Camping in Texas
Summer is here and so are temperatures of over 100 degrees nearly everywhere in Texas. However, with some planning, you can have a great time camping even during the heat. Check out these fabulous places to camp in Texas this summer if you want to get outside but stay cool at night or anytime for that matter. Just remember your sunscreen!
What does everyone love more than being outdoors? Camping, especially when it’s hot outside. Here are just five of many camping options throughout Texas that will guarantee fun no matter what your age is or how much shade you may need. So pack up the family and hit the road! These spots offer all types of camping options from primitive, to RV hookups and more.
Camping in Central Texas offers lots of great places to camp if you have the desire to stay cool while being close enough to plenty of attractions for days full of fun when you are not at your campsite.
1. Stephen F. Austin State Park
Stephen F. Austin State Park is near Austin where camping prices range from $14-$26 per night depending on campsite types available May 16 through August 31 with a few sites opening mid-April. With all levels of hookups including water, electricity and sewer, it’s a great place for any camper who demands luxury accommodations or simply desires hot showers after a long day in the sun! Looking for nature? This campground is surrounded by woods.
2. Pedernales Falls State Park
Pedernales Falls State Park near Johnson City offers some of the most beautiful views and perfect trails through the wooded area that surround this park. The spectacular Pedernales River provides a great setting for swimming and tubing, and there’s even water available at the campground here! Camping prices range from $7-$23 per night depending on campsite types available April 15 to September 30 with no showers on site but it does offer flush toilets, hot showers nearby at the Hill Country Visitor Center for an additional charge.
3. Big Bend National Park
Where do you find some of Texas’ best camping spots? In Big Bend National Park n Far West Texas . This park is famous for its gorgeous scenery including mountains and desert like surroundings, making it a prime location for any outdoor enthusiast. The best part? Camping is FREE! However, it’s recommended to make reservations up to two months in advance due to limited availability and camping spots filling up fast this time of year especially on the weekends. Primitive campsites are available, but there are no hookups or showers nearby so come prepared with your own camping shower. Take a look at an article we wrote about the best camping showers.
4. Caddo Lake State Park
Caddo Lake State Park near Karnack has plenty of amenities including hot showers, hookups and water for your comfort and enjoyment. Not only that but you can also enjoy fishing and boating here too! The park offers 30 RV sites with full-hookups that include water and electricity plus free wireless internet access in select campsites throughout the campground. Prices range from $11 to $18 per night depending on campsite types available May 1 through August 31.
5. Houston KOA
Looking for a more luxurious camping experience? Look no further than Houston KOA located in Humble which offers three different park experiences that include traditional RV sites, Cabins and Camping Cabins . Each site is complete with a picnic table, fire ring and grill plus access to a dump station , electricity and water hookups, restrooms and hot showers. The park even offers a free shuttle service within the surrounding area! Prices range from $29 -$79 per night depending on accommodations chosen.
6. Guadalupe River State Park
Looking for one of Texas’ best swimming holes? Look no further than Guadalupe River State Park on the banks of the scenic Guadalupe River. The resort-style campground offers miles of hiking and biking trails plus access to a lovely river perfect for tubing and kayaking . Nearby attractions include Schlitterbahn Waterpark Resort in New Braunfels, Garner State Park and Lost Maples State Natural Area making this park a must stop if you’re traveling with kids. Camping prices range from $7-$25 per night depending on campsite types available April 1 through October 31.
7. Padre Island National Seashore
Padre Island National Seashore is a great place to camp right on the beach! The park offers camping accommodations from primitive campsites that include access to hot showers and restrooms located nearby at the Malaquite Visitor Center for an additional charge, walk-in sites with picnic tables, grills and access to water faucets. Prices range from $8 per night for a primitive site or $25 per night for a dump station available April 1 through September 30 only.
8. Longhorn Cavern State Park
Located in Burnet, Longhorn Cavern State Park is another great spot perfect for families looking to have some outdoor fun together. Enjoy a cave adventure as you explore this unique geological formation then relax under million year old formations that measure up to 30-feet high. The park offers camping accommodations including tent and RV sites with electrical hookups, restrooms and hot showers for an additional charge of $11 per night. Prices range from $6-$18 per night depending on campsite types available year round.
9. Palo Duro Canyon State Park
Palo Duro Canyon has something for everyone! Explore over 30-miles of trails via horseback or by foot, enjoy a slow cruise down the scenic drive to view unique historical and geological features up close or spend your afternoon fishing in a stocked lake. The park offers primitive campsites that include access to running water, grills and restrooms located nearby for an additional fee. Prices range from $7-$11 per night.
10. Fort Davis State Park
Looking for a spectacular view? Fort Davis State Park is home to beautiful mountains and vast desert landscapes that were once part of the Chihuahuan Desert . Take time to tour Fort Davis which served as a post established in 1854 during the height ofIndian Wars” making it one of the best preserved army forts in Texas or hike along one of the many trails located throughout the park. Camping options include RV sites with full hookups, bathrooms and showers plus primitive campsites that include access to water faucets for an additional fee. Prices range from $10-$20 per night depending on campsite types available year round.
11. Piney Woods Wildflower Trail
Looking for a way to enjoy over 50-species of wildflowers year round? Look no further than Piney Woods Wildflower Trail located in Lumberton . The trail offers educational opportunities beginning at the trailhead displaying various plants and trees native to this area as well as interpretive signage along the 3/4mile walking path. Pets are welcome on a leash. Camping options include primitive sites that include access to water faucets and dump station for an additional fee of $3 per night. Prices range from $6-$18 per night depending on campsite types available year round.
12. Possum Kingdom State Park
Located in Graford, Possum Kingdom State Park is a great spot to get away from it all! Spend your days fishing the stocked lake, canoeing down scenic river or visiting one of many granite outcroppings perfect for exploring up close. The park offers RV and tent camping with full hookups including restrooms and showers plus primitive campsites that include access to water faucets located nearby. Prices range from $9-$20 per night depending on campsite types available year round.
13. Lone Star Hiking Trail
Looking for a less crowded camping experience? The Lone Star Hiking Trail located in Sam Houston National Forest is perfect for those looking to really get away from it all! Spanning 108 miles through rolling hills and dense forest, the trail offers dozens of primitive campsites with varying degrees of accessibility so be sure to bring your canoe or kayak along as you explore this unique area up close. Camping options include sites that range from $10-$15 per night depending on campsite types available year round.
14. Gruene Hall Estates
Gruene Hall Estates is an amazing place to escape and relax! Located just minutes from downtown New Braunfels, Gruene Hall Estates offers a tranquil serene environment perfect for any getaway. The resort features a stocked fishing pond, 18-hole mini golf course, playground area and outdoor swimming pool with plenty of tables and grills available for campers to use at no additional fee. Camping options include tent sites that range from $15-$25 per night depending on campsite types available year round. Just remember when packing your bags be sure to bring paper towels (bathroom facilities will not provide this service) toiletries, charcoal (to cook with), cooking utensils and most importantly bug spray!
15. Lake Texoma Campgrounds
Lake Texoma offers many places to camp for the night. Whether you want to stay on one of the resorts or would like a simple campsite, all of your needs can be met here. The lake area offers over 500 miles of shoreline and 10 marinas/resort parks that offer everything from boat launch ramps, swimming pools, electric hookups, tent camping with only basic facilities to full service sites with water, sewer and electric hookup (no showers). The marina areas vary in price but are more expensive due to the convenience-some of them even have full-time security guards on site. In addition there are seven Corps day use parks