Beach camping in Texas with wildlife watching

The largest state in the Lower 48 features no shortage of places to pitch a tent.

95% (3298 reviews)
95% (3298 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Texas

Dog-friendly getaways

Under $50

12 top beach campgrounds in Texas with wildlife watching

95%
(844)

Dos Rios - Hill Country Adventure

22 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents19 acres · Mason, TX
At the Confluence of the Mighty Llano River and the Majestic James River lies something completely unexpected - an undiscovered gem in the Texas hill country. The Dos Rios. We have over 19.3 acres of hill country beauty to explore. Take a casual dip in the mighty Llano River, or take the plunge off of 20-foot red rock cliffs into deep cool water. Kayak, canoe, swim, visit the Eckart Bat Cave, or take a scenic drive down the gorgeous James River Road (a winding gravel road that goes over several low water crossings on the crystal clear James River). Enjoy the island in front of the property, with its beaches and multiple access points to swimming holes. We also have camping, a tiny home and a fully renovated vintage airstream available (see other Hipcamp listings). We also rent kayaks and canoes! www.dosriosrvpark.com
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from 
$23.80
 / night
96%
(1076)

Sparrow Bend River Retreat

11 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents8 acres · Pipe Creek, TX
Sparrow Bend River Retreat is a beautiful 8 acre multi-site vacation rental property with camping, RV sites and 2 vacation homes.With a private 300yard stretch of the crystal-clear, spring fed MEDINA RIVER your party will spend the day exploring its majestic cliffs and coves, paddling/floating the river (tubes and kayaks for rent), splashing in the shallows, playing yard games on the lawn or sunbathing on a massive bolder.Enjoy a delicious and memorable dinner in Lakehills (15min), Bandera (20min) or Boerne (25min). Or stay in and grill out over the fire, or at the provided grill.Camp sites each have a customized picnic table for you convenience.Spend you evening sharing laughs around the provided firepit as you take in the dazzling canopy of stars. (Firewood available for sale)Our family has always dreamed of hosting a place for families and friends to come enjoy nature however we would have never dreamed of finding a property as unique and beautiful as this. A lake when the water is high, a beautiful river when the waters low. All crowned by a majestic limestone bluff, complete with boulders, coves and endless room for adventures.This land was once a part of a wagon trail along the river and, if you're lucky, you can still find arrowheads along the paths.The property is gated with a high privacy fence along the neighboring borders for security.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from 
$54.40
 / night
96%
(454)

River Forest Haven

46 sites · RVs, Tents30 acres · Del Valle, TX
River Forest Haven is a unique space that seeks to bring you closer to nature. We do not artificially light the camp and we strive to leave as much of the property in its natural state as we can. This provides a unique experience that is not your typical campground as we keep all of our campsites tucked under lush natural canopies. Car and tent camping works great! For most sites, you can easily drive up to your spot. Arrive, take a look around and settle into your site. We are always happy to deliver any of our items from our general store- just message us on HipCamp and we will come by. With nearly half a mile of Colorado riverfront to swim, fish, toob, paddle-board, kayak, and canoe*, along with 30 acres to hike and explore, River Forest Haven is also a quick 20-minute drive from downtown Austin.THINGS OF NOTE: ⁃ cell phone service is mostly non-existent ⁃ firewood can be brought or bought, but not collected.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from 
$30
 / night
99%
(318)

Secluded Guadalupe River Spot

4 sites · RVs, Tents12 acres · Gonzales, TX
These are unique camping spots along the Guadalupe River. I didn’t exactly understand how unique until I started getting feedback from my campers. The surrounding scenery will lower your blood pressure and do wonders to let you reconnect with nature. Sit back and close your eyes late in the evening and listen to all the wildlife talking to each other. There is faint traffic noise from 90A about a 1/3 of a mile away but it calms down after 7 or so. Currently no amenities but I am in the plans for some portable bathrooms. Please be prepared to cover all your bathroom and cooking needs. I do have some good clean well water from a faucet on the way into the campgrounds. Campfires are permitted. There is a convenience store (Diamond A) with clean bathrooms and a great bbq just 5 miles to the west on 90A and a Walmart and HEB 10 miles to the east on 90A. No dogs over 20 pounds on sites 1 and 2 but sites 3 and 4 are great areas to bring your high-energy dogs. No matter the size or temperament of your pets you are always expected to have them under your control at ALL times. I have very small livestock on the area on occasion. I am almost always on the property and try to have my phone with me while campers are on site, just let me know what you need and I will do what I can to accommodate you.
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
Trash
from 
$40
 / night
87%
(31)

