom
Colorado Bend State Park is a state park located in Colorado City, Texas. It was established in 1988 and covers an area of 4,000 acres (16 km2).
The park is located on the Colorado River and the surrounding hillsides. The park offers a variety of activities, including hiking and biking trails, camping, picnicking, swimming, fishing, and boating.
The park has several different types of terrain within its borders, including woodlands, meadows, mixed grasses, and brush country.
The topography ranges from flat land to rolling hills, with elevations ranging from 600 feet (180 m) above sea level to 1,829 feet (557 m) at the highest point in the park near the Colorado Bend Dam.
The park is named for its proximity to the Colorado Bend, where it changes direction from flowing northward to flowing southward. This bend is also known as “Big Bend” or “Big Bend Of The Colorado.”
The best time of the year to visit
Colorado Bend State Park is a great place to visit year-round. If you plan on camping, the best time to visit is during the spring and fall. The summer months are very hot and humid, so it’s better to camp in the cooler months.
Colorado Bend State Park has many activities for visitors of all ages. Whether you enjoy hiking, horseback riding, bird watching, or canoeing, there are plenty of opportunities for fun at Colorado Bend State Park.
#7 Big bend national park
Big Bend National Park is home to the largest protected area of the Chihuahuan Desert in the United States. The park contains a variety of plant and animal life, with much of it being unique to the Southwest region.
You can see over 1,200 species of plants and animals in Big Bend National Park!
The Big Bend area is also called a “sky island” because its higher elevation allows for a cooler climate than surrounding areas. This creates favorable conditions for many types of desert fauna and flora to thrive within the park boundaries.
The Chihuahuan Desert’s largest protected area is Big Bend National Park, which was set up in 1944.
It is located in southern Brewster County, Texas, and borders Mexico for more than 130 miles (209 km). The park’s headquarters are in Alpine.
The park encompasses more than 800,000 acres (3,200 km2) of desert land along the border between Mexico and Texas. The park is home to abundant wildlife and colorful geologic features.
These include the Chisos Mountains and Mariscal Canyon, as well as scenic drives that follow dry arroyos through desert scrubland to overlooks of deep canyons and winding rivers.
Big Bend Ranch State Park adjoins Big Bend National Park; it preserves large tracts of the Chihuahuan Desert while allowing cattle ranching to continue under state ownership.
The best time of the year to visit
The best time of year to visit Big Bend National Park is from October through April. During this time, the weather is cooler, and you’ll avoid the summer heat.
The park’s desert climate means average temperatures in the winter are pleasant, with daytime highs around 65 degrees Fahrenheit (18 degrees Celsius) and lows around 30 F (1 C). In summer, it’s hot! Temperatures often climb above 100 °F (38 °C), especially during July and August.
#8 Pedernales falls state park
Pedernales Falls State Park is located in Johnson City, Texas. This park covers over 6,000 acres of land and has a campground that holds over 200 campsites. The park has a swimming pool, hiking trails, and picnic areas where you can enjoy your time outdoors.
The area around Pedernales Falls State Park has been inhabited by humans for thousands of years; archeological evidence indicates that hunter-gatherers were living in the area more than 10,000 years ago.
In addition to human habitation, the area has been home to several species of plants and animals that are now rare or endangered.
These include the golden-cheeked warbler (Dendroica chrysoparia), which is listed as an endangered species by both state and federal agencies.
Pedernales Falls State Park is not only a home for native wildlife, but also a place where people from all over Central Texas go to have fun.
The park includes several miles of hiking trails and campsites for overnight visitors.
There are also picnic areas and swimming holes throughout the park grounds where visitors can cool off during hot summer days or warm up after winter rains have made the Pedernales River run high with flowing water.
The best time of the year to visit
Pedernales Falls State Park is a year-round destination. The park is open every day of the year, although the park office is closed on weekends, holidays, and during certain hours in the summer months.
The best time to visit Pedernales Falls State Park is during the spring, when the waterfalls are flowing at their most spectacular. The falls freeze over in winter, creating a beautiful ice sculpture.
In summer, hikers can enjoy the shade provided by tall trees on the trails and riverbank. Fall brings cooler temperatures and colorful leaves that fall from the trees above the falls.
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#9 Guadalupe river state park
Guadalupe River State Park is located about an hour’s drive from San Antonio. There are many campgrounds and sites to choose from, depending on your preferences.
Whether you want to stay close to nature or near the action of downtown New Braunfels, Guadalupe River State Park has something for everyone.
Some of our favorite things about this park include:
its proximity to water activities like tubing and kayaking (just remember that you need a permit if you plan on floating the river).
the opportunity to explore the many nearby attractions such as Schlitterbahn Waterpark, Six Flags Fiesta Texas, Gruene Historic District, and more!
The fact that it’s open year-round means that whether it’s hot summer days or cold winter nights, there’s always something fun happening here at this amazing state park!
The best time of the year to visit
The best time of the year to visit Guadalupe River State Park is from March through October. The temperatures are moderate, and it’s the perfect time to enjoy water sports on the river or hike through the beautiful scenery.
In winter, you’ll find snow on the ground and skiing at nearby resorts like Big Bear Mountain Resorts.
If you’re visiting in the summer, be sure to plan ahead for heat exhaustion. Wear loose-fitting clothing, bring plenty of water and sunscreen, and don’t forget your sunglasses!
