Discover the best desert campgrounds in Texas with hiking

United States
—
Texas

94% (3814 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Texas

Available this weekend

Star Hosts in Texas

96%

(1059)

Paisano Azul Ranch

11 sites · RVs, Tents30 acres · Study Butte, TX

Paisano Azul Ranch is on 30 acres located by Terlingua Creek. The property is just minutes from the Terlingua Ghost Town and a short 3 mile drive to the Big Bend National park. Come pitch your tent or park your camper amid the peaceful desert hillside with views of plateaus that lead to the Chisos Mountains in Big Bend National Park. There is a fire pit on site for you to toast marshmallows or cozy up near, and you can enjoy a bite to eat at the picnic table provided at each site. The picnic tables are placed beneath shade sails. There are two nice and new desert tan flushing Porta-Potties on-site, as well as showers for guests to use. These come in handy after a long day hiking. We hope you'll enjoy the beautiful open sky sunsets, sunrises, and stargazing as much as we do. We are located just 3 miles from the entrance to Big Bend National Park. There are plenty of opportunities to get out and explore - you can hike, bike, canoe & kayak, off-road, swim, go horseback riding, visit hot springs, as well as visit restaurants, galleries, and listen to great music in Terlingua. There is something for everyone to feel free to bring the whole family. Additional details to note: - We now have an above ground pool to keep cool in during the summer! Covered with a shade sail the water stays nice and chilly. ($10 fee/person) - You can stay connected if you'd like to, as cell reception and wifi are both available on our property. Feel free to unplug during your stay though. - Seeing other campers on your trip at the campsite is very standard, as the sites are far enough apart to feel like they are yours, but they are not private. - Potable water is provided on-site. We have an artisan well on property that has been certified as drinkable. It is double filtered to give you the best drinking water. Please feel free to reach out with any questions and we look forward to your stay.

97%

(159)

Good Guad Land Co.

3 sites · RVs, Tents50 acres · Dell City, TX

Find extreme solitude and unforgettable views of Guadalupe Peak at this desert escape next to Guadalupe Mountains National Park! This is choose-your-own-adventure camping. The terrain is rugged, and the dust and wind blow some nights. Once you're here, there are zero amenities (other than picnic tables). If this sounds fine — you don't mind roughing it — you'll be sleeping under the stars at the foot of West Texas' tallest mountain range. And who else can say they've done that? Distance to nearby attractions: Guadalupe Mountains National Park Visitor Center, 11 miles; Black River Recreation Area, 42 miles; Carlsbad Caverns National Park Visitor Center, 52 miles Distance from nearby towns: Dell City, 34 miles; Van Horn, 56 miles; Carlsbad, 65 miles; El Paso, 104 miles

Coyote Breaks Farm

7 sites · RVs, Tents42 acres · Wildorado, TX

The sites overlook the beautiful Canadian River breaks to the north with wide open skies to the west and east to enjoy the sunrises and sunsets. These are rustic sites with no improvements. We are just getting started with this so you’ll be able to help us from the ground up. If we are not in a burn ban you’re welcome to have a campfire. There will be opportunities to call up a wild coyote or watch some mule deer or an occasional antelope stroll by. You could even be awakened by the horses on their way to water in the morning and we can set up some horse riding if we have enough notice to schedule time off from the 9-5 haha. Can’t wait to see you on the prairie!

The Bus Stop Camp Ground

10 sites · RVs, Tents12 acres · Terlingua, TX

Hello Hipcampers! We welcome you to our relaxing desert getaway, our camp ground sits on 12 acres of beautiful desert scenery inside of a stunning range of mountains. There are countless activities to do around the area and no lack of adventure. Big Bend National Park Horseback Riding Plane Tours ATV Tours River Rafting Hiking Mountain Biking and more!

99%

(370)

Lynn y B's land

28 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents80 acres · Terlingua, TX

12 top desert campgrounds in Texas with hiking

99%

(370)

Lynn y B's land

28 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents80 acres · Terlingua, TX

The Bus Stop Camp Ground

10 sites · RVs, Tents12 acres · Terlingua, TX

Hello Hipcampers! We welcome you to our relaxing desert getaway, our camp ground sits on 12 acres of beautiful desert scenery inside of a stunning range of mountains. There are countless activities to do around the area and no lack of adventure. Big Bend National Park Horseback Riding Plane Tours ATV Tours River Rafting Hiking Mountain Biking and more!

