As a frequent Texas traveler, I’ve had the pleasure of exploring the state’s diverse landscapes in every season, and winter camping in Texas is an experience like no other. Whether you’re a seasoned camper or new to the experience, Texas offers some of the best winter camping spots where you can escape the hustle and bustle, enjoy the crisp air, and explore stunning natural beauty.
In this guide, I’ll share my personal picks for the top winter camping destinations across the Lone Star State, each offering unique features and cozy experiences to make your winter adventure unforgettable. Let’s dive in!
Winter Camping in Texas State Parks
Texas boasts over 80 state parks, providing ample opportunities for camping adventures. Many parks offer tent and RV camping sites with varying amenities, including fire rings, picnic tables, restroom facilities, and access to hiking trails. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak seasons. Some parks offer cabins or shelters for a more comfortable stay. Here are some of the best Texas State Parks for winter camping:
Guadalupe River State Park
Located in the Hill Country, just a short drive from Austin and San Antonio, Guadalupe River State Park is a gem for winter campers. The park offers over 90 campsites, including tent and electric campsites, some with water and electricity. Winter activities include fishing, swimming, tubing, and stargazing. The park’s 4 miles of shoreline and 13 miles of hiking trails provide ample opportunities for winter hikes, while its abundance of bird species makes it a hotspot for nature lovers.
The scenic views of the crystal-clear Guadalupe River, the peaceful environment, and the fall foliage in the colder months make it a perfect getaway for winter camping enthusiasts not to mention a lot of things to do in nearby San Antonio.
Palo Duro Canyon State Park
Palo Duro Canyon State Park, the “Grand Canyon of Texas,” offers stunning red rock formations and rugged terrain. Choose from campsites with water, electricity, and restrooms, or opt for remote backpack camping for more solitude. For a touch of luxury, stay in charming cabins on the canyon rim or rustic Cow Camp cabins on the canyon floor, complete with modern amenities.
Winter activities include hiking, mountain biking, birdwatching, and horseback riding. If you’re lucky, witness the breathtaking contrast of snow against the canyon’s red rocks. The cooler temperatures make winter the perfect time to explore this unique landscape.
Garner State Park
With over 16 miles of trails along the Frio River and abundant wildlife, Garner State Park is a popular destination for winter campers. Winter campers can stay in screened shelters featuring electricity, a water spigot, and a fire ring with an adjustable grill outside, or opt for private or group cabins housing 4 to 40 people and offering modern amenities. If you want budget-friendly winter camping, campsites with full hookups are the way to go.
Winter activities include hiking, fishing, and birdwatching. The park’s scenic beauty and the Frio River’s tranquil waters provide a serene camping experience. The park concessionaire offers snacks during the peak season, making it a perfect place to enjoy a family picnic beside the crystal-clear waters of Frio River.
Pedernales Falls State Park
Located just 30 miles west of Austin, Pedernales Falls State Park is known for its stunning waterfalls, gorgeous limestone formations, and easy hikes. The park offers 69 campsites with water and electricity and 4 primitive camping options for those who want a taste of wilderness on its backcountry sites.
Aside from an equestrian group camp, a youth group camp featuring picnic tables, outdoor grills, lantern posts, and chemical toilets is Pedernales Falls State Park’s primary attraction, inviting young campers with the area’s mild temperature even in winter also goes in favor.
Winter activities include hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, tubing, and exploring the park’s unique geological features.
Related Posts: Exploring the Best Waterfalls Across Texas
Goose Island State Park
Goose Island State Park on the Gulf Coast offers a unique winter camping experience among ancient oaks. Choose from 44 campsites with water and electricity or 57 shaded sites. For a more rustic stay, enjoy 25 walk-in tent sites. Winter activities include fishing, birdwatching, boating, and exploring the nearby Aransas National Wildlife Refuge. Kids can join the free Junior Ranger Program.
Don’t miss the Big Tree, a centuries-old Coastal Live Oak. With mild weather and Gulf breezes, it’s the perfect winter getaway.
Caddo Lake State Park
Caddo Lake State Park in East Texas offers a mystical camping experience among bald cypress trees draped with Spanish moss towering over Big Cypress Bayou. The park has 46 campsites with water and electricity, as well as screened shelters and historic luxury cabins with all modern amenities.
Winter activities include canoeing, fishing, and hiking through the forest along 2.5 miles of trails. You might encounter alligators, diverse wildlife, and rare bird species as you explore. The serene and unique environment of Caddo Lake makes it a must-visit spot for winter campers.
Mustang Island State Park
With over five miles of coastline along the Gulf Coast, Mustang Island State Park is perfect for beachside winter camping. The park offers 48 water and electricity campsites with restrooms and showers nearby, as well as 50 drive-up primitive sites. Winter activities include long walks on sandy beaches, fishing, kayaking, and bird watching.
Mild winter weather and beautiful coastline make it an ideal winter camping destination with plenty of vitamin D to soak in.
