Discover the best lakeside campgrounds in Texas with swimming

United States
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Texas

93% (5039 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Texas

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Available this weekend

95%

(220)

Lake Cisco Campground

6 sites · RVs, Tents11 acres · Cisco, TX

Located at an old WPA resort that had the World's largest Concrete Swimming Pool and old Zoo made in caves. There are 2 RV sites and multiple tent camping sites. There is a lot of history associated with the area. Elvis and Bob Wills stayed there when the rock cabins were called Lake Cisco Courts in the 1950s.

Liberty Hill Hideaway Lake Retreat

17 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents7 acres · Dawson, TX

Lake life at Liberty Hill Hideaway gives you choices that fit your life style. Our main-house accommodations include 2 queen-size bedrooms w/ensuites, a shared large balcony, crow's nest, kitchen, dining area, living room and laundry room. If you prefer glamping, enjoy our 2 remodeled vintage RVs sharing outdoor shower. The grounds are beautiful and fit for 3 campsites w/electricity, and 1 primitive campsite with tent & meditation habak. Shared restroom and shower for outdoor sites. This is the perfect place to restore your soul. If you are a free spirit who loves nature, quirky, lakelife, stars, trees, flowers, luscious foliage, pretty much everything about the outdoors and being in a tranquil country setting, this is your vacation and time-out place. Enjoy snoozing in the hammocks, playing croquet with your friends, stargazing from the Crow's Nest, enjoying drinks or mushroom coffee or tea on the patio bar, a game of pool, firepits, listening to good music from other free spirits, the habak tent, tent camping, glamping in restored vintage RVs, staying in eclectic-designed rooms in the main house with private restrooms, sitting out on the shared balcony. boating and fishing on Navarro Mills Lake. There're so many things to do when you just relax and get back to nature. Let the day take you away. Lake life is better at Liberty Hill Hideaway lake retreat. Plan your next getaway here!

84%

(72)

Magnolia Gardens Park

60 sites · RVs, Tents200 acres · Sheldon, TX

Located steps from the San Jacinto River Historic Magnolia Gardens Park. Have your coffee riverside as the steam rises off the warm water. Observing the abundant wildlife. If a secluded GREEN space is what you're looking for, you fond it!Learn more about this land:Located on the sandy beaches of the San Jacinto River, Magnolia Gardens park. We offer a family environment you can picnic, camp, swim, fish, kayak, and rent jet skis. Set up your tent on the beach, or in the wooded areas. You can drive around the property till you find the perfect spot. There are areas near electric plugs 🔌 not Available in all areas of the park. If u wish for secluded camp site. We have plenty of space away from The world. Disconnect to reconnect

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.

5D RANCH

25 sites · RVs, Tents400 acres · Navasota, TX

Welcome to 5D Ranch in Navasota, TX. We’re located 60 miles North of Houston and just 2.5 hours from Austin. We have over 14 miles of trails, 2 fishing ponds, 4 boats that are free to use, and great views of the night sky. With 24 unique campsites, we’re sure to have one that fits your needs! We also can provide rentals of camping essentials, a S'mores package and we offer a meet the ponies session that can be scheduled upon your arrival. We can’t wait to host you! Don't forget to ask us about our farm fresh eggs!

12 top lakeside campgrounds in Texas with swimming

99%

(2699)

5D RANCH

25 sites · RVs, Tents400 acres · Navasota, TX

Welcome to 5D Ranch in Navasota, TX. We’re located 60 miles North of Houston and just 2.5 hours from Austin. We have over 14 miles of trails, 2 fishing ponds, 4 boats that are free to use, and great views of the night sky. With 24 unique campsites, we’re sure to have one that fits your needs! We also can provide rentals of camping essentials, a S'mores package and we offer a meet the ponies session that can be scheduled upon your arrival. We can’t wait to host you! Don't forget to ask us about our farm fresh eggs!

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.

Lake Cisco Campground

6 sites · RVs, Tents11 acres · Cisco, TX

Located at an old WPA resort that had the World's largest Concrete Swimming Pool and old Zoo made in caves. There are 2 RV sites and multiple tent camping sites. There is a lot of history associated with the area. Elvis and Bob Wills stayed there when the rock cabins were called Lake Cisco Courts in the 1950s.

Liberty Hill Hideaway Lake Retreat

17 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents7 acres · Dawson, TX

Lake life at Liberty Hill Hideaway gives you choices that fit your life style. Our main-house accommodations include 2 queen-size bedrooms w/ensuites, a shared large balcony, crow's nest, kitchen, dining area, living room and laundry room. If you prefer glamping, enjoy our 2 remodeled vintage RVs sharing outdoor shower. The grounds are beautiful and fit for 3 campsites w/electricity, and 1 primitive campsite with tent & meditation habak. Shared restroom and shower for outdoor sites. This is the perfect place to restore your soul. If you are a free spirit who loves nature, quirky, lakelife, stars, trees, flowers, luscious foliage, pretty much everything about the outdoors and being in a tranquil country setting, this is your vacation and time-out place. Enjoy snoozing in the hammocks, playing croquet with your friends, stargazing from the Crow's Nest, enjoying drinks or mushroom coffee or tea on the patio bar, a game of pool, firepits, listening to good music from other free spirits, the habak tent, tent camping, glamping in restored vintage RVs, staying in eclectic-designed rooms in the main house with private restrooms, sitting out on the shared balcony. boating and fishing on Navarro Mills Lake. There're so many things to do when you just relax and get back to nature. Let the day take you away. Lake life is better at Liberty Hill Hideaway lake retreat. Plan your next getaway here!