#10 Riverfront RV park
If you want to enjoy the scenic beauty of the Concho River, this is an excellent RV park to choose. There’s no better place to be than on the banks of this well-known body of water, with its beautiful wildlife and natural surroundings.
The RV park itself has a laundry room, game room, and swimming pool. The best part? At Riverfront RV Park, you get all this at a price that won’t break your budget!
Located on the banks of the Mississippi River, Riverfront RV Park is a great place to stay for a weekend getaway or extended vacation. Riverfront RV Park offers 30-amp full hookup sites with water, sewer, and cable TV.
Free Wi-Fi is standard at our park. We have pull-through and back-in sites available, as well as tent camping.
Our campground has full hookups with 30 or 50 amp service, free Wi-Fi, cable TV, and free long distance calling to the US and Canada.
The laundry room has three washers and dryers plus two clotheslines. The bathhouse has showers and flush toilets. There are also picnic tables for your use throughout the park.
We have many things to do in the area, including fishing on one of many lakes within 10 minutes from our campground as well as taking in some sights such as:
The Mississippi River Museum: This museum showcases life along the Mississippi River from its earliest days through modern times.
It includes an interactive children’s area where they can learn all about riverboats, barges, and other modes of transportation that were used along this great waterway over time!
The best time of the year to visit
Riverfront RV Park is a great place to visit any time of year. The most popular months are May through September, when the weather is warm and the park is busy with tourists and locals alike.
The best time of year to visit Riverfront RV Park is October through April. This time period includes all of the fall colors in the park, as well as some snowfall during the winter months.
Riverfront RV Park has something for everyone. Our location on the banks of the Ohio River makes it an excellent place for boating, swimming, and fishing. If you prefer staying dry, there are plenty of hiking trails within walking distance from your campsite.
#11 Atlanta state park
Atlanta State Park is a great place for RV camping. You’ll find it nestled between Austin and Houston, making it easy to get to from any direction. It’s also close enough that you can plan a day trip into either of those cities without much trouble.
What makes Atlanta State Park such an awesome park? First off, it has everything you need: campsites with hookups and tent-only sites (and an option in between), showers and bathrooms with hot water, showers with cold water only, laundry facilities, etc. The list goes on!
Plus, there are plenty of activities available throughout the year, including hiking trails and swimming pools during the warmer months and snowshoeing during the colder ones (yes, we said snowshoeing).
The best thing about Atlanta State Park? Its beautiful scenery ranges from spring flowers blooming on its hillsides in April through fall foliage changing color in October and November.
The best time of the year to visit
Atlanta State Park is one of the most beautiful state parks in Michigan. It is located on the southwest shore of Lake Michigan and offers amazing views of the lake, including sunset views.
The park offers hiking trails, picnic areas, and fire rings for campers, as well as a boat launch for those who want to enjoy their time on the water.
The best time of year to visit Atlanta State Park is during the spring or summer months, when temperatures are warmer and there are more activities available. However, if you prefer cooler temperatures, then the late fall and winter months may be a better choice.
#12 Abilene state park
It’s no wonder that this park is one of the most popular state parks in Texas. Located in Abilene, it’s just a short drive from Wichita Falls and Fort Worth. And if you don’t want to drive, check out the train station at nearby Abilene Union Station (a restored 1900s railway depot).
The park has a variety of trails that are suitable for hiking and biking alike, as well as several lakes where you can fish or swim while enjoying views of the surrounding prairie lands.
The park also offers campsites with hookups for RVs and cabins available on a first-come, first-served basis. If those aren’t right for you, there are also group sites available—perfect if you’re bringing along your whole family or a large group!
The best time of the year to visit
The best time of year to visit Abilene State Park is during the spring and fall. Spring is a great time to visit because it’s not as hot as summer and there are fewer people.
Another great time to visit is in the fall, when the leaves change colors and it’s ideal for hiking.
If you plan on visiting Abilene State Park during the summer, I recommend going early in the morning or late at night when it’s cooler outside. Also, bring plenty of water!
FAQ
1. What is the most beautiful state park in Texas?
Big Bend Ranch State Park, Palo Duro Canyon State Park, Colorado Bend State Park, and the Franklin Mountains round out the list of state parks.
2. What is the best Texas state park for camping?
The greatest camping spots in Texas State Parks are undoubtedly at Garner State Park. Concan, Texas is the location of Garner State Park. A wonderful location for camping
3. What size RV is allowed in Texas state parks?
The campsites in Texas’ state parks can accommodate RVs up to at least 45 feet, however there may not be many large rig sites available and site sizes vary per campground. You may search for reservations using an RV’s length.
4. What is the best RV length for state parks?
The approved limit RV length for national parks is 29 feet, and most state parks follow suit. This is due to the fact that many state parks and national parks do not permit campers longer than 30 feet.
Final thought
So, if you want to hit the road in your RV and explore Texas, check out these 12 top-notch state parks. When looking at the best Texas state parks for RVs, there are a few obvious choices that come to mind.
With its beautiful landscape and excellent nature preserves, you cannot beat Palo Duro Canyon State Park. Camping here is always an adventure, as you never know what wildlife you’ll come across.
Whitetail deer, coyotes, eagles, and wild turkeys. On top of that, the canyon is breath-taking in itself. And the campgrounds are some of the most spacious and well-maintained in the park system! RVing is best done in Texas State Parks.
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