Texas State Parks RV Camping - Complete Guide for RV Travelers
Texas runs 89 state parks across 600,000+ acres. About 60 of them offer RV camping with some level of hookups. The system is well-maintained, affordable and consistently better than most private RV parks for scenery and space.
The Reservation System
How It Works
All reservations go through texasstateparks.org. The system opens sites exactly 6 months before the stay date at midnight Central Time.
For popular parks (Palo Duro, Garner, Dinosaur Valley), set an alarm. Weekend sites for spring and fall book out within hours.
What You Need to Book
- RV length (they’ll assign appropriate sites)
- Hookup preference (full hookup, water/electric, electric only)
- Number of nights
- Number of people (entrance fees apply per person)
Cancellation Policy
Cancel 2+ days before check-in for a full refund minus a $5 fee. Same-day cancellations forfeit one night’s fee.
Hookup Types
| Type | Includes | Cost/Night |
|---|---|---|
| Full Hookup | Water, 30/50 amp electric, sewer | $25-35 |
| Water/Electric | Water, 30 amp electric | $20-30 |
| Electric Only | 30 amp electric | $18-25 |
| Primitive | Nothing — dry camping | $10-15 |
Most parks charge a separate daily entrance fee ($2-7/person) unless you have a Texas State Parks Pass.
Texas State Parks Pass
$70/year. Waives entrance fees at every state park for everyone in your vehicle. If you camp 4-5 times per year, it pays for itself.
Buy it at any state park entrance station or online. Valid for 12 months from purchase date. Doesn’t cover camping fees — just the entrance fee.
Best Texas State Parks for RVs
Palo Duro Canyon — Canyon, TX
The “Grand Canyon of Texas.” Stunning red rock formations, 30+ miles of trails and the outdoor musical drama TEXAS. Full hookup sites available. Reserve 6 months out — this park is always full.
Garner State Park — Concan, TX
Swimming in the Frio River, dancing at the pavilion and Hill Country scenery. The most popular state park in Texas. Water/electric sites. Summer weekends are nearly impossible to book.
Big Bend Ranch State Park — Presidio, TX
Remote desert camping for experienced RVers. Limited hookups but unmatched scenery. Pair with a trip to Big Bend National Park. Only attempt in a self-contained rig.
Inks Lake State Park — Burnet, TX
Hill Country lake with constant water levels (unlike most Texas lakes). Swimming, kayaking, fishing and golf. Full hookup sites. Popular with DFW families — 3.5 hours south.
Brazos Bend State Park — Needville, TX
Alligators, bird watching and the George Observatory. Flat terrain, easy access, good for large rigs. Full hookup sites. 4.5 hours from DFW near Houston.
Lake Bob Sandlin State Park — Pittsburg, TX
East Texas piney woods lake camping. Quiet, less crowded than parks closer to DFW. Full hookup sites with lake views. Good bass fishing. 2 hours east of Dallas.
Tips for Texas State Park RV Camping
Check site dimensions. Site lengths vary wildly within the same park. A 65-foot max park might have individual sites that only fit 30-foot rigs. Call the park office to confirm your specific site.
Bring long hoses and cords. Some state park hookup pedestals are positioned far from the RV pad. Carry a 50-foot water hose and a 30-foot power cord extension.
Watch for low branches. Older parks have tree-lined roads. Big rigs with rooftop AC units and antennas can clip branches. Drive through slowly on first entry.
Summer heat management. June through September, choose parks with shade or lake access. An unshaded site in 105°F heat overwhelms most single RV AC units.
Cell service varies. Remote parks (Big Bend, Davis Mountains) have little to no cell coverage. Download offline maps and entertainment before arriving.
Related Articles
More Camper Guides
Best RV Parks Near Dallas-Fort Worth for Weekend Trips
Top RV parks within 2 hours of Dallas-Fort Worth. Full hookup sites, lake access, pull-throughs and amenities at parks DFW campers actually recommend.
RV Storage in DFW - Options, Costs and What to Look For
Find the right RV storage in Dallas-Fort Worth. Compare covered, uncovered and indoor storage costs, security features, access hours and prep tips before storing.