With hundreds of campsites in Texas, how can you choose the best destination for your family? Start with this list of 10 camping parks that offer fun for all ages.
Dinosaur Valley State Park
A visit to this fun state park in North Texas is sure to be a win for your T-rex-loving kiddos. When you camp here, you can tour the Paluxy River area and see real dinosaur tracks. Swimming, fishing, mountain biking and hiking are also on the menu at Dinosaur Valley State Park, so grab a bike rack for SUV and load up your tent for an unforgettable adventure.
Tyler State Park
Consider camping here for family fun in Northeast Texas. This park boasts fishing, boating and swimming in a 64-acre lake, along with miles of hiking trails, access to geocaching sites, towering trees, mountain biking and birding.
Brazos Bend State Park
If your kids want to spot alligators, there’s no better place to camp in Texas. As long as your crew is old enough to stay away from dangerous areas, you can bike, picnic, hike and fish near these fascinating creatures. Guided hikes and a nature center with an aquarium will keep everyone busy and happy while they learn about local wildlife.
Pace Bend Park
This Spicewood-area park will appeal to families with a sense of adventure, thanks to the countless limestone cliffs to climb. You’ll also enjoy access to water sports at Lake Travis, sports fields for a quick pick-up game and mountain biking. Shop camping tents for trucks, then make your reservation at this breathtaking spot.
Cedar Hill State Park
Another North Texas option, Cedar Hill State Park offers geocaching, camping, picnicking, hiking and biking. You can rent a picnic pavilion for a group gathering or rent a paddleboat to take out on Joe Pool Lake. The park has 350 campsites, ADA-accessible options and restrooms with hot showers, as well as primitive backcountry camping for the truly adventurous.
Padre Island National Seashore
If your kids love the beach, you can’t miss camping at this park on the coast of south Texas. Padre Island offers tons of family-friendly activities, including birding tours, star watching events, nature talks and guided beach hikes. Children can even complete an activity book to receive a special Junior Ranger badge.
Lake Mineral Wells State Park
For an expansive swimming lake and rock climbing galore, you can’t miss this Texas park. Older kids will love the fact that it’s rumored to be haunted, while everyone will love riding horses, fishing, and exploring the miles and miles of bike trails.
Meriden State Park
This Central Texas option will also appeal to the dino fans in your group. You can hike around the lake to find fossils in the surrounding limestone. The park also features the chance to glimpse rare birds, lots of bike paths and a beautiful scenic overlook. Meriden State Park has cabin camping as well as shelters, tent sites and RV facilities.
Inks Lake State Park
If you’re looking for private campgrounds with lots of shade, this state park is your best bet. Take a refreshing swim in the cascading falls at the Devil’s Watering Hole. You’ll also find paddle boating, biking, hiking, fishing, and your choice of tent, RV or cabin camping.
Balmorhea State Park
This West Texas campground features snorkeling, scuba diving and swimming in a clear spring-fed lake. Choose from either tent or RV campsites, both offering easy access to nearby Fort Davis and McDonald Observatory.
Research tents for truck beds, then make your reservations for a summer of family fun.