Galveston Island State Park
Galveston Island State Park offers a mix of beachfront and bayfront campsites. The park has beach and bay campsites with water and electricity, primitive sites, as well as lodges equipped with queen beds, a large screened porch overlooking the lake with chairs, laundry facilities, shower, bathtub, central heating, fireplaces, toilet, microwave, refrigerator, stove with oven. Winter activities include fishing, picnicking, kayaking, beachcombing, and exploring the park’s nature trails.
The coastal setting and mild winter temperatures make it a popular spot for winter campers.
Caprock Canyons State Park
Caprock Canyons State Park in West Texas offers dramatic landscapes, red rock formations, deep canyons, and unique wildlife, including the Texas State Bison Herd. Bison roam the plains, bats rest in the Clarity Tunnel, and over 90 miles of trails are open for hiking and biking, horseback riding, and wildlife viewing when you pitch your winter tent for camping at Caprock Canyons State Park.
The park has full hookup RV sites with water and electricity, as well as primitive backcountry sites and tent sites with electricity. The cooler weather is a great time to explore the park’s rugged terrain.
Inks Lake State Park
Inks Lake State Park, located in the Hill Country, is known for its picturesque lake, scenic beauty, and water activities. Its sparkling blue water, colorful rock outcrops, and striking sunsets make it a go-to destination for a full day of family fun on the water and land. Discover nature’s beauty by staying at one of nearly 200 campsites or 22 cabins, including ADA-accessible ones. Many sites offer stunning lakeside views or convenient water access.
Winter activities include fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding in the lake’s clear waters. You can also hike the 9 miles of scenic trails that wind through diverse terrain with ample opportunities to admire local wildlife and bird species along the way. The mild winter weather and beautiful surroundings make it a great camping spot.
Thanks to its close proximity, don’t miss out on lots of things to do in Burnet to make the most of your getaway.
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McKinney Falls State Park
Over 300,000 annual visits showcase Austinites’ love for McKinney Falls State Park, and for good reason. It’s a convenient winter escape into nature, where you can listen to Onion Creek flowing over limestone ledges. You can also follow 9 miles of trails through Hill Country woods and explore the remains of an early Texas homestead and an ancient rock shelter. 81 campsites, each equipped with convenient water and electric hookups, and six newly remodeled cabins that blend comfort with nature ensure an unforgettable winter getaway!
The park has campsites with water and electricity and cabins for rent. Other winter activities include hiking, biking, fishing, and exploring the park’s Visitor Center. The park’s proximity to Austin makes it an excellent excuse to have a day trip to town and check out all the wonderful things to do in Austin.
Winter Camping in Texas National Parks
Texas has two national parks that offer a more remote and unique camping experience in rugged campsites and diverse landscapes. The amenities here are limited compared to state parks or private campgrounds, providing opportunities for backcountry camping. Reservations are essential, especially for developed campgrounds within the parks.
Each park has specific camping rules and regulations, so thorough research is crucial before planning a trip.
Big Bend National Park
Big Bend National Park in West Texas offers a vast, remote winter camping experience amidst stunning mountain vistas and limestone canyons. Here, the night skies are dark as coal, making it an ideal spot for stargazing, and rivers carve temple-like canyons in ancient limestone. With three developed front-country campgrounds offering drinking water and restroom facilities, as well as full hookup RV camping and remote backcountry options, Big Bend caters to all camping styles.
Cooler winter temperatures make it easy to explore its rugged terrain, tackle 150 miles of scenic trails, and soak in the indescribable views of the majestic Rio Grande. Big Bend’s diverse habitats, ranging from arid desert to towering mountains, support a thriving ecosystem. This includes over 450 bird species and a variety of wildlife, such as elusive black bears and majestic mountain lions.
Related Posts: Must-Explore Hidden Hiking Trails in Texas
Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Guadalupe Mountains National Park in West Texas is home to Guadalupe Peak, the highest peak in Texas. It is known for its rugged terrain, diverse ecosystems, and stunning vistas. Pine Springs Campground, located at the base of Guadalupe Peak, offers desert camping with amenities like potable water, accessible flush toilets, and a utility sink.
Dog Canyon Campground, located two hours from Pine Springs, is nestled in a cool, secluded forested canyon. It offers 9 tent sites and 4 RV sites (max length 23 feet), but there are no hookups or dump stations available. It features restrooms with sinks and flush toilets but no showers.
Winter activities include hiking, wildlife viewing, and exploring the park’s unique geological features. The cooler weather makes it an excellent time to tackle the park’s challenging trails.
Winter Camping in Texas Private Campgrounds
Private campgrounds in Texas cater to various camping preferences and often provide more amenities than state parks. These sites range from essential tent camping areas to luxury RV resorts. The most primitive features of any private campground may include full RV hookups, free Wi-Fi, cable TV, swimming pools, playgrounds, laundry facilities, and on-site stores.
Aloha Beach RV Resort
Aloha Beach RV Resort, located on the Gulf Coast, offers a range of amenities for winter campers. The resort has full RV hookups, ample paved parking spots, free Wi-Fi, and full water and sewer connections. It’s the ultimate destination for luxury winter camping in Texas, where you can dip in an inviting heated pool or relax in a cozy bathhouse. You can also unwind on a two-story observation deck, admiring the breathtaking sunsets.
