The Lone Star State is known for it’s size, but have you ever had the question of where to camp? There are lots of places that you can choose from, but I’m here to give you seventeen that will be sure to give you an unforgettable experience in Texas.
This article will cover 17 RV parks, but some of the sites listed here will include tent camping within those parks as well! RVs will be the main focus, but we want to give you the chance to know what options you have when you’re headed down for a getaway.
Texas has hidden gems all over, so you really just have to know where to look. In those small towns, you might just find your favorite place in the world. You might have never thought something like this would be out in the middle of nowhere.
1. Hidden Valley RV Park
- Located in Von Ormy
- Bathhouse with full-sized showers
- Wildlife viewing
- Fishing
- Close to many attractions
- Prices start at $30/night
When you’re around San Antonio, the Hidden Valley RV Park is one of the best options that you have when you want to go out and explore. This spot will also give you a chance to just sit back in your campsite and enjoy time together as a family.
If you’re looking for something to do while you’re here, luckily it’s close to The Alamo, Riverwalk, and Market Square. Those are just a few of the things that are available around the site. You can also head over to San Marcos and visit the Tanger Outlets if you’re someone who’s looking to shop around a little.
When you’re planning a trip to this area, if you’re lucky, you can make it to this site when there are some festivals going on around the area. There’s a lot of culture and local activities to experience around San Antonia, as well as food, shopping, and so many other events.
2. Grand Texas RV Resort
- Located in New Caney
- Modern showers
- Free garbage pickup
- Pool/Hot Tub
- Laundry
- Across the street from Waterpark
- Prices start at $45.75/night
This RV park offers you a place where you can be close to the world, yet far enough away that you can have some quiet. This resort is also pretty close to Houston. Not to mention that you are across from the Big Rivers Waterpark and Gator Bayou Adventure Park!
Since this resort is about ten minutes away from the Grand Parkway, you’re about ten minutes away from grocery stores, dining, and some of the bigger stores along that highway. If you want to stay close to your camp and relax though, you can always go and relax in the nearby pool and hot tub.
This resort is a Good Sam Club affiliate, so with that, you can be sure that you’re going to get the best quality from a campground when you choose to stay here.
3. By the River Campground
- Located in Kerrville
- 65-acre campground
- Close to the Guadalupe River shoreline
- Fishing, kayak, swimming, picnic, bird watch
- Sightseeing
- Local activities
- Restrooms/Hot Showers
- Prices start at $34/night
This campground is affordable whether you’re staying for a day or a month. There is wi-fi as well as laundry and a swimming pool. There are also sites available that are pet-friendly, so don’t be afraid to bring your four-legged friend along with you on this journey!
With this being a family owned and operated park, there’s a friendly and inviting atmosphere in this campground. There are park activities hosted ranging from game nights to some fun community potlucks.
Whatever you’re looking for, there’s definitely something for you. If the surroundings of the park are getting a little dull, there are plenty of places that you can head out to which include Kerrville, Ingram, Bandera, and Fredricksburg.
4. Mill Creek Ranch Resort
- Located in Canton
- Many activities located on campground
- 200-acre park
- One of the most fun family campsites
- Prices start at $40/night
There is literally something for everyone who comes to stay at Mill Creek. From hiking, biking, basketball, bird watching, board games, books, and more, you can be sure that you’re going to find something that will help you to enjoy your getaway.
If you’re wanting to head out and explore the city of Canton, there are a few things that you can do while you’re there. You can head to the Splash Kingdom Waterpark and miniature golf, visit Yesterland Farm, check out Main Street, the motocross park, zoo, and so much more.
With this resort’s placement, you’re about an hour away from Dallas, so you can head that way and check out the city as well! The culture that is within Texas is definitely a different experience from what I was used to. Growing up in Oregon, you could say that there’s definitely a different culture there as well. But nothing like Texas.
Mill Creek is a place where you can really go to lose yourself, and it’s beautiful. Just being one with nature and the world around you is an experience that we don’t usually get.
5. Mustang Island State Park
- Located in Corpus Christi
- $20 a night
- By the beach
- Geocache
- Paddling Trail
- Hiking, biking, picnic, fishing
- Prices start at $20/night
This is definitely one of the most beautiful places that you could head to when you’re looking for a place that will stick in your mind forever. Corpus Christi has some of the most beautiful beaches that you can find in Texas. With this being only 400 feet from the water, you’re going to have a wonderful time and have the ocean right in your front yard.
