Forest camping in Texas with campfires

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

97% (9477 reviews)
97% (9477 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Texas

Dog-friendly getaways

Available this weekend

12 top forest campgrounds in Texas with campfires

94%
(1325)

Lost Woods

43 sites · RVs, Tents55 acres · San Antonio, TX
Welcome to our little piece of paradise! 55 acres of woods hidden near town. A network of trails criss-cross the creek and wind throughout the property under a peaceful canopy of large beautiful trees. Don't be surprised if you run into deer, squirrels, or roadrunners! Our property is home to a wide variety of hill-country wildlife. - Each of our campsites are private and surrounded by forest. - Each site has a fire ring for campfires - Our trees are our most precious natural resource and set this campground apart! Please don't do anything to harm them. - Port-o-john is available on site. - All of our campsites are primitive. No electric or water here. - When you camp with us you are welcome to explore and play on the entire property! We have 55 acres of trails and woods to explore! Please bring your bikes, trail shoes, or whatever helps you have fun in the wild! - Hammocks welcome! We have so many trees! All of our sites are hammock-friendly. - When you check-in, just text us, your host will help you find your campsite. - Some sites are drive-in where your vehicle can park right next to the fire. Others are walk-in and require a short hike of 100' or less from your parking space. You can indicate your preference during booking or at check-in. If you want to drive right into your site, Campsites 2, 3, 6, and 12 are the sites you want. Some of our campsites are more secluded than others and offer extreme privacy in the most beautiful settings we have to offer. If you're looking for a wilder campsite surrounded by huge old trees and all the peace the woods have to offer, just request Campsites 4, 5, 7, or 8. Each of these sites requires a walk of at least 50' from your vehicle to the fire ring. Site 13 is only for backpackers or people willing to hike about 500 yards to the campsite over rough terrain. There is no way to drive to it or even get close except on foot. But it is spectacular and beautiful! Only three sites can accommodate a smaller trailer or camper. Site 1, Site 2, and site 6. Please notify me in your booking if you intend to bring a camper and I can accommodate you. We practice leave-no-trace as much as possible. So please pack out anything you pack in. You are responsible for removing all trash. If any garbage is left behind in your site you will be billed for the cleanup. We have a dumpster located near the front gate. Please use it and put all your trash in there. Heads-up! We have a small farm on the property. Dogs are always welcome and we LOVE our furry friends! For their safety and the safety of our livestock please keep them leashed while on property.
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$37.50
 / night
96%
(444)

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
96%
(1050)

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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$44.80
 / night
99%
(1159)

Seco Ridge Campgrounds

14 sites · Lodging, Tents42 acres · Utopia, TX
EXPERIENCE UTOPIA Private, family-friendly campgrounds in the Texas Hill Country. Great views, and just minutes from Garner State Park and Lost Maples State Natural Area. We offer 3 different types of camping experiences, so be sure to check out all of our listings. Message us if you have any questions regarding bookings during the Texas 2'clipse dates: 10/14/23 (annular eclipse) and 4/8/24 (total solar eclipse). We will be in the path of total darkness for both! -PRIMITIVE TENT CAMPING SITES- Want to get back to nature? Our secluded primitive tent camping sites are for you. Includes tent pad, fire ring, access to Community Kitchen & our Shower Haus (aka bathrooms & showers). 14-day maximum per month. -Ridge Site- Maybe you'd like to get back to nature in style? Enjoy our Ridge Site with Cargo Tent - complete with a fire ring, table and chairs, and swings. This site does not include a bed. -THE BUNKHAUS- Looking to get back to nature with all the creature comforts? Check out our Bunkhaus that sleeps 4, including a queen size bed and a set of bunk beds. The Bunkhaus has electricity, A/C and Wifi. ALL OF OUR CAMPING EXPERIENCES INCLUDE ACCESS TO: • Communal Kitchen (sinks, fridge, grills, etc.) • The Shower Haus (flushing toilets, sinks, and hot showers) • The Tree House Play Area AROUND UTOPIA • Experience driving on the 'The Twisted Sisters' (Ranch Roads, 335. 336, and 337). • Garner State Park • Lost Maples State Natural Area • Tubing the Frio River • Sabinal River • Horseback Riding • Sabinal County Museum • Frio Bat Flight • Utopia Community Park - picnic, swim & fish under the enormous cypress trees. • Dine at Lost Maples Café, The Lunchbox, or take the 20 min drive to Mac & Ernie's Roadside Eatery in Tarpley, Tx (featured on Food Network)
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$40
 / night
100%
(303)