The resort’s prime location near Port Aransas and amenities make it an excellent spot for a comfortable winter camping experience.
Hidden Lake RV Park
Hidden Lake RV Park is a serene lake-front property within Beaumont city limits that offers a serene winter camping experience. The park offers full RV hookups, free Wi-Fi & satellite TV, and laundry facilities. Winter activities include fishing (catch and release), hiking nature trails, and bird watching. This private campground offers over 70 affordable, full hook-up RV sites and brand-new cabins, each with a patio area.
It’s perfect for long-term, weekly, or nightly stays, with fully furnished accommodations to ensure comfort.
Winter Camping at Texas Lakes
Camping by a lake adds a unique charm to the winter camping experience. Texas has numerous lakes that offer beautiful campsites with a range of amenities. Here are some of the best lakes for winter camping:
Joe Pool Lake
Joe Pool Lake, near Dallas, features over 200 well-maintained campsites at Loyd Park, including options right by the shore and shaded areas. Each site offers water, electricity, and a picnic table, accommodating up to eight people and two vehicles. Campsites can hold 2 tents or 1 wheeled camper and 1 tent. Fire rings are available, and firewood can be purchased at the park entrance.
Winter activities include fishing, hiking, and bird watching, making it a popular destination for winter camping.
Lake Travis
Lake Travis, nestled in the captivating Hill Country near Austin, presents a perfect retreat with picturesque campsites offering water and electricity, along with charming cabins for rent. The Full Services RV Pads & Cottages are the ideal choice for winter camping. They feature an office & business center, a refreshing pool & hot tub, and a delightful 4-hole chip & putt. Additional amenities include a 24-hour fitness center, laundry facility, handicap-accessible bathhouse, dog park, picnic area & children’s playscape, and a special event pavilion & clubhouse.
Enjoy winter with activities like fishing, boating, and hiking. Let nature refresh your spirit.
Related Posts: Top Hidden Lakes in Texas Worth Exploring
More Winter Camping Spots in Texas
Texas offers even more fantastic winter camping destinations that cater to a variety of outdoor experiences. Here are three additional spots to consider for your next winter camping adventure:
Padre Island National Seashore
Padre Island National Seashore, located along the Gulf Coast, offers a unique winter camping experience on the longest undeveloped barrier island in the world. The park has several campgrounds, including Malaquite Campground. It offers semi-primitive sites with picnic tables, shade structures, and access to restrooms and showers. Primitive beach camping options are also available for those looking to truly disconnect.
Winter activities at Padre Island include beachcombing, bird watching, and fishing. The mild winter temperatures make it an ideal time to explore the island’s vast stretches of sandy beaches. Don’t miss the chance to spot some of the island’s abundant birdlife or catch a glimpse of dolphins playing in the surf.
Enchanted Rock State Natural Area
Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, located in the Hill Country near Fredericksburg, is a must-visit destination for winter campers. The park is famous for its massive pink granite dome, which offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The campground offers walk-in tent campsites with picnic tables, fire rings, and nearby restrooms.
Winter activities at Enchanted Rock include hiking, rock climbing, and stargazing. The cooler winter temperatures provide a comfortable environment for exploring the park’s rugged trails and climbing the iconic rock formations. The clear night skies make it an ideal spot for amateur astronomers.
Big Thicket National Preserve
Big Thicket National Preserve, located in East Texas, is a haven for nature lovers and winter campers. The preserve offers several primitive camping areas, allowing campers to immerse themselves in the diverse ecosystems of the Big Thicket. Permits are required for camping, and campers must follow Leave No Trace principles.
Winter activities at Big Thicket include hiking, canoeing, and wildlife watching. The cooler temperatures make it a great time to explore the preserve’s extensive network of trails and waterways. The preserve is home to various plant and animal species, making it a fascinating destination for those interested in natural history and ecology.
Winter Camping Spots in Texas: FAQs
Can you camp in Texas in the winter?
Yes, in fact, winter is the best time to camp in Texas. Texas offers mild winter weather and diverse landscapes, making it an excellent destination for winter camping. Whether you prefer state parks, national parks, or private campgrounds, there are plenty of options for a comfortable and enjoyable winter camping experience.
What is the best month to go camping in Texas?
The best months to camp in Texas are late September, October, November, and early December. The weather is cooler and more comfortable during this period, with milder temperatures and lower humidity. It’s the perfect time to enjoy the beautiful fall foliage.
You can also take part in fun outdoor activities, all without the summer heat or the chilly winter cold.
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Winter Camping Spots in Texas: Final Thoughts
Winter camping in Texas offers a unique and diverse experience for outdoor enthusiasts. From the rugged terrains of state and national parks to the comfort of private campgrounds and the serenity of lakeside camping, Texas has something for every camper. As an avid Texas traveler, I can assure you that winter camping in the Lone Star State is an adventure you won’t forget. So pack your gear, make your reservations, and get ready to explore the natural beauty of Texas this winter. Happy camping!
Last Updated 4 weeks ago by Jessica Serna | Published: December 8, 2024
