The Best Camping Near Houston, Texas

Introduction

Texas is a big state. If you live in Houston, TX, finding great places to camp can be challenging. We have compiled a list of Texas Parks with the best camping near Houston, Texas for your convenience!

This list includes all significant campsites within 2 hours of downtown Houston. Whether you’re looking for primitive tent camping or RV hookups, we’ve got it covered.

The next time you are planning a weekend getaway and family fun, keep this handy guide nearby to find the perfect campsite close by!

Cagle Recreation Area

On Lake Conroe, north of Houston is Cagle Park. Cagle resides with the Texas State Forestry Department and has an extensive presence in Texas. Because these campers nearby to Houston are situated along the shoreline, visitors have the opportunity to have fun with the water.

There is also a docking station for kayaks and other boats. Fisheries are available near the shore, and several trailheads are also available for those interested in mountain biking or hiking. Tent sites are general at campsites requiring complete electrical connections only, and the tent pads have fire pits and picnic tables available at all sites.

Double Lake Recreation Area

Double Lake Recreation offers over 3,000 acres of trails with excellent hiking opportunities to bike or run. Part of the Sam Houston National Forest, there are several camping grounds on the lakes. Besides the course, you can also go kayaking or canoeing.

Once the water is clear, you will see a few birds in the magnificent pine forest. Double Lake Campsites are among the most private near Houston because pine thickets are still encircled to separate them. The site includes a campsite, fire ring, hammocks, and chairs.

Lake Somerville State Park

The main attraction to camping in Lake Somerville National Park is right next to the lake. Keep an eye out for some beautiful weather so you can get a chance to swim in the lake or to go ashore for a boat ride. The Canoe Rental Service also provides canoe rental and kayak to guests.

Depending upon whether you are camping there, you can choose between the Birch Creek Unit on the north shore or the Nail Creek Unit on the south side. Whatever option you choose, you still have the opportunity to walk to the other side on the thirteen-mile Lake Sommerville Trail.

Lake Livingston State Park

A popular campsite is located at Lake Livingston state park, which is within the Piney Wood Region and offers access to a lake. Livingston Lake is one of the largest stocked fishing lakes in the entire state.

It is always a pleasure to boat, fish, or take a dip in the designated swimming area. You can rent a paddleboard or kayak from PaddleEz if you’re interested in getting outdoors. You can rent one screened shelter or a private group site if you are just there for the day.

There are almost 150 campsites available at Lake Livingston state park. They have primitive sites and sites with fire pit, total water, and electricity, RV campers have the complete hookup.

Sea Rim State Park

The park is located on the Gulf Coast, so it’s possible to stay at a beach. The park is located along the Gulf Coast coastline and hundreds of acres of marshland. If you want, you can look for an inexpensive campsite near the beach and sleep in peace while listening to waves.

The coolest part of the park is they have a floating primitive camping site that is a floating platform within the marshes and is accessible by boat, canoe, or kayak. All the residents who want to stay must dispose of their garbage in their own buckets.

At Sea rim state park, bird watching and fishing are popular recreational activities. The park is an excellent place to go horseback riding on the beach.

Lake Houston Wilderness Park

Lake Houston Wilderness Park is the perfect getaway for nature lovers looking for a bit of peace and quiet. This lushly forested expanse is located just 30 miles north of downtown Houston and offers over 20 miles of peaceful exploration trails.

Whether you’re camping, hiking, trail running, mountain biking, canoeing, kayaking, birding, fishing, or simply taking in the views, Lake Houston Wilderness Park is the perfect place to experience all that nature has to offer.

The campgrounds are under Houston’s park and recreation department and the first by this department to allow overnight camping. Tent campers can choose from a primitive campsite with electricity and water, and there are also many cabins and A-frame houses for rent.

Wolf Creek Park

Looking for a great place to camp out near Houston, Texas? Look no further than Wolf Creek Park! With over 100 campsites available, including 54 with full hookups for RV’s, this park can accommodate all campers.

