Texas has many phenomenal state parks where you can kick back and relax in your RV. In fact, they’re some of the premier locations in the entire country.
However, deciding which one to select can be tricky. After all, your choice of campground can make or break your entire adventure.
Luckily, we’ve searched to find the best camping spots so you can pick which one is best for your next trip.
Let’s jump in!
Discover Texas State Parks
Governor Pat Neff formed Texas State Parks in 1923. The original plan was a series of roadside stops for travelers to visit. However, it’s grown tremendously in the past 100 years.
Today, the division manages its 89 state parks, historic sites, and natural areas that cover more than 640,000 acres.
Landscapes range from deserts and mountains in the west to forests and coastlines in the east. With such diverse terrain, the activities available are limitless. Take advantage of free fishing or hike thousands of miles of trails. There’s no reason for you or your traveling companions to be bored.
Like the National Park Service, they also offer a fantastic Junior Ranger program. Young explorers can grab educational booklets, complete the exercises, and earn a pin. Your little ones can draw, write, and read while learning about the plants, animals, and land around them.
Because there’s no shortage of state parks in Texas, we’ve picked ten highly-rated locations to help you narrow down your options.
#1 Colorado Bend State Park
Colorado Bend State Park is about 90 miles northwest of Austin. It covers 5,300 acres of rolling hills and dense forests. A big attraction is Gorman Falls, a 70-foot waterfall. This Texas State Park boasts supreme natural beauty and rugged terrain.
Some of the most popular pastimes here are hiking and aquatic activities. Within the boundaries, you’ll find 30 miles of paths that range in difficulty. A few of the most beloved treks are Gorman Falls Trail, Spicewood Springs Trail, and Tie Slide Loop. The Colorado River is also fantastic for kayaking, fishing, swimming, and other water-based fun.
About the Campground
You’ll have to boondock at Colorado Bend State Park. While there aren’t any water, electric, or sewer connections, the stunning surroundings make up for it.
The 15 sites designated for RVs are relatively small. You’ll need a camper less than 30 feet long to fit.
Although they may lack amenities, these spots are typically 75 to 100 yards from the water. In addition, they come with a picnic table, lantern post, and fire ring. If you want to spend time in nature and disconnect from the outside world, it’s easy to do here.
#2 Garner State Park
Garner State Park sits along the Frio River, roughly 90 miles west of San Antonio, Texas. It’s a hotspot for locals and outsiders looking to explore the great outdoors. With its limestone cliffs, hills of wildflowers, and recreational activities, it’s an excellent destination for families, hikers, and nature enthusiasts.
The Frio River is a hub of excitement. It’s common to find people swimming, tubing, and paddleboarding, especially on hot summer days.
Garner has ten routes to traverse on foot, including Old Horse, Frio Canyon, and Ashe Juniper trails. Whether you’re looking for a short and easy hike or something long and challenging, there’s a path for you.
About the Campground
This park’s new and old sections have more than 350 campsites all together. Full and partial hookups are available in the more modern areas. While many spots can accommodate larger rigs, some have a 20-foot length restriction.
At some boondocking sites, generator use is acceptable outside of quiet hours. But, as always, you’ll want to be mindful of your neighbors.
Need to go even more budget-friendly? Check out these 11 Totally Free Camping Spots in Colorado.
#3 Guadalupe River State Park
Guadalupe River State Park contains 1,900 acres and is only 30 miles north of San Antonio. It’s another destination frequented by those looking to escape life in the city.
If you enjoy hiking, try one of their 12 treks. Most are less than one mile, except the Painted Bunting, Bamberger, Hofheinz, and Curry Creek Overlook trails.
A popular feature here is the Guadalupe River. It’s a wonderful place to spend time, whether you want to take a dip, fish, or tube. The designated swimming area has a sandy beach where you can cool off.
Anglers often catch bass, catfish, and sunfish. You just might get hooked on Texas State Parks during your visit.
About the Campground
The Guadalupe River State Park Campground has 88 spots. Their back-in sites can accommodate just about any size rig. However, the Cedar Sage section has a 20-foot length restriction. They offer water and electricity and fill up very quickly throughout the year. If you want a quiet location to enjoy nature, it’s hard to beat.
#4 Inks Lake State Park
Inks Lake State Park is a 1,200-acre unit full of rocky terrain. It’s almost 70 miles northwest of Austin. The easy access to Inks Lake makes it an ideal spot to swim, fish, and boat. Anglers often cast from boats or the pier for catfish, bass, and sunfish.
If you don’t bring your own, canoes, kayaks, and paddle boards are available to rent and explore the peaceful waters.
Several routes make it easy to explore on foot. They offer breathtaking views whether you desire a stroll or something to get your heart pumping. Some of their most popular hikes are Pecan Flats, Devil’s Backbone, and Lake trails.
About the Campground
With more than 100 RV-specific spots available, you’ll find many options here. These partial hookup sites provide water and electricity but require backing into them. And with some being 70 feet long, you’ll have plenty of room to maneuver any size camper.
Inks Lake State Park received back-to-back Campers Choice awards from Campendium in 2021 and 2022, so it’s worth checking out.
#5 Lake Mineral Wells State Park and Trailway
The 3,000 acres of Lake Mineral Wells State Park and Trailway are approximately 80 miles west of Dallas. The 640-acre lake is the perfect spot to bring your boat, go for a swim, and try your luck at fishing.
Anglers often reel in catfish, crappie, sunfish, and largemouth bass. Their six piers dot the shoreline and are great places to see what you can catch. Because Texas State Parks manages the area, you don’t need a license to cast a line.
