Beach camping in Texas with fishing

The largest state in the Lower 48 features no shortage of places to pitch a tent.

94% (3429 reviews)
94% (3429 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Texas

Star Hosts in Texas

Under $50

12 top beach campgrounds in Texas with fishing

96%
(1088)

Sparrow Bend River Retreat

11 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents8 acres · Pipe Creek, TX
Sparrow Bend River Retreat is a beautiful 8 acre multi-site vacation rental property with camping, RV sites and 2 vacation homes.With a private 300yard stretch of the crystal-clear, spring fed MEDINA RIVER your party will spend the day exploring its majestic cliffs and coves, paddling/floating the river (tubes and kayaks for rent), splashing in the shallows, playing yard games on the lawn or sunbathing on a massive bolder.Enjoy a delicious and memorable dinner in Lakehills (15min), Bandera (20min) or Boerne (25min). Or stay in and grill out over the fire, or at the provided grill.Camp sites each have a customized picnic table for you convenience.Spend you evening sharing laughs around the provided firepit as you take in the dazzling canopy of stars. (Firewood available for sale)Our family has always dreamed of hosting a place for families and friends to come enjoy nature however we would have never dreamed of finding a property as unique and beautiful as this. A lake when the water is high, a beautiful river when the waters low. All crowned by a majestic limestone bluff, complete with boulders, coves and endless room for adventures.This land was once a part of a wagon trail along the river and, if you're lucky, you can still find arrowheads along the paths.The property is gated with a high privacy fence along the neighboring borders for security.
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$54.40
 / night
95%
(858)

Dos Rios - Hill Country Adventure

23 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents19 acres · Mason, TX
At the Confluence of the Mighty Llano River and the Majestic James River lies something completely unexpected - an undiscovered gem in the Texas hill country. The Dos Rios. We have over 19.3 acres of hill country beauty to explore. Take a casual dip in the mighty Llano River, or take the plunge off of 20-foot red rock cliffs into deep cool water. Kayak, canoe, swim, visit the Eckart Bat Cave, or take a scenic drive down the gorgeous James River Road (a winding gravel road that goes over several low water crossings on the crystal clear James River). Enjoy the island in front of the property, with its beaches and multiple access points to swimming holes. We also have camping, tiny homes, vintage airstreams, and modern glamping tents available (see other Hipcamp listings). Kayaks and canoes available for epic river trips too! www.dosriosrvpark.com
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$23.80
 / night
96%
(459)

River Forest Haven

46 sites · RVs, Tents30 acres · Del Valle, TX
River Forest Haven is a unique space that seeks to bring you closer to nature. We do not artificially light the camp and we strive to leave as much of the property in its natural state as we can. This provides a unique experience that is not your typical campground as we keep all of our campsites tucked under lush natural canopies. Car and tent camping works great! For most sites, you can easily drive up to your spot. Arrive, take a look around and settle into your site. We are always happy to deliver any of our items from our general store- just message us on HipCamp and we will come by. With nearly half a mile of Colorado riverfront to swim, fish, toob, paddle-board, kayak, and canoe*, along with 30 acres to hike and explore, River Forest Haven is also a quick 20-minute drive from downtown Austin.THINGS OF NOTE: ⁃ cell phone service is mostly non-existent ⁃ firewood can be brought or bought, but not collected.
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$30
 / night
99%
(325)

Secluded Guadalupe River Spot

4 sites · RVs, Tents12 acres · Gonzales, TX
These are unique camping spots along the Guadalupe River. I didn’t exactly understand how unique until I started getting feedback from my campers. The surrounding scenery will lower your blood pressure and do wonders to let you reconnect with nature. Sit back and close your eyes late in the evening and listen to all the wildlife talking to each other. There is faint traffic noise from 90A about a 1/3 of a mile away but it calms down after 7 or so. Currently no amenities but I am in the plans for some portable bathrooms. Please be prepared to cover all your bathroom and cooking needs. I do have some good clean well water from a faucet on the way into the campgrounds. Campfires are permitted. There is a convenience store (Diamond A) with clean bathrooms and a great bbq just 5 miles to the west on 90A and a Walmart and HEB 10 miles to the east on 90A. No dogs over 20 pounds on sites 1 and 2 but sites 3 and 4 are great areas to bring your high-energy dogs. No matter the size or temperament of your pets you are always expected to have them under your control at ALL times. I have very small livestock on the area on occasion. I am almost always on the property and try to have my phone with me while campers are on site, just let me know what you need and I will do what I can to accommodate you.
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$40
 / night
98%
(181)

