Mountainous camping in Texas with wildlife watching
The largest state in the Lower 48 features no shortage of places to pitch a tent.
96% (4221 reviews)
- Texas
96% (4221 reviews)
Popular camping styles for Texas
Available this weekend
Dog-friendly getaways
12 top mountainous campgrounds in Texas with wildlife watching
99%
(69)
Laf ranch
36 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents1100 acres · Medina, TX
1100 acres of gorgeous natural land at the headwaters of the Medina River. Crystal clear and clean spring feed water. Fourth-generation family owners. Remote camping. Very private with plenty of varied terrain for hiking swimming, tubing, biking or just hanging out in a hammock enjoying the breeze and peace and quiet.
About 2 miles as a crow flies from Lost Maples State Park. You drive through a 13,000-acre ranch to get to us. We are at the end of a dead-end road with one way in and one way out.
NO FISHING
Free firewood for use during your stay and can make a good deal if you want to take some home!
As our topo map shows we have a wide variety of terrain ranging from steep cliffs with huge views to shady canyons. The river cuts through the middle of the place and is surrounded by four hills that each have their unique characteristics ranging from flat oak-covered to rocky steep ridges. I guarantee you will find beauty all around.
We do have a couple of fun areas to try your 4-wheel drive out.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$100
/ night
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.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from
$39
/ night
94%
(41)
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.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from
$18
/ night
99%
(370)
Lynn y B's land
28 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents80 acres · Terlingua, TX
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Trash
Cooking equipment
from
$15
/ night
100%
(14)
The Charmadillo: Glamping Resort
27 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.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Showers
Trash
from
$25
/ night
93%
(162)
HomeAway Ranch & Wildlife Preserve
60 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.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from
$35
/ night
92%
(71)
Rasco River Rentals
8 sites · Tents2 acres · Leakey, TX
Beautiful Property on the Frio River, I was raised here and had the experience of being able to enjoy this atmosphere as a kid and would like to give others the same experience.Learn more about this land:First off, welcome to the Beautiful Hill Country. We have spaces available for Travel trailers/ RV’s, Tents, and Day Trips. We are located right on the Frio River with breath taking views of the bluff across the river. The Night sky is just as beautiful as the day scenery if not better. You will have access to Fire Rings, Picnic tables, Clean Porta-Potty, Swimming Hole and BBQ Pits.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
Trash
from
$40
/ night
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!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Showers
Trash
from
$39
/ night
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-
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from
$40
/ night
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!
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
Trash
from
$28
/ night
99%
(1135)
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
Campfires
Showers
from
$47
/ night
97%
(32)
The Juniper Ranch & Retreat
9 sites · Lodging10 acres · Canyon Lake, TX
Need a change of scenery? Come enjoy a few fun days on the lake and comfortable nights among the stars in a luxurious bell tent at The Juniper Ranch & Retreat.The Juniper is situated between Austin and San Antonio in picturesque Texas Hill Country, only minutes from beautiful Canyon Lake.We're conveniently located within 5-10 mins of several boat ramps and parks on the lake, as well as a golf course, wineries and many other attractions. In addition to the many fun activities to do on Canyon Lake, The Juniper is within 15-30 mins of numerous Guadalupe River tubing and rafting sites, Whitewater Amphitheater and Gruene Hall, Natural Bridge Caverns and Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch, Animal World & Snake Farm Zoo, and more.The Juniper is also conveniently located within 30 mins of New Braunfels, Wimberley and Gruene, and an hour of San Antonio, Austin and Fredericksburg.For more info, find us on FB and Insta: @thejuniperranchandretreat
Potable water
Toilets
Showers
Trash
Cooking equipment
from
$185
/ night
Star Hosts in Texas
Under $50
Mountainous camping in Texas with wildlife watching 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.
Safety at Hipcamp
Hipcamp is created with ❤️ and hope for our future.