There aren’t any campfire rings, but that won’t stop you from having a campfire on the beach. That makes for good memories as well as good s’mores. One of my favorite things about Corpus Christi is the fact that the water is so warm, you can also find coconuts on the beach! If you’re lucky you can catch a glimpse of the little crabs that live there as well.
Be sure to call and check in with the campground before you come to make sure that there are some campsites that are open. Occasionally, campsites will be closed due to weather conditions, so that’s important to check.
6. Indian Springs Campground and RV Park
- Located in Kountze
- RV, Tent, Cabin
- Serene location
- Bath/Showers
- Bike, ATV, and Hiking Trails
- Prices start at $25/night
If you’re wanting to have some peace and quiet as you go through your stay in Texas, this is definitely one of the places that you should go to. This campground is close to the Big Thicket National Reserve as well as the Kirby-Hill House Museum, and Wildwood Golf Club.
There’s also some interesting things in case you’re one of those adventurous people, such as “The Ghost Road”, this is where a ghostly light appears at night. This is a popular local spot, and some people say that this light is the railroad lantern of a brakeman.
Animal life is a big deal around these parts, so that’s something that you can look forward to as you continue to go through your vacation. You can see squirrels, armadillos, roadrunners, and other animals all around these parts.
7. Hueco Tanks State Park
- Located in El Paso
- Hiking, Rock climb, bird watch, as well as stargazing.
- Self-guided or guided tours
- Petroglyphs
- Prices start at $16/night
There’s a lot that can you can do here. At Hueco Tanks, there are amazing places where you can go rock climbing and see the most amazing things around in Texas. This is something that those who are seeking adventure can come and fulfill that craving.
This place is full of history, it’s full of so many things that you can learn, and so many things that you can do. There are certain areas of the park that you can only access with a tour guide. There are no campfires permitted here in order to preserve the drawings that are on the rocks.
8. Goose Island State Park
- Located in Aransas County
- Camp, Fish, Hike, Geocache, Boating
- The Big Tree
- Junior Ranger Program
- Prices start at $22/night
There are lots of things that you can do in order to enjoy your time here. Although you wouldn’t want to swim around here, mostly because there are concrete bulkheads, oyster shells, mud flats, and marsh grass.
If you’re wanting to see something that’s interesting, there’s a popular tourist spot called the Big Tree. This is a tree that has been standing against the coast for centuries. It’s one of the largest live oak trees in the nation, as well as Texas.
Looking for something more to do around the area? You can go and look at the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge and see endangered whooping cranes! You are also close to the Copana Bay Fishing Pier, the Bay Education Center, and the Fulton Mansion State Historic Site.
You’re close enough to Corpus Christi that you can visit the Texas Maritime Museum, as well as the Texas State Aquarium. There are many things that you can do.
If you’re looking for something like a scavenger hunt, you can go geocaching! There’s an app that allows you to see where some are close by, and give you hints as well. This area is rich in geocaching destinations!
9. Spring Creek Park
- Located in Tomball
- Free Overnight Camping
- Playground, Trails, Volleyball Court, Archery
- Restroom/ Shower pavilion
- Fishing
- Prices start at $0/night
This nice quiet 114-acre park will help you get lost in the sounds of nature and experience a rare kind of serenity. This was once a cannon powder mill for the Confederate Army but has now been transformed into something that all can enjoy.
You’re allowed to camp for 7 straight nights per month for free! You can also make reservations for some of the sites, but it has to be at least three months in advance. You can only have one reservation at a time, so be sure that you’re aware of when you want your stay to take place.
Seeing as how this is along Spring Creek, you can go and enjoy some fishing by the creek. All in all, this is quite the place to enjoy some time away from home and make some memories with your family.
10. South Padre Island KOA
- Located in South Padre Island
- Clean and well maintained
- Close to Laguna Madre Bay and by Pier 19
- By Schlitterbahn Water Park
- Dog and Kid Friendly
- Prices start at $51.99/night
KOA’s are usually known for the way that they maintain their parks, and that’s no exception here. There’s a fitness area, restrooms, showers, and laundry. You can also enjoy a dip in the pool or a soak in the hot tub.
