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If you ask us, there’s no better way to relax than to sit outside of the tent you just set up and just take in your surroundings. But if the journey to get there was long or arduous, sometimes it make take more than a few deep breaths to find your zen. Not to worry: If you happen to make Houston your home, you’ll find great options for outdoor fun with this list of the 25 best campgrounds within two hours of the city (give or take). Now all you have to do is decide which amenities you want and what activities you want to participate in!
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Sam Houston National Park: New Waverly, TX
Image by USDA National Forest Service
This gorgeous national park offers tent pads, picnic tables, parking spurs for trailers, lantern posts, grills, potable water, and toilets. Hiking is very popular in the spring when the climate is milder. Water activities get going in the summer on Double Lake with canoes and paddleboats that can be rented from the park. Deer is the most popular game animal in the Sam Houston National Forest, with squirrels second. Quail and dove are found around newly regenerated timberland. For the water sportsman, fishing and duck hunting can be enjoyed on area lakes and streams.
Recent campers say: “Fantastic to have such a large space available,” “Beautiful, peaceful forest,” “First time camping,”
21901 FM 762 Rd, Needville, TX 77461
For reservations, please go to their website
UPPER GULF COAST
Brazos Bend : Needville, TX
Image by Weekend Hiker
This park has got plenty of options for activities during your stay. Lots of trails, some of which are even wheelchair friendly, wind through the woods and bring you to the water’s edge of the lake. Just make sure you’ve brushed up on your alligator safety because they’re not uncommon in certain areas of the park. Aside from walking or biking the trails, there’s also the option of horseback riding on one of the multiuse trails.
Recent campers say: “One of the most comprehensive and enjoyable state parks I’ve ever been to,” “Less than one hour from Houston you are in an oasis for hiking…” “A very nice and relaxing park,”
21901 FM 762 Rd, Needville, TX 77461
For reservations, please go to their website
Lake Conroe/Houston North KOA Montgomery, TX
Image by Barry B. Henry
Here’s a KOA that’s got your back this weekend if you’re trying to relax to the max. Bring your RV here, up to 80′, and enjoy the cable tv, wifi, hookups, and pools to lounge in all day. If you haven’t got an RV, don’t feel left out! You can stay in one of the 35 cabins that have bathrooms and a full kitchen. Tent campers are welcome as well. Visitors can explore the area and find the nearby golf course, restaurants, and the lake has plenty of recreational activities.
Recent campers say: “Facilities were nice and clean,” “Don’t enforce quiet hours,” Some staffing issues
19785 Highway 105 West
Montgomery, TX 77356
$56+ per night
Galveston Island State Park : Galveston, TX
image by Bethany Randall
This park is a freaking island, so as far as camping goes you really can’t go wrong with this option. There is hiking, biking, fishing, bird watching, and lots more. One of the many things that make this island campground unique is the paddle trails they boast. Though, if you decide to go on these, you’ll need to bring your own canoe or kayak because they don’t rent them out. Outside the campground, there is an educational theme park called Moody Gardens. Bring the kids along and there’ll be plenty of nature for people of various interests to enjoy and participate in during the stay.
Recent campers say: “Campgrounds have been recently renovated,” “Had a wonderful time,” “Nice clean park,”
14901 FM 3005 Galveston, TX 77554
$15+ per night
Stephen F. Austin State Park : San Felipe, TX
Image by Texas Parks & WIldlife
This lovely State Park has six miles of hiking trails that are open to bikers as well. Campsites have full hookups and some sites even hold up to 60 people. Stephen F. Austin State Park also holds events for youth over the summer. Nearby attractions include but are not limited to: a neighboring golf course, a beautiful riverbank to fish from, and the San Felipe de Austin State Historic Site.
Recent campers say: “Great place to go camping,” “I love this state park,” “Facilities are clean and very modern,”
Stephen F. Austin State Park
Park Rd 38
San Felipe, TX 77473
$15+ per night
Huntsville State Park : Huntsville, TX
Image by Texas Parks & Wildlife
Here’s a State Park full of relaxation. You can go and unwind in the shade of the trees and go fishing from one of the fishing piers or off your boat or canoe. There are watercraft for rent including paddle boats, canoes, and kayaks. There’s even a bird blind to enjoy watching the local feathered friends who flit about the forest.
Recent campers say: “Scenic park with an enormous number of picnic tables,” “Very fun state park,” “Beautiful Park,”
Huntsville State Park
565 Park Road 40 W
Huntsville, TX 77340
$15+ per night
Sea Rim State Park : Sabine Pass, TX
Image by Texas Parks & Wildlife
This park has 4,000 acres of marsh and a boardwalk going through so you can enjoy without getting your feet wet. Campers, cabin-dwellers, and RV-goers all have a place here at Sea Rim State Park. Feel free to fish from the boardwalk or explore with your rented or own canoe or kayak. Sea Rim also has the option to explore its grounds from home via their virtual tour of the trails map. If you’re interested, check it out on their website!