Amenities include fishing piers and boat ramps, fish cleaning stations, showers, restrooms, a marina, playgrounds, and basketball and volleyball courts. This park is only open from March through November – come see what the fuss is about today!

Wolf Creek has been my favorite park for many years in Houston. It’s a fantastic small park located at Lake Livingston, operated by Trinity Rivers Authority. The fish and water sports can take place on a paved river with a designated swimming area on the beach.

Boat ramps, a local store, and miniature golf will offer more on-site entertainment. It’s east of the Camping Site, with a lake view that offers breathtaking sunrises all morning. Camping areas have electrical and water hookups and fires, and picnic areas.

Lakeview RV Resort

Lakeview RV Resort is the perfect place to stay while exploring everything Houston has to offer. Our on-site fishing lake, swimming pool, and jacuzzi are just the beginning – we also have a business center, professional-grade laundry facilities, fitness center, and two electric vehicle charging stations.

Another unique advantage: The hotel is equipped with a free shuttle from the medical center to the MD Anderson Cancer Center, making it an excellent choice for those looking for treatment. The park has a Property Manager available to assist you throughout the day.

Lake Conroe RV & Camping Resort

Make Lake Conroe RV & Camping Resort your next family camping destination and enjoy all that nature has to offer. With easy access to the 22,000-acre lake, you can launch your boat right from the campground or rent one of our boats for a day on the water.

You’ll also find plenty of fun activities for the whole family at our resort, including a new beach and marina expansion. Fishing Lake Conroe is one of the best in the Hoston area.

This spot has many options and resorts, including a golf course, a tennis court, and a hot tub. If you bring your own boats, they are easily accessible on-site. Alternatively, you can rent kayaks. Is there an alternative to camping? Then, head to the beach at the camp to see the water.

Brazos Bend State Park

Brazos Bend State Park is an absolutely fantastic place to explore nature. There are plenty of activities available, like fishing, hiking, and biking. You can also reserve a pavilion for a group gathering. Be sure to respect alligators, which are common in some park areas.

It is an easy drive from the city to get to this nature reserve that includes an observation tower. Brazos Bend State Park lies about one hour south of Houston and is ideal for Houstonians to camp in.

There are several primitive campsites found here (some of these are intended to be used for horse riding or walking), campsites with electrical hookups, and screensaver shelters. There’s an essential sense of appreciation of nature.

Crockett Family Resort

The resort is located on beautiful Houston County Lake banks, just minutes from historic Crockett, Texas. The RV sites are spacious and well-shaded, and each one comes with full hookups and cable TV. They also have fifteen adjoining kitchenette cabins and nine secluded cabins scattered throughout the park.

If you’re looking for a little more luxurious stay, they also offer five high-end Park Models and two Cottages. And for larger groups, we have two dorms with eleven beds each, and each dorm has its own kitchen and shower facilities.

Read more about Crockett Family resort here in our article “Best Family Vacations in Texas on a Budget.”

Galveston Island State Park

Galveston Island state park is for you for those who prefer camping on the ocean rather than in deep woods. The campsite selection is usually made in two ways: tent camping on the shoreline or on the beach. If you are into beachside camping, this is your place.

Staying inside state parks gives you ample opportunity for activities like walking, bird watching, biking, and paddle boats. However, there is no canoe rental in town.

Stephen F. Austin State Park

A wonderful park along the Brazos River. Stephen F. Austin State Park is a nature-loving paradise. Relax among trees near rivers and observe the famished deer feeding in the morning.

Birdwatchers can be seen at the park, with various birds available for viewing. There are 12-mile trails to go hiking or mountain bike in the park. The park’s proximity to the San Felipe Austin State Historic Site is an exciting opportunity for history fans to explore the historical past.

Huntsville State Park

The park has been known for its lush pine forests and large lake. Take I-445 towards Huntsville State Park, where you will enjoy a camping experience in Pineywoods East Texas.