Rough Run Creek Campground

44 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Study Butte, TX
The name says it all! 'Rough Run Creek Campground: is conveniently located downtown Study-Butte 1000 feet West of Cottonwood General Store. Just 2 miles before the western entrance to Big Bend National Park We have 10 acres of room for tent camping and boondock RV camping-only spots in the roadside spot in downtown Study-Butte Texas. Come and stay near the Big Bend National Park! An intimate campsite (not too far off the grid) A campground just outside Big Bend National Park where you can relax and recharge. Short walk to Cottonwood grocery ONLY 1000 FEET TO WALK East crossing over the bridge to mile marker 538 just 1000 feet walking distance from Rough Run Creek Bridge to Cottonwood grocery store and supply. The camping area is about one mile past the intersection of Highway TX-170 and TX-118 approximately one mile South on the left at the Rough Run Creek Campground. Heading only 3 miles further to the gateway into Big Bend National Park, Texas at the Western entrance following on State Highway TX-118 South. Big Bend State Park is to the West on Highway TX-170 approximately 29 miles from Rough Run Creek Bridge past the town of Terlingua, Texas 79852 Rough Run Creek Bridge Camping 53737 TX-118, Study Butte, Texas 79852 - Ten 10 acres of creekfront property This campground is a roadside camping area, directly on Highway TX-118 at the Southeast end of Rough Run Creek Bridge On the East side of the highway. Enter the property between the Rough Run Creek Bridge and the large black mailbox which also marks the South property line of the camping area. The South property line runs 800' feet deep from the roadside of highway TX-118 along the creek bed of Rough Run Creek. At the East end of the campground, you will find an old camper shell near the Southeast end of the campground and the property corner. There are 10 acres in the "dispersed" #BYO everything camping area, #BYO Sleeping bags, #BYO Tent Shades, and #BYO Gas grills, unfortunately, for now, you have to #BYO toilet. Rough Run Creek Bridge camping area includes the creek bed itself, with beachfront camping. The best location to stage an early morning hiking trip from locations for campers visiting Big Bend National Park which is only 2 miles away. Please leave nothing but your tracks when camping or leaving the area for the day. Each night campers must make bookings by 11:00 AM for check-in and out on a ticketed day pass. For showers and bathroom facilities, we recommend the bathroom showers provided at the Big Bend Motor Inn where they have coin-operated shower facilities for visiting tourists. If you need to dump any trash the Big Bend Motor Store and gas station will let you pay $5.00 to use their dumpsters. Please honor the BURN BAN (no open fires). Propane cooking stoves are okay.
Pets
from 
$30
 / night
99%
(224)

Lake Godstone™ Lodging and Camping

25 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents188 acres · Graford, TX
Lake Godstone™, near Graford, Texas, is a thriving destination introduced to the market in 2017. Initially focused on families, church youth groups, and sports teams, it has since become a hub for a wide array of events, such as birthday and graduation parties, family reunions, church camps, and business team-building retreats. The venue boasts extensive facilities and activities, including: Accommodations: A 35-person lodge, a three-bedroom guest home, fully furnished cabins, primitive cabins, group campgrounds, RV and tenting campsites, and primitive tenting sites. Recreational Activities: Three sandy beaches, six partially covered docks with swim ladders and canoe moorings, kayaks, canoes, a rowboat, pedal boats, water lily pads, and a sports field complex featuring a lit basketball court, sand volleyball court, and baseball and soccer practice fields. Nature and Exploration: An observatory with a telescope, four miles of mountain bike and hike trails, two new fishing ponds, wildlife feed and water stations, a bird view house overlooking a beaver pond, an aquaponics greenhouse, and six miles of all-weather roads. Rental Options: UTVs, a golf cart, and a pontoon boat. Amenities: A comfort station with restrooms and showers, picnic tables, charcoal grills, large fire pits, shelters, a tree house shelter, a campground office, and a small store with a kids' sand playground. Lake Godstone's diverse offerings and scenic environment make it an ideal location for any retreat or gathering.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from 
$24
 / night
96%
(321)