Recent campers say: “Wonderful state park, beautiful campground,” “The beach was well cared for,” “Now only 12 campsites,”
Sea Rim State Park
19335 S Gulfway Drive
Sabine Pass, TX 77655
Adults: $10+ per night
CENTRAL TEXAS
Northlake RV Resort : Houston, TX
Image by Kelbi Gray
Come to Northlake RV Resort if you’re looking for a nice and relaxing place to kick your feet up and breathe deeply. This resort has got a massive list of amenities so it’s ridiculous to try to write them all here, but if you’re interested you should definitely check out their website below. Some of the best aspects of this resort are the park-wide wifi, the stocked fishing lakes, and the fire pits. This place allows for extended stays and weekend trips, so regardless of your plans you’ll definitely have plenty of options right next to home!
Recent campers say: “Such a nice park and everything is sparkly clean,” “The best resort I have found,” “We enjoy this park,”
1919 Humble Westfield Rd
Houston, TX 77073
$55+ per night
Traders Village : Houston, TX
Image by TradersVillageRVPark.com
Traders Village is a short drive for you and a wonderful place to stay. The electric and water hookups are free, there is a pool for swimming, and there’s wifi. Bring your picnic supplies so you can eat outside at the picnic tables while enjoying the weather. You’re welcome to lounge around and enjoy relaxing or you can go next door to the flea market that hosts events and activities for visitors.
Recent campers say: “The staff are very friendly,” “My husband and I have really enjoyed our stay here,” “Mostly permanent [residents,]”
7979 N. Eldridge Rd.
Houston, Texas 77041
For reservations, please go to their website
AllStar RV Resort : Houston, TX
Image by Campgrounds.RVLife.com
At AllStar RV Resort, they’ve got anything you could need while camping in your RV and more. If you’ve got yourself a Fido who wanders himself into a smelly situation, there’s a dog washing station here for your (and your nose’s) convenience. Take advantage of the swimming pool, the computer room, the recreation room, and more. There’s also a stadium nearby for baseball fans to watch their games.
Recent campers say: “Park looks nice, lots of shade,” “Tight fitting spots,” “Low key wonderful,”
10650 SW Plaza Ct
Houston, TX 77074
$95+ per night
Escape the Pavement : Houston, TX
Image by Escape the Pavement Facebook
There are actually two camping sites associated with Escape the Pavement near Houston. There are four aspects to Escape the Pavement: Heyne Ranch, Lake Houston Wilderness Park, Blackwood Land Institute, and Big Thicket National Preserve. It’s actually super great, because no matter your flavor preference of outdoors experience, this place has got you. One is a ranch for you and your horse to enjoy pastures, rivers, and wooded trails; perfect for a day trip. You’ll also love the bonfires on the beach! One of their campgrounds has over 4,000 acres of forest and a creek that you can go ahead and explore the trails winding around through it on your horse, bike, or on foot. The other area available for camping is restricted to primitive camping only because it is located on a preserve. Lastly, the land institute is a great educational place for kids and adults alike. Check out their website if any of these interest you and start planning a trip!
Recent campers say: “We had an unforgettable time,” Felt comfortable, Dog friendly
Multiple locations, for reservations, please go to their website
Lake Somerville : Somerville, TX
Image by Texas Parks & Wildlife
The campground and park are also full of opportunities for fun in the sun. Water activities like swimming, skiing, fishing, and the likes are all great ideas on Lake Somerville. There are picnic areas for campers or day hikers to sit, enjoy the view, and munch on their sandwiches. Birdwatching, volleyball, hiking, and horseback riding are popular pass times. Overall, this is a wonderful place to relax and play in the great outdoors.
Recent campers say: “Good spot to spend a weekend,” “Very big and roomy,” “Loved this spot,”
Birch Creek Unit
14222 Park Road 57
Somerville, TX 77879-9713
$10+ per night
Sheldon Lake State Park : Houston, TX
Image by Texas Parks & Wildlife
Sheldon Lake State Park is open to fishing and wildlife observation. You’re welcome to take your boat out for a ride or fish off the banks, so long as you’re wary of the alligators inhabiting the park. The learning center has tons of activities for the kids that you can sign up for and enjoy. Some of these activities are more hands-on, like catch and release fishing and some are visual demonstrations like green building technologies or smart wildscape demonstrations for gardening and using beautiful native plants.
Recent campers say: “Great place to fish,” Lots of wildlife, “They have good service,”
14140 Garrett Rd
Houston, TX 77044
Free
Bastrop State Park : Bastrop, TX
Image by Texas Parks & Wildlife
A forest with a history and personality, the Lost Pines located on Bastrop State Park used to be a luscious and well-groomed forest before being damaged by floods and fires. Now, the forest’s recovery is just as beautiful a sight. The story itself is a perfect reason to visit, but Bastrop also has swimming, biking, hiking, and geocaching as an incentive. If you’re looking to exploring the surrounding area, Bastrop also has museums and restaurants to check out on your vacation!