Magnolia Gardens Park

60 sites · RVs, Tents200 acres · Sheldon, TX

Located steps from the San Jacinto River Historic Magnolia Gardens Park. Have your coffee riverside as the steam rises off the warm water. Observing the abundant wildlife. If a secluded GREEN space is what you're looking for, you fond it!Learn more about this land:Located on the sandy beaches of the San Jacinto River, Magnolia Gardens park. We offer a family environment you can picnic, camp, swim, fish, kayak, and rent jet skis. Set up your tent on the beach, or in the wooded areas. You can drive around the property till you find the perfect spot. There are areas near electric plugs 🔌 not Available in all areas of the park. If u wish for secluded camp site. We have plenty of space away from The world. Disconnect to reconnect

Friends In RV Spaces

6 sites · RVs6 acres · Azle, TX

Full hookup RV sites on a small North Texas homestead farm, close enough to town to be convenient but far enough to enjoy a quiet country atmosphere. Daytime access to a full bathroom with large shower, and even laundry on site. Farm fresh eggs and veggies often available during the season. We are a homestead farm that offers campsites in your RV, NOT an RV park. We offer a peaceful place to unplug.

98%

(560)

Boulderdash Cabin & Camping

12 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · Bandera, TX

Hi Hip Campers! Spend some time in the beautiful Texas Hill Country at Boulderdash. Located along the serene Medina River, you can enjoy riverfront access and the peace and quiet of the great outdoors. Boulderdash hosts a variety of accommodations for every type of camper. Enjoy a cozy rustic three-bedroom cabin, primitive tent camping, full hookup RV sites, riverfront tent sites, and more! Play in the river,(please check lake levels) unplug, reconnect with friends and family, and enjoy the views of this beautiful country setting! Enjoy feeding the deer and watching the many varieties of birds, foxes, armadillos, squirrels and others! Our place is just 9 miles from Bandera, TX, the "Cowboy Capital of the World," where you can get a taste of the cowboy lifestyle with horseback riding, ranch tours, rodeos, museums, and more! This is one Texas destination you don't want to miss!

92%

(561)

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.

99%

(224)

Lake Godstone™ Lodging and Camping

25 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents188 acres · Graford, TX

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

96%

(321)

this is Paradise on Lake Texoma

27 sites · Lodging, Tents100 acres · Pottsboro, TX

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

99%

(86)

Hill Country Nature Retreat

8 sites · Lodging38 acres · Blanco, TX

My husband and I have built 100% of our homestead ourselves, with no hired help and we try to use as much recycled materials as possible. We utilize some solar power and capture 100% of our water from the rain, for an eco friendly experience. In addition to our rentals, we also built a run a small event/retreat center where folks host retreats, weddings, workshops, and more!

92%

(169)

HomeAway Ranch & Wildlife Preserve

62 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents100 acres · Boerne, TX

We're happily retired partners loving life in this wonderful oasis... And working hard to make it a bit better for our animals and guests, every single day. Mickey's recently retired from 21 years traveling the world with International Joint Special Forces and Vicky's a Cordon Bleu Chef who also recently retired. We are living our dream "retirement" in this gorgeous wooded Texas Hill-Country, caring for and playing with all sorts of fun animals and welcoming lovely people to our ranch/wildlife preserve/nature- resort, personally ensuring everyone has a memorable experience, from customized horseback-riding experiences (everything from trail rides, to horseback riding lessons to weddings and vows-renewals on horseback), to serving as concierge to preparing that special "made to order" fresh country breakfasts, champagne brunches and romantic or fun meals and treats like chocolate covered strawberries for any special occasion, including anniversaries and birthdays.

Under $50

97%

(139)

Friends In RV Spaces

6 sites · RVs6 acres · Azle, TX

Full hookup RV sites on a small North Texas homestead farm, close enough to town to be convenient but far enough to enjoy a quiet country atmosphere. Daytime access to a full bathroom with large shower, and even laundry on site. Farm fresh eggs and veggies often available during the season. We are a homestead farm that offers campsites in your RV, NOT an RV park. We offer a peaceful place to unplug.

Boulderdash Cabin & Camping

12 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · Bandera, TX

Hi Hip Campers! Spend some time in the beautiful Texas Hill Country at Boulderdash. Located along the serene Medina River, you can enjoy riverfront access and the peace and quiet of the great outdoors. Boulderdash hosts a variety of accommodations for every type of camper. Enjoy a cozy rustic three-bedroom cabin, primitive tent camping, full hookup RV sites, riverfront tent sites, and more! Play in the river,(please check lake levels) unplug, reconnect with friends and family, and enjoy the views of this beautiful country setting! Enjoy feeding the deer and watching the many varieties of birds, foxes, armadillos, squirrels and others! Our place is just 9 miles from Bandera, TX, the "Cowboy Capital of the World," where you can get a taste of the cowboy lifestyle with horseback riding, ranch tours, rodeos, museums, and more! This is one Texas destination you don't want to miss!

