Camping season is fully underway, and it can get pretty pricey sometimes depending on where you’re staying. It’s always nice to save some money whenever possible, so here are seven awesome campgrounds in Texas that are completely free and require no reservations. Some are right by the beach while others reside more inland, but they all have one thing in common: enough space to accommodate whoever shows up. This means no stressing or planning ahead. If you happen to be in the area come nighttime, feel free to stop by knowing there’s room for one more. Is there anything better than that?

  1. Brazos Island State Park (Cameron)

Flickr/vsmithuk You’ll need to plan ahead because there are no dump stations and the nearest grocery store is 25 miles away, but it’s definitely worth the extra hassle. You’ll likely be the only family camping on the beach, so you can enjoy the peace and quiet and come back feeling completely rejuvenated. Address: Brownsville, TX 78521.

  1. Fritch Fortress Campground (Fritch)

nps.gov It’s hard to believe this place is among our state’s free campgrounds - it has a beautiful view, trash service, dump stations, fresh water, clean bathrooms with showers, Verizon and ATT service, and it’s only 20 minutes from a national monument. Address: Fritch Fortress Highway, Fritch, TX 79036.

  1. Bolivar Flats Free Beach (Bolivar)

Flickr/panamapictures You have to get a $10 permit to park on the beach, but other than that it’s free. This part of Bolivar can be accessed by taking Highway 87 to Retillion Road, and you’ll need to bring plenty of water with you. Enjoy your beachfront freedom! Address: Rettilon Road, Bolivar Peninsula, TX 77650.

  1. Camp Creek Recreation Area (Marble Falls)

TripAdvisor/management Camp Creek is a beautiful park with picnic tables, grills, fire pits, vault toilets, garbages, and 4G telephone service. There’s even a boat ramp, and locals say the fishing is great! Pecan trees abound for the picking and every morning, deer are frolicking around all over the place. Address: 3408, 1221 Country Road 343, Marble Falls, TX 78654.

  1. Spring Creek Park (Tomball)

Yelp/Andy D. There are tons of activities at this park to keep you busy during the day from a swimming pool and basketball and tennis courts to plenty of walking trails. Showers and restrooms are across the street and it’s about a two mile drive to restaurants and grocery stores in Tomball. Address: 15012 Brown Road, Tomball, TX 77377.

  1. Magnolia Beach (Port Lavaca)

Facebook/Magnolia Beach Texas There are two areas to camp here: one near the water and another closer to the restrooms/showers and a covered pavilion. You’ll have much more room to spread out and enjoy the open air if you choose the former. Address: North Ocean Drive, Port Lavaca, TX 77979.

  1. Indianola County Historic Park (Indianola)

Facebook/IndianolaTexas There may not be much left of this little town, but the park is one you don’t want to pass up. You’ll get a breathtaking view of the water and escape from all your troubles with the sound of the gently crashing waves lulling you to sleep. Address: South Ocean Drive, Port Lavaca, TX 77979.

Camping in Texas doesn’t have to break the bank. Have you stayed at any of these places? Are there any other no reservation campgrounds in Texas? Let us know your favorites! For more summer fun in the sun, check out our previous article: 15 Unforgettable Things You Must Add To Your Texas Summer Bucket List.

Flickr/vsmithuk

You’ll need to plan ahead because there are no dump stations and the nearest grocery store is 25 miles away, but it’s definitely worth the extra hassle. You’ll likely be the only family camping on the beach, so you can enjoy the peace and quiet and come back feeling completely rejuvenated. Address: Brownsville, TX 78521.

nps.gov

It’s hard to believe this place is among our state’s free campgrounds - it has a beautiful view, trash service, dump stations, fresh water, clean bathrooms with showers, Verizon and ATT service, and it’s only 20 minutes from a national monument. Address: Fritch Fortress Highway, Fritch, TX 79036.