Recent campers say: “A lovely park,” “Has updated restrooms with showers,” “Beautiful state park,”
100 Park Road 1A
Bastrop, TX 78602
$15+ per night
Buescher State Park : Smithville, TX
Image by Texas Parks & Wildlife
Experienced bicyclists looking for a challenge will enjoy the bike trails here at Buescher State Park. This park connects with Bastrop State Park via a paved road with great views of the area. Unfortunately, there is currently no swimming in this park, but if you adventure the short commute to the nearby Bastrop you’ll find a nice swimming pool for visitors like yourself. Lastly, if you’re hankering to float along in a tandem kayak or a canoe, you can do so through rental at Buescher State Park.
Recent campers say: “An amazing place to walk,” “Friendly staff,” “Stayed in a mini cabin, really enjoyed the shade,”
100 Park Road 1E
Smithville, TX 78957
$15+ per night
Lockhart State Park : Smithville, TX
Image by Texas Parks & Wildlife
This park has a pool, grounds for camping, trails to hike, and a nine-hole golf course among many other things that allow you to get active! If you want to go fishing but don’t want to lug around your equipment, you’re in luck! The park has fishing equipment available for guests to use during their stay. If you’re looking to have a gathering of people for a family or church event, there is a Group Recreation Hall that also has a kitchen capable of holding up to 75 people at once.
Recent campers say: “Lovely state park- perfect walking trails,” “Had a great time with the family,” “Very nice,”
2012 State Park Road
Lockhart, TX 78644-9716
$5+ per night
EAST TEXAS
Lake Livingston : Livingston, TX
Image by Texas Parks & Wildlife
If you’re looking for a beautiful place to host a family reunion, try looking here! Campsites have full hookups and there are rentable screen shelters as well. As long as you’re wary of the alligators that dwell in the area, visitors can enjoy camping, hiking, birding, swimming, and biking. On your way in and out you can stop at the souvenir shop that sells treats and equipment!
Recent campers say: “Greeted by two very nice ladies at check-in,” “Very nice care of the park,” “All hookups available in good shape,”
Lake Livingston State Park
300 Park Road 65
Livingston, TX 77351
$3+ per night
Lake Livingston/Onalaska KOA : Onalaska, TX
Image by Chris Stevens
Here’s a popular KOA that you’ll probably need to make a reservation for ahead of time to ensure you get yourself a spot for the night. There is a beautiful pool with lounge chairs for you to relax and sink into while soaking in the sun. Your kids will enjoy the playground. If you love enjoying the great outdoors and its many inhabitants, there is a local bald eagle named Eddie who supposedly flies around the area frequently. There is also fishing, a pavilion to admire the scenery in, and is known for the sunset views.
Recent campers say: “Beautiful lake view and very well kept,” “Beautiful grounds. Plenty activities,” “RV Park is exceptionally clean,”
15152 US Hwy 190 West
Onalaska, TX 77360
For reservations, please go to their website
Village Creek State Park : Lumberton, TX
Image by Texas Parks & Wildlife
Campers interested in sleeping in tents, RVs, or cabins are welcome here. You’ll be able to go swimming, fishing, biking, hiking, and more with your friends and family. No need to get a fishing license when you’re on the shore of a state park, so go ahead and try your hand at catching sunfish, bass, or catfish! If you prefer to learn about your surroundings and its history rather than being emerged in the real deal, there are programs and museums aplenty for you to observe and glean information from during your stay.
Recent campers say: “full seven days and enjoyed every minute of it,” “The place is very nice,” “A beautiful state park,”
8854 Park Road 74
Lumberton, TX 77657
$10+ per night
Palmetto State Park : Gonzales, TX
Image by Texas Parks & Wildlife
This little oasis has a multitude of thirsty plants that cannot live in other areas due to the lack of water. The park is named for the dwarf palmettos that grow beneath the trees. As a visitor, you can also enjoy the copious amounts of flowing and stagnant water by swimming, tubing, fishing, and canoeing. Those interested in keeping dry will enjoy bird watching, hiking, geocaching, or staring at the dwarf palmettos.
Recent campers say: “This was an excellent park,” “Great place to bring friends and family,” “Probably one of the best parks that we’ve been to,”
78 Park Road 11 South
Gonzales, TX 78629-5180
$12+ per night
SOUTH TEXAS
Victoria Coleto Creek Lake KOA: Victoria, TX
Image by Dennis Durkee
Come to this RV and tent camping site to enjoy the lovely wildflowers, scattered oaks, birds, and other wildlife. There is a pond with catfish that you can relax on the edge of while fishing and other areas for freshwater fishing. The winters are not as frigid as up north, so you can always count on decent weather should you decide to vacation here! There are plenty of places in the area for you to check out, making it perfect for both short or extended stays.
Recent campers say: “The staff was great, the park was well kept,” “Well run campground,” “Park is well cared for,”
Victoria Coleto Creek Lake KOA
500 Coleto Park Road
Victoria, TX 77905
For reservations, please go to their website