Coyote Breaks Farm

7 sites · RVs, Tents42 acres · Wildorado, TX

The sites overlook the beautiful Canadian River breaks to the north with wide open skies to the west and east to enjoy the sunrises and sunsets. These are rustic sites with no improvements. We are just getting started with this so you’ll be able to help us from the ground up. If we are not in a burn ban you’re welcome to have a campfire. There will be opportunities to call up a wild coyote or watch some mule deer or an occasional antelope stroll by. You could even be awakened by the horses on their way to water in the morning and we can set up some horse riding if we have enough notice to schedule time off from the 9-5 haha. Can’t wait to see you on the prairie!

Paisano Azul Ranch

11 sites · RVs, Tents30 acres · Study Butte, TX

Paisano Azul Ranch is on 30 acres located by Terlingua Creek. The property is just minutes from the Terlingua Ghost Town and a short 3 mile drive to the Big Bend National park. Come pitch your tent or park your camper amid the peaceful desert hillside with views of plateaus that lead to the Chisos Mountains in Big Bend National Park. There is a fire pit on site for you to toast marshmallows or cozy up near, and you can enjoy a bite to eat at the picnic table provided at each site. The picnic tables are placed beneath shade sails. There are two nice and new desert tan flushing Porta-Potties on-site, as well as showers for guests to use. These come in handy after a long day hiking. We hope you'll enjoy the beautiful open sky sunsets, sunrises, and stargazing as much as we do. We are located just 3 miles from the entrance to Big Bend National Park. There are plenty of opportunities to get out and explore - you can hike, bike, canoe & kayak, off-road, swim, go horseback riding, visit hot springs, as well as visit restaurants, galleries, and listen to great music in Terlingua. There is something for everyone to feel free to bring the whole family. Additional details to note: - We now have an above ground pool to keep cool in during the summer! Covered with a shade sail the water stays nice and chilly. ($10 fee/person) - You can stay connected if you'd like to, as cell reception and wifi are both available on our property. Feel free to unplug during your stay though. - Seeing other campers on your trip at the campsite is very standard, as the sites are far enough apart to feel like they are yours, but they are not private. - Potable water is provided on-site. We have an artisan well on property that has been certified as drinkable. It is double filtered to give you the best drinking water. Please feel free to reach out with any questions and we look forward to your stay.

Terlingua Ranch Primitive Camp

6 sites · RVs, Tents425 acres · Alpine, TX

Terlingua Ranch is 192,000 acres of desert and mountains between Big Bend National Park and Big Bend Ranch State Park in far SW Texas. Our campsites are in the area of the Terlingua Ranch Lodge, which features a swimming pool, cafe, laundry, bathhouse, disc golf course, access to hiking trails, and other amenities. Terlingua Ranch is the perfect venue for your basecamp to Big Bend adventures, family reunions, and myriad other activities in the area.

Good Guad Land Co.

3 sites · RVs, Tents50 acres · Dell City, TX

Find extreme solitude and unforgettable views of Guadalupe Peak at this desert escape next to Guadalupe Mountains National Park! This is choose-your-own-adventure camping. The terrain is rugged, and the dust and wind blow some nights. Once you're here, there are zero amenities (other than picnic tables). If this sounds fine — you don't mind roughing it — you'll be sleeping under the stars at the foot of West Texas' tallest mountain range. And who else can say they've done that? Distance to nearby attractions: Guadalupe Mountains National Park Visitor Center, 11 miles; Black River Recreation Area, 42 miles; Carlsbad Caverns National Park Visitor Center, 52 miles Distance from nearby towns: Dell City, 34 miles; Van Horn, 56 miles; Carlsbad, 65 miles; El Paso, 104 miles

96%

(27)

Mountain View Lodge

3 sites · RVs, Tents7 acres · Fort Davis, TX

Formerly Mountain Trails Lodge, our property features stunning sunrises and sunsets, wildlife watching, and amazing dark skies viewing. Our on-site Cafe serves breakfast and lunch daily from 8am to 2pm/ We offer tent campsites and one RV site with electricity and water available, along with access to a restroom with shower and amenities, our pavilion with a gas grill and grilling tools, a fridge, ice, and picnic tables. We also have cabins for rent, visible on our website mountainviewlodgetx.com. We have seven acres convenient to many attractions, including McDonald Observatory, Fort Davis National Historic Site, Davis Mountains State Park, the Chihuahuan Desert Research Center, a 75-mile scenic loop, and more. Marfa, TX, a widely recognized community of world-renowned artists, is just a 20-minute drive away. Alpine, TX is also only 20 minutes away with more amenities and medical care facilities. We are located in a Dark Skies Reserve with spectacular night viewing of stars and the Milky Way, even without a telescope!

