"Get Your Group Ready: Top 10 Texas State Parks for Unforgettable Camping Trips"
Hey, fellow outdoor enthusiasts! Are you and your friends or family itching for some adventure in the great outdoors? Look no further than the Lone Star State! Texas boasts an impressive array of state parks, each offering unique landscapes, exciting activities, and top-notch camping facilities. In this article, we’ll count down the top 10 Texas state parks for group camping trips that will leave you and your crew making memories for a lifetime.
Before we dive in, let’s talk logistics. Texas is big (like, really big!), so we’ll provide you with maps and directions to help you navigate to each park from nearby airports, harbors, train stations, and other transportation hubs. We’ll also dish out the details on facilities, conditions, activities, prices, and public facilities near each park. Ready to start planning your epic Texas state park adventure?
1. Big Bend Ranch State Park – Persimmon Gap
Located in southwest Texas, Big Bend Ranch State Park is a whopping 544,000 acres of pure wilderness bliss. This park offers several group campsites that can accommodate up to 20 people. Enjoy stunning views of the Chihuahuan Desert and hike to the scenic overlooks of the Rio Grande River.
- Getting There: The nearest airport is the Laredo International Airport (LRD), about 240 miles from the park. Drive north on US-281 N and west on I-10 W to reach the Persimmon Gap entrance.
- Facilities: The park offers picnic tables, grills, and restrooms. You can also rent a group lodge that sleeps 20.
- Activities: Hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, stargazing, and rafting/kayaking on the Rio Grande.
- Price: Group campsite rates start at $20 per night.
- Public Facilities: The nearby town of Marfa offers some great restaurants and shops. You can grab some delicious Tex-Mex at the Chihuahuan Desert Grill or explore the quirky Marfa art scene.
"Big Bend Ranch is one of the most breathtaking places I’ve ever camped. The stars at night? Absolutely incredible! Can’t wait to come back." – Rachel, group camper from Houston
2. Palo Duro Canyon State Park – Amarillo
The "Grand Canyon of Texas" is a must-visit for any outdoor enthusiast. This vast park offers multiple group campsites that can accommodate up to 30 people. Explore the stunning vistas of the canyon and hike to the Lighthouse Rock.
- Getting There: The nearest airport is the Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport (AMA), about 30 miles from the park. Take I-27 S and US-87 N to reach the park entrance.
- Facilities: The park has picnic tables, grills, and restrooms. You can also rent a group lodge that sleeps 24.
- Activities: Hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, swimming (at the Canyon Inn Pool), and stargazing.
- Price: Group campsite rates start at $18 per night.
- Public Facilities: Head to downtown Amarillo for some great grub at the famous Cadillac Ranch or grab a beer at the local favorite, Youngblood’s Café.
"Palo Duro Canyon is our go-to family camping spot. The views are simply spectacular! The kids love exploring the trails and swimming." – David, group camper from Lubbock
3. Guadalupe River State Park – Spring Branch
Head to the scenic Guadalupe River Valley for some serious fun in the sun. This park offers group campsites that can accommodate up to 20 people. Enjoy tubing, kayaking, or simply lounging by the river.
- Getting There: The nearest airport is the San Antonio International Airport (SAT), about 45 miles from the park. Drive north on US-281 N and west on I-10 W to reach the park entrance.
- Facilities: The park has picnic tables, grills, and restrooms. You can also rent a group lodge that sleeps 24.
- Activities: Tubing, kayaking, fishing, swimming (at the park’s designated swimming area), and hiking.
- Price: Group campsite rates start at $18 per night.
- Public Facilities: The nearby town of Gruene offers some fantastic German-inspired cuisine at the Gruene River Grill or grab a souvenir at the Gruene General Store.
"Guadalupe River State Park is the perfect summer spot for our family reunion. We love tubing down the river and exploring the scenic trails." – Maria, group camper from Austin
4. Lake Texoma Lodge State Park – Pottsboro
Located on the Texas-Oklahoma border, this park offers stunning views of Lake Texoma. Group campsites can accommodate up to 16 people. Enjoy fishing, boating, or simply taking in the sunset.
- Getting There: The nearest airport is the DFW International Airport (DFW), about 90 miles from the park. Drive north on US-69 N and east on US-70 E to reach the park entrance.
- Facilities: The park has picnic tables, grills, and restrooms. You can also rent a group lodge that sleeps 16.
- Activities: Fishing, boating (rentals available), swimming (at the park’s designated swimming area), and hiking.
- Price: Group campsite rates start at $16 per night.
- Public Facilities: Head to the nearby town of Denison for some great BBQ at the highly-rated Big Al’s Smokehouse or explore the Eisenhower State Park downtown area.
"Lake Texoma Lodge State Park is our favorite spot for a relaxing getaway. The fishing is top-notch, and the sunsets are simply stunning." – Mark, group camper from Plano
5. Bastrop State Park – Bastrop
Get your group ready for some serious outdoor fun in this scenic park just east of Austin. Group campsites can accommodate up to 16 people. Explore the park’s many trails, including the scenic River Place Trail.
- Getting There: The nearest airport is the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS), about 35 miles from the park. Take US-290 E and TX-21 E to reach the park entrance.
- Facilities: The park has picnic tables, grills, and restrooms. You can also rent a group lodge that sleeps 16.
- Activities: Hiking, biking (rentals available), fishing, and golfing (at the nearby Wolfdancer Golf Club).
- Price: Group campsite rates start at $15 per night.
- Public Facilities: Head to downtown Bastrop for some great food at the Art Waché Tex-Mex Restaurant or explore the charming shops along Main Street.