Bee Mountain River Resort

10 sites · RVs, Tents100 acres · Cleburne, TX
Nature and wildlife mixed with fun and relaxation, Bee Mountain River Resort is truly a one-of-a-kind property. Private, spacious and beautiful, we are blessed with 1.5 miles of sandy beaches along the Brazos River and the paved road leading you here dead ends right at our front gate. Customers are usually groups of friends & family; many have camped here for years. A few even claim to have grown up on the river and, to some extent, that might be true. Bee Mountain River Resort is a secluded off-the-grid campground that's been around since the '70s. And it's pretty well known to the locals. I first discovered the Brazos River in 1985 looking for great water to ski on. Having developed many great memories camping here, I would describe our ranch as classic and old school. Change comes pretty slow.....and we like it that way! Family, friends, kids & pets all love our amazing getaway. A rare gem that's best shared with good friendly people. Each and every campsite is located directly on the river and all of them are huge. Firewood, ice, kayaks, paddle boards and generators are available at low prices. Great tasting water from our 500' deep well, clean restrooms and a camper dump station are located on premises. We are very pet friendly providing your pet is friendly.
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$60
 / night
96%
(322)

this is Paradise on Lake Texoma

27 sites · Lodging, Tents100 acres · Pottsboro, TX
Paradise on Lake Texoma (formerly Paradise Cove) is a beautiful, secluded commercial campground located in the "Big Mineral Arm'' of Lake Texoma. Built in the 80's by the Corps of Engineers, Paradise has been a mainstay of the lake for many years. Recently, the current management team are working to grow Paradise into something special. With a huge focus on community and culture, Paradise has tons of space for people to come together and enjoy the company and also areas to wander off and find a quiet lakeside spot to relax. You'll also be able to catch one of the best breathtaking sunsets on the lake! The wildlife we have on the property is amazing! I have deer that sleep in my front yard, opossums, 600 bird species, and my favorite… the armadillos! We offer Kayaking on the property for a fee. We have a beautiful Hammock Garden free for guests to kick back and relax. Texoma Water Taxi is a text away to give guests a ride anywhere on the lake including restaurants. Rock-N A Ranch is roughly 20 minutes away and offers horseback riding. The Cabins and Campsites are within walking distance from each other but far enough away to create that illusion of privacy. We do have a neighborhood close by but you can’t see or hear them due to the woods.  In my travels, I try to bring back something I’ve seen or learned to help improve the guest experience and environment. You’ll notice little touches of Asia, Mexico, and even Hill Country Texas! We pride ourselves on our excellent customer service and treat every guest like family. We’re always a text away! You’ll see us out and about on our golf carts. If you ever need anything just holler (: Check-in time is at 3 pm. Our staff works really hard to make sure everything is perfect for your stay and we can’t guarantee it will be if you arrive before then. Parking, we work really hard to keep our property beautiful. Be sure to park in parking areas only.
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$22.50
 / night
96%
(56)

Camp Nadur at Sargent Beach

1 site · RV1 acre · Sargent, TX
Nestled between the Gulf of Mexico and the Intercoastal Waterway, Sargent Island, with its unique, water-front home sites, was created in the 1950s. A quiet community, we feel Sargent is an oasis away from the crowds and congestion of other beach-side communities. We love taking a break from our busy lives to listen to the waves roaring down the shore. We think you'll love it, too! Learn more about this land: This is a 8000 sq ft privately owned, ocean-side lot. Located on a barrier island in Sargent, TX, the site offers a neighborhood atmosphere, with a secluded, unobstructed beach view. There is an approximately 30x30 gravel pad and long driveway. The property is beach front, but dune area/beach may not be accessible by foot (depends on tidal flow, rainfall, Gulf storms etc.). Full beach access is about 1/4 mile down the road. This is a subdivision--there is a neighbor on our right side. This is an RV lot only. This property suits smaller to midsize RVs and most wheeled campers (but no ground tents--there is too much ground wildlife for safety, though elevated, vehicle-mounted tents are fine).  The property is still in development. We currently have electricity (110v, 30, 50 amp), water, but NO SEWER OR SEPTIC. You must bring your own toilet facilities with you and take the waste away. NOTE: Public Toilet facilities and trash available 1.5 miles away. We do provide a picnic table, but it changes often--we lose them in storms, lol. You'll also have a clothes line and a canopy as wind/storms permit. If you're an introvert, dislike traffic or just like breathing room, you'll love quiet, crowd-free, Sargent beach. It's such a peaceful getaway!  ISLAND LIFE NOTE: This is the Texas Gulf Coast--we have mosquitos, and it's the state bird for a reason! Please bring SPRAY. We never guarantee a bug-free experience. This gorgeous, island property is vulnerable to the extreme weather conditions on the Texas Gulf Coast. It's a dynamic property, shifting and changing, depending on the weather--we try our best to maintain this property in a timely manner, but we can't control this Mother Nature factor! There may be times we cannot put up the shade canopy due to high winds, other aspects of the property may have shifted, there may not be a beach due to high tides, you may not be able to walk to the beach from the property, etc. Please ask questions and we'll communicate what's available at your booking time. Our strict cancellation policy encourages good communication at time of booking. We do not grant refunds for rain, tidal flow, or any other natural element beyond our control. Keep in mind HipCamp may offer weather insurance for you.
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$20
 / night
98%
(179)

