Searching for the best free camping in Texas? You’ve come to the right place.
Despite the size of the state, Texas doesn’t have many free campsites. We’re not talking Walmarts or interstate rest stops – we’re talking about great campgrounds meant for recreation.
We have six free sites to share with you today. In addition to location and amenity info, each site will have a unique “Camping in Texas Vibes” score to give you an overall rating.
Let’s dive in!
Fort Anahuac Park
Location: Fort Anahuac, TX
Why You’ll Love it: This city park offers waterfront camping with lots of nearby activities. You can fish from the pier, play ball in the park or simply stretch out and relax.
While this site offers no hook-ups, they do have bathroom facilities. The park also provides numerous trash cans located throughout the grounds. There is a sign that states all RVs must be self contained.
What’s the Word: Free Campsites Dot Net sums it up perfectly – “Fort Anahuac marks the site of the first shot fired in the early days of the Texas Revolution. Today, this 40-acre park contains RV hookups, camping areas, picnic tables, covered pavilions and boat ramps for access to Trinity Bay. Visitors will also enjoy a lighted pier, various swimming areas and three baseball fields. One of the most popular activities at the park is bird-watching among the marshes and along the shoreline of the bay.”
Camping in Texas Vibes: 7.2/10 Water front sites are our favorite!
Fritch Fortress Campground
Location: Lake Meredith, TX
Why You’ll Love it: Technically, this isn’t a waterfront site. However, it sits atop a beautiful cliff that towers over Lake Meredith. The views from Fritch Fortress Campground are stunning.
This campground has lots of covered pavilions, picnic tables and grills. The best amenity is the modern bath house with 4 private rooms that include hot showers and flushable toilets. The sites are only pull-offs from the road, but they are large enough for Class A’s.
At the entrance of the park there is a dump station and fresh water fill-up.
What’s the Word: Technomadia on Campendium says, “This spot has been one of our favorites over our years on the road. It hits the technomad trifecta: Free, Scenic, Excellent Cellular Signal. Whenever we’re passing through the Amarillo area, we always route for at least a couple days here. Stunning cliffside views, amazing sunsets and free for 14-days!”
Camping in Texas Vibes: 8.4/10 Great amenities and, again, views of the water!
Magnolia Beach City Park
Location: Port Lavaca, TX
Why You’ll Love it: Maybe we’re being redundant, but this is a killer waterfront campsite! You can park on the beach and watch the waves roll into your “front yard.”
While this site offers no hook-ups, they do have a great bathroom & shower facility. They are cleaned daily and well respected by fellow campers. This is definitely peaceful beach camping with enough space to spread out and have some privacy. The sound of the waves is much more calming here than on Padre Island. However, the wind has been intense throughout our stay.
What’s the Word: Paul & Gin on Campendium say, “We had seen reviews and watched a lot of YouTube videos on Magnolia Beach but was not sure if it would live up to expectations. We have had a very relaxing and nice stay here. The beach is clean, people have been very nice and it has not been crowded. The best part is that it is free camping.”
Camping in Texas Vibes: 9.3/10 This is better than waterfront camping, this is straight up beach camping!
North Beach
Location: Padre Island National Seashore
Why You’ll Love it: Have you ever wanted to camp on white sandy beaches overlooking the Gulf of Mexico? If so, this is the site for you. Yes – it can be intense. You must monitor high tide and be ok with getting your RV salty. But, this is a wonderfully unique camping experience.
At the access road there is a large dumpster. If you drive into the park a few miles, you can dump & fill up water at the entrance of Malequite Campground. There are also free showers at the park headquarters (about 4 miles away).
What’s the Word: Big Travels Tiny Home on Campendium says, “This boondocking spot was absolutely amazing! This is a must stay spot if you are in Texas…It is dog friendly which our dog loved! There is a lot of wildlife! We only had one other camper join us on the beach and it was only for 2 nights.”
Camping in Texas Vibes: 10/10 Get a tan, drink a beer and listen to the waves!
Bolivar Flats Free Beach
Location: Bolivar Peninsula, TX
Why You’ll Love it: Blolivar Flats is very much like North Beach, but it’s closer to the general population of Texas. If you don’t want to drive all the way to Padre Island, this beachfront campsite is easy to access just outside of Galveston.
What’s the Word: Mrs. Brent on Campendium says, “It’s such a unique experience to camp directly on the beach! We stopped at ‘The Big Store’ on our way in and got a $10 permit to park on the beach and it’s good until the end of the year! The sand is very packed down, making the access in a travel trailer doable. We have a 30ft travel trailer and didn’t have any issues hauling or parking:
Camping in Texas Vibes: 10/10 We’re suckers for beach camping – Love this site!
Silverton Municipal Park
Location: Silverton, TX
Why You’ll Love it: We had to include at least one “non-waterfront” free campsite! Sliverton Municipal Park is awesome for different reasons. The town (population less than 1000) is a charming spot to recharge your batteries. It’s a peaceful place with some great mom & pop restaurants.
Additionally, you can also recharge your RV batteries here because the park provides FREE electricity and water!
What’s the Word: Angela on Campendium says, “You can walk across the street and eat at Something Different by Kay. There are a couple of more small restaurants in town. Lovely Courthouse & Library. One gas station”
Camping in Texas Vibes: 6.8/10 May not be scenic…but free power is awesome!
Discover the Best Free Camping Across the USA
To be honest with you, we hate paying for camping. There are so many free campsites in America (with complete privacy).
You should give it a try!
As a matter of fact, these free campsites are yours. Every time you pay federal taxes, you’re contributing to these lands.
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Number one is in Kerrville I stayed 2 weeks. I did have to pay for the stay. You do have access to showers and electricity in some sights. You also get picnic table and fire pit that’s it. I didn’t stay on the side of Guadalupe river. Also so it’s not walking distance to town because in a car it takes 15 to 20 minutes.