Everything is Bigger In Texas! Right?
Well, sometimes the best stuff is hidden in the SMALL towns, and Texas has a zillion of them to explore. Here are 7 of the best small towns in Texas.
1. Nacogdoches, Texas
Why You’ll Love It: The first official town in Texas, this East Texas gem has a quaint brick-paved downtown with plenty of shops and attractions to discover.
Don’t miss Butcher Boys, ranked #1 on Wide Open Eats “10 Best Burger Joints in Texas.”
From great hiking trails around the lake, which once served as trade routes for Native Americans, to tea in a Victorian mansion, the town that produces the most blueberries in Texas has got you covered.
Nearby Camping: Camp Tonkawa Springs RV Park
Miles to Downtown: 19 miles
With 75 sites, this campground is nestled under towering Texas pines, and has swimming, horseshoes, volleyball and a recreation hall. This campground is off the beaten path and quiet, with wildlife wandering through. WiFi and cell is spotty.
Small Town Texas Vibe Score: 9/10
2. Fredericksburg, Small Town Texas
One of Hill Country’s gems, Fredericksburg is a popular tourist spot for locals and visitors alike. This German-flavored town has historical buildings, fantastic shopping, wineries, and great food options.
Antiques, art and culture, museums, and outdoor activities are plentiful.
Why You’ll Love It: This area of Texas is very picturesque, with plenty of photo opportunities, especially in the bluebonnet and wildflower spring seasons.
There is plenty of bird and bat watching, popular hiking trails, rock climbing at Enchanted Rock, bicycling, and horseback riding. There are also plenty of parks and fantastic cuisine from around the world.
Nearby Camping: Fredericksburg RV Park
Miles to Downtown: Blocks, walking friendly.
This big rig-friendly park has long-level pull-through spots, free WiFi and cable, concrete patios, and on-site laundry. This is a Good Sam park, pet friendly, and even has free ice! You will need that in summer.
Small Town Texas Vibe Score: 10/10
3. Port Aransas, Texas
Why You’ll Love It: This historic seaside town is a gulf dream vacation spot. The island of Port A has a relaxing beach vibe with plenty of white sand for the whole family to enjoy and spread out.
Go deep-sea fishing or birding, attend a festival, or eat fantastic seafood!
Nearby Camping: Tropic Island RV Resort
Miles to Downtown: 1 mile
A family-owned resort, this park is in the heart of Port A and close to the piers, restaurants, and shopping. They offer hotel rooms, cottages, and RV spots that accommodate the largest RVs.
Boasting two heated pools, a hot tub, games, a dog park, an event center, free WiFi, and even a fish cleaning area.
Small Town Texas Vibe Score: 9/10
4. Jefferson, Texas
Why You’ll Love It: Jefferson, Texas, was a major river port for products and immigrants and was a major shipping port for ag products from 1845 to 1875. This town was where many settlers first set foot in Texas.
A booming steamboat town, Jefferson boasts some impressive architecture and historical significance. There are many festivals and museums, as well as shopping. Outdoor activities include fishing, hiking, kayaking and river boat tours on Caddo Lake.
Nearby Camping: Buckhorn Creek COE
Miles to Downtown: 10
This Corps of Engineers park has 57 RV campsites with water and electricity. There are also 38 non-electric tent sites. Restrooms with showers are on site, as well as a boat ramp, dock, and dump station.
There is a playground on site. Lake O’the Pines is an 18,700-acre water park and 9,000 acres of land park spanning five counties and is popular with outdoorsmen.
Small Town Texas Vibe Score: 9/10
5. Port Isabel, Texas Coastal Small Town
Why You’ll Love It: This seaside port on the very southern tip of Texas has a tremendous historical presence, as well as outdoor activities for the whole family, including dolphin tours, fishing, the national wildlife refuge, and beach activities.
Nearby Camping: South Padre Island KOA
Miles to Downtown: 3.7 miles across the causeway, but there is a free shuttle.
This KOA campground has lodging, tent sites, RV spots, and extended stay options. Right on the beach, this KOA offers classes, a pool, a restaurant and bar right in the campground, a dog park, a hot tub, a store, WiFi, cable, fishing, and more.
There is a free shuttle for South Padre and over the bridge to Port Isabel.
Small Town Texas Vibe Score: 8/10
6. Del Rio, Texas
Why You’ll Love It: Located in extreme Southwestern Texas, Del Rio is a frontier town on the border with Mexico.
Known for being home to the Laughlin Air Force Base, Del Rio has plenty of outdoor activities in the Amistad National Recreation Area.
Lake Amistad is the third-largest lake in Texas and boasts some of the best bass fishing in the state. You can also kayak, boat, swim, or even scuba dive in the lake.
In the park, you can also view some of the oldest Native American cave paintings, hike, bike, and explore. After a hard day of exercise, enjoy some fine Texas wine at the local wineries or take in the mix of Mexican and Texas culture.
Nearby Camping: Hidden Valley RV Park
Miles to Downtown: 1 mile
This shady park is quiet and friendly and offers more privacy than other parks in the area. Campsites are larger, but back in, and provide concrete patios. WiFi is available, and campers felt very safe here.
Small Town Texas Vibe Score: 9/10
7. Dripping Springs, TX
Why You’ll Love It: Dripping Springs is located west of Austin and is a popular tourist spot. After enjoying the beautiful Hill Country views and outdoor activities, numerous wineries and distilleries are available for touring and libations.
Hiking, biking, kayaking, golf, fishing…the list is lengthy and your family can pick from their favorites in this diverse and beautiful area of Texas. The Hamilton Pool is one of the most photographed pools in the world, with waterfalls, grottos, and lush vegetation.
The unique downtown offers an array of dining and shopping choices.
Nearby Camping: Sunset RV Resort
Miles to Downtown: 14 miles to Dripping Springs, 20 miles to Austin
Located West of Austin, this park has 37 sites, onsite restrooms with showers, and laundry. Spacious level sites are quiet.
Small Town Texas Vibe Score: 9/10
Texas is known for everything being bigger, but many great hidden gems are in the smaller towns in Texas.
From the border towns to the gulf and the historic piney woods to the Hill Country, Texas small towns have outdoor activities, shopping, wineries, lakes, and more to explore!
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