Fishers Of Men Ranch

71 sites · RVs, Tents39 acres · Marble Falls, TX
Fishers Of Men Ranch is Perfect for Looking for a Private Place to bring yourself, family, and friends. Want to ESCAPE the HUSTLE and BUSTLE of Everyday Life! We’ve have the PERFECT Environment for Enjoying a Relaxing Stay here! We have Rustic, Rugged, Terrain to Hike, Discover, Explore, and Observe! Gorgeous 39 acres to Roam freely and find your favorite place to Get Away From It All! This is a GUEST RANCH ONLY! NO Dogs Allowed. Bill and Kaz will meet you at the Gate and Estcourt you into the Ranch and show you where to go. Need to Set up Arrival Time when giving information to Kaz for Invoice information she will ask for in a Text after you BOOK with HipCamp. You will LOVE it here at the Ranch because We are Different from other Camping places! We Strive to be Different! The April 8, 2024, Solar Eclipse was an AMAZING Experience with OVER 200 Guests on the Ranch to View the Eclipse! Everything went Extremely WELL Without A Hitch! Thank You Dave for bringing your 4 Telescopes and Screen to View the Eclipse! Several others brought their Telescopes and Fancy Cameras! Thank all of you who shared your Telescopes! The Ranch has OPENED UP More Camping Roads to make more room for More Tent Camping! Used allot of them during the Solar Eclipse! Bill and Kaz are already Working on improving MORE Campsites after the Eclipse! Opening these New Campsite Roads has also OPENED UP More to Explore! Kaz will be ADDING More Pictures of Latest Goings On on the Ranch! Be sure and Checkout our Pictures of the Ranch! Most pictures taken with Cell Phones! All Pictures of the Animals are found on the Ranch, come see the many Varieties we have here! When you Book EXPECT a friendly Text from Kaz asking for information that she needs from you being this Ranch is Private Property. FRONT GATE STAYS CLOSED AT ALL TIMES! To Keep All On The Ranch SAFE! All RV and Tent Camping is a PACK Your TRASH IN and PACK Your TRASH OUT! Because of the Volume of Campers coming, the Ranch can NO Longer take your Trash! Buzzard's, Raccoon's, Foxes, and Etc. will get into the Trash! Don't leave TRASH Outside! ALL CAMPFIRES MUST BE DROWNED OUT! WATER is Provided and you are EXPECTED to DROWN OUT Your FIRES! And if Bottles Used REFILL Them! FREE Firewood is Provided. Oak Wood for Cooking and Cedar wood for Campfire ambiance! Keep Campfires LOW! NO Bonfire! All TENT Camping is Primitive! NO Facilities! RUSTIC! BRING a Potty and Tent or SHOVEL and BURY it! ALL Campsites are VERY CLEAN and Keep It Clean! FOR RVers We have ALL HOOKUPS for Water, Electrical, and Sewer! On WEST Side. EAST Side has Electrical and Water ONLY, to Use DUMP Station, Working on More Sewer Hookups in Future. Unless LARGE CROWD, Most of the Time the West Side is Available for RV Camping! NO Throwing Rocks in Lake because hurts your feet when walking on bottom! We are ASKING Everyone to HELP Take Rocks OUT OF LAKE! FOR SAFETY ON YOUR FEET! If Everyone Takes Out 6 Rocks No Matter the SIZE that will HELP RID of the ROCKS Out of the Lake! Of Course You Can Take More Rocks OUT! "KNOCK YOURSELF OUT" (LOL) PUT ROCKS STACKED IN A PILE ON NORTH END OF LAKE and Bill and Kaz will pickup the Pile. (Thank You in Advance!) NO MUDDING with 4X4 Vehicles because leaves BIG Ruts in the Mud and messes up the Lake Environment! Keep the Lake area beautiful! Kaz always had a DREAM to help kids with Life Skills & Mentor in God’s Principles because she had Christian Mentors growing up! They were always there for her through her life and kept her focused down the right path and stayed out of trouble and learned a tremendous amount from them! Bill her husband supports her and they raised 7 children together and have 10 grandkids. Kaz father was Asperger's Autistic and from 5 years old started showing Kaz hands on learning skills that are still instilled in her today! She found this to be a Valuable Lesson from her Dad. These methods and skills through the years working with her own children and other children through the years with different organizations confirm to be very beneficial and encouraging for the children growing up. Bill and Kaz have shared equally through all they’re projects during they’re 40 years of marriage. They’re Jack Of All Trades, Artists, Shown in Art Shows, Remodeled Homes, Churches, Work on the Ranch Together, and Etc. They are able to teach others how to do things that can benefit kids till they graduate and have a better understanding of what they want to do in their lives as an adult and PLUS have the mentoring to guide them through life. The Ranch has its main Mission to work with youth but is open to Renting the Ranch House that Sleeps 1 to 20 guests, and RV/5th Wheeled Campers Camp Sites and Tent Camping for them to Enjoy the Marvels that God has Created and Lot's to Experience, Explore, and Observe! The Ranch is PERFECT for Hosting: Weddings, Special Events, Retreats, Family Reunions, Youth Activities, Church Activities, Boy/Girl Scouts, Boys/Girls Club, RV Camper Clubs, and Etc. to accommodate whatever you need for the special essentials you would like to have provided for your special event! The Fishers of Men Ranch (Name) is Biblical and was Given to Kaz by the Lord 4 years before finding the Ranch. You see that the Lord had something Special here for Bill and Kaz to do for others Long Before they purchased the Ranch the LORD had His PLAN for Bill and Kaz. They have owned the Ranch since, July 2016. (For Hosting a Special Event Call, Text, or Leave Voicemail to the Ranch Directly) (Hosting Special Events handled through Ranch) Fishers Of Men Ranch is a Family Friendly Environment and Christian Based!
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$40
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100%
(77)

