10 Types of Camping Trips in Texas

By theadmin

Texas is a camper’s dreamland. From the eastern woodlands to the wide-open West, the state boasts an incredible diversity of terrain and an amazing variety of experiences. Whether you’re an avid backpacker or you want to lead your kids out into the woods, there are places to explore that are thrilling — and accessible — for all experience levels. Here are 10 itineraries that will inspire you to get outdoors this fall.

Lone Wolves

1. Big Bend Ranch State Park
The secret treasure of the Big Bend region lies about two hours west of the more-visited Big Bend National Park. The real thrill for wilderness lovers is the primitive camping allowed throughout much of the state park, as long as you are ¾ mile from trailheads or roads, ¼ mile from other campers, and 300 feet from water and prehistoric sites. That means backpackers can hike deep into the untouched backcountry to lose themselves in the magnificent landscape and brilliant, clear night skies.

2. South Padre Island National Seashore
Replace your images of mountain tops and thick forest trails with a beach: Texas offers some of the best seaside camping opportunities in the country. For those wishing to experience the rare beauty of our remote coast, Yarborough Pass is located 15.5 miles south of the visitor center, on a stretch of beach only accessible by four-wheel drive or boat. It can be a challenge to get there, but campers will be rewarded with the tranquil serenity of the empty beach, as well as some of the best saltwater fishing anywhere.

Adventurers

3. Caprock Canyons Trailway
This 60-plus-mile trailway crosses through some of the most spectacular terrain in the Panhandle, from the Caprock Escarpment to the Red River Valley. The trail follows an old railroad route, crossing 46 bridges, three counties, and the Clarity Tunnel — one of the last active railroad tunnels in Texas. Camping is permitted anywhere along the path, which means you can take your time traversing the adventurous route. The trail’s length has made it popular for backpackers and horseback campers alike.

4. The Outer Mountain Loop at Big Bend National Park
This backpacking trek leads hikers out of the Chisos Basin and into Big Bend’s rugged desert terrain, passing some of the most spectacular views in the park. Campers can pitch their tents anywhere throughout the open-zone areas, which offers a way to really experience the remoteness. The challenge for campers hoping to tackle this hike is packing in enough water for the three days it takes to complete the loop. The National Park Service recommends only experienced hikers attempt this route. The experience is an adventure of endurance and economy, as you pack in and hike out everything you need to survive in one of the driest, toughest corners of the earth.

Weekenders

5. Gorman Falls at Colorado Bend State Park
Texas’ size means it can be difficult to explore some of its more spectacular regions without dedicating some solid chunks of time. But Colorado Bend, one of the newer parks in the state-run system, is close to Texas’ urban areas and manageably sized, making it a perfect spot for a quick weekend camping trip. Featuring both drive-up and hike-in campsites, Colorado Bend is versatile and offers plenty of hiking and mountain biking trails, a swimming hole, and one of the prettiest waterfalls in the state.

6. Lost Maples State Natural Area
About two hours west of San Antonio, Lost Maples is something of a pilgrimage site for many Texans, who flock to the forest each fall to experience its luxuriant fall colors. The upper Sabine River has carved out hills and canyons covered with Ashe juniper, several species of oak, bigtooth maple, sycamore, mesquite, Texas persimmon, and many other varietals of flora. Daytime crowds can get thick, so we recommend the primitive hike-in camping, which will reward weekend backpackers with some intimate time with this park’s unmatched beauty.

Families

7. Davis Mountains State Park
The Davis Mountains’ accessible campgrounds, historic Indian Lodge, and horse-friendly facilities have been attracting outdoor-loving Texas families for decades. Kids will enjoy exploring the small nature center located right in the main campground, the hiking trails, and what is known as the “best little bird blind in Texas.”

8. Hueco Tanks State Park & Historic Site
A geological marvel has been attracting visitors to a rugged site in the far western corner of the state for millennia. Because of the park’s delicate natural and archeological conditions, visitors must watch an orientation video before visiting. Many of its attractions are only available via a guided tour. But the friendly campground, vast array of activities, and top-notch rock climbing help make Hueco Tanks a great family destination.

Glampers

9. El Cosmico
If roughing it in the wilderness isn’t your style, you can still experience Texas’ natural beauty without forfeiting the perks of modern convenience. One of the coolest glamping sites is El Cosmico, founded in the tiny artist haven of Marfa by the boutique-lodging geniuses behind the Hotel San José in Austin. Experience the rugged remote beauty of West Texas in the style and comfort of a 1950s Airstream trailer, a Native American tepee, or a Mongolian yurt.

10. Cypress Valley Canopy Tour
Cypress Valley Canopy Tours offers what must be the most unique glamping experience in Texas: a series of treehouses nestled in the upper limbs of a forest of cypress trees. Connected by rope bridges, the accommodations range from canopy beds to hammocks and include kitchens and showers. Visitors can spend time sleeping in the trees, looking out over incredible morning views of the forest and ravine, and enjoying a unique outdoor experience far away from daily life.

For more inspiration, take a tour of Texas’ national parks.