Magnolia Gardens Park

60 sites · RVs, Tents200 acres · Sheldon, TX

Located steps from the San Jacinto River Historic Magnolia Gardens Park. Have your coffee riverside as the steam rises off the warm water. Observing the abundant wildlife. If a secluded GREEN space is what you're looking for, you fond it!Learn more about this land:Located on the sandy beaches of the San Jacinto River, Magnolia Gardens park. We offer a family environment you can picnic, camp, swim, fish, kayak, and rent jet skis. Set up your tent on the beach, or in the wooded areas. You can drive around the property till you find the perfect spot. There are areas near electric plugs 🔌 not Available in all areas of the park. If u wish for secluded camp site. We have plenty of space away from The world. Disconnect to reconnect

Lake Cisco Campground

6 sites · RVs, Tents11 acres · Cisco, TX

Located at an old WPA resort that had the World's largest Concrete Swimming Pool and old Zoo made in caves. There are 2 RV sites and multiple tent camping sites. There is a lot of history associated with the area. Elvis and Bob Wills stayed there when the rock cabins were called Lake Cisco Courts in the 1950s.

5D RANCH

25 sites · RVs, Tents400 acres · Navasota, TX

Welcome to 5D Ranch in Navasota, TX. We’re located 60 miles North of Houston and just 2.5 hours from Austin. We have over 14 miles of trails, 2 fishing ponds, 4 boats that are free to use, and great views of the night sky. With 24 unique campsites, we’re sure to have one that fits your needs! We also can provide rentals of camping essentials, a S'mores package and we offer a meet the ponies session that can be scheduled upon your arrival. We can’t wait to host you! Don't forget to ask us about our farm fresh eggs!

Dog-friendly getaways

100%

(102)

Liberty Hill Hideaway Lake Retreat

17 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents7 acres · Dawson, TX

Lake life at Liberty Hill Hideaway gives you choices that fit your life style. Our main-house accommodations include 2 queen-size bedrooms w/ensuites, a shared large balcony, crow's nest, kitchen, dining area, living room and laundry room. If you prefer glamping, enjoy our 2 remodeled vintage RVs sharing outdoor shower. The grounds are beautiful and fit for 3 campsites w/electricity, and 1 primitive campsite with tent & meditation habak. Shared restroom and shower for outdoor sites. This is the perfect place to restore your soul. If you are a free spirit who loves nature, quirky, lakelife, stars, trees, flowers, luscious foliage, pretty much everything about the outdoors and being in a tranquil country setting, this is your vacation and time-out place. Enjoy snoozing in the hammocks, playing croquet with your friends, stargazing from the Crow's Nest, enjoying drinks or mushroom coffee or tea on the patio bar, a game of pool, firepits, listening to good music from other free spirits, the habak tent, tent camping, glamping in restored vintage RVs, staying in eclectic-designed rooms in the main house with private restrooms, sitting out on the shared balcony. boating and fishing on Navarro Mills Lake. There're so many things to do when you just relax and get back to nature. Let the day take you away. Lake life is better at Liberty Hill Hideaway lake retreat. Plan your next getaway here!

Magnolia Gardens Park

60 sites · RVs, Tents200 acres · Sheldon, TX

Located steps from the San Jacinto River Historic Magnolia Gardens Park. Have your coffee riverside as the steam rises off the warm water. Observing the abundant wildlife. If a secluded GREEN space is what you're looking for, you fond it!Learn more about this land:Located on the sandy beaches of the San Jacinto River, Magnolia Gardens park. We offer a family environment you can picnic, camp, swim, fish, kayak, and rent jet skis. Set up your tent on the beach, or in the wooded areas. You can drive around the property till you find the perfect spot. There are areas near electric plugs 🔌 not Available in all areas of the park. If u wish for secluded camp site. We have plenty of space away from The world. Disconnect to reconnect

Lake Cisco Campground

6 sites · RVs, Tents11 acres · Cisco, TX

Located at an old WPA resort that had the World's largest Concrete Swimming Pool and old Zoo made in caves. There are 2 RV sites and multiple tent camping sites. There is a lot of history associated with the area. Elvis and Bob Wills stayed there when the rock cabins were called Lake Cisco Courts in the 1950s.

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.

5D RANCH

25 sites · RVs, Tents400 acres · Navasota, TX

Welcome to 5D Ranch in Navasota, TX. We’re located 60 miles North of Houston and just 2.5 hours from Austin. We have over 14 miles of trails, 2 fishing ponds, 4 boats that are free to use, and great views of the night sky. With 24 unique campsites, we’re sure to have one that fits your needs! We also can provide rentals of camping essentials, a S'mores package and we offer a meet the ponies session that can be scheduled upon your arrival. We can’t wait to host you! Don't forget to ask us about our farm fresh eggs!

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Lakeside camping in Texas with swimming 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.