Other fun things to do include rock climbing and hiking. Four trailheads lead to 12 miles of paths within the park. But if you’re up for a more extended jaunt, set out on the 20-mile Trailway for walking, biking, and horseback riding. It’s a flat, gentle route that once served as the Weatherford, Mineral Wells & Northwestern Railroad.
About the Campground
The 70 large back-in campsites can accommodate RVs of all sizes. Of course, like many Texas State Park campgrounds, these are partial hookups. There’s a dump station that’s centrally located and easy to access.
You could score a water view if you’re lucky. These sites provide a stunning backdrop but tend to go fast, so plan in advance.
Or would you rather have more amenities? We think these are the 11 Best RV Parks In Texas.
#6 Lost Maples State Natural Area
About two hours northwest of San Antonio is Lost Maples State Natural Area. This 2,100-acre unit is the ultimate place to witness fall foliage. Each autumn, brightly colored leaves paint the landscape.
With more than 10 miles of trails, you can enjoy plenty of opportunities for exploring. The rugged paths lend a scenic view of the surrounding woodlands. The East and West trails are some of the longest and most challenging options. Thankfully, incredible views and solitude from others are your reward.
About the Campground
Lost Maples State Natural Area offers 28 RV-specific campsites. Some of their back-in spots are more than 60 feet long. Something to note is that they all provide 30-Amp electrical service. This can make it challenging to keep larger rigs cool during the hottest parts of summer. And, for better or worse, the remote location makes getting a cell phone signal difficult.
#7 Palo Duro Canyon State Park
Palo Duro Canyon State Park sits 30 minutes south of Amarillo in the panhandle. If you’re traveling along Route 66 or Interstate 40, it’s an easy pitstop. At more than 28,000 acres, it’s one of the biggest Texas State Parks.
The Palo Duro Canyon is the second-largest in the country. It measures 120 miles long, 20 miles wide, and is 800 feet deep. Its vast and rugged terrain makes it an excellent place for hiking. With a network of paths that combine for more than 30 miles, you can see a tremendous amount on foot, bike, or horseback.
About the Campground
Visitors love the 95 RV campsites at this park. With over 100 reviews on Campendium, it maintains a five-star rating.
Getting here requires a trip down a long, winding road. But the mixture of back-in and pull-through spots is worth the effort. Be sure to empty your tanks before arriving, as the dump stations can be inconvenient once you’re set up.
#8 Pedernales Falls State Park
Roughly 40 miles west of Austin is Pedernales Falls State Park. Indigenous peoples, including Tonkawa and Comanche nations, inhabited this area for thousands of years. You may discover arrowheads and other artifacts while visiting. However, it’s illegal to collect or remove them.
The unit’s namesake is a series of waterfalls that cut through limestone slabs. The Pedernales River is a major attraction. It makes swimming, paddling, and fishing possible. You’ll also find plenty of hiking, biking, and horseback riding opportunities. Even with multiple days of adventuring, you probably won’t see everything.
About the Campground
This park offers 63 campsites with 30-Amp electrical hookups. While there aren’t sewer connections, you’ll have access to the dump station and flushable toilets. Cell service can be hard to come by, but it gives you an excuse to disconnect during your stay.
While the grounds often fill up on holidays, the large spaces make it feel roomy.
#9 Purtis Creek State Park
An hour southeast of Dallas is Purtis Creek State Park. Its 1,500 acres receive its name from a waterway meandering through the area. A highlight here is the 355-acre lake. Much of the activities here center around it. It’s full of trophy bass, which are catch-and-release only. Try casting for catfish and crappie to take something home for dinner.
If angling isn’t your thing, plenty’s still available to entertain you. Trekking, biking, and geocaching are popular. Wolpen Hike and Beaver Slide Nature Path are also worth considering.
Whatever you do, take the opportunity to rest and relax while spending time in this beautiful slice of Texas State Park.
About the Campground
Purtis Creek has 50 back-in campsites in a wooded area, increasing privacy. While most of them are relatively large, some are on the smaller end. So make sure you check the length of your rig before making a reservation.
Staying in the campground provides easy access to the water, which can keep you entertained your entire stay.
#10 Ray Roberts Lake State Park
The beautiful Ray Roberts Lake State Park is an hour north of Dallas. This 3,700-acre unit sits on a massive 29,000-acre body of water. It’s well-known as a bass fishing hotspot. One lucky angler reeled in a 15.18-pound largemouth bass, the current record.
It’s split into nine units, each offering a unique experience. With the lake being a prominent feature, it’s no surprise that you can enjoy plenty of aquatic activities.
For land-bound fun, the 20-mile multi-use Greenbelt Corridor provides opportunities for hikers, bikers, and horseback riders.
About the Campground
Ray Roberts Lake State Park has over 100 RV spots at two campgrounds, Isle Du Bois and Johnson Branch.
While they both have a positive reputation, Johnson Branch gets the upper hand. Many find it’s the quieter and more laid-back option of the two. With its Texas-size campsites, you can fit rigs of nearly any length when staying here.
Where will you explore? Texas Bucket List Adventure Guide
Texas State Parks Won’t Disappoint
RV camping at these Texas State Parks can be an unforgettable experience. Officials have worked hard to create an atmosphere where you and your loved ones can make priceless memories.
Take the time to disconnect and sit under some of the darkest skies you’ll ever see. And, of course, don’t forget to pack a rod and reel. It’s time to get out there and start exploring!
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.
Become a FREE CAMPING INSIDER and join the 100,000 campers who love to score the best site!
We’ll send you the 50 Best Free Campsites in the USA (one per state). Access the list by submitting your email below: