Your Guide to Winter Camping in Texas
Come winter, most cold-weather campers head north to Utah, Montana, or Canada to test their mettle against the icy elements overnight. And while Texas isn’t exactly top of mind when you think of winter camping destinations, you don’t need to leave the Lone Star State to embrace nature and subfreezing temperatures in our enormous variety of state parks perfect for camping.
In fact, Texas’ more mild daytime temperatures and lighter crowds at campsites during the winter make it a giant, yet hidden gem for camping enthusiasts seeking a natural getaway between November and March. To help you prepare, here’s everything you need to know about winter camping in Texas — from what to pack to where to pitch your tent.
Packing Tips for Winter Camping
With temperatures likely to drop below freezing at night — and wind chills from Texas’ flat, rugged landscapes making the temperature feel even lower — thinking ahead about the proper gear is critical. Here are some essential tips for winter camping items.
Tents
Picking a tent with good insulation and ventilation that prevents condensation while retaining heat is vital. At the top of the line are certain canvas tents called “hot tents,” which are specifically designed for cold-weather camping and actually keep your shelter heated with a built-in metal stove. Hot tents were really designed for camping in snow (a once- or twice-a-year occasion in Texas), but they’re still the gold standard for subfreezing camping.
At the end of the day, however, tents are more important as windbreakers and protection from the rain at night. It’s your sleeping bag that will keep you warm.
Sleeping Bags
Pack a cold-weather sleeping bag that’s rated for 10 degrees lower than the temperature in the forecast, especially if you’re sleeping in an unheated tent. The synthetic material of winter sleeping bags isn’t the most comfortable, but in the winter months, you’re packing for survival, not luxury. (Pro tip: Pack a sleeping pad with good R-rated insulation for an extra buffer between you and the cold, hard ground.) In the winter, avoid down sleeping bags, which don’t retain heat as well as synthetic bedding.
Clothes
Pack comfortable, waterproof boots; long underwear (wool or synthetic material is best); and plenty of extra socks. Bring beanies, gloves, and a gaiter for hikes.
The Best Spots for Winter Camping in Texas
From the rugged mountains of West Texas to the thick coniferous woods of East Texas, there’s no shortage of beautiful country to camp and conquer between November and March. Here are some of our favorite spots for winter camping in Texas.
The Davis Mountains
Deep in the deserts of West Texas, just south of New Mexico, is Davis Mountains State Park. Its remote location, scenic views, and incredibly clear night skies make it an incredible destination for winter camping. Hike the Chihuahuan Desert Nature Center by day, and camp in the foothills by night.
Big Bend
Some outdoor enthusiasts consider Big Bend Ranch State Park the single best destination for winter camping in all of Texas. There are more than 200 miles of hiking trails weaving through the beautiful red outcrops of Big Bend, with elevations ranging from 1,800 feet to over 7,000 feet in the Chisos Mountains. It’s also officially designated as an International Dark Sky Park, so the stargazing here is unbeatable.
The Pineywoods
Most people think of camping in Texas as either flat or rocky, but head to the Pineywoods in East Texas and you’ll find a shocking ecosystem of towering pine trees, swampy wetlands, and, yes, plenty of gators. The Pineywoods are known for their paddling trails, which may not be very fun in the winter, but the hiking trails at Martin Dies, Jr. State Park are a must any time of year.
Of course, these are just the surface of rural winter getaways in Texas. Here are some of our favorite beaches, bed-and-breakfasts, and other unique winter escapes in Texas.
