With diverse landscapes from piney woods to desert mountains, Texas offers endless options for family camping adventures. The state parks system alone has over 100 campgrounds spanning every region. To help narrow it down, we compiled this list of the 5 best family-friendly campgrounds in Texas.
Whether you prefer pitching a tent or parking your RV, these campsites have amenities and activities to delight kids young and old. Get ready for family bonding over campfires, hikes, fishing, swimming, and exploring Texas’ natural beauty.
Introduction
Planning a camping trip for the whole family can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. The key is finding a destination that offers activities for both kids and parents alike. The best family campsites keep children engaged with nature programs, playgrounds, and spots to swim and play. Meanwhile, mom and dad enjoy the peaceful natural spaces conducive to quality time with loved ones.
Luckily, Texas state parks offer family-oriented camping with unique landscapes from the Panhandle plains to the Gulf coast. Before you claim your campsite, learn more about these top 5 family-friendly camping destinations across the Lone Star State.
1. Palo Duro Canyon State Park
As the second largest canyon in the country, Palo Duro Canyon amazes with vibrant rock formations, multi-hued cliffs, and scenic vistas. RV and tent sites are nestled along the canyon floor surrounded by hiking, biking, horseback riding trails, and geocaching adventures.
Activities for Families:
- Hiking the Lighthouse Trail to see the canyon from above
- Biking through juniper and piñon pine forest
- Spotting roadrunners, javelina, golden eagles, and more
- Riding horses at the Old West Stables
- Playing disc golf on the 9-hole course
- Attending interactive cultural history shows
- Splashing in the swimming pool
- Stargazing into endless skies
With a visitor center, amphitheater, cabins, playground, and convenient camp store, Palo Duro Canyon offers plenty of family-friendly amenities amidst the exotic canyon landscape.
2. Garner State Park
Located along the Frio River in the Texas Hill Country, Garner State Park provides the perfect blend of summer fun and natural beauty. Families can camp creekside or enjoy one of the historic CCC cabins.
Activities for Families:
- Floating and swimming in the Frio River
- Hiking over 15 miles of trails to scenic overlooks
- Fishing for bass, catfish, and perch
- Playing disc golf on the 18 hole course
- Attending interpretive nature programs
- Exploring the park by segway
- Picnicking and playing in scenic river sites
- Nightly dances and movies in the auditorium
With a lodge, restaurant, paddle boat rentals, mini golf, and playgrounds, this park has endless options for family fun surrounded by the cool rivers and wooded hills of the Texas Hill Country.
3. Martin Dies Jr. State Park
Bordering Martin Dies Jr. Reservoir, this East Texas state park spans cypress swamps, pine forests, and sandy beaches perfect for camping with kids. Popular activities include fishing, boating, swimming, hiking, and observing wildlife.
Activities for Families:
- Fishing for largemouth bass, catfish, and crappie
- Paddling in canoes, kayaks or motorized boats
- Swimming at sandy beaches with kid-friendly entry
- Hiking through longleaf pine forest and along the reservoir
- Biking the excellent path encircling the lake
- Participating in ranger-led programs on birds, bugs, boating safety
- Playing on the lakeside playground and game courts
The park offers flush toilets, hot showers, and even WiFi making amenities easy for family camping. With diverse ecosystems and endless water recreation, Martin Dies Jr. State Park promises adventure for the whole family.
4. Colorado Bend State Park
With limestone bluffs, spring-fed creeks, and legendary hiking trails, this park is perfect for family adventure. Tent and RV sites come equipped with water and electric hookups for easy family camping.
Activities for Families:
- Hiking rugged trails to find waterfalls and cavern springs
- Splashing and swimming in crystal clear Gorman Creek
- Canoeing down the Colorado River through dramatic limestone canyons
- Fishing for Guadalupe bass in the river and tributaries
- Mountain biking over scenic trails with varying difficulty
- Geocaching in rugged terrain filled with treasures
- Camping in primitive backpack sites or developing survival skills
With varying levels of adventure, Colorado Bend State Park allows families to challenge themselves while taking in stunning Hill Country vistas.
5. Sea Rim State Park
Located on the Texas Gulf Coast, this state park encompasses marshes, beaches, and coastal prairies perfect for birding, fishing, and playing in the sand. Family campers enjoy waterfront sites along the marsh and beachfront sites with Gulf views.
Activities for Families:
- Fishing from the pier into the marsh
- Playing in the waves and combing for shells along the beach
- Birdwatching over 300 species including roseate spoonbills and pelicans
- Hiking and biking over earthen levees in the marsh
- Kayaking through scenic marshes and bayous
- Attending ranger-led pond dipping and seashore safari programs
- Relaxing at the bathhouse with splash pad and showers
With diverse coastal habitats and family-centered programs, Sea Rim State Park provides endless entertainment and learning opportunities for kids interested in beaches, birds, and the bay.
Photo: Texas Parks and Wildlife
Plan Your Next Camping Adventure
As you can see, Texas offers family-friendly campgrounds across an incredible diversity of landscapes. The state parks system makes camping easy with amenities while providing access to rugged adventure.
Evaluate your family’s skills and interests, then consider elements like hiking difficulty, water activities, interpretive programs, and recreation. Consulting park websites in detail allows you to choose just the right destination for your family’s next camping trip.
Pack your tent or RV, then set out to explore pine forests, winding rivers, desert canyonlands, and ocean shores. Amidst the natural beauty and excitement of the outdoors, your family will make unforgettable memories.
Pick your perfect Texas campspot today! Mountains, beaches, rivers, and forests await. Let the laughs and adventures begin under the immense Texas skies