Lakefront Vineyard & Winery

9 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents13 acres · Millersview, TX

A true Texas inspiration! Began in 2007 as a hobby to make wine for personal consumption, this vineyard has evolved into an award-winning winery in a location uniquely suited for grape production, right on the border of the High Plains AVA & Hill Country AVA.

91%

(100)

Fort Clark Springs

11 sites · Tents2700 acres · Brackettville, TX

Fort Clark began as a US Army Post in 1852; built beside the Las Moras Springs, to defend settlers along the Pecos Trail. In service until 1947, Fort Clark was a cavalry fort and home of the famed Black Seminole Indian Scouts; as well as every historic Buffalo Soldier regiment in the US Army. During WWII, it was headquarters for the 2nd Cavalry Division and it housed more than 3000 German POWs. The old Army Guardhouse is now a museum. MOVIE BUFFS: Movies filmed on the fort and in the surrounding area include: The Alamo (John Wayne), Lonesome Dove, Streets of Laredo, The Good Old Boys, Barbarossa, Arrowhead & more!Fort Clark Springs is now a 2700 acre leisure living community bordering US Hwy 90 at Brackettville, Texas; approximately 140 miles due west of San Antonio, Texas.The Fort sits at the head of the Las Moras Spring which has been generating millions of gallons of pure, cold sparkling water for over 12,000 years. It also sits on a portion of the Great Comanche War Trail between Naciamento, Mexico and Oklahoma. The spring has always been a lifeline for a multitude of cultures and wildlife. Some of these include a number of different tribes, buffalo, deep antelope and large herds of native mustangs. The spring forms a stunning little valley and creates a natural habitat that allows native semi-tropical vendure and the finest specimens of Live Oak, Pecans and White Oak trees to flourish. Today, it also home to large herds of axis and whitetail deer, turkey, javelinas, feral hogs and is a birders' paradise as well; as it sits on the western migratory bird path.Learn more about this land:Pitch your tent along the Las Moras Creek under 150+ year old oak trees - exactly where the famed Black Seminole Indian Scouts lived and rode with the US Cavalry; defending settlers and travelers from Comanche along the Pecos Trail. Explore Fort Clark - home to every historic buffalo soldier regiment in the US Army, the Black Seminole Indian Scouts; as well as almost every US cavalry regiment. After almost 100 years in service, the army post closed (1852 - 1947) and was eventually rehabilitated into a 2700 acre leisure living community, at the edge of West Texas. Historical markers dot the 21+ miles of hiking/biking trails on the Fort.The original US Army Guardhouse is now a museum; and along with the largest privately owned historic district west of the Mississippi River, it awaits your exploration. 6 State Parks/National Recreation Areas - all within an hour drive - also await you. Visit the millions of freetail bats at Kickapoo Caverns, the wilds of the Pecos River and Seminole Canyon, tube the Frio River, bass fish at Lake Amistad, explore 21+ miles of hiking trails on the Fort, or just relax by the 3rd largest spring-fed pool in Texas. (68 degrees year round). NOTE: Over 100 movies/TV shows/music videos have been filmed on the fort and in Kinney County including: The Alamo (John Wayne) , Arrowhead, Two Rode Together, Bandelero, The Good Old Boys and Bad Girls. Campsites are named after movies made here and in Kinney County.Although located directly next to the RV Park, the campground is separate, with its own bathhouse and has its own vibe of quiet peacefulness. Axis and whitetail deer walk and graze through the campground year round, as well as large turkey flocks. Picnic tables, fire rings and shower rooms are also available.Campers may fish the Las Moras Creek (catch & release) with no license needed. Tent camping here at Fort Clark is very relaxed with large unstructured campsites and a very peaceful relaxed feel to the entire campground.

98%

(130)

Perdido Overland Overnight Camp

2 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Study Butte, TX

We bought our property in 2003. Built our completely off-grid cabin in 2009, and moved out here full time in 2015. Since 2015 we've been continually improving our property and in 2019 had the idea to start a small campsite on the backside of our property in a private valley. A valley that while private and secluded has excellent 360 degree views.

100%

(16)

Mel's Place

3 sites · Lodging20 acres · Study Butte, TX

Mel's Place has been a favorite camp spot for many since we opened 5 years ago. Feels secluded and remote, yet only a mile or so from everything you might need and only 5 miles to the national park west (Maverick) entrance. 5 miles to the lively ghost town ofTerlingua with some great bars and restraunts. The views from camp are stunning with breathtaking sunrises over the Chisos mountains. Sunsets aren't too shabby either. We are an adults only retreat and hope to provide you the peaceful solitude with breathtaking stargazing you need to renew your spirit!! We are within a few miles of nearly all the local outfitters for your river trips, Jeep or ATV tours, etc. Come make memories!

