Tent Campgrounds in Texas

About This Region

Texas offers tent campers an extraordinary diversity of landscapes, from the towering pines of East Texas to the rugged mountains of Big Bend National Park. Whether you're pitching your tent beside a tranquil Hill Country lake, on the white sand beaches of Padre Island, or beneath the vast Panhandle sky, the Lone Star State delivers unforgettable outdoor experiences. This curated collection features 20 exceptional tent camping destinations including iconic spots like Chisos Basin in Big Bend, family-friendly lakeside campgrounds such as Magnolia Ridge and Oak Park, and hidden gems throughout Texas's diverse regions. Each location has been carefully selected based on quality tent sites, essential amenities like clean restrooms and drinking water, and consistently positive reviews from fellow tent campers who've experienced the unique character of Texas camping firsthand.

Texas tent camping spans a remarkable range of environments and facilities. In East Texas Piney Woods, expect shaded sites beneath towering hardwoods with flush toilets, hot showers, and lake access at campgrounds like Magnolia Ridge and Ratcliff Lake. Big Bend's high-elevation sites offer cooler temperatures, bear-proof food lockers, and proximity to legendary hiking trails, though showers may require a drive. Hill Country and lake campgrounds typically provide level tent pads, picnic tables, fire rings, and convenient amenities perfect for families. Coastal sites at Padre Island deliver unique beach tent camping with more primitive facilities. Most Texas tent sites accommodate vehicles nearby, though some locations offer walk-in sites for enhanced privacy. Reservations are strongly recommended for popular spots, especially during spring and fall.