Flickr/panamapictures

You have to get a $10 permit to park on the beach, but other than that it’s free. This part of Bolivar can be accessed by taking Highway 87 to Retillion Road, and you’ll need to bring plenty of water with you. Enjoy your beachfront freedom! Address: Rettilon Road, Bolivar Peninsula, TX 77650.

TripAdvisor/management

Camp Creek is a beautiful park with picnic tables, grills, fire pits, vault toilets, garbages, and 4G telephone service. There’s even a boat ramp, and locals say the fishing is great! Pecan trees abound for the picking and every morning, deer are frolicking around all over the place. Address: 3408, 1221 Country Road 343, Marble Falls, TX 78654.

Yelp/Andy D.

There are tons of activities at this park to keep you busy during the day from a swimming pool and basketball and tennis courts to plenty of walking trails. Showers and restrooms are across the street and it’s about a two mile drive to restaurants and grocery stores in Tomball. Address: 15012 Brown Road, Tomball, TX 77377.

Facebook/Magnolia Beach Texas

There are two areas to camp here: one near the water and another closer to the restrooms/showers and a covered pavilion. You’ll have much more room to spread out and enjoy the open air if you choose the former. Address: North Ocean Drive, Port Lavaca, TX 77979.

Facebook/IndianolaTexas

There may not be much left of this little town, but the park is one you don’t want to pass up. You’ll get a breathtaking view of the water and escape from all your troubles with the sound of the gently crashing waves lulling you to sleep. Address: South Ocean Drive, Port Lavaca, TX 77979.

 

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The OIYS Visitor Center

Campgrounds In Texas June 07, 2019

What are some of the best campgrounds in Texas? Some of the best campgrounds in Texas can be found in our state and national parks. These campgrounds are typically the most well-kept and feature more amenities than their less-traveled counterparts. If you’re looking for electricity hookups, running water, and bathroom facilities, definitely consider camping at a more popular spot. Are you allowed to camp in state parks? Yes, camping in most state parks is allowed and encouraged! Before planning a trip, simply head to the park’s page on the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department website and double-check to make sure you can camp there. What are some of the things I need to take on a camping trip? Of course, you’ll need all the basics such as your tent or RV, a first aid kit, water, sleeping bag, air mattress, and cooler. Here in Texas, a strong insect repellent and sunscreen are obligatory as well, during the warmer months.

The OIYS Visitor Center

Campgrounds In Texas

June 07, 2019

What are some of the best campgrounds in Texas? Some of the best campgrounds in Texas can be found in our state and national parks. These campgrounds are typically the most well-kept and feature more amenities than their less-traveled counterparts. If you’re looking for electricity hookups, running water, and bathroom facilities, definitely consider camping at a more popular spot. Are you allowed to camp in state parks? Yes, camping in most state parks is allowed and encouraged! Before planning a trip, simply head to the park’s page on the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department website and double-check to make sure you can camp there. What are some of the things I need to take on a camping trip? Of course, you’ll need all the basics such as your tent or RV, a first aid kit, water, sleeping bag, air mattress, and cooler. Here in Texas, a strong insect repellent and sunscreen are obligatory as well, during the warmer months.

The OIYS Visitor Center

The OIYS Visitor Center

Some of the best campgrounds in Texas can be found in our state and national parks. These campgrounds are typically the most well-kept and feature more amenities than their less-traveled counterparts. If you’re looking for electricity hookups, running water, and bathroom facilities, definitely consider camping at a more popular spot.

Are you allowed to camp in state parks?

Yes, camping in most state parks is allowed and encouraged! Before planning a trip, simply head to the park’s page on the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department website and double-check to make sure you can camp there.

What are some of the things I need to take on a camping trip?

Of course, you’ll need all the basics such as your tent or RV, a first aid kit, water, sleeping bag, air mattress, and cooler. Here in Texas, a strong insect repellent and sunscreen are obligatory as well, during the warmer months.