"Bastrop State Park is the perfect day-trip spot for our family. We love exploring the trails and playing on the park’s playground." – Emily, group camper from Round Rock
6. Enchanted Rock State Natural Area – Fredericksburg
Get your group ready for a unique outdoor experience at this massive pink granite dome. Group campsites can accommodate up to 12 people. Hike to the summit for stunning views of the Texas Hill Country.
- Getting There: The nearest airport is the Fredericksburg Airport (T98), about 20 miles from the park. Take US-16 S and FM-965 to reach the park entrance.
- Facilities: The park has picnic tables, grills, and restrooms.
- Activities: Hiking, bird-watching, stargazing, and geocaching.
- Price: Group campsite rates start at $12 per night.
- Public Facilities: Explore the charming town of Fredericksburg for some great German-inspired cuisine or shop for souvenirs at the Enchanted Rock Trading Post.
"Enchanted Rock is a Texas treasure! The views from the summit are absolutely stunning, and we love exploring the unique geology of the area." – Chris, group camper from San Antonio
7. Lost Maples State Natural Area – Vanderpool
Get your group ready for some unforgettable fall foliage and scenic views of the Texas Hill Country. Group campsites can accommodate up to 12 people. Hike to the scenic overlooks and enjoy the stunning sunsets.
- Getting There: The nearest airport is the Kerrville Regional Airport (ERV), about 45 miles from the park. Take US-377 S and FM-187 to reach the park entrance.
- Facilities: The park has picnic tables, grills, and restrooms.
- Activities: Hiking, photography, bird-watching, and fishing.
- Price: Group campsite rates start at $12 per night.
- Public Facilities: Head to the nearby town of Bandera for some great BBQ and live music at the Bandera County Country Club.
"Lost Maples is our favorite fall spot. The foliage is simply stunning, and we love exploring the scenic trails and taking in the views." – Sarah, group camper from Austin
8. Dinosaur Valley State Park – Glen Rose
Get your group ready for some serious prehistoric fun! Group campsites can accommodate up to 12 people. Explore the park’s unique dinosaur tracks and take in the stunning views of the Paluxy River.
- Getting There: The nearest airport is the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), about 70 miles from the park. Drive southwest on US-174 W to reach the park entrance.
- Facilities: The park has picnic tables, grills, and restrooms.
- Activities: Hiking, camping (with dinosaur-themed campsites!), swimming (at the park’s designated swimming area), and fishing.
- Price: Group campsite rates start at $12 per night.
- Public Facilities: Head to the nearby town of Glen Rose for some great historic sites and dinosaur-themed fun at the Dinosaur World Museum.
"Dinosaur Valley State Park is a kids’ paradise! Our little ones love exploring the dinosaur tracks and swimming in the Paluxy River." – Tom, group camper from Frisco
9. Blanco State Park – Blanco
Get your group ready for some relaxing fun on the Blanco River. Group campsites can accommodate up to 12 people. Enjoy tubing, kayaking, or simply lounging by the river.
- Getting There: The nearest airport is the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS), about 45 miles from the park. Take US-290 W and TX-80 W to reach the park entrance.
- Facilities: The park has picnic tables, grills, and restrooms.
- Activities: Tubing, kayaking, swimming (at the park’s designated swimming area), fishing, and basketball/volleyball courts.
- Price: Group campsite rates start at $10 per night.
- Public Facilities: Head to the town of Blanco for some great food and live music at the Blanco County Courthouse downtown area.
"Blanco State Park is the perfect spot for a low-key getaway. We love tubing down the river and enjoying the scenic views." – Karen, group camper from Georgetown
10. Davis Mountains State Park – Fort Davis
Get your group ready for some serious stargazing and scenic views of the Davis Mountains. Group campsites can accommodate up to 12 people. Enjoy hiking to the scenic overlooks and taking in the breathtaking vistas.
- Getting There: The nearest airport is the El Paso International Airport (ELP), about 120 miles from the park. Drive east on I-10 E and north on US-90 N to reach the park entrance.
- Facilities: The park has picnic tables, grills, and restrooms.
- Activities: Hiking, stargazing, bird-watching, and photography.
- Price: Group campsite rates start at $10 per night.
- Public Facilities: Head to the town of Fort Davis for some great historic sites and scenic views from the nearby McDonald Observatory.
"Davis Mountains State Park is our go-to spot for stargazing. The views of the night sky are absolutely breathtaking!" – Jessica, group camper from Lubbock
Conclusion
There you have it, folks – the top 10 Texas state parks for group camping trips. Whether you’re looking for stunning natural beauty, outdoor adventure, or simply a relaxing getaway with your crew, we’ve got you covered. From the scenic Chihuahuan Desert to the rolling Texas Hill Country, these parks offer something for everyone. So pack up your group and hit the road – your next unforgettable camping adventure awaits!
FAQs
Q: How do I make a group campsite reservation?
A: You can make a group campsite reservation by calling the Texas State Parks Reservation Center at (512) 389-8900 or book online through the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department website.
Q: What’s the maximum number of people allowed in a group campsite?
A: Group campsites typically accommodate 12-30 people, depending on the park.
Q: Can I bring my pet?
A: Most Texas state parks are pet-friendly, but be sure to check the park’s specific pet policy before bringing your furry friend.
Q: What’s the price for group camping?
A: Group campsite rates vary depending on the park, but typically range from $10-$20 per night.
Q: Can I rent a group lodge?
A: Yes! Many Texas state parks offer group lodges that can accommodate larger groups and often come with amenities like kitchenettes and picnic tables.
Q: How do I get to the park?
A: We’ve included maps and directions to each park from nearby airports, harbors, train stations, and other transportation hubs in this article.