This is a place where you can see the beauty of the Gulf. There’s a deck within the KOA where you can sit and watch the sunset from some chairs and just enjoy the company of friends and family.
South Padre Island has so many things that you can do, you can go for a ride on the beach, ride horses, there’s a zip line at South Padre Island Adventures, you can also parasail, and enjoy some really good dining. Don’t forget to head to Schlitterbahn if you get the chance. It’s a beautiful and fun park that will definitely make your trip unforgettable.
11. Brazos Bend State Park
- Located in Needville
- Over 5000 acres
- Only park in Texas with three ecosystems–Wetlands, Prairie, and Forest
- Home to the American Alligator–over 300 in the park
- 35 miles of trails for hiking, biking, jogging, or bird watching
- Prices start at $25/night
Brazos Bend is one of the most memorable parks that I have been through. Biking around and spotting the alligators sunning themselves is a real treat! There are more than 300 species of birds, 21 species of reptiles and amphibians, 17 species of mammals, 39 species of dragonfly, and 500 species of plants.
I really liked being able to bike around the park and observe all the protected wildlife. It’s interesting to be biking and then realize that there’s an alligator a few feet away from you. Don’t worry though, they won’t attack you unless you get too close!
One thing’s for sure, this is definitely a park where you can get close to the animals and experience nature in a way that you haven’t before! Just keep your eyes peeled! If you’re interested in fishing, it’s free in the State Parks, so there’s no need to purchase a license.
Some of the other things that are close to the park is the George Ranch Historical Site as well as Varner Hogg Plantation. These are sites that are definitely worth visiting. You can also head to the Sea Center Texas which has an aquarium, hatchery, and a touch pool.
As you can see, there is a lot to experience around here! You can head to the George Observatory, which is located within the park.
12. Pecan Park Riverside RV Park
- Located in San Marcos
- 24 acres along the San Marcos River
- Swimming pool/ Hot tub
- Laundry Room
- RV Supply store
- Nature Trails
- Prices start at $47/night
At Pecan Park, you can do so many things! Fishing, canoeing, kayaking, snorkeling, swimming, and tubing to name just a few. Those–of course–are all water activities, but if you’re one that wants to stay on land, don’t worry, there’s something for you as well.
You can go hiking, grab a book, watch the birds and squirrels, go for a soak in the hot tub, or go exploring outside the park. This park is located about 30 miles from Austin and 50 from San Antonio. If you’re someone that’s into shopping when you’re away, don’t worry, there are some Premium Outlets, as well as Tanger Outlets for you to visit.
This is definitely one of the best places if you’re looking for a site that has lots of things to do within the water. You’ll laugh, make memories, and hopefully remember your sunscreen.
This has honestly been one of the most appealing campsites that I’ve looked at. It offers so many amenities, plus its located next to so many activities. You can do so many different things, and there’s nothing stopping you from seeing all that you want to see.
13. Balmorhea State Park
- Located in Toyahvale
- Largest spring-fed swimming pool
- Desert wetlands
- 45.9 acres
- Swim, Scuba, Camp, Geocache, Bird Watch
- Prices start at $20/night
This is a recreated desert wetland that was built in the 1930s. This area holds a lot of endangered fish as well as other aquatic life, as well as birds and more. This place was used by Indians before white men came to the area! There were artifacts that were found upon restoring.
More than 15 million gallons of water flow through the pool every day! This pool covers over an acre of land, and go up to 25 feet deep. The temperature is usually 72-76 degrees.
If you’re someone who believes in the healing power of springs, this would definitely be a place for you to head to and enjoy the natural beauty that the world has created for those who appreciate the beauty of nature. I think that it’s very interesting that they recreated this wetland and that it had done so good.
Awards have even been won because of the management and creation of this park. So, go and experience it yourself. It’s something beautiful to behold and you don’t want to miss it.
14. Lake Texoma
- Located in Gordonville
- Pet-friendly
- Restroom/Shower Facilities
- Laundry
- Fishing
- Hot Tub/ Swimming Pool
- Prices start at $20/night
This is a 75,000-acre lake that’s on the border of Texas and Oklahoma, so you can head out on your boat or enjoy some fishing. Windsurfing and water skiing are also quite popular on this lake. You can also head out to the Eisenhower State Park for a biking trip.
