Desert Camping in Texas
Discover the best desert camping across Texas. Discover the magic of desert camping. Dramatic landscapes, star-filled skies, and serene solitude.
Desert Camping in Other States
Featured Campgrounds
Handpicked destinations that define the region
Chisos Basin Campground (Big Bend, Tx)
Towering volcanic cliffs cradle your campsite at 5,400 feet, where mountain breezes cool the desert air and a rare sky island ecosystem blooms with ponderosa pines thriving beside century plants.
Cottonwood (Big Bend, Tx)
Towering cottonwoods form a rare desert oasis where vermillion flycatchers dart through branches and the Rio Grande whispers nearby, creating an unexpected ribbon of green in the Chihuahuan Desert.
Davis Mountains State Park
Ancient volcanic peaks tower over high-desert canyons where bighorn sheep traverse cliffsides and Montezuma quails call across the rugged terrain. When darkness falls, some of Texas's clearest skies reveal countless stars above this elevated sanctuary, far from any light pollution.
About Desert Camping in Texas
Desert camping Texas offers an extraordinary journey into one of America's most dramatic and diverse arid landscapes, where the vast Chihuahuan Desert meets rugged mountain ranges and ancient canyons. West Texas transforms into a spectacular desert wilderness, with Big Bend National Park serving as the crown jewel of Texas desert camping experiences.
Best Time
The optimal desert camping season in Texas runs from October through April, when daytime temperatures range from comfortable 60s to pleasant 80s, and nighttime temperatures drop to the 40s and 50s. March and April bring spectacular wildflower blooms across the desert, with bluebonnets, prickly pear cacti, and ocotillo creating vibrant displays following winter rains.
Scenery Highlights
- Unique desert landscapes
- World-class stargazing
- Mild winter temperatures
- Solitude and wide-open spaces
Explore Desert Camping in Texas
Browse 20 campgrounds on our interactive map. Filter by amenities, price, ratings, and more.
Plan Your Trip
Popular Activities
Tips & Recommendations
- 1Reserve campsites at Big Bend National Park through recreation.gov up to six months in advance—Chisos Basin fills completely during peak season.
- 2Bring all water you'll need or plan to treat available water, as desert campgrounds often have limited or no potable water, especially in summer when sources may dry up completely.
- 3Pack layers for dramatic temperature swings—80°F days can drop to 40°F nights, and high-elevation sites like Davis Mountains may see freezing temperatures even when lowland areas are warm.
- 4Essential gear includes sun protection (wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen, sunglasses), a high-quality headlamp for navigating dark campsites, and a reliable first aid kit with supplies for treating cactus spine injuries and minor cuts.
Desert Camping in Texas FAQ
We've ranked 20+ desert campgrounds in Texas based on scenery, stargazing conditions, and accessibility. Top options offer dramatic landscapes and incredible night skies.
Desert camping in Texas is best from October through April when temperatures are moderate. Winter offers mild daytime temps and cold nights perfect for campfires.
For desert camping in Texas, bring extra water (at least 1 gallon per person per day), sun protection, layers for cold nights, and sturdy tent stakes for sandy or rocky ground.
Popular Texas Campgrounds Book Fast
The best desert camping in Texas book up quickly. Set up free alerts to catch cancellations.
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Chisos Basin Campground (Big Bend, Tx)
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