Top 8 Texas Campgrounds to Beat the Heat This Summer
Here are 8 of our favorite Texas camping destinations to help keep you cool all summer long.
One thing’s for sure: a hot summer is on the way. But don’t let that triple digit heat keep you locked up inside. Here are 8 of our favorite Texas camping destinations to help keep you cool all summer long.
Lake Texoma
It’s true: everything's bigger in Texas, and Lake Texoma is no exception. This massive reservoir on the border between Oklahoma and Texas (Get it? Texas…Oklahoma….Texoma), not too far from the Dallas-Fort Worth area, is one of the largest in the country. Home to two state parks, including the pristine Eisenhower State Park, 12 marinas, 26 resorts, endless campgrounds, a handful of golf courses and over fifty recreational parks, Lake Texoma is a vast paradise for the freshwater lover. All summer the reservoir is full of boats, waterskiers, windsurfers, kids flying off innertubes, happy Dads floating with cold beers, and pups splashing away. And the fishing isn’t too bad either: a once world record 121.5 pound blue catfish was pulled out of Lake Texoma – maybe his brother is waiting there to outdo him… And, quite possibly best of all, Lake Texoma is home to some great lodging.
Big Mineral Resort and Marina - Sadler, TX
Big Mineral Resort and Marina might be the perfect spot if you’re looking for a relaxed and convenient site on Lake Texoma. Big Mineral has four cabins up for grabs – three one-bedroom options that comfortably sleep four and a larger two-bedroom cabin for six – and loads of fully loaded RV sites. Most importantly, the Resort and Marina is equipped to get you out on the water: they’ve got boat docks and ramps, canoeing & kayaking rentals, fuel pumps at the ready, picnic tables, restrooms, fire rings, and everything you might need down by the water.
Lake Buchanan
Lake Buchanan is another massive reservoir (actually, the biggest in Texas) perfect for escaping that relentless Texan sun. While the reservoir itself was formed by the Buchanan Dam, the Lake is surrounded by the gorgeous old Texas Hill Country. Being the largest reservoir in the state, there’s plenty of space to play: all summer, visitors can boat, water ski, kayak, and paddle board – you’ll even see people being pulled behind boats riding on nothing but their two feet. And, of course, Lake Buchanan is another fisherman’s paradise, known for striped, white, and largemouth bass. Lake Buchanan is also well connected to numerous state parks in the area, including the dusty labyrinths of Longhorn Cavern State Park and the smaller lake at Inks Lake State Park, known for being a calmer stop just ten minutes down the road. Lodging isn’t an issue here either: from private residences for rent to campgrounds by the water, there’s something for every traveler.
Oasis Lake Buchanan - Bluffton, TX
Let’s be honest: things can get a bit wild at the Lake. Cold beers, kids, fish flying everywhere and barbecues spotting the shoreline. Oasis Lake Buchanan offers a chance to get away from the crowds and enjoy your own little slice of this vast reservoir. This Oasis is more of a retreat than a campsite; it’s a getaway with just six stunning cabins and eight RV camping spots – and access to a private beach, perfect for all your fishing and boating adventures. Oasis Lake Buchanan is also just a stone’s throw from Cavern State Park and can help you find guided tours through its underground formations.
Lake Livingston
Going further east? Head about an hour North of Houston and you’ll come across Lake Livingston. The Lake’s 90,000 acres offers you plenty of space to escape that Houston heat. Water sports are welcome here and there are numerous marinas where you can rent boats, kayaks, and other water toys for a day of fun in the sun.
On the Lake RV Resort - Onalaska, TX
Known for their local Bald Eagle “Eddie,” On The Lake RV Resort is a little gem tucked away on the North East side of the lake, right off U.S. highway 190. Lake RV Resort offers a host of amenities including a beautiful beach with full-service marina, complete with ramps, covered slips, transient docks, and a fishing pier, as well as a hot tub and pool. And On the Lake is the perfect spot to head out on a day trip to the jungle-like Palmetto State Park. The grounds have over a hundred RV sites, nine cabins, and nine campsites to choose from.
Lake Ray Roberts
Just an hour from the Dallas Fort Worth Area there’s a little slice of paradise perfect for cooling off: Lake Ray Roberts. Float aimlessly around the lake, ride around on your paddle board, boat, swim, fish or do whatever else helps you stop melting under that relentless sun. And no fishing license? No problem: you can fish from the shore or a pier in a state park without one. The natural area surrounding Lake Ray Roberts is perfect for camping, biking, horseback riding, bird watching, rollerblading, and, most of all, hiking. Lake Ray Roberts has miles and miles of trails running from the Ray Roberts Dam to Lake Lewisville, along the Elm Fork Branch of the Trinity River — note that some trails are for hikers only, but horseback riding and mountain biking is allowed on most trails in the area.