3 Dry Wells Ranch

6 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents110 acres · Blanco, TX
We welcome you to come enjoy the beautiful outdoors and dark sky on a scenic 110 acre ranch in the Texas Hill Country. Our family has lived and cared for this unique property since 1976 and we are still here today. We are conveniently located in Blanco, Texas less that 50 miles from either San Antonio or Austin and in the heart of the Texas wine country. Our campsites are next to a spring feed tributary creek which flows year around feeding into the Blanco River just a few miles away or hillside with amazing views of the river valley. You will enjoy the babbling creek, miles of hiking and biking trails, cooling off in the creek, scenic hilltop views, solitude, bold sunrises and sunsets, and a brilliant night sky. We have numerous old growth hardwood trees including Live Oaks, Spanish oaks, Elm, Escarpment Cherry, Black walnut, and Ashe Juniper (cedar) one of which has the largest circumference in Texas. We have a wide selection of native and migratory wildlife that calls this place home including white tail deer, wild turkeys, foxes, bobcats, jack rabbits, road runners, seasonal songbirds and butterflies. We are just minutes away from Blanco State Park and a short drive to Pedernales Falls or Guadalupe River State Park.
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$28
 / night
92%
(556)

Texas Music River Ranch Events CTR

35 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents75 acres · Webberville, TX
The Texas Music River Ranch is 111 acres located in the quaint village of Webberville, Texas, only 20 miles east of downtown Austin. The large oak and pecan trees amid the rolling green hills of this gorgeous ranch land are nestled on the banks of the lazy Colorado River. Swim, kayak, or canoe...but there’s no better way to beat the legendary Texas heat than by grabbing an inner tube and enjoying a calm, steady float along a river known for an abundance of fossils and its wildlife. Bring your own tubes, kayaks and canoes, we are currently replenishing our inventory. Or perhaps you prefer to fish the shady tree-lined banks. Either way, you'll see a variety of birds while you relax on or beside the cool waters of the Colorado River. We're kid and dog friendly (leashes mandatory) and we love musicians. Bring an instrument and join us for an impromptu jam session in our special events room or around the campfire. Cook dinner on our BBQ pit. Firewood is available onsite A few rules... 1. Check in is before sunset. We ask that all Hipcampers wait at gate for staff to guide you to your location for safety reasons. Contact us if you arrive ahead of schedule. 2. No wondering by the upper level cabins (these are private property). Showers are behind these cabins. Please respect staff spaces. 3. If you have an extra vehicle, please park it with your other vehicle. 4. If you have a 3rd extra vehicle, let us know and we will direct you where to park it. 5. Please be courteous of other campers space and road access. 6. All kids are free. If your kids are 17 and under do not add them or it will charge. 7. If you have an impairment please let us know before booking so that we can ensure a space is ready and suitable for you. 8. All dogs must be on leash. Please clean up your dogs Poop. If you have any questions or concerns, contact our Office phone @ (512) 884-4345 Office Hours: Monday-Saturday 9am-9pm, Sunday 11am-6pm We look forward to making your acquaintance and sharing our little piece of Central Texas heaven with you, your family, and your friends.
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$24.50
 / night
99%
(577)

