Beach and dog-friendly camping in Texas

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

94% (3096 reviews)
94% (3096 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Texas

Community favorites in Texas

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Public campgrounds in Texas

Dog-friendly getaways

5 top beach and dog-friendly campgrounds in Texas

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Lake Palo Pinto RV Park

97 sites · RVs, Tents3 acres · Palo Pinto, TX
Waterfront Campsites on Beautiful Lake Palo Pinto It's 5 O'clock somewhere! Make happy hour’s happy again, at this rustic lakefront campground surrounded by nature and tranquility. EVENT SCHEDULE 4/18 Karaoke night 6-9pm 5/02 Karaoke night 6-9pm 5/16 Karaoke night 6-9pm 5/18 Saturday live music from the Mark Trimmier Band 6:00pm 5/30 Karaoke night 6-9pm 6/01 Car Show & Swap Meet 7:00am 6/13 Karaoke night 6-9pm 6/27 Karaoke night 6-9pm 6/29 Saturday live Music with Kim Younkin 6:00pm 7/11 Karaoke night 6-9pm 7/25 Karaoke night 6-9pm RV and tent lakefront campsites Bring your boat and launch it at the boat ramp (call or check lake levels at Water Data For Texas) Experience life of leisure fishing from our shoreline Catch dinner and utilize our fish cleaning station Cook a pizza in the large wood-burning pizza oven Roast s'mores at one of our three large stone firepits Watch your favorite sports game on one of the large cable tv’s inside or outside our newly renovated clubhouse Use our newly renovated showers, bathrooms, and laundry facilities Check out our camp store for ice and bait Available storage on site 20/30/50-amp full hookup sites Lake Palo Pinto Fishing There are a wide variety of fish in the lake including Large Mouth Bass, Hybrid Stripped Bass, White Bass, White Crappie, Channel Cat, and Flathead Cat. The Brazos Electric Power Plant is located on the lake. The power plant helps to keep the water warmer during the winter months keeping the fishing better in that area where an 83-pound Flathead Catfish was known to be caught. Lake Palo Pinto RV Park is just 14 minutes to Palo Pinto, 25 minutes to Mineral Wells, and about an hour from Fort Worth. It is north of I-20 about 10 miles. Nearby points of interest include Clark Gardens Botanical Park, Holiday Hills Country Club, Mineral Well Fossil Park, The National Vietnam War Museum. Take The Baker Hotel ghost walk tour, where you can learn about the historical significance of the hotel, its ghostly inhabitants, and the history of the City of Mineral Wells. Downtown Mineral Wells is home to more than 20 murals featuring everything from flying pigs to human-sized butterflies and interactive murals to portrayals of local people from days gone past. Downtown Mineral Wells has over 100 historic buildings with boutiques, antique shops, and specialty stores, plus restaurants that offer patio dining and live music. Mineral Wells was named for and is still famous for its mineral waters. The town boomed as a health resort after 1885, when the Crazy Well was dug. The Crazy Water Bath House offers mineral baths and treatments inspired by the waters and nature. Three museums call Mineral Wells their home. The National Vietnam War Museum has dozens of silent memorials recognizing those who served their country in the Vietnam War. This museum exhibits a half-scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C., the Camp Holloway Memorial Wall, a Meditation Garden, and a Huey Helicopter. The Old Jail Museum is a growing complex of historic log cabins and frontier buildings that demonstrate life in the region’s 19th century. Local artifacts fill all of its buildings. The Little Rock Schoolhouse Museum, built in 1884, housed the first public school building in Mineral Wells, and is dedicated to the preservation of the historical memorabilia of the City of Mineral Wells. The W.K. Gordon Center for Industrial History preserves, documents, and researches the industrial history of Thurber, Texas, which was once a thriving coal mining company town of 10,000 people and now a ghost town. Thurber was located near the southern Palo Pinto County line. Visitors can see reconstructions of Thurber’s mercantile store, livery stable, the town bandstand, the 655-seat opera house, and the Snake Saloon, which once boasted one of the largest horseshoe-shaped bars in the United States. The Mineral Wells Fossil Park at the old City of Mineral Wells landfill’s borrow pit, which closed in the early 1990s but then revealed fossils documenting ancient sea species such as crinoids, echinoids, and other historic sea life from the Pennsylvania Period over 300 million years ago. Fossil collecting is allowed in designated areas only, and only surface collecting is allowed with small gardening tools at the park. Take a guided tour of Guest Ranch Exotic Game Hunting where you will see their different species of antelope, buffalo, deer, and sheep. The best times to go on this tour are early mornings and late afternoons, and the cost of the tours begin at $35.00. Check out the Palo Pinto Mountain State Park that comprises 4,871 acres of former ranch land about 23 miles west of Palo Pinto Creek Reservoir. When fully developed, this park will offer hiking, camping, fishing, stargazing, and other outdoor activities. Plateaus with beautiful vistas overlook sheltered canyons. Palo Pinto Creek winds through the northern border of the park. A dam on Russell Creek impounds the 90-acre Tucker Lake, the centerpiece of the park. Plans for the park include an extensive network of multi-use trails for hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders. Trails will lead to remote areas of the park with expansive vistas.
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$2.50
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No Moss Island

3 sites · RVs1 acre · Jones Creek, TX
Welcome to your coastal paradise! Nestled between the soothing waves of Sargent beach and the tranquil waters of the Intracoastal Waterway, this RV spot offers an unrivaled getaway for nature enthusiasts and sunset lovers. Whether you're an avid angler, a passionate bird-watcher, or simply seeking relaxation, this spot is your dream destination. Morning and Evening skies here are a canvas of vivid colors. Enjoy breathtaking sunsets over the ICW or the showstopping sunrises over the Gulf, creating picture-perfect memories every day. Waterfront Access: Step or drive directly onto the sandy beach for swimming, sunbathing, or beachcombing. ICW - enjoy fishing, barge watching or get lost in a book! Full Hookups: Your RV spot comes equipped with water, electricity, and sewage hookups for a comfortable stay. Options for Singles or Groups: Whether you're a solo traveler, a couple, or a group of friends and family, we offer both single and multiple spot rentals to accommodate your needs. Nearby Attractions: Explore the charming coastal town, dine at local restaurants, or embark on adventures like kayaking, boating, or exploring nearby nature reserves
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$63.75
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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 and dog-friendly camping in Texas 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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