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Texas encompasses almost 300,000 square miles of desert, forest, canyons, rivers, and shoreline. Its vastness is hard to comprehend—until you’re on a cross-country trip. While its famed cities draw visitors from all over, and attractions as diverse as the Alamo, Johnson Space Center, and Big Bend National Park are well known, there is even more to see in the Lone Star State.
Whether you’re taking time to explore, or planning pit stops on a cross-country drive, Texas’ state park campgrounds provide opportunities to see rugged landscapes and meet friendly locals. Campgrounds are rustic but well maintained. Hiking, biking, horseback riding, wildlife viewing, and fishing are all popular activities in the parks. With 89 park units, including 72 campgrounds with RV sites, and a park pass that offers camping discounts, Texas state parks are the perfect way to explore this big state with an even bigger reputation.
Reservations
To make a reservation, visit texasstateparks.reserveamerica.com or call 512-389-8900. Reservations can be made up to 3 months in advance. A minimum nights’ stay may be required over weekends and holidays.
Campsite sizes
Texas’ state park campgrounds can fit RVs up to at least 45 feet, but site sizes vary per campground and the number of big rig sites may be limited. The reservation system allows searches by RV length.
Accessibility
Contact the specific park or the Parks and Wildlife Department’s Customer Service Center for information about ADA-accessible sites. Accessible sites must be booked over the phone.
Hookups
Most of the 72 state park campgrounds with RV sites offer partial or full hookups. Hookups can be searched for in the reservation system.
Connectivity
Most parks have WiFi in at least some areas of the park. State parks with WiFi can be searched for on the Parks and Wildlife Department website.
Maximum stay
In general, the rule for Texas state park campgrounds is “14 days in, 14 days out.” The maximum stay is 14 days, and you can’t return to the same park until 14 days later. Check with the specific park as needed.
Additional facilities
In general, Texas state park campgrounds are rustic, with basic amenities like picnic tables and fire rings at the site, central toilets, and potable water. Most campgrounds do have showers, a store, or a dump station. State parks are searchable by amenities, and by activities such as boating; swimming; and hiking, biking, and equestrian trails.
Texas state parks have a great Junior Ranger program, so don’t forget to pick up a book for the kids when you check in.
Cost
Rates vary by campground and date, but average rates are $10 to $30. Rates can be viewed under the “Fees & Facilities” link at the top of each park’s website and through the reservation system.
Additional Fees:
Change fee until 5 days prior to arrival (including cancellation): $10 or the amount paid for the campsite, whichever is less.
Change fee to reduce the number of nights within 5 days prior to arrival (including cancellation): $10 per night, maximum $50.
Park entrance fees vary from $3 to $10 per adult. Children 12 and under are free. Each park’s entrance fee can be viewed on its website. The Texas State Parks Pass provides unlimited free entry to the 89 state parks, plus discounts on camping, park store purchases, and equipment rentals. An annual pass is $70. There is also a camping discount for 50 percent off the second night for a consecutive stay of two nights or more at the same campsite. If you’re spending even a few nights in Texas, the State Parks Pass can be worth the cost.
Pet policies
Pets are allowed as long as they’re kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet. And of course, campers should always pick up after their pet.
Additional regulations
- Maximum occupancy per site: 8 people and 1 vehicle.
- Check-in time: 2 p.m. Check-out time: 12 p.m.
- Quiet hours: 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
- Alcoholic beverages: Public display or consumption of alcohol is prohibited.
- Generator use: Prohibited during quiet hours.
- Campfires: Allowed in designated rings or pits, following local advisories.
- Drone use: Two state parks have designated areas for drones: San Angelo and Martin Dies, Jr. A filming permit is required for drone use in other parks.
Featured Campgrounds
McKinney Falls State Park
5808 McKinney Falls Parkway, Austin, TX 78744
McKinney Falls State Park provides the perfect opportunity for RVers to visit the vibrant state capital of Austin in a spacious, natural setting. Popular with locals, the park’s main feature is the beautiful Onion Creek and its series of falls. Swimming, hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing areas are plentiful along the creeks and in the woods. The campground’s 81 sites all have water and electric hookups and are suitable for big rigs. The setting is outstandingly peaceful, especially after the day-trippers leave, and it’s hard to believe that this park is only 20 minutes from downtown Austin. With strong cell service, it’s a perfect base to explore the area. It can book up fast, so be sure to plan in advance and make a reservation.
