a guide to camping in Texas

If you’ve ever been to Texas, you’ve probably encountered Texan pride. Texans love their state, and for a good reason! Even if you’re from the Lone Star State, there is still a lot to discover. If you love hitting the road in your RV, learn why you should head to the hot spots for camping in Texas.

Places for Camping in Texas

For beginning and seasoned campers alike, a major draw to Texas is its parks. Texas is known for its diversity, not only in culture but in landscapes. Where else can you find a state with canyons, bayous, lakes, dunes and beaches? Big Bend National Park and Guadalupe National Park are the two national parks within Texas, and with 80 state parks to choose from, there is practically an endless supply of options. Aside from the parks, the state features a variety of historic landmarks and protected areas.  Even throughout the winter, Texans aren’t bothered by cold, damp weather. There are a lot of sunny, beautiful days with the occasional cold weather.

Things To Do in Texas

Once you make Texas your destination for RV travel, you need to set up an itinerary. If you’re unfamiliar with the Lone Star State, you may not know where to begin. Even for locals, it’s easy to get lost thinking about all of the options you have in front of you. Wherever you’re camping in Texas, there is something for everyone.

Hit the Lakes

Whether you’re looking for the best swimming hole to beat the heat or a place to fish, you’re bound to find the Texan lake that checks all of the boxes. Fishing is a great way to spend time with your family, relax and have fun. To fish in Texas, you do need a fishing license. Check with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department before you embark on a fishing trip.

If you’re interested in boating, our lakes are perfect for that too. Near Fort Worth, you can find one of the largest lakes in Texas: Eagle Mountain Lake. At about 9,000 acres, it is perfect for boating. The state has many estuaries, bays and rivers, too.

Explore the Wilderness

Texas is the second-largest state in the U.S. If you were to drive from north to south, it would take about 13 hours nonstop. With all of this land, it isn’t any surprise that Texas has many areas to hike through. Find an RV park and spend your days trekking through the wilderness.

When looking for places to hike, keep your fitness level and hiking skills in mind. Some trails cater towards the casual hiker while others are for the seasoned professional. Before any hike, remember to bring adequate equipment. You’ll need a comfortable pair of hiking shoes, durable clothing, water, food, a first aid kit, navigation tools and a multi-tool. You should also have a fully charged cell phone in case of emergencies.

If you’re more interested in thrilling outdoor activities, consider taking sand rails or dune buggies to the dunes. Dune buggies are designed specifically for off-road travel. These vehicles make the most out of the sand with huge wheels, no sides, and no roof.

Enjoy Our Wildlife

Texas is full of parks and wildlife reserves where you can view animals in their natural habitat. For example, at the Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge, there are 98,000 acres and 400 species of birds, plus sub-tropical and desert-based animals. Birdwatching is popular in Texas and you can easily find maps, checklists, and events around birdwatching. With a little research, you can discover where the best animal watching spots are and spend a day enjoying the natural Texas wildlife.

The Texas Camping Guide

Wherever you go, get the most out of camping in Texas by following a few simple tips.

Be Prepared

Before any camping trip, the first step is to prepare. Research different RV parks in the area you want to travel to. You’ll need a park with adequate hookups, space and the amenities you need. Whether your family loves to go for a dip in the swimming pool or hang out at the tennis court, make sure the park offers what you need. 

When packing, assemble all of the basics. You should have cooking utensils, blankets, first aid kits, toiletries, medications and anything to make your trip comfortable and safe. Upon arrival at the site, check to ensure that your RV is level. If not, you’ll need leveling blocks to place beneath the RV’s wheels.

Stay Safe

When camping in Texas, you must know how to stay safe. If traveling with children, make sure that you keep a close eye on them. It’s easy to become lost in a place you’re unfamiliar with. Always remember that when you’re in the wilderness, you are in someone else’s home. Keep your distance from wildlife and from plants you don’t recognize. While you may feel safer with knives, axes or saws, make sure that you know how to use all of your tools before you use them safely.

Be Courteous

When in the RV park, remember to think about other campers at the park. Try to keep the noise to a minimum at night and always leave your area clean. Do not leave trash overnight or when you depart. Trash and leftover food can attract animals to your campsite. If you have to dispose of wastewater, hook it up to a sewer line or dumping station. Never dump wastewater into the soil or a body of water.

Start Camping in Texas With the Boston Group

In Texas, even the pickiest campers can find something they enjoy. Whether you want to envelop yourself in the wilderness or stay close to the bustling cities, there’s a campsite to fit everyone’s tastes. When you have an RV, it’s important to find campsites that respect what RVs need. Comfortable RV sites should have all of the necessary amenities while positioning themselves close to the great outdoors.

When you have an RV, you never have to choose just one place. You have the freedom to travel to the edge of Texas and back. Contact the Boston Group for more information to enjoy the many outdoor parks and key locations Texas has to offer.

Sources:

https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/parks/things-to-do/camping
https://media.hopper.com/articles/the-best-places-to-see-wildlife-in-texas
https://takecareoftexas.org/hot-wire/awesome-outdoor-activities-texas
https://www.lonestartravelguide.com/reasons-to-visit-texas/
https://texasproud.com/how-big-is-texas-its-huge/
https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/advice/2020/07/20/planning-your-first-rv-vacation-here-8-tips-newbies/5418385002/

Skip to content