As students head into summer vacation, families may be looking to hit the road and explore the great outdoors.
The Lone Star State offers no shortage of camping options, and Texas-based real estate company VIP Realty is helping adventurers discover the best spots with a fresh list of top-rated campgrounds to visit in 2026. Many of the campsites showcase incredible views and are family friendly.
“Each offers a unique outdoor adventure that showcases the natural beauty of Texas,” the report states. “If you love the outdoors, camping in Texas is an experience you won’t forget.”
Here are the top six spots to set up camp in Texas and how to get more information on reservations and things to do.
Big Bend National Park
Location: West Texas
Big Bend National Park spans 800,000 acres of desert, mountains, and river landscapes, “offering a truly remote and breathtaking outdoor experience,” the report says.
The U.S. National Park Service provides a guide where you can plan your next adventure, check weather conditions and learn about its history, plants and animals.
The best campgrounds, according to VIP realty’s report, are Chisos Basin Campground, Rio Grande Village Campground, and Cottonwood Campground.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Location: West Texas
Guadalupe Mountains National Park, home to Guadalupe Peak, is the tallest point in Texas at 8,751 feet. This guide provided by the National Park Service offers information on trails, highest points along the mountain and more.
“This park is ideal for campers who love hiking and mountain scenery. The landscape features rugged peaks, high desert ecosystems, and peaceful backcountry camping opportunities,” the VIP Realty report says.
Best campgrounds include Pine Springs Campground, Dog Canyon Campground and Backcountry wilderness sites.
Guadalupe Mountains is perfect for campers looking for quiet, remote, and challenging outdoor experiences.
Garner State Park
Location: Texas Hill Country
Visitors to Garner State Park swim and hike, with 2.9 miles of Frio River winding through 1,774 acres of scenic Hill Country terrain.
Camping options include riverfront campsites, tent sites, cabins and screened shelters. Reservations fill up quickly, especially in the summer. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department takes online reservations here, or you can call (512) 389-8900.
Palo Duro Canyon State Park
Location: Texas Panhandle
Known as the Grand Canyon of Texas, Palo Duro Canyon State Park is the second-largest canyon in the United States and you can explore the canyon by foot, mountain bike, horse or car.
“Located near Amarillo in the Texas Panhandle, this park offers stunning red rock formations, scenic drives, and excellent hiking and biking trails,” the VIP realty report says.
Camping areas include Juniper Campground, Sagebrush Campground, and Mesquite Campground. You can make a reservation on the Texas Parks and Wildlife website.
Pedernales Falls State Park
Location: West of Austin
Things to do at Pedernales Falls State Park include camping, hiking, mountain biking, picnicking, bird watching and riding horses.
“This park offers a peaceful outdoor environment surrounded by rolling hills and scenic rivers,” according to the report.
Camping options include tent camping sites, RV sites with electricity, and group campsites. Reservations can be made on the Texas Parks and Wildlife website.
Padre Island National Seashore
Location: South Texas
There’s nearly 70 miles of wild coastline with lots to do, including beach camping, surf fishing, and sea turtle watching. You can find a guide of activities along the beach on the U.S. National Park Service website.
“Beach camping here allows visitors to fall asleep to the sound of ocean waves,” VIP realty states.
Camping areas include Malaquite Campground,, North Beach primitive camping and South Beach remote camping.
Natassia Paloma may be reached at npaloma@gannett.com, @NatassiaPaloma on X, natassia_paloma on Instagram, and Natassia Paloma on Facebook.
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Planning a camping trip? These are Texas’ best spots for 2026
Reporting by Natassia Paloma, El Paso Times / El Paso Times
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Natassia Paloma, El Paso Times | USA TODAY Network
