Travel Guides
Travel Guides
Texas Gateway Parks: RV Campgrounds Near the State’s Most Scenic Parks
Go camping in Texas with easy access to Enchanted Rock, Palo Duro Canyon, and Big Bend. These private RV parks near state and national parks offer full hookups and glamping perks for your Lone Star outdoor getaway.
Overview
Texas is a vast playground for RVers, filled with pink granite domes, desert canyons, lush riversides, and shaded swimming holes. But snagging a campsite inside Texas’ most beloved state and national parks can be tough—especially during spring break or peak summer weekends.
Thankfully, there are many privately owned RV campgrounds just minutes from popular parks that make it easier to explore while enjoying the comforts of full hookups, level sites, and resort-style amenities. Here’s how to experience the best of Texas outdoors using private RV campgrounds as your gateway basecamp.
1
Enchanted Rock State Natural Area
The massive pink granite dome at Enchanted Rock State Natural Area near Fredericksburg is a Texas icon. The climb to the summit rewards hikers with sweeping Hill Country views. Additional trails wind through oak woodlands, boulder fields, and scenic overlooks.
Nearby Private Campgrounds:
Firefly Luxury RV and Tiny Home Resort – Modern amenities, a stunning infinity pool, and close proximity to both Enchanted Rock and Fredericksburg.
Skye Texas Hill Country Resort – Full-service sites, clubhouse, and a great launching point for Hill Country wineries and hikes.
The Vineyards of Fredericksburg RV Park – Quiet sites with a vineyard setting just outside the bustle of downtown Fredericksburg.
2
Palo Duro Canyon & Caprock Canyons State Parks
These sister parks in the Texas Panhandle feature some of the state’s most jaw-dropping scenery. Palo Duro Canyon is the second-largest canyon in the U.S., with dramatic hiking, biking, and equestrian trails. Nearby Caprock Canyons is home to Texas’ official State Bison Herd and offers equally beautiful views and less-crowded trails.
Nearby Private Campgrounds:
MERUS Adventure Park – Situated near both parks, MERUS offers rugged RV camping, private canyon overlooks, and overlanding adventures in one of Texas’ most photogenic landscapes.
3
Pedernales Falls State Park
Popular with nature lovers, Pedernales Falls State Park offers limestone riverbeds, scenic ridges, and excellent trails for hiking and biking. The falls themselves are a cascading stretch of rock that draws photographers and waders alike.
Nearby Private Campgrounds:
Miller Creek RV Park – A peaceful park between Johnson City and the falls, offering full hookups and Hill Country charm.
River’s Edge Campground – A laid-back escape that offers access to the river and proximity to nearby wineries and breweries.
4
McKinney Falls State Park
Tucked into the southeast corner of Austin, McKinney Falls State Park is a local gem where Onion Creek flows over limestone ledges into picturesque swimming holes. With miles of multi-use trails, historic ruins, and peaceful scenery, this park offers nature right next to Texas’ capital city.
Nearby Private Campgrounds:
Austin Lone Star RV Resort – Located less than 15 minutes from McKinney Falls, this resort offers shaded sites, a swimming pool, dog park, and access to everything in South Austin.
Oak Forest RV Resort – A highly rated park with spacious pull-thru sites, modern amenities, and just a short drive from the park’s entrance.
5
Big Bend National Park
Spanning over 800,000 acres along the Rio Grande, Big Bend National Park is one of the most remote and stunning landscapes in the U.S. Visitors come for desert hikes, river rafting, stargazing, and the dramatic vistas of the Chisos Mountains. Campsites inside the park can be limited and offer minimal amenities for larger RVs.
Nearby Private Campgrounds:
Around the Bend RV Park (Terlingua, TX) – Just minutes from the park entrance, this campground offers full-hookup RV sites and is ideal for exploring Big Bend’s western trails and desert beauty.
Terlingua Ranch Lodge RV Campground – Located along scenic Highway 118, this off-the-beaten-path spot offers quiet, rustic camping and some of the darkest skies in Texas.
Why Choose a Private Campground Near Texas Parks?
Private RV parks near state and national parks offer:
—Full hookups (water, sewer, electric)
—Level, spacious sites (including pull-thru)
—Amenities like Wi-Fi, pools, dog parks, and laundry
—Flexibility and availability, even during peak seasons
These gateway RV parks allow you to fully enjoy Texas’ incredible outdoor spaces while still returning to a comfortable, convenient home base at the end of the day.
Start Planning Your Texas RV Adventure
From the granite domes of Enchanted Rock to the desert silence of Big Bend, Texas parks are filled with natural beauty and outdoor fun. If the campgrounds inside the parks are full—or simply lack the amenities you need—private campgrounds nearby are ready to welcome you.
Grab your spot, pack your gear, and experience the best of Texas RVing—without sacrificing comfort, convenience, or connection to the outdoors.
