Mountain Camping in Texas

Mountain Camping in Texas

Discover the best mountain camping across Texas. Rise above it all in mountain campgrounds. Crisp air, towering peaks, and endless alpine adventure.

20+ Campgrounds4.6★ AverageBest: Year-round

Featured Campgrounds

Handpicked destinations that define the region


About Mountain Camping in Texas

Mountain camping in Texas offers surprisingly diverse alpine and high-elevation experiences across the state's most dramatic landscapes, from the soaring Chisos Mountains in Big Bend National Park to the volcanic peaks of the Davis Mountains and the rolling limestone hills of the Texas Hill Country. While Texas is often associated with flat prairies and coastal plains, the western and central regions harbor genuine mountain terrain with elevations reaching over 7,800 feet at Guadalupe Peak.

Best Time

The ideal window for mountain camping in Texas runs from October through April, when cooler temperatures make high-elevation hiking comfortable and lowland heat becomes manageable. Spring (March-May) brings wildflower blooms across the Hill Country and Big Bend, with bluebonnets, Indian paintbrush, and desert marigolds painting the mountainsides, though spring break crowds pack popular campgrounds.

Scenery Highlights

  • Stunning mountain panoramas
  • Cool alpine temperatures
  • Alpine lakes and meadows
  • World-class hiking trails


Campground Locations

Showing top 20 campgrounds near Mountain Camping in Texas

Map Key
1
Chisos Basin Campground (Big Bend, Tx)
2
Davis Mountains State Park
3
Indian Lodge State Park
4
Cottonwood (Big Bend, Tx)
5
Seminole Canyon State Park And Historic Site
6
South Llano River State Park
7
Hueco Tanks State Park And Historic Site
8
Government Canyon State Natural Area
9
Lyndon B. Johnson State Park And Historic Site
10
Magnolia Ridge
11
Fort Richardson State Park Hist. Site And Trailway
12
Lakeside (Tx)
13
Lofers Bend East
14
Rayburn
15
Goliad State Park
16
Possum Kingdom State Park
17
Lake Somerville State Park Nails Creek
18
Ray Roberts Lake State Park Isle Du Bois
19
Mother Neff State Park
20
Bois D' Arc

Plan Your Trips

Popular Activities

Mountain hiking on challenging trails with elevation gainRock climbing and bouldering on limestone and volcanic formationsMountain biking on technical singletrack and flow trailsStargazing and astrophotography under dark sky preservesWildlife viewing including mule deer, javelina, and black bearsBackcountry backpacking on multi-day mountain routes

Tips & Recommendations

  • 1Reserve Chisos Basin Campground six months in advance as it fills quickly year-round due to limited capacity and prime location within Big Bend National Park.
  • 2Bring all water you'll need for primitive sites, as many mountain campgrounds have limited or no potable water, especially during drought conditions.
  • 3Pack layers for dramatic temperature swings—mountain elevations can experience 40-degree differences between day and night, with freezing temperatures possible even in spring and fall.
  • 4Bear canisters or bear-proof food storage is required in the Chisos Mountains due to active black bear populations; never store food in tents or vehicles.
20 campgrounds ranked
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Curated for Mountain Camping in Texas

Mountain Camping in Texas FAQ

We've ranked 20+ mountain campgrounds in Texas based on elevation, scenery, and access to trails. Top options offer stunning alpine views and cool summer temperatures.

Mountain camping in Texas requires preparation for cooler temperatures and changing weather. Bring layers, be prepared for afternoon storms, and allow time for altitude acclimation at higher elevations.

Mountain camping season in Texas typically runs June through September, though lower elevations may be accessible earlier. Snow can linger at higher elevations into July.

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Chisos Basin Campground (Big Bend, Tx)
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