It’s a ton of fun to go and see new things and explore new areas, and Texas has hundreds of parks and a multitude of places to see. With so much to do, you’re going to need somewhere to stay, and since the outdoors is your theme this year, you’ll need nice camping spots. But where are these restful oases in Texas?
Campgrounds that are surrounded by beauty, have quaint surroundings or quaint nearby towns, and offer an opportunity for camping groups to enjoy solitude include:
- Sherwood Forest
- Schreiner City Park
- Magnolia Beach City Park
- Davey Dogwood Park in Spring
- Chaquita Falls Primitive Campsite
- Tyler State Park
- Fredericksburg RV Park
If you would like to learn about these gorgeous spots and additional things to know about picking rest areas in Texas, read on.
Article Contents
Is Boondocking Legal in Texas?
If you are a born and raised boondocker living in or on your way to Texas,you’ll be happy to hear that boondocking in Texas is 100% legal! Texas cities and the Chamber of Commerce allow boondocking so that they can acquire as much tourism and sportsmen as possible. They know Texas is huge with hours of driving time in between major camping grounds and attractions, which is why they let people rest where they can. The only rules you have to be aware of are:
- The selling of food, drinks, and everything else is strictly prohibited unless you have a permit to do so.
- You are only able to stay in a rest area, picnic area, and.or travel info center for 24 hours. No more than that.
If you’d like to learn more about the details of these two rules, you can find them in Texas’s Transportation Code under “Rules for Using Rest Areas in Texas.” Most of their facilities are open 24hours a day, so don’t worry about arriving during the night.
Is There Any BLM Land in Texas?
The one inhibition boondockers find to their camping experience, or necessary overnight stops, is BLM land. No one feels like getting a ticket because they were accidentally parked in BLM property because you were dead tired. So is there BLM land in Texas to be aware of?
There are BLM properties in Texas, but the odds of you coming across any of them is slim because the state government only owns 2% of Texas land with only a portion of that belonging to BLM.
Rather, the land you need to be concerned about is the privately owned property, which is about 95.8% of Texas. Because of this, it’s better to seek out designated boondocking rest areas.
What Does Quiet Time Mean at a Campground?
Quiet time at a campground is the set of times each camping ground has where the campers are expected to be absolutely quiet or at least make the minimal amount of noise possible. Depending on the campsite, the rules associated with their quiet time could mean shutting off generators if you have them. Naturally, these hours are usually late at night and in the very early hours of the morning before dawn so that everyone has an opportunity to sleep in peace.
7 Small and Quaint Campgrounds in Texas You Gotta See
1. Sherwood Forest
Located at the fishing capital of Texas that is Medina Lake, there is no camping site that gets smaller than this. The Sherwood Forest campground has only 5 tent sites available that are 12ftx12ft and are complete with picnic table and 1-car parking. Every single tent site overlooks the winding, gorgeous, and shining Medina, which is only made better each sunrise and sunset when Medina becomes a lake of fire and then of bright silver during the night.
2. Schreiner City Park
Located in Junction, Texas, this is a city park (as the name suggests), but Junction is a small city and 100 yards away from the main downtown strip for anything you need. You have the benefits of having the experience of a quaint small town (which is basically what Junction is) combined with a beautiful camping spot right on the water on the river. They even have water spigots dotted around if you want to bring your dog(s). If you have kids, there are playgrounds around it too!
3. Magnolia Beach City Park
Are you in the mood for a waterfront campsite? Are you a boondocker who isn’t in the mood to stay in a park with RV amenities? This is the place for you!
4. Davey Dogwood Park in Spring
There are few places that can boast the beauty of the gigantic dogwood trees and dainty redbud trees that, like the Japanese cherry blossom, only bloom for a short time, but while it does, it’s like you’re in an ethereal world. Late March to Early April is the time to enjoy this bomb of beauty because along with the trees are wildflowers. This lovely park is within the equally beautiful Lake Palestine resort.
5. Chaquita Falls Primitive Campsite
If a personal experience for yourself and your group surrounded by lush greenery, rolling hills, and trails that lead to gorgeous wildflowers and waterfalls is what’s in your heart, this is the location you’ve been looking for. Each of the four primitive camping sites holds eight people, and then you’re on your own to enjoy what Chaquita Falls has to offer you.
6. Tyler State Park
Unconventionally, this park has cabins that you stay in instead of tent or RV sites. They’re located deep into the park forest, taking you far enough away from any town, city, or RV park for the truest natural ambience and beauty you can find in a populated area. There’s even a lake for you to Kayak on and appreciate the mirror-still waters perfectly reflecting the conifers and aquatic grass.
7. Fredericksburg RV Park
Did you know there was beautiful hill country in Texas? In the heart of Texas, the Fredericksburg RV park is loaded with the charm of natural beauty and local farms, museums, shops, historical sites, and outdoor activities. There’s fun for everyone!
Final Thoughts
We hope you were able to find a location that matches exactly what you were looking for for your dream charming vacation this spring or summer. Are you going to hit several locations? Don’t forget to map out your rest areas for your boondocking.