Caprock Canyons State Park & Trailway
850 Caprock Canyon Road, Quitaque, TX 79255
Located in the state’s panhandle, between Lubbock and Amarillo, this stunning state park is worth a detour. The scenery alone is enough of an attraction, with red rock cliffs rising up from green canyon floors and sweeping views in all directions. Nearly 90 miles of trails are available for hikers and cyclists of all levels. Swimming, fishing, and no-wake boating are available on Lake Theo. Wildlife viewing includes coyotes, pronghorn antelope, and prairie dogs, but the real draw is the Texas State Bison Herd that roams the park. You’re almost guaranteed to safely spot these magnificent beasts during your visit. There are 31 campsites with water and electricity available at Honey Flat Campground near Lake Theo. Campground facilities include playgrounds, a store, and a dump station.
Brazos Bend State Park
21901 FM 762, Needville, TX 77461
Just outside of the Houston metropolitan area, Brazos Bend State Park is an underrated gem that deserves your attention. This nature lover’s paradise encompasses 5,000 acres of wetlands, woodlands, and coastal prairie. Thousands of species of plants and animals thrive in its diverse ecosystem. A nature center, interpretive trails, and ranger programs all enhance the wildlife viewing experience, from alligators to storks and pelicans. RVers won’t be disappointed with the campground’s more than 60 large, level, and well-spaced sites.
Texas state park campgrounds that accommodate RV camping
Abilene State Park
Atlanta State Park
Balmorhea State Park
Barton Warnock Visitor Center
Bastrop State Park
Blanco State Park
Bonham State Park
Brazos Bend State Park
Buescher State Park
Caddo Lake State Park
Caprock Canyons State Park and Trailway
Cedar Hill State Park
Choke Canyon State Park
Cleburne State Park
Colorado Bend State Park
Cooper Lake State Park—Doctors Creek
Cooper Lake State Park—South Sulphur
Copper Breaks State Park
Daingerfield State Park
Davis Mountains State Park
Dinosaur Valley State Park
Eisenhower State Park
Fairfield Lake State Park
Falcon State Park
Fort Parker State Park
Fort Richardson State Park Historical Site and Trailway
Galveston Island State Park
Garner State Park
Goliad State Park
Goose Island State Park
Guadalupe River State Park
Hueco Tanks State Park and Historic Site
Huntsville State Park
Inks Lake State Park
Kickapoo Cavern State Park
Lake Arrowhead State Park
Lake Bob Sandlin State Park
Lake Brownwood State Park
Lake Casa Blanca International State Park
Lake Colorado City State Park
Lake Corpus Christi State Park
Lake Livingston State Park
Lake Mineral Wells State Park and Trailway
Lake Somerville State Park—Birch Creek
Lake Somerville State Park—Nails Creek
Lake Tawakoni State Park
Lake Whitney State Park
Lockhart State Park
Lost Maples State Natural Area
Lyndon B. Johnson State Park and Historic Site
Martin Creek Lake State Park
Martin Dies, Jr. State Park
McKinney Falls State Park
Meridian State Park
Mission Tejas State Park
Monahans Sandhills State Park
Mother Neff State Park
Mustang Island State Park
Palmetto State Park
Palo Duro Canyon State Park
Pedernales Falls State Park
Possum Kingdom State Park
Purtis Creek State Park
Ray Roberts Lake State Park—Isle Du Bois
Ray Roberts Lake State Park—Johnson Branch
San Angelo State Park
Sea Rim State Park
Seminole Canyon State Park and Historic Site
South Llano River State Park
Stephen F. Austin State Park
Tyler State Park
Village Creek State Park
For more information on Texas state park campgrounds, visit tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/parks/things-to-do/camping.