Pecans on the Paluxy - River Views

5 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Glen Rose, TX
Pitch your tent or boondock your RV on the Paluxy River under giant pecan trees. Enjoy the scenic view of our beautiful river. Our private property is located near the historic square of glen rose but feels like you are miles away in the country. Have fun kayaking, swimming, fishing, or just sit back and enjoy the views. We have 5 different spacious sites to choose from. Most have a tree break area in-between for privacy. Or rent all 5 and have the entire property to yourself. Updated river photos will be posted on our Facebook page, or message me for updates. Unfortunately, I'm not able to control the river. It goes up and down depending on rain and temperatures. The river gets pretty low during July and August. Wheeler Branch Reservoir(only a few miles from camp) is a great spot to swim and fish when the river water levels are lower. Very small lake that is good for swimming and kayaking with a dock, clear waters. We have 5 different sites. All of them overlook the Paluxy River, have rock fire pits, seating areas, patios, and stairs down to riverbed. You will have access to one of the most beautiful parts of the Paluxy River. During drought conditions and high temperatures I always recommend keeping your head above water and avoiding stagnant areas in the river. In order to reserve a spot you must be 21 or over. This is not a extremely remote place where you can party and go crazy. We want everyone to be able to sit back, relax and enjoy the views. Site Big Pecan: This is the farthest site upriver and has one of the largest pecan trees I've ever seen. The trees provide great shade cover during the summer. This site has an awesome rock patio seating area with 2 wooden Adirondack chairs overlooking the river with stairs to provide easy access down into the water. It also has a rock firepit with 2 wooden Adirondack chairs on a rock patio. Also includes a kids sand box, and a picnic table with shade umbrella, and numerous extras available to rent. Site 1 Limestone ledge: Firepit seating area overlooking the river with 4 Adirondack chairs and a shade umbrella, separate rock patio closer to the water overlooking the river with 2 wooden rocking chairs, stairs down to riverbed, huge pecan trees, kids play set with sand box, 1 picnic table, shade umbrella, and a 10' x 10' raised tent deck platform overlooking the river. Site 2: Firepit seating area overlooking limestone riverbed with 3 Adirondack chairs, picnic table with a shade umbrella, 10' x 10' raised tent / deck platform, stairs down to riverbed and shallow area of the river for kids to play. Awesome view of the river with trees / shrubs on each side for privacy. Site 3: Firepit seating area overlooking the riverbed, 2 wooden Adirondack chairs, 2 picnic tables, 1 shade umbrella, 2 sets of rock stairs to the riverbed, shallow area of the river for kids to play. Awesome view of the river with trees / shrubs on each side for privacy. Site 4 Farthest site downstream. Nice rock patio overlooking the river with two wooden rocking chairs. Easy access for RVs and trailers. Rock stairs to the river for easy access. Fire pit with rock patio around it with 4 wooden Adirondack chairs. Picnic table with shade umbrella. Kids sand box. Shallow areas for kids to play in the river. Deeper fishing hole about 100 feet down river. Great area to sit in the river with a lawn chair. Awesome view of the river with trees / shrubs on each side for privacy. A lot of people buy two sites for more privacy and room for larger groups. For example, many purchase Big Pecan and site 1 together. Or sites 2 and 3. kayaks, wood, outdoor games, frisbee golf baskets and disc, grill and utensils, propane firepit, and other extras available for rent. Please select those during checkout Tips: Bring river shoes, nose plugs, swimming essentials. Parts of the river can be very slippery. Bring life jackets, especially for children. Bring the essentials for any camping trip including: sunscreen, bug spray, anti-itch meds, etc. Chairs and sunshades to sit in the river are always popular. The Paluxy river ranges from just a few inches deep to 5 feet deep in our camping area. There are more swimming holes a little deeper up and downstream. Water is available at the entrance. No restroom - pack in, pack out. Bring your own potty and water. If you are not familiar with dry camping do some research. There are all types of methods for restrooms, heating, cooling, etc. available now to make it enjoyable. Dogs are allowed on leash. Please do not allow your dog to roam freely if they are aggressive in nature. Clean up after them. Cancellation Policy: You may cancel up to 3 days before your stay for a full refund. Weekends during peak seasons (March - June & September - November) are non-refundable unless canceled and another camper reserves the site. I do offer partial refunds for extreme weather conditions. Activities Nearby: Dinosaur Valley State Park (Hiking, Biking, Swimming) - 4.5 miles Fossil Rim Wildlife Center (Drive through the park) - 3.9 miles Historic Glen Rose Square (Eat, shop) - .5 miles Big Rocks Park (Free, Kids love to crawl on the huge boulders and wade in the river) - 1.3 miles Oakdale Park (Swimming pool, playground) - 1.4 miles Paluxy Heritage Park / River Walk (Free, Pretty walk, Connects to Big Rocks dam)- 1.2 miles Somervell County Museum (Free, donation) - .7 miles Wheeler Branch Reservoir - (small lake, good kayak fishing, clear)Expo Center (Rodeos, dog shows, different events depending on schedule) Places to eat:*Hammonds BBQ - 2 miles*Sexton Feed Mill Grill/Bar (River View) - .7 miles Los Primos Mexican Food/Bar - 1.7 miles*Mama Mia Mexican Cuisine -*Riverhouse Grill (Lil more upscale) - .4 miles*The Green Pickle (Hamburgers) - .7 milesLa Vita Italian Food - .7 miles*Big Cup Eatery (Breakfast, Dinner) - .9 miles* Storiebook Cafe (Sandwiches, wraps)- .8 miles Beehive Cafe - (hamburgers, Mexican food)Simple Simons (Pizza, calzones) -Snyder's Tavern Bar - .5 miles Blackies Bar/Grill - .7 miles Bull Lion Ranch Winery - .7 miles*Shoo-Fly Soda Shop (Ice-cream, pies) - .7 miles*Loco Coyote Grill/Bar (BBQ) - 8.8 miles Crave Bakery (coffee, pastries) - .8 miles*Grounded Coffee Shop (Coffee, salad bar)Debbie’s Restaurant (Breakfast) -Tiger Corner (Pastries, Sandwiches) -Subway -Sugar Biscuits (Lil Everything) -Teriyaki Chinese Food -Sunshine Doughnuts - *Rough Creek Lodge (upscale reservations, lunch $25, Dinner $125) - 15 miles*Overlook Cafe Fossil Rim (Free by bypassing main entrance, hamburgers, awesome view, petting zoo, gift shop) - 4 miles 7-Eleven Laredo Taco -Tacote (breakfast burritos, lunch) Cancellation Policy: You have until 3 days before your arrival to cancel for a full refund. This is strictly enforced for weekends or holidays. Credits for future stays are not available due to insurance reasons. Cancel as soon as you can. If you cancel after the 3 day period, but I am able to fill the site a refund will be given minus any fees incurred. Please understand there is only 5 sites at this location. A late cancellation hurts our business and those families that wanted to reserve a spot.
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$44.10
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(32)