Private Gulf Front RV Site

2 sites · RVs1 acre · Sargent, TX
Private lot on the Gulf of Mexico in Sargent, Texas.  Just walk across the foot path to the Gulf of Mexico.   Full RV Hookups - water, electrical (50A/30A/20A), and sewage.  70+ feet of concrete pad and driveway inside the fenced yard with plenty of space for all RVs.   The property is fully fenced. The entrance gate is 16' wide.  The yard is all St. Augustine grass.  Very clean and maintained.  Pets are welcome.  This property is tailored for RVs, 5th Wheels, Travel Trailers, and Motorhomes that have black and grey tanks and can hold their waste water (shower, toilet, and washing) for dumping into the on-site water treatment unit.  You must have your own shower, sinks, and toilet on your rig with holding tanks for black and grey water and the ability to dump into the dump location on the property.  The property is not designed for tent campers. The electrical and sewage hookups are on the left side of the property.  Motorhomes (Class A, Pushers, and Class C RVs can pull directly into the space with hookups in the usual location.  5th wheels, travel trailers, and campers that are pulled by a vehicle will need to back into the space as there is no room in the front of the property to drive in, unhook your vehicle, and drive the vehicle off the slab.  When you back in, the hookups will be on the the opposite side of your connections.  Depending upon your travel trailer and where you place your travel trailer on the slab, you may need electrical or sewage extensions to reach the connections. The vast majority of the renters who use the property used a 5th wheel, travel trailer or camper that is pulled by a vehicle. The pictures of the property show a line of granite blocks between the property and the beach.  The granite forms a seawall (called the revetment wall) that was installed by the Corp of Engineers and prevents beach erosion.  Depending on the tides, sometimes the Gulf waters hit the wall and there is very little beach area in front of the property.  Sometimes, there is a large beach area.  If the water is against the seawall and you’re looking for beach area, there are several beach entrances along Canal Drive within driving and walking distance.
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$50
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99%
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Lake Godstone™ Lodging and Camping