this is Paradise on Lake Texoma

27 sites · Lodging, Tents100 acres · Pottsboro, TX
Paradise on Lake Texoma (formerly Paradise Cove) is a beautiful, secluded commercial campground located in the "Big Mineral Arm'' of Lake Texoma. Built in the 80's by the Corps of Engineers, Paradise has been a mainstay of the lake for many years. Recently, the current management team are working to grow Paradise into something special. With a huge focus on community and culture, Paradise has tons of space for people to come together and enjoy the company and also areas to wander off and find a quiet lakeside spot to relax. You'll also be able to catch one of the best breathtaking sunsets on the lake! The wildlife we have on the property is amazing! I have deer that sleep in my front yard, opossums, 600 bird species, and my favorite… the armadillos! We offer Kayaking on the property for a fee. We have a beautiful Hammock Garden free for guests to kick back and relax. Texoma Water Taxi is a text away to give guests a ride anywhere on the lake including restaurants. Rock-N A Ranch is roughly 20 minutes away and offers horseback riding. The Cabins and Campsites are within walking distance from each other but far enough away to create that illusion of privacy. We do have a neighborhood close by but you can’t see or hear them due to the woods.  In my travels, I try to bring back something I’ve seen or learned to help improve the guest experience and environment. You’ll notice little touches of Asia, Mexico, and even Hill Country Texas! We pride ourselves on our excellent customer service and treat every guest like family. We’re always a text away! You’ll see us out and about on our golf carts. If you ever need anything just holler (: Check-in time is at 3 pm. Our staff works really hard to make sure everything is perfect for your stay and we can’t guarantee it will be if you arrive before then. Parking, we work really hard to keep our property beautiful. Be sure to park in parking areas only.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from 
$22.50
 / night
96%
(55)

Camp Nadur at Sargent Beach

1 site · RV1 acre · Sargent, TX
Nestled between the Gulf of Mexico and the Intercoastal Waterway, Sargent Island, with its unique, water-front home sites, was created in the 1950s. A quiet community, we feel Sargent is an oasis away from the crowds and congestion of other beach-side communities. We love taking a break from our busy lives to listen to the waves roaring down the shore. We think you'll love it, too! Learn more about this land: This is a 8000 sq ft privately owned, ocean-side lot. Located on a barrier island in Sargent, TX, the site offers a neighborhood atmosphere, with a secluded, unobstructed beach view. There is an approximately 30x30 gravel pad and long driveway. The property is beach front, but dune area/beach may not be accessible by foot (depends on tidal flow, rainfall, Gulf storms etc.). Full beach access is about 1/4 mile down the road. This is a subdivision--there is a neighbor on our right side. This is an RV lot only. This property suits smaller to midsize RVs and most wheeled campers (but no ground tents--there is too much ground wildlife for safety, though elevated, vehicle-mounted tents are fine).  The property is still in development. We currently have electricity (110v, 30, 50 amp), water, but NO SEWER OR SEPTIC. You must bring your own toilet facilities with you and take the waste away. NOTE: Public Toilet facilities and trash available 1.5 miles away. We do provide a picnic table, but it changes often--we lose them in storms, lol. You'll also have a clothes line and a canopy as wind/storms permit. If you're an introvert, dislike traffic or just like breathing room, you'll love quiet, crowd-free, Sargent beach. It's such a peaceful getaway!  ISLAND LIFE NOTE: This is the Texas Gulf Coast--we have mosquitos, and it's the state bird for a reason! Please bring SPRAY. We never guarantee a bug-free experience. This gorgeous, island property is vulnerable to the extreme weather conditions on the Texas Gulf Coast. It's a dynamic property, shifting and changing, depending on the weather--we try our best to maintain this property in a timely manner, but we can't control this Mother Nature factor! There may be times we cannot put up the shade canopy due to high winds, other aspects of the property may have shifted, there may not be a beach due to high tides, you may not be able to walk to the beach from the property, etc. Please ask questions and we'll communicate what's available at your booking time. Our strict cancellation policy encourages good communication at time of booking. We do not grant refunds for rain, tidal flow, or any other natural element beyond our control. Keep in mind HipCamp may offer weather insurance for you.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$20
 / night
91%
(159)

