Camping in Texas with horseback riding

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

94% (10911 reviews)
94% (10911 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Texas

Dog-friendly getaways

Under $50

12 top campgrounds in Texas with horseback riding

95%
(1130)

Paisano Azul Ranch

15 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 camp; 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. DIRECTIONS: Once you are on Road Runner Circle, go past the house on the left with the Christmas lights on. Please continue down the road and follow the road around the curve to the left. The campsites will be on the left and side behind the rock walls. The campsite number that is booked is the campsite you will stay in. 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 by the showers. 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. The showers and potable water is located approximately 1/4 mile from campsites 1-7. Please feel free to reach out with any questions and we look forward to your stay.
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from 
$39
 / night
98%
(1182)

Goat Pens, Cigar Springs Ranch

50 sites · RVs, Tents600 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.
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from 
$40
 / night
99%
(601)

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
 / night
99%
(1250)

Low Gear Farmstead

32 sites · RVs, Tents75 acres · Menard, TX
Get into low gear and enjoy the slow pace and peace of our little working farm on the edge of the hill country. Low Gear Farmstead's 75 acres border the lovely San Saba River, providing campers the opportunity to swim, wade, fish and paddle. Farm animals including dairy goats, chickens, and horses inhabit the property, but wildlife such as deer, wild turkey, ringtail, fox and armadillo is also abundant. Bird watchers will be delighted at the diversity of birds, especially in spring. Don't forget to look up at night as our dark skies provide excellent stargazing on clear nights and a very visible Milky Way. We limit the number of campsites and spread them out so that campers may enjoy privacy and seclusion. Campsites are provided with compost toilets and most sites also have a fire ring. 4WD is not required unless we have had heavy rains, otherwise most vehicles, except very low clearance ones, do fine. The nearest town, Menard, is about a 12 minute drive from the property and has a grocery store, gas stations, a couple restaurants, a pub and a bakery. Lovers of history might enjoy visiting the Presidio de San Saba, about 20 minutes from the farm, as well as the historic Pioneers Rest Cemetery in town. Low Gear Farmstead is a safe, welcoming space for queers and POC.
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from 
$20
 / night
94%
(1364)

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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from 
$50
 / night
94%
(51)

P² Farm | Scenic River Camping

4 sites · RVs, Tents30 acres · Georgetown, TX
Welcome to P² Farm (Psquared), a true Texan gem nestled on 30 acres of idyllic countryside just outside of Georgetown, Texas. Our working horse farm offers an authentic rural experience unlike any other, with stunning sunsets that paint the Texas sky each evening. Our farm is home to a delightful variety of animals, including horses, donkeys, goats, pigs and our friendly farm cats and dogs. Our camping sites offer the chance to really dive into nature with access to beautiful trees and the san gabriel river. Camp right underneath our beautiful "Mother Tree" which captures the attention of all of our campers and trail ride participants. Book a trail ride or animal experience during your stay to get the full working farm experience. Restroom facilities with flushable toilets are conveniently located on the property. Well water is available from the sink located near the bathroom. Portable fire ring is provided. Please remember, for the safety and comfort of our animals and guests, unsupervised interactions with our animals are not permitted. All animal interactions must be scheduled and supervised by our experienced staff. Our farm is situated just a short drive from local attractions. We are 10 miles from the Historic Georgetown Square, 11.2 miles from the serene Blue Hole, and 38 miles from the hustle and bustle of downtown Austin. At Psquared Farm, we aim to offer you a tranquil and authentic farm stay amidst our horse-centric environment. Pack your tent and get ready for a unique Texan adventure framed by the beauty of nature and the peaceful rhythm of farm life.
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from 
$25
 / night
99%
(1187)

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)
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
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from 
$40
 / night
94%
(203)

Outpost 203 - Camp & Glamp

48 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · Plantersville, TX
Bring your friends and family and hide away at Outpost 203 - Camp & Glamp! You are entering a stress free, tree-filled zone... Wooded glampground in Plantersville, TX. Fully furnished glamping canvas bell tents, with premier tents on platforms with electric (and Kuerig coffee pots and coffee!). Sleep 2 - 10 comfortably, depending on the size tent. Tents range in size from 10 - 20 feet. Glamping vintage trailers are available too, and are also fully furnished with electric. The fully renovated vintage trailers sleep 2-3 people each. Or bring your own small to mid-size RV, tent, or car/truck/van and pick a cool cleared or primitive site of your choice. We also have 5 electric 30 Amp hookup available. The camp is surrounded by farms and ranches, wineries offering music options (one is dog friendly!). Lake Conroe is 20 minutes to the east. Amenities include a cowboy pool, courtyard seating and camp fire pit, hot showers, bathrooms (currently port-a-potties), fiber wifi, and a potable water/filling station. We are in the customer service business, meaning we make it easy to camp (and celebrate!) with our beautiful 4-season canvas glamp tents and glamp vintage trailers. Just drive up to your tent and get ready to relax. All tents are fully furnished with made beds and critical supplies, and have picnic tables, chairs around the fire rings, firewood, and charcoal grills. Our premier platform tents also have electric, heat, hammocks, Keurig coffee pots, coffee and more! Vintage trailers have everything you need as well inside and out. Reservations are available on both Hipcamp and Airbnb. We even offer to decorate for you in advance for special celebration occasions. Now get ready to relax in nature! Special requests and group/event requests are welcome! Let us know how we can help you enjoy getting away. Thank you for considering a stay in our neck of the woods! 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦⛺🥾🎣🌲🌳🛶🐦
Pets
Potable water
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from 
$44
 / 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

Camping in Texas with horseback riding 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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