98%

(1136)

Goat Pens, Cigar Springs Ranch

50 sites · RVs, Tents640 acres · Terlingua, TX

This central location provides an ideal basecamp close to the Terlingua Ghost Town and both Big Bend State and National Parks. The unique geology and topography of the Goat Pens made this a popular movie set and many westerns were filmed here in the 80's and 90's. Come out and enjoy seclusion, peace and quiet, awesome scenery with sunrises and sunsets to die for. All while still being able to easily take advantage of the area's other attractions. The Goat Pens includes an outdoor events venue that hosts concerts, stargazing parties, festivals and weddings. The Goat Pens also has the only drive-in movie theater in the Big Bend area. Send a text or check The Goat Pens Facebook page (@goatpens) for information and dates of events. The Goat Pens of Cigar Springs Ranch is a beautiful part of the ranch. It is well known for its scenery and unique topography. The Goat Pens served as a set location for many westerns filmed during the 1980's and 90's. Remarkable beauty, easy access, centrally located, seclusion, peace and quiet. All add up to an unforgettable vacation experience. **New This Winter** Rachel Wey Ranch Petting Zoo and Pony Rides Please contact us about hours and availibilty Rachel.wey.ranch @faceboook.com-

Dog-friendly getaways

99%

(239)

Coyote Breaks Farm

7 sites · RVs, Tents42 acres · Wildorado, TX

The sites overlook the beautiful Canadian River breaks to the north with wide open skies to the west and east to enjoy the sunrises and sunsets. These are rustic sites with no improvements. We are just getting started with this so you’ll be able to help us from the ground up. If we are not in a burn ban you’re welcome to have a campfire. There will be opportunities to call up a wild coyote or watch some mule deer or an occasional antelope stroll by. You could even be awakened by the horses on their way to water in the morning and we can set up some horse riding if we have enough notice to schedule time off from the 9-5 haha. Can’t wait to see you on the prairie!

The Bus Stop Camp Ground

10 sites · RVs, Tents12 acres · Terlingua, TX

Hello Hipcampers! We welcome you to our relaxing desert getaway, our camp ground sits on 12 acres of beautiful desert scenery inside of a stunning range of mountains. There are countless activities to do around the area and no lack of adventure. Big Bend National Park Horseback Riding Plane Tours ATV Tours River Rafting Hiking Mountain Biking and more!

Lynn y B's land

28 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents80 acres · Terlingua, TX

Terlingua Ranch Primitive Camp

6 sites · RVs, Tents425 acres · Alpine, TX

Terlingua Ranch is 192,000 acres of desert and mountains between Big Bend National Park and Big Bend Ranch State Park in far SW Texas. Our campsites are in the area of the Terlingua Ranch Lodge, which features a swimming pool, cafe, laundry, bathhouse, disc golf course, access to hiking trails, and other amenities. Terlingua Ranch is the perfect venue for your basecamp to Big Bend adventures, family reunions, and myriad other activities in the area.

Paisano Azul Ranch

11 sites · RVs, Tents30 acres · Study Butte, TX

Paisano Azul Ranch is on 30 acres located by Terlingua Creek. The property is just minutes from the Terlingua Ghost Town and a short 3 mile drive to the Big Bend National park. Come pitch your tent or park your camper amid the peaceful desert hillside with views of plateaus that lead to the Chisos Mountains in Big Bend National Park. There is a fire pit on site for you to toast marshmallows or cozy up near, and you can enjoy a bite to eat at the picnic table provided at each site. The picnic tables are placed beneath shade sails. There are two nice and new desert tan flushing Porta-Potties on-site, as well as showers for guests to use. These come in handy after a long day hiking. We hope you'll enjoy the beautiful open sky sunsets, sunrises, and stargazing as much as we do. We are located just 3 miles from the entrance to Big Bend National Park. There are plenty of opportunities to get out and explore - you can hike, bike, canoe & kayak, off-road, swim, go horseback riding, visit hot springs, as well as visit restaurants, galleries, and listen to great music in Terlingua. There is something for everyone to feel free to bring the whole family. Additional details to note: - We now have an above ground pool to keep cool in during the summer! Covered with a shade sail the water stays nice and chilly. ($10 fee/person) - You can stay connected if you'd like to, as cell reception and wifi are both available on our property. Feel free to unplug during your stay though. - Seeing other campers on your trip at the campsite is very standard, as the sites are far enough apart to feel like they are yours, but they are not private. - Potable water is provided on-site. We have an artisan well on property that has been certified as drinkable. It is double filtered to give you the best drinking water. Please feel free to reach out with any questions and we look forward to your stay.

Under $50

99%

(202)

The Bus Stop Camp Ground

10 sites · RVs, Tents12 acres · Terlingua, TX

Hello Hipcampers! We welcome you to our relaxing desert getaway, our camp ground sits on 12 acres of beautiful desert scenery inside of a stunning range of mountains. There are countless activities to do around the area and no lack of adventure. Big Bend National Park Horseback Riding Plane Tours ATV Tours River Rafting Hiking Mountain Biking and more!

Terlingua Ranch Primitive Camp

6 sites · RVs, Tents425 acres · Alpine, TX

Terlingua Ranch is 192,000 acres of desert and mountains between Big Bend National Park and Big Bend Ranch State Park in far SW Texas. Our campsites are in the area of the Terlingua Ranch Lodge, which features a swimming pool, cafe, laundry, bathhouse, disc golf course, access to hiking trails, and other amenities. Terlingua Ranch is the perfect venue for your basecamp to Big Bend adventures, family reunions, and myriad other activities in the area.

Lynn y B's land

28 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents80 acres · Terlingua, TX

Paisano Azul Ranch

11 sites · RVs, Tents30 acres · Study Butte, TX

Paisano Azul Ranch is on 30 acres located by Terlingua Creek. The property is just minutes from the Terlingua Ghost Town and a short 3 mile drive to the Big Bend National park. Come pitch your tent or park your camper amid the peaceful desert hillside with views of plateaus that lead to the Chisos Mountains in Big Bend National Park. There is a fire pit on site for you to toast marshmallows or cozy up near, and you can enjoy a bite to eat at the picnic table provided at each site. The picnic tables are placed beneath shade sails. There are two nice and new desert tan flushing Porta-Potties on-site, as well as showers for guests to use. These come in handy after a long day hiking. We hope you'll enjoy the beautiful open sky sunsets, sunrises, and stargazing as much as we do. We are located just 3 miles from the entrance to Big Bend National Park. There are plenty of opportunities to get out and explore - you can hike, bike, canoe & kayak, off-road, swim, go horseback riding, visit hot springs, as well as visit restaurants, galleries, and listen to great music in Terlingua. There is something for everyone to feel free to bring the whole family. Additional details to note: - We now have an above ground pool to keep cool in during the summer! Covered with a shade sail the water stays nice and chilly. ($10 fee/person) - You can stay connected if you'd like to, as cell reception and wifi are both available on our property. Feel free to unplug during your stay though. - Seeing other campers on your trip at the campsite is very standard, as the sites are far enough apart to feel like they are yours, but they are not private. - Potable water is provided on-site. We have an artisan well on property that has been certified as drinkable. It is double filtered to give you the best drinking water. Please feel free to reach out with any questions and we look forward to your stay.

Coyote Breaks Farm

7 sites · RVs, Tents42 acres · Wildorado, TX

The sites overlook the beautiful Canadian River breaks to the north with wide open skies to the west and east to enjoy the sunrises and sunsets. These are rustic sites with no improvements. We are just getting started with this so you’ll be able to help us from the ground up. If we are not in a burn ban you’re welcome to have a campfire. There will be opportunities to call up a wild coyote or watch some mule deer or an occasional antelope stroll by. You could even be awakened by the horses on their way to water in the morning and we can set up some horse riding if we have enough notice to schedule time off from the 9-5 haha. Can’t wait to see you on the prairie!

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

96%

(78)

Big Bend Ranch State Park

Redford, Texas

88%

(61)

Palo Duro Canyon State Park

Lake Tanglewood, Texas

98%

(29)

Guadalupe Mountains National Park

Dell City, Texas

95%

(60)

Enchanted Rock State Natural Area

Fredericksburg, Texas

94%

(17)

Davis Mountains State Park

Fort Davis, Texas

Seminole Canyon State Park & Historic Site

100%

(5)

Seminole Canyon State Park & Historic Site

Box Canyon, Texas

100%

(5)

Hueco Tanks State Park & Historic Site

Butterfield, Texas

100%

(2)

Devils River State Natural Area

Box Canyon, Texas

100%

(1)

Franklin Mountains State Park

Desert camping in Texas with hiking 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.