When referring to camping and parks for outdoor recreation, Texas stands out as having some of the best opportunities available. It does not matter if you want to visit the Rio Grande canyons or you want to be deep in the cypress swamps and woods of East Texas. You will find tremendous camping options in Texas.
Most tent camping opportunities are available in state parks. You do not have much federal land in national forests or parks but the list below will help you to find both great camping sites to consider and tremendous new travel locations you might have not known anything about till now.
As always, if you believe that we left out a great tent camping site in Texas, let us know. Over 20 million tourists travel to Texas every single year so it is obvious that tastes can be different based on personal wishes and aspirations.
Balmorhea State Park
This is definitely a gem, an oasis in the wonderful West Texas Desert. It features a large spring-fed swimming pool, one of the largest in the world. You have access to skin diving and scuba diving. This park is found on State Highway 17, 4 miles to the southwest of Balmorhea. Camping fees will vary and there is an entrance fee that you have to pay. However, various seasonal discounts are currently available.
Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park
For so many this is basically a birding paradise and a subtropical woodland that is described as being a wonder. You can find so many jaguarondis, ocelots and other varied Texas wildlife in an area that covers 588 acres. In order to get to the state park, you will need to go on US 83 from Mission, go west for 2.5 miles on Loop 374 and then south for 2.6 miles on FM 2062. Park Road 43 is accessible there.
Bastrop State Park
You will find Bastrop State Park in the middle of the forest remains of The Lost Pines. You have access to wonderful fishing, golfing and swimming activities. In addition, you should know that this park is home to the Houston toad, an endangered species. The State Park covers 3,504 acres and although an entrance fee applies, there are various discounts available for stays of one month or one week.
