Best Campgrounds in Texas: 2026 Guide

Texas defies the single-state camping stereotype. The Piney Woods of East Texas feel like the Deep South — towering loblolly pines, Spanish moss, and bayou-fed lakes. Central Texas delivers Hill Country limestone bluffs over turquoise rivers. The Gulf Coast offers saltwater fishing and coastal camping. And far West Texas transforms into genuine Chihuahuan Desert with mountain islands rising from the basin floor. At 268,000 square miles, Texas contains more ecological diversity than most people realize, and its 72 reservable campgrounds only scratch the surface of what's available across public lands, Army Corps lakes, and national forests.

Why Texas Stands Out

Sheer variety and year-round access define Texas camping. When Northern states shut down for winter, Texas campgrounds are entering their prime season — fall through spring offers ideal temperatures across most of the state. The Army Corps of Engineers operates dozens of lake campgrounds that provide affordable, well-maintained camping with excellent water recreation. The national forests of East Texas — Sam Houston, Angelina, Sabine, Davy Crockett — deliver Southern pine forest camping that feels worlds away from the stereotypical Texas landscape. And the border region along the Rio Grande at Amistad provides a genuinely unique international-waters camping experience.

Top Campgrounds to Explore

277 North Group Campground

At Amistad National Recreation Area on the US-Mexico border near Del Rio, this campground offers year-round water recreation including boating, fishing, and swimming in the reservoir's striking turquoise waters set against desert canyon walls.

Cagle Recreation Area

Along the shoreline of Lake Conroe on the west fork of the San Jacinto River, just one hour north of Houston, Cagle draws thousands for lakeside camping with easy city access. A perfect weekend escape from the metro area.

Cedar Ridge

At Belton Lake near Temple in Central Texas, Cedar Ridge provides some of the best fishing, camping, and boating in the region. This year-round campground accommodates both tent and RV campers in the heart of the Hill Country.

Boykin Springs

On Boykin Springs Lake in Angelina National Forest, this East Texas gem offers camping, hiking, fishing, and picnicking surrounded by towering pines. The Piney Woods setting is a world away from the Texas most visitors imagine.

Alley Creek Camp

On the banks of Lake O' the Pines in the Pineywoods of East Texas near Jefferson, Alley Creek provides lakeside camping at the intersection of Texas, Arkansas, and Louisiana. The cypress-lined lake has a distinctly Southern atmosphere.

Airport Park

Between Waco Lake and the Waco Airport in Central Texas, this year-round campground offers pristine lake views and convenient access to the Waco area. An excellent base for exploring the Brazos River valley.

Bear Creek

On the south side of Benbrook Lake in north-central Texas near Fort Worth, Bear Creek provides individual and group camping with boat launching in the DFW metroplex. Urban-accessible lake camping at its best.

Boles Field

In the northern portion of Sabine National Forest near the Louisiana border, Boles Field offers a uniquely historical setting centered around a fox hound cemetery. Deep East Texas forest camping with genuine character.

Buckhorn Creek

Another lakeside gem on Lake O' the Pines near Jefferson, Buckhorn Creek provides Pineywoods camping with excellent fishing, boating, and swimming access. The East Texas setting offers shade and humidity relief under the pine canopy.

Planning Tips

Avoid summer in most of Texas. June through August brings brutal heat — plan trips for October through April when temperatures are pleasant. East Texas is a different world. The Piney Woods get 50+ inches of rain annually and feel nothing like the arid West Texas stereotype. Lake levels fluctuate. Army Corps lakes can rise and fall significantly — check current conditions before booking lakeside sites. Fire ants are everywhere. Scout your site before setting up camp and keep food sealed — fire ants are aggressive and ubiquitous in Texas campgrounds.

Find More Texas Campgrounds

Explore all Texas camping options on our Texas campgrounds page, or browse our full campground directory to plan your Lone Star adventure.