Fishing Campgrounds in Texas

About This Region

Texas offers some of the most diverse fishing camping in the country, from the piney woods of East Texas to the spring-fed rivers of Hill Country and the surf-fishing paradise of the Gulf Coast. Whether you're after trophy largemouth bass in Sam Rayburn Reservoir, white crappie in Navarro Mills Lake (home to the state record), or redfish along Padre Island's beaches, Texas fishing campgrounds put you right where the action is. The state's warm climate allows for nearly year-round fishing opportunities, with most lakes and reservoirs maintaining healthy populations of bass, catfish, crappie, and sunfish. East Texas lakes like B.A. Steinhagen, Lake O' The Pines, and Sam Rayburn Reservoir have earned reputations as bass fishing havens, while Central Texas destinations around Waco and Temple offer convenient weekend escapes with excellent crappie and catfish action. The Hill Country's Canyon Lake and Lake Belton combine limestone-clear waters with abundant fish populations, and the Gulf Coast provides an entirely different experience with saltwater surf fishing for those willing to make the drive south. Our curated selection highlights 20 exceptional fishing campgrounds across Texas, each chosen for quality fishing access, positive camper reviews, and geographic diversity. From Magnolia Ridge's kid-friendly fishing pond to Malaquite Campground's beachfront surf fishing, these destinations represent the best of Texas fishing camping. Most campgrounds feature boat launches, fishing piers, or direct waterfront access, ensuring you spend more time with a line in the water.

Texas fishing campgrounds range from fully developed lakeside facilities with boat ramps and fish cleaning stations to more rustic forest settings where you can fish from the bank. Most campgrounds on larger reservoirs like Sam Rayburn, Wright Patman, and Lake Belton offer modern amenities including electric hookups, restrooms with showers, and dump stations for RVs. Smaller campgrounds in the national forests, such as Ratcliff Lake and Double Lake, provide a more primitive experience with basic facilities and quieter surroundings. Expect warm, humid weather throughout much of the year, especially in summer when temperatures regularly exceed 90°F. Spring and fall offer the most comfortable camping weather and often the most productive fishing. Most lakeside campgrounds sit among mixed hardwood and pine forests in East Texas, while Hill Country sites feature oak and juniper woodlands with limestone terrain. Water clarity varies significantly—some lakes like Belton have exceptional visibility (10+ feet), while others are more turbid. Boat ramps are available at most locations, and bank fishing is productive at campgrounds with fishing piers or easy shoreline access. Cell service varies from good near major metros to limited in more remote areas.