The Charmadillo: Glamping Resort

29 sites · Lodging, Tents44 acres · Center Point, TX
A getaway tucked deep into 44 magical acres of rolling hills. 10 minutes outside of Center Point, Texas. Tucked into the top of a beautiful valley, where hills rule supreme! While on the property spend your time enjoying the rugged trails, bird watching, dark night skies, and the quiet. Don't forget to take advantage of our communal amenities including stock tank pools, sauna and outdoor shower! Currently we have 7 A-frame cabins to rent as well as dispersed camping sites! If you're interested in booking the whole property for your group shoot us a message! We have many communal spaces that are available for all guests to use! *We ask that guests clean up after themselves in the communal spaces during their stay. Allowing all guests to have access to a clean and welcoming space!* SHOWER HOUSE -4 private stalls: Shower + Toilet + Vanity *Dr.Bronner’s body wash will be provided in each shower KITCHEN: -Equipment: 4 burner range + convection oven + refrigerator + freezer + toaster + kettle + pour over cones -Tools: pots and pans + bakeware + measuring tools +cooking utensils + colander + can opener + wine opener -Pantry: olive oil + butter + salt + pepper -Breakfast: Birch Benders pancake mix (gluten free available) + syrup + oatmeal STOCK TANK POOLS -2 8 foot stock tank pools open 24/7 -Get your soak on and take in the views! SAUNA + OUTDOOR SHOWER -Sauna hours will be listed in checkin details. -The outdoor shower is not heated. It is intended for a quick refreshing rinse off, whether to cool down after the sauna or kick off your day with a rejuvenating start! THE DEN** A communal indoor space with Wifi, tables and couches. Think of a hotel lobby sort of vibe. You can also find games as well as books on plant ID and history of the area. (Found in the first bay of the garage) THE DUGOUT** A covered open air space appointed with twinkle lights and picnic tables. Intended for shaded outdoor hang space. We ask that tent campers cook there if they choose to use their own camp stoves. (Found in the open bay of the garage) The Charmadillo is a great base to explore the area! About an hour from Lost Maples, Garner State Park and Enchanted Rock. About 35 minutes to Hill Country State Natural Area. Various access points to the Guadalupe river via Center Point and Kerrville. With the addition of wineries, honkytonks, and charming bars and restaurants throughout the region.
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$35
 / night

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

Forest camping in Texas with campfires 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. 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.

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.

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