25 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents188 acres · Graford, TX
Lake Godstone™, near Graford, Texas, is a thriving destination introduced to the market in 2017. Initially focused on families, church youth groups, and sports teams, it has since become a hub for a wide array of events, such as birthday and graduation parties, family reunions, church camps, and business team-building retreats. The venue boasts extensive facilities and activities, including: Accommodations: A 35-person lodge, a three-bedroom guest home, fully furnished cabins, primitive cabins, group campgrounds, RV and tenting campsites, and primitive tenting sites. Recreational Activities: Three sandy beaches, six partially covered docks with swim ladders and canoe moorings, kayaks, canoes, a rowboat, pedal boats, water lily pads, and a sports field complex featuring a lit basketball court, sand volleyball court, and baseball and soccer practice fields. Nature and Exploration: An observatory with a telescope, four miles of mountain bike and hike trails, two new fishing ponds, wildlife feed and water stations, a bird view house overlooking a beaver pond, an aquaponics greenhouse, and six miles of all-weather roads. Rental Options: UTVs, a golf cart, and a pontoon boat. Amenities: A comfort station with restrooms and showers, picnic tables, charcoal grills, large fire pits, shelters, a tree house shelter, a campground office, and a small store with a kids' sand playground. Lake Godstone's diverse offerings and scenic environment make it an ideal location for any retreat or gathering.
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$48
 / night

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Dog-friendly getaways

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Beach camping in Texas with fishing guide

Overview

They say everything’s bigger in the Lone Star State, and that includes the variety of options for campers, whether you're looking for an RV park, tent camping, or a primitive camping backcountry adventure. Texas is geographically diverse, with natural treasures ranging from prairies to pine forests to beaches. Its climate is amenable to four-season camping, too. Beat the summer heat on sandy Gulf beaches, or head inland to the arid deserts of Big Bend Country in winter for some of the nation’s darkest skies and best nighttime views. Spring and autumn offer the best weather for wine tasting in Texas Hill Country, hiking the canyons of the Panhandle, or paddling the bald cypress forests of the Texas Pine Curtain.

Further, Texas does an admirable job of managing all that big, large, enormously huge—not to mention scenic—land and ensuring public access for recreation. The state has two national parks (plus another dozen NPS properties), 88 state parks, and four national forests, all ready and waiting for you to enjoy camping and outdoor adventures. Add to that all the vast swaths of private land also available for camping, and we have to admit...size matters. Brag away, Texas!

Big Bend Country

Remote West Texas boasts some of the most pristine landscapes in the state. Explore the hiking trails of Guadalupe Mountains and Big Bend national parks, raft through narrow canyons along the Rio Grande River, go rock climbing in Hueco Tanks State Park near El Paso, or hit the dunes in Monahans Sandhills State Park. The quirky communities of Marfa, Terlingua, and Marathon serve as convenient gateways to desert adventure.

Texas Hill Country

Known for its wineries, whiskey distilleries, swimming holes, and rich German heritage, the rolling hills of this central Texas region extend between Austin and San Antonio, with plenty of small towns to explore along the way. Springtime brings bluebonnets to the roadsides of the region. In fall, head to Lost Maples State Park for some of the state’s best leaf peeping. Soak up panoramic views from Enchanted Rock, venture deep into the Caverns of Sonora or the Cave Without a Name, or take a leisurely float along the Guadalupe River.

Gulf Coast

The Texas Gulf Coast stretches for more than 600 miles along the shores of the Gulf of Mexico and includes the Padre Island National Seashore. Sun seekers will find plenty of sandy beaches with warm Gulf waters (plus opportunities for beach camping), while the natural areas along the coast feature some of the best birdwatching in the nation. Houston, Galveston, South Padre Island, and Corpus Christi are among the most popular areas to stay.

Panhandle

The plains of the Texas Panhandle comprise one of the largest regions in the state. Here you’ll find America’s second-largest canyon within Palo Duro Canyon State Park, as well as the iconic Cadillac Ranch car sculpture along road trip-worthy Route 66.

Pine Curtain

Lakes, forests, and swamps dominate the landscape of the lesser-known Piney Woods of East Texas. Step back in time at Mission Tejas State Park, straddle the state line in Texarkana, pitch a tent among the gargantuan pines of Daingerfield, or make the 835-mile camping trip along the Texas Forest Trail. If you want to get out on the water, it's hard to beat a kayak in Caddo Lake State Park.