Inez Spring Riverfront RV Resort

41 sites · RVs, Tents25 acres · Eastland, TX
* OUR 250,000 GALLON POOL OPENS 5/5/2023 * Owned by Sam & Dee Williams, Inez Spring Riverfront Park was originally envisioned and created as a family retreat. As the park began to take shape, the Williams' realized what a hidden gem it really is. The natural spring that feeds Joshua's pond was named after Sam's mother, Inez. The area around Eastland is rich with local history, including Captain Eastland and the black bean, Old Rip the horned toad, The Santa Clause bank robbery, Ringling Brothers' Circus, Bonnie & Clyde, etc. In addition the area is known to have had a significant prehistoric Native American population. In fact, Sam and Dee are curators of an impressive collection of artifacts found throughout the area. The park boasts 15 camp sites and a large number of picnic spots along the riverfront and near Joshua's Pond, for day use. The Williams Family carved out a trail system that takes hikers along the rim of rock outcrops, between the gaps of huge rock slabs, along the banks of the Leon River and through a heavy shaded canopy of red oak, pecan and cedar elm. There's even a small cave for the adventurous spelunker. Kayaking is popular on the river and kayaks can be rented on the property. Admission provides a full day of fishing, hiking, swimming, boating, picnicking, bicycling, etc. Guests can even stay overnight on primitive campsites, for an additional fee.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Trash
from 
$35.20
 / night

Available this weekend

Star Hosts in Texas

Value Prop
Value Prop
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Beach camping in Texas with wildlife watching guide

Overview

They say everything’s bigger in the Lone Star State, and that includes the variety of options for campers, whether you're looking for an RV park, tent camping, or a primitive camping backcountry adventure. Beat the summer heat on sandy Gulf beaches, or head inland to the arid deserts of Big Bend Country in winter for some of the nation’s darkest skies and best nighttime views. Spring and autumn offer the best weather for wine tasting in Texas Hill Country, hiking the canyons of the Panhandle, or paddling the bald cypress forests of the Texas Pine Curtain.

Big Bend Country

Remote West Texas boasts some of the most pristine landscapes in the state. Explore the hiking trails of Guadalupe Mountains and Big Bend national parks, raft through narrow canyons along the Rio Grande River, go rock climbing in Hueco Tanks State Park near El Paso, or hit the dunes in Monahans Sandhills State Park. The quirky communities of Marfa, Terlingua, and Marathon serve as convenient gateways to desert adventure.

Texas Hill Country

Known for its wineries, whiskey distilleries, swimming holes, and rich German heritage, the rolling hills of this central Texas region extend between Austin and San Antonio, with plenty of small towns to explore along the way. Springtime brings bluebonnets to the roadsides of the region. In fall, head to Lost Maples State Park for some of the state’s best leaf peeping. Soak up panoramic views from Enchanted Rock, venture deep into the Caverns of Sonora or the Cave Without a Name, or take a leisurely float along the Guadalupe River.

Gulf Coast

The Texas Gulf Coast stretches for more than 600 miles along the shores of the Gulf of Mexico and includes the Padre Island National Seashore. Sun seekers will find plenty of sandy beaches with warm Gulf waters (plus opportunities for beach camping), while the natural areas along the coast feature some of the best birdwatching in the nation. Houston, Galveston, South Padre Island, and Corpus Christi are among the most popular areas to stay.

Panhandle

The plains of the Texas Panhandle comprise one of the largest regions in the state. Here you’ll find America’s second-largest canyon within Palo Duro Canyon State Park, as well as the iconic Cadillac Ranch car sculpture along road trip-worthy Route 66.

Pine Curtain

Lakes, forests, and swamps dominate the landscape of the lesser-known Piney Woods of East Texas. Step back in time at Mission Tejas State Park, straddle the state line in Texarkana, pitch a tent among the gargantuan pines of Daingerfield, or make the 835-mile camping trip along the Texas Forest Trail. If you want to get out on the water, it's hard to beat a kayak in Caddo Lake State Park.

Prairies and Lakes

This region sweeps down through the center of the state from the Dallas-Fort Worth area to Waco, Bryan, and College Station (home of Texas A&M University). You don’t have to drive far to find a lakeside campground or on-the-water activity, thanks to the area’s 17 Texas state parks and one national wildlife refuge.

Safety at Hipcamp

Inclusion Policy
Inclusion Policy
Inclusion Policy
Hipcamp Hand

Safety partners

Recreate Responsibly

About us

Camp Your Way™

Find the perfect site to match your camping style. Explore the largest collection of private campsites, RV parks, cabins, and glamping—including 120,000+ sites you won’t find anywhere else. Explore our maps, filter by your camping style, read real camper reviews, and book directly in our app. Hipcamp is the simplest way to find yourself outside under the stars.

Download the Hipcamp App

© 2024 Hipcamp, Inc. All rights reserved.
Hipcamp is created with ❤️ and hope for our future.