5 Most Thrilling Places to Go Camping in Texas

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Texas, the second-largest U.S. state, has some or other interesting thing to offer for everyone. For an adventurer in you, it has many superb places to pitch a tent and enjoy a night under the stars; and if you are a camper, it has myriad of choices ranging from state parks to national preserves to sandy beaches.

Enchanted Rock State Natural Area

Enchanted Rock is a part of the Texas state park system and has the largest natural rock formation in the U.S. It is famous for its pink granite rock and attracts hordes of campers every year.

Walk-in campsites as well as primitive hike-in campsites are available here which provide amazing views and jaw-dropping picnic spots. Camp here to hike through hiking trails of about 11 miles, and spend the nights stargazing.

Guadalupe River State Park

If you love swimming and fishing, this is the place to pitch camp. Guadalupe River State Park, located at a short drive from Austin and San Antonio, is a scenic place to go camping. It is one of the best water-and-electric campsites or walk-in tent sites.

You can opt for paddling or kayaking in the river, or explore the biking and hiking trails of about 13 miles.

Big Thicket National Preserve

If you are a nature enthusiast, then you should consider camping here. Part of a Piney Woods region of Southeast Texas, Big Thicket has been nicknamed as 'America's Ark'. Camp here and enjoy horseback riding, canoeing, biking and hiking across about 112,500 acres of land.

Padre Island National Seashore

Your browser doesn't support HTML5 video. The seashore stretches from Corpus Christi to Port Mansfield. This beach along the Gulf Coast is a perfect getaway for the beach lovers. You can experience both the sea and sand, and wildlife here. At semi-primitive campsites here, available amenities include toilets, rinse-only showers and picnic tables.

Colorado Bend State Park

One of the best parks for outdoor enthusiasts, it offers a perfect combination of scenic vistas and adventure activities. Group primitive campsites, drive-up sites and backpack camping sites are available here.

The main attraction of this park is the Gorman Falls, that cascades into a lush fern-coated grotto. The visitors can indulge in fishing, paddling, caving and bird watching. One can also take a dip in swimming holes here.

Other Campsites in Texas

Your browser doesn't support HTML5 video. The places where you can go hiking, biking, rock climbing and pitching a tent at night to stargaze include Hueco Tanks State Park & Historic Site, Garner State Park, Caprock Canyons State Park & Trailway, and Big Bend National Park.