Top 10 Best Campgrounds in Texas | 2026 Guide
Explore Texas's best campgrounds from Big Bend deserts to Hill Country rivers. Discover diverse camping across mountains, canyons, beaches and forests.
Texas might not be the first state that comes to mind when you think camping, but that’s exactly why we love it. From desert wilderness to pine forests, Gulf Coast beaches to limestone canyons, the Lone Star State delivers serious variety. Here are our top 10 picks for pitching a tent in Texas.
1. Big Bend National Park - Chisos Basin
Location: Far West Texas, near the Mexico border
Big Bend is the crown jewel of Texas camping. The Chisos Basin campground sits at 5,400 feet elevation, surrounded by jagged mountain peaks that glow orange at sunset. We’ve never experienced darker skies anywhere in the lower 48.
Best for: Stargazers, desert hikers, solitude seekers
Pro tip: Book the Window View sites if you can. Watching the sun set through that natural rock frame is worth the early reservation.
2. Garner State Park
Location: Concan, Texas Hill Country
There’s a reason Garner has been a Texas family tradition since the 1940s. The Frio River runs crystal clear and cold, perfect for tubing and swimming. Summer nights bring the famous jukebox dances at the pavilion.
Best for: Families, river lovers, Texas traditions
Pro tip: The screened shelters book out a year in advance. If you’re tent camping, sites along the river are prime.
3. Palo Duro Canyon State Park
Location: Near Amarillo, Texas Panhandle
They call it the Grand Canyon of Texas, and while it’s smaller, it’s every bit as dramatic. Red rock walls drop 800 feet, and the canyon stretches 120 miles. The Lighthouse Trail at sunrise is unforgettable.
Best for: Photographers, mountain bikers, canyon hikers
Pro tip: Camp at Mesquite for the most secluded feel. And catch the outdoor musical “TEXAS” if it’s running during your visit.
4. Guadalupe Mountains National Park - Pine Springs
Location: Far West Texas, near the New Mexico border
Home to Guadalupe Peak, the highest point in Texas at 8,751 feet. The fall colors here rival anything in New England when the maples turn. It’s rugged, remote, and wonderfully uncrowded.
Best for: Peak baggers, fall foliage chasers, backcountry campers
Pro tip: The wind is relentless here. Stake your tent well and bring a wind-resistant shelter.
5. Pedernales Falls State Park
Location: Johnson City, Texas Hill Country
The falls themselves are stunning—water cascading over ancient limestone slabs. Beyond the falls, the park offers swimming holes, cypress-lined riverbanks, and some of the best stargazing in the Hill Country.
Best for: Day hikers, swimmers, photographers
Pro tip: After heavy rains, the falls transform into a roaring cascade. Check conditions before you go.
6. Enchanted Rock State Natural Area
Location: Fredericksburg, Texas Hill Country
This massive pink granite dome rises 425 feet from the Texas plains. Climbing it for sunset or sunrise is a Hill Country rite of passage. The primitive camping area offers backcountry vibes just minutes from town.
Best for: Rock climbers, stargazers, geology buffs
Pro tip: The park hits capacity early on weekends. Arrive before 9 AM or reserve your entry online.
7. Padre Island National Seashore
Location: Gulf Coast, near Corpus Christi
Sixty miles of undeveloped beach where you can camp right on the sand. Wake up to the sound of waves, watch sea turtles during nesting season, and experience true coastal solitude.
Best for: Beach campers, birdwatchers, sea turtle enthusiasts
Pro tip: Four-wheel drive is essential for South Beach. Air down your tires and bring a shovel—getting stuck is part of the adventure.
8. Lost Maples State Natural Area
Location: Vanderpool, Texas Hill Country
This small park punches above its weight. The bigtooth maples here are remnants from the last ice age, and when they turn in late October, it’s the best fall color show in Texas.
Best for: Fall campers, photographers, hikers seeking solitude
Pro tip: Primitive camping area B offers the most privacy. Book months ahead for peak fall color season.
9. Colorado Bend State Park
Location: Bend, Texas Hill Country
Gorman Falls is the star attraction—a 70-foot travertine waterfall draped in moss and ferns. But the real magic is exploring the park’s wild caves and swimming in the cold spring-fed pools.
Best for: Waterfall hunters, cave explorers, wild swimmers
Pro tip: Book a wild cave tour in advance. Crawling through Gorman Cave with a headlamp is an experience you won’t forget.
10. Davis Mountains State Park
Location: Fort Davis, Far West Texas
Nestled in the sky island mountains of West Texas, this park offers pine-covered peaks and cool temperatures even in summer. The nearby McDonald Observatory hosts some of the best star parties in the country.
Best for: Astronomers, birders, high-elevation campers
Pro tip: Combine your camping trip with a night viewing at the observatory. The programs are world-class.
Final Thoughts
Texas camping rewards those willing to explore. The distances are vast, the landscapes are varied, and the crowds thin out once you leave the major parks. Whether you’re after desert solitude or Hill Country rivers, there’s a Texas campground waiting for you.
Pack plenty of water, check for burn bans during summer, and embrace the heat. That first cold Shiner around the campfire makes it all worth it.
Happy trails, y’all.