Texas is a geographically massive state with diverse topography and ecosystems, making it incredibly rich in camping opportunities. There are dozens of Texas campgrounds across the state that make for great long stays in nature or fantastic getaway-from-it-all weekend camping trips in Texas. We have featured a park in each major region of Texas, showcasing what we particularly love about the park so that you can easily partake in one or more memorable camping trips in Texas.
1. Northeastern Texas: Atlanta State Park
Why we love it: Stunning natural landscape with pines and hardwoods
Atlanta State Park is nestled on the banks of Wright Patman Lake in northeastern Texas, just a 30-minute drive from Texarkana on the Arkansas border. Towering pines and hardwoods shade this park for year-round beauty and comfort. The lake allows visitors to fish, boat, water-ski, and swim in designated areas. If you don’t have all of your gear, the park rents canoes and kayaks, and has some fishing tackle to loan. Ashore, go for a hike or jog, geocache, spot a variety of bird species, or hit the basketball, volleyball, or horseshoe amenities.
2. Central Texas: Lake Brownwood State Park
Why we love it: Historical buildings built by the Civilian Conservation Corps
In the heart of the state, about a 2.5 hours’ drive west from Fort Worth, you will find Lake Brownwood State Park, a truly historical nature retreat. Civilian Conservation Corps workers spent years building the impressive central building, cabins, and trail system. Today you can enjoy the grounds, enjoy plenty of recreation opportunities, spot wildlife, or cool off in the lake for one of the best weekend camping trips in Texas.
Recommended: Gulf Coast Road Trip
3. Southeastern Texas: Stephen F. Austin State Park
Why we love it: Swamplands, nature trail, and nearby historical colonial sites
Located just an hour’s drive outside of Houston, comfortable and inviting Stephen F. Austin State Park ranks among some of the best camping trip spots in Texas. Explore the park’s trail system that takes you through the tall hardwood trees and upland swampland. Picnic, geocache, learn about native plants on the Nature Trail, or learn about Texas’ early colonists at nearby state historic sites.
4. South Texas: Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park
Why we love it: Birder’s paradise
Head way down south to the U.S.-Mexican border near the city of Mission to visit this birder’s paradise: Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park. About 360 species of birds have been spotted here, along with butterflies, javelinas, bobcats, and more. The birdwatching is so good in fact that the park serves as the headquarters for the World Birding Center. Besides birding, this park has a trail system that allows you to enjoy the Rio Grande Valley in a virtually undeveloped state.
5. Northeastern Texas: Davis Mountains State Park
Why we love it: Remote, stunning location for a wilderness adventure
High in the mountains of West Texas is the remote and wild Davis Mountain State Park, the scenic backdrop for all kinds of adventure. Explore the wilderness on miles of multi-purpose trails, stay up late and marvel at the star-filled sky, or learn about the park’s frontier history for a standout camping trip in Texas.
Recommended: Great Summer RV Trips for Families
6. Northern Texas: Caprock Canyons State Park and Trailway
Why we love it: Rugged landscape and wide plains where bison still roam
Caprock Canyons State Park and Trailway is located In the northern portion of the state, in the Texas Panhandle, just under a 2 hours’ drive from Amarillo. Over the eons wind and water created this landscape of rugged beauty. The park has over 90 miles of trail to explore the plains, where bison still roam and Clarity Tunnel is home to roosting bats. Lake Theo offers a welcomed break from the heat with no-wake boating, fishing, and swimming.
7. Texas Hill Country: Guadalupe River State Park
Why we love it: Relaxing winding river in the heart of hill country
Winding down the Guadalupe River in the heart of Texas Hill Country ranks as one of the classic camping trips in Texas. Less than an hour’s drive from San Antonio, Guadalupe River State Park beckons people near and far to come dip in its waters, enjoy a day of tubing, or explore the shore in a kayak. Despite its popularity as a destination for a relaxing day on or in the water, the park offers visitors much more. Explore this classic bit of hill country on miles of hiking and biking trails, and learn about the local flora and fauna at the Discovery Center.
Are you ready for your adventure? Plan your camping trip!