Emma Radebaugh Texas is one of the largest and most unique states in the U.S. With beaches, deserts, canyons, forests, hills, plains, and more, Texas provides beautiful scenery for all campers. Before visiting the Lone-Star state this year, check out five of the best camping destinations in Texas.
Palo Duro Canyon State Park
The Palo Duro Canyon is known as “The Grand Canyon of Texas,” and it’s easy to see why. The canyon offers stunning views, unique rock formations, and caves, and the lovely blue sky above stretches as far as the eye can see. Camping in this gorgeous canyon is a lot of fun if you can handle the heat. In Texas, the temperatures often rise over 100 degrees F during the day, so you’ll need to know what to pack for a week-long camping trip to survive this adventure.
Big Bend National Park
If you visit West Texas, you need to stop by Big Bend National Park. Located in West Texas, Big Ben is known for its large cliffs and mountains, interesting wildlife, and stunning scenery. The mountains within the park are called the Chisos Mountains, and they are the only mountain range in the U.S. that is completely contained within a national park. In addition to camping, you can go hiking, horseback riding, off-roading, and stargazing. Since the Rio Grande river passes through the park, many campers also enjoy rafting and relaxing by the water.
Inks Lake State Park
Inks Lake State Park is located near the heart of Texas, and it’s only an hour away from Austin. When you visit the lake, you can go camping, fishing, swimming, birdwatching, canoeing, and kayaking. You can also leap from a cliff into the Devil’s Waterhole if you enjoy a thrill.
Guadalupe River State Park
Located in Central Texas, the Guadalupe River State Park is a fun and unique place to camp. Surrounded by gorgeous trees and foliage, the beautiful river provides plenty of fun activities for campers. At these campsites, you can go swimming, fishing, and canoeing. You can also go mountain biking, geocaching, hiking, and birdwatching.
Padre Island National Seashore
When you visit Texas, you need to explore Padre Island. You can go horseback riding, paddleboarding, windsurfing, fishing, parasailing, and much more. Occasionally, you’ll also see marine wildlife during your adventures, such as bottlenose dolphins, jellyfish, and stingrays. Many travelers enjoy camping at the Padre Island National Seashore and listening to the relaxing sounds of the sea. However, if you camp at South Beach, North Beach, or Yarborough Pass, you will need a permit. Luckily, this permit is free! So, before you camp at these areas, make sure you acquire a permit. Also, keep in mind that there are very few amenities at certain campsites, so you’ll need to pack and prepare before your trip.
After learning about five of the best camping destinations in Texas, you probably want to visit the Lone-Star state right away. During your trip, be sure to prepare, stay safe, and have fun.