Lake Point RV Resort - Valley View, TX
It’s all about comfort here. The whole 36 acres of this RV resort directly borders Lake Ray Roberts, providing some of the easiest water access available, and is surrounded by the well maintained (and loved) Corp of Engineers parkland. Lake Point isn’t your average RV Park or primitive campsite. No, this resort offers only the best in first class amenities, including pristine bathrooms, laundry and kitchen areas, and rentals that look more like swanky hotel rooms than cabins. Lake Point is perfect for both short and long stays.
The Pedernales River
Texas is home to over fifteen major rivers that offer perfect camping conditions for cooling off this summer. One of those is the Pedernales River. This tributary of the Colorado River carves its way through Central Texas, offering both the brave white water rafter and the casual river-floater stunning views in the heart of the Lone Star State. The Pedernales is perfect for an afternoon float with the family, fishing along the grassy shores, kayaking, inner tubing over rapids or just napping under a shady oak. And you can’t miss Pedernales Falls State Park, the gem of this river. This Park is home to a series of cascading waterfalls carving out of the natural limestone formations, and plenty of hiking trails and picnic spots.
Spicewood RV Resort - Spicewood, TX
Spicewood RV Resort’s got everything you might need for your trip to the Pedernales. Spicewood offers campers Vintage Trailers and Tiny Homes for rent, as well as fully equipped RV spots and tent camping areas. They also have easy access to the river, boasting views from every campsite, and even a stocked fishing pond if you’re hoping to catch dinner. Just a quick walk to the river and a short drive from Pedernales Falls State Park, Spicewood RV Resort is in the perfect location for your next trip to the Pedernales River, whether it be a spot on the backpacking tour, or for an extended stay.
The Llano River
For a lesser known, less crowded spot to cool off this summer, check out the Llano River. There are a ton of shady watering holes dotting the Llano that you can enjoy, along with boating, kayaking, and several excellent fishing holes. And don’t forget about the river float: taking your tube down the river on a hot day is about as Texan as pork ribs. Also be sure to check out some of the great spots for a little picnic and grilling all along the river. Badu Park is a local favorite.
Lake Fun Properties - Kingsland, TX
Granite Rock RV Park is located in small town of Kingsland, a sleepy slice of southern life. From the campsite you can reach the Llano in just a few minutes, take the afternoon to go fishing at Lake Lyndon B. Johnson, or check out the Kingsland Nature Preserve right there in town. Granite Rock RV Park can also help set you up with boat rentals and docking if you plan to take the family out on the water.
Schlitterbahn Water Park, New Braunfels
Looking for a different way to cool off this summer? Schlitterbahn New Braunfels Water Park is famous worldwide for its (you guessed it) massive water attractions and resort. There are rides and pools for all ages, and the park isn’t just for the kids: every section has a swim-up bar for a relaxing afternoon in the pool. Whether you’re squeezing in one more day on the way home from the lake trip, or plan to spend the whole week out at Schlitterbahn, don’t doubt the fun to be had at Texas’ largest water park.
New Braunfels RV Park - New Braunfels, TX
Schlitterbahn New Braunfels Water Park has its own resort, but it’s not the only (or best) way to stay. New Braunfels RV Park is just off I-35 next to Buc-ees (make sure to try their Beaver Nuggets and Banana Pudding on your way to the park) as well as the water park. It’s also located nearby plenty of natural wonders to explore during your stay. The Guadalupe River is just a few minutes down the road, along with Landa Park, and the Texas Ski Ranch.
Barton Springs Pool
Heading down to Barton Springs Pool is a surreal experience. Where else can you find a 1,000 foot-long spring-fed pool, shaded by a sleepy tree line with views of a city skyline? While Austin itself can easily creep up to triple digits in the summer, the water in the spring here stays at a comfortable 68-71 degrees year-round. Just be aware that the lines in the summer can be quite long (and hot), but they’re well worth it. To put it simply, Barton Springs Pool is a special place, a local window into the spirit of Austin.
Buda Place - Buda, TX
While there’s lots of great places to stay in the city, there are some hidden gems nearby that might be better suited for the camper looking for a relaxed weekend getaway. Buda Place is just 30 minutes from downtown Austin and Barton Springs Pool. And after you wait in line for that iconic 1,000 foot pool, you can head back to camp and enjoy a little more privacy and serenity.
Beat the Heat With Spot2Nite
That Texan heat is no joke. But this list of lakes, pools, rivers and water parks has you covered. And make your stay even more relaxing by booking through Spot2Nite. No need to sweat even more this summer stressing over confusing websites, unclear reservations, and booked-up campsites. With Spot2Nite you can book multiple stays at once, customizing each to make sure you’re never stuck in the sun for too long.
