Hiking Campgrounds in Texas

Hiking Campgrounds in Texas

Discover the best hiking campgrounds across Texas. Experience the best of both worlds with camping that puts you right at the heart of incredible hiking opportunities. Direct trail access and stunning mountain vistas.

20+ Campgrounds4.6★ AverageBest: Late Spring through Fall (May-October)

Hiking Campgrounds in Other States


Featured Campgrounds

Handpicked destinations that define the region


About Hiking Campgrounds in Texas

Hiking camping in Texas offers an extraordinary diversity of landscapes that few states can match, from the rugged Chihuahuan Desert mountains of Big Bend to the limestone-carved canyons of the Hill Country and the piney woods of East Texas. The state's vast geography creates hiking opportunities ranging from challenging high-elevation mountain trails to gentle riverside walks, all accessible from well-equipped campgrounds that serve as perfect base camps for multi-day exploration.

Best Time

The best time for hiking camping in Texas depends heavily on region, but generally spring (March through May) and fall (October through November) offer the most comfortable conditions statewide. West Texas destinations like Big Bend and Davis Mountains are ideal from October through April when daytime temperatures range from 60-75°F and nights are cool but not frigid—summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F, making hiking dangerous.

Activity Highlights

  • Direct trail access
  • Mountain and forest settings
  • Backpacking base camps
  • Scenic wilderness views


Campground Locations

Showing top 20 campgrounds near Hiking Campgrounds in Texas

Map Key
1
Chisos Basin Campground (Big Bend, Tx)
2
Davis Mountains State Park
3
Seminole Canyon State Park And Historic Site
4
Garner State Park
5
Government Canyon State Natural Area
6
South Llano River State Park
7
Cottonwood (Big Bend, Tx)
8
Indian Lodge State Park
9
Lake Mineral Wells State Park And Trailway
10
Brazos Bend State Park
11
Mother Neff State Park
12
Magnolia Ridge
13
Hueco Tanks State Park And Historic Site
14
Union Grove
15
Ray Roberts Lake State Park Isle Du Bois
16
Possum Kingdom State Park
17
Martin Dies Jr. State Park
18
Galveston Island State Park
19
Rayburn
20
Lake Tawakoni State Park

Plan Your Trips

Popular Activities

Day hiking on marked trails ranging from easy to strenuousBackpacking and overnight wilderness camping in designated areasSummit hiking to peaks like Emory Peak and Mount BaldyCanyon rim hiking with dramatic overlook viewsWildlife observation including birds, deer, and javelinaWildflower photography during spring bloom season

Tips & Recommendations

  • 1Reserve campsites at popular parks like Chisos Basin, Garner State Park, and Government Canyon 5-6 months in advance through the Texas Parks and Wildlife reservation system, as weekend sites book within hours of becoming available.
  • 2For West Texas desert hiking, carry at least one gallon of water per person per day, start hikes before 9 AM during warm months, and pack sun protection including wide-brimmed hats, sunscreen, and lightweight long sleeves.
  • 3Hill Country trails often cross limestone with loose rocks—sturdy hiking boots with ankle support prevent injuries on uneven terrain.
  • 4Download offline trail maps before arriving, as cell service is unreliable or nonexistent at remote campgrounds like Seminole Canyon and Big Bend backcountry sites.
20 campgrounds ranked
Based on real camper reviews
Curated for Hiking Campgrounds in Texas

Hiking Campgrounds in Texas FAQ

We've ranked 20+ hiking campgrounds in Texas based on trail access, hiking variety, scenery, and user reviews. Top options are near national forests, state parks, and wilderness areas.

Permit requirements vary by location in Texas. Many wilderness areas and popular trails require day-use or backcountry permits. Check with the managing agency (National Forest, National Park, or State Park) before your trip.

Late Spring through Fall (May-October) is generally best for hiking camping in Texas. High-elevation trails may have shorter seasons due to snow. Always check current trail conditions before heading out.

Availability Alerts

Popular Texas Campgrounds Book Fast

The best hiking campgrounds in Texas book up quickly, especially during peak season. Set up free alerts to catch cancellations.

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Chisos Basin Campground (Big Bend, Tx)
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