Outside every major city limit there is an entire rural world of small towns and diverse landscapes just waiting to be discovered.
Texas offers the barren region of the panhandle, the rough country in the west, the swamps and woods in the east, the hill country, southern plains and coastal towns.
Here is a roundup of our favorite places to explore the great outdoors on a camping trip.
The Texas Parks and Wildlife system has cultivated camping in most of its state parks and is a wonderful resource for families who love camping!
Most of the scenic areas below are family-friendly and close enough to attractions (or at least supplies) to be convenient. They can accommodate both RV and tent campsites. Happy Camping!
1. Balmorhea State Park (Toyahvale)
Located in the West region, this state park is an oasis in the middle of nowhere land. It is 30 miles from Davis Mountain State Park, known for its scenic views. Balmorhea is a popular destination due to its 1.3-acre spring fed swimming pool, one of the largest in the world. Local dive associations often take advantage of this beautiful place. This park offers several unique styles of lodging including the San Solomons Spring Court which offers motel-style lodging for those who might need a break from sleeping on the ground. Although the region is remote, this beautiful oasis offers a welcoming retreat in our state’s most remote region.
Address: 9207 TX-17, Toyahvale, Texas 79786
2. Big Bend National Park (Terlingua)
One of our more famous state parks, Big Bend National offers a tent campground called the Rio Grande Village Campground. It has 100 sites close to the river, with half of the sites reservable ahead of time. There is also a camp store and shower facility nearby. The entire park features miles and miles of walking or hiking trails and has been cultivated well for foot travel. While there are lots of historical aspects and jaw-dropping views, there is not a lot for small children to do in this area. The region, in general, is bare of dependable conveniences and attractions. So, pack well ahead of time!
Address: Big Bend National Park, Texas 79834