If you’re over at the Bonham State Park, it’s about an eleven-mile ride to Lake Texoma. If you’re interested in hiking, you can head out on a 4-mile hike, or if you’re looking for something a little more peaceful, there’s an 18-mile trail that’s in an undeveloped part of Texoma.
This is definitely a place that you could explore for days and still not see everything, that’s what I think is incredible. Eisenhower State Park is the park that I would recommend staying at on the Texas side of Lake Texoma. It’s one of the nicest parks in Texas.
One of the things that I found interesting was that you could end up walking around the lake and make your way into Oklahoma, so that’s something that’s pretty fun for us to be able to do!
15. Lost Maples State Natural Area
- Located in Vanderpool
- Popular in the fall
- Hike, fish, camp, backpack, stargaze, geocache
- Over 10 miles of trails
- Prices start at $20/night
This Natural Area is one of the most beautiful places year round, although it’s definitely busier in autumn when the gorgeous reds, oranges, and yellows come out from the trees.
Close to the Sabinal River, you can take a relaxing lounge by the water, or even cast your hook in and see what you catch. If you’re more of a creek person, don’t worry, Can Creek is another option for you to head out and see what you can catch.
One thing that is important to know is that there is no cell service up at this area, so if there’s something that you need to let others know, be sure that you do it before you head out to start your adventure.
The trails here are magnificent. One of those trails that you can take is a loop that goes along a 2,200-foot cliff! Can you imagine the view from up there?
16. Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Guadalupe River
- Located in Kerrville
- 72 acres with 300 feet along Guadalupe River
- Lots of activities for the kids
- Fitness center
- Two Laundry facilities
- Restrooms/Showers
- Prices start at $47/night
If you’re looking for some fun for the whole family, this is definitely the place to go. With all the fun things that you can do here, your family will want to make this a tradition. These campsites are very well maintained and cared for, so there’s nothing to worry about there.
For your enjoyment, there’s plenty of things to do, Yogi Bear’s Water Zone, two pools, arcades, playgrounds, sand volleyball, basketball, horseshoe pits, and a saloon for adults after a long day outside with the kids.
They offer some different sites to camp at as well. If you’re not one for RVs, don’t worry, there are beautiful cabins that you can rent here too!
17. Blazing Star Luxury RV Resort
- Located in San Antonio
- Close to SeaWorld, Fiesta Texas, and San Antonio
- Pools of all variety
- Fitness center
- Huge dog park
- Three bathhouses
- Laundry
- Prices start at $55/night
One of the things that really captured my attention about this location was the fact that they offer you a free shuttle ride to SeaWorld when the season permits it.
This is a great perk because you won’t have to worry about finding a parking space when you get to the park, which could take a long time! Sea World is a popular place after all.
You are also close to Aquatica, Fiesta Texas, as well as downtown San Antonio, you can even go and see The Alamo!
You can also head towards the Cowboy Capital of Texas, Natural Bridges, as well as heading down to get some shopping. There are even some places where you can just drive to enjoy the scenery. This–in my opinion–is one of the closest to so many things that you won’t have a problem figuring out your adventure for the day.
One thing’s for sure, there’s definitely not going to be a time when you’re sitting at your campsite wishing there was something for you to do!
Go Big or Go Home
These are only a few sites that you can head to, so don’t be afraid to keep looking around. With these options that are listed above, it’s mostly to help you know what you can find, as well as perhaps some things you’re looking for.
After living in Texas for over a year, I know that there are so many things that you can do, and there’s so much to explore. Texas is HUGE so don’t feel like you’re going to be able to see all the things that you want unless you’ve taken a month or more off.
Texas has some beautiful landscapes, rugged natural scenery, and fun and quirky wildlife. Exploring these parks has helped me form some of my most treasured memories. If you ever have the desire to see what the Lone Star is all about, don’t hesitate to check it out! I can guarantee that you won’t regret it.
Don’t be afraid to do something crazy when you’re out adventuring in the South. Experience the culture, the food, the entertainment. Texas is literally a melting pot of so many different cultures and races, it’s beautiful. Don’t miss out on the chance to experience it.