Prairies and Lakes

This region sweeps down through the center of the state from the Dallas-Fort Worth area to Waco, Bryan, and College Station (home of Texas A&M University). You don’t have to drive far to find a lakeside campground or on-the-water activity, thanks to the area’s 17 Texas state parks and one national wildlife refuge.

Tent camping in Texas

Traditional tent camping in Texas is perfect for those who want to rough it under the stars. Tent camping sites can be found near national and state parks, national forests, and on private lands. Advantages of tent camping include being more affordable than RV camping and letting you get closer to nature. Car camping is a good fit for those who want the convenience of driving to their campsite without having to hike long distances.

Tent camping in Texas ranges from family resorts packed with on-site activities and amenities to more rustic options with little more than a tent pad, drinking water, and a restroom. Browse tent campsites in Texas carefully to ensure you get the style of camping you prefer.

Texas camping packing list

Your packing list will look different depending on whether you’re tent camping, RVing, or glamping in Texas, as well as your own personal camping style. But no matter what style of camping you’re planning, here are some key items to put at the top of your list. Just be sure to adjust your pack list according to the amenities at your campsite. 

  • Sun protection: Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, and light, breathable clothing are essential. Bring all these things even if the forecast is for cooler weather, as the sun in Texas is always a potential hazard.
  • Insect repellent: Mosquitos are a scourge all over Texas, so bring insect-repellent spray and perhaps some citronella items for your campsite.
  • Water bottles: Most campsites and parks have a plentiful drinking water supply, but you must bring suitable containers for carrying lots of water with you at all times. Don’t underestimate the risk of dehydration whenever you’re outdoors in Texas, especially if you’ll be venturing off the beaten path.
  • First-aid kit: This is always essential for tent camping, RVing, or glamping in Texas. Bring a mini first-aid kit for your day pack as well. 
  • Binoculars for wildlife spotting and a camera for capturing all the gorgeous scenery.
  • Camping gear may include a tent, climate-appropriate sleeping bag, sleeping pad, camp stove, and backpack, though backpackers will prefer a minimalist approach. So long as you carry plenty of drinking water, you'll be golden. If you’re car camping, RVing, or glamping, some additional items worth bringing camping in Texas include camp chairs, a hammock, a shade canopy and recreational equipment.
  • Food and drinkare easiest to bring when RVing or glamping. Gather ingredients for meals, and know that having refrigerator access changes your shopping list considerably. Some glamping places provide meals, and larger campgrounds may have an on-site cafe or restaurant. Tent campers need to be aware of fire safety rules in Texas along with campground regulations—bring an appropriate camp stove and fuel.

Things to do while camping in Texas

Hiking

The diverse landscapes of Texas make for incredibly varied hiking terrain. Options range from short desert loops with wide-open views for miles to high-elevation mountain hikes. Hikers must always consider the weather forecast, with heat very often a factor. Consult park rangers and pick up paper maps whenever possible, as cell phone service isn’t always reliable away from urban areas.

Boating, fishing, and swimming

Texas boasts a huge variety of waterways, many of which are ideal for swimming, fishing, or boating. Creeks, springs, rivers, lakes, and the Gulf of Mexico beckon campers to cool off and enjoy some time on the water. Some 70 state parks in Texas allow fishing without a license, and some offer tackle loaners and learn-to-fish programs. Canoe, kayak, and paddleboat rentals are often available at popular recreation sites. Be aware of alligator habitats in some regions of Texas, and always consult a ranger or campground host about safe swimming holes.

Photography

Photography enthusiasts have plenty of scenic places to choose from for camping in Texas. Spring is especially photogenic as it’s wildflower season. If night sky photography is of interest, pick one of the state's numerous Dark Sky Parks.

Texas is also excellent for wildlife photography. The state has a remarkable variety of birdlife and iconic creatures like the Texas longhorn, armadillo, and Mexican free-tailed bats famous for flocking in the thousands at twilight.

Horseback riding

Horseback riding is closely associated with Texas culture and is a really fun activity to pursue while camping. Equestrians may ride their own horses on all gravel roads and certain trails at Big Bend National Park and along select trails at numerous state parks. Copper Breaks, Lake Arrowhead, and Palo Duro Canyon state parks are among those that welcome horseback riders. Also, look into guest ranches and dude ranches offering equestrian experiences across Texas.

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