This region is known for its hardwood trees, and Huntsville State Park is home to 210-acre Lake Raven. If you are looking for a reservation for a shelter or cabin at the campground, you should stay at least 2 days in secluded areas. Have I forgotten anything?

Village Creek State Park

Village Creek State Park is situated along Village Creek, one of the few free-flowing creeks in Texas. Here you can camp, picnic, fish, hike, mountain bike, geocache, study nature, and view wildlife.

They also have a covered picnic pavilion perfect for your next group gathering. So come on over and enjoy everything our park has to offer!
They have a full range of campsites with power and water, including an RV with hookups and cabins.

Northlake RV Resort

Northlake RV Resort provides RVers with the answers they need to find a perfect RV park in Houston. Are there any RVs? There are several campsites and rental structures available.

The park features incredible facilities, including a fireplace, wifi, and a large lake where your fishing net can be dropped. This park is suitable for people wanting to stay short-term or more extended, and there’s also a fitness center and cable TV.

Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park

Not far from Houston lies a park dedicated to an iconic bear, the Yogi Bear. Jellystone Park offers many family activities to keep everyone entertained. It is a water park with a lazy river that keeps everyone comfortable during the summer sun.

Enjoy the swimming pool, mini-golf, basketball, volleyball, fishing, lakes, and theatre. The camping sites include an RV park and cabin.

Sam Houston National Forest

Looking for a place to camp in Texas? Bring your camping gear, and head to Sam Houston National Forest now offers extended group campsites at select recreation areas. Camp overnight for up to 28 days and enjoy all the forest provides. There’s a perfect spot for you from Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area to Indian Mounds Recreation Area. So come on out and explore the Lone Star State’s great outdoors!

Several options for cabins and RV campsites are available. Full range of outdoor recreation activities from hunting, fishing, group hiking on the wooded trails, and horseback riding. Not far from Houston and has a lot of nearby attractions.

Sheldon Lake State Park

Sheldon Lake State Park is the perfect place to spend a sunny day with your family. Bring your fishing rods because we’ve got two ponds stocked with bass and catfish!

We’ve also got a nature trail that winds its way through 28 naturalized ponds. If you’re feeling adventurous, grab a pair of binoculars and check out the alligators sunning themselves on the banks.

This park offers fishing, boating, swimming, horseback riding, hiking trails, picnicking areas, and more! A favorite spot for many people is the boat ramp which provides access to all of Sheldon’s waters, including Lake Sam Rayburn.

There are approximately 100 campsites available at this location, with picnic tables and individual grills on each site. Campsites can accommodate tents or RV’s, but no hookups are provided, so be sure that your camper trailer has its own water connection before arrival!

The park also features two group camping sites with large shelters available. This is a favorite place for many people to camp.

It has everything you could need, including significant outdoor activities and amenities. This park has over 200 campsites which include water and electricity hookups! There are four pull-through RV sites, but all other areas can accommodate tents or RVs.

Quintana Beach County Park

Quintina Beach County Park is the perfect place to set up camp while enjoying everything the Gulf Coast offers. With large, paved, and level RV pads with electrical, water, and sewer hookups, you’ll be able to stay comfortable while taking in beautiful views of the Gulf of Mexico.

You’ll also have access to a playground exclusive to the campground, as well as restrooms, showers, and laundry facilities in the park bathhouse. And if you’re visiting during Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, don’t forget to bring some cash. There’s a $5.00 parking fee per vehicle for day-use access to the park and pedestrian beach (guests of registered campers are exempt).

If you are interested in beach, check out our recently published article “Best Texas Beach Towns for the Ultimate Family Vacation.”

Natura Retreat – Serenity Glamping

Are you looking for a way to escape the stress of the city? Look no further than Natura Wellness Retreat. Their luxury glamping tents offer all the comforts of home while immersed in nature.

You can walk to some of the most beautiful spots on our property or just relax on your front deck and take in the sights and sounds of nature. Whether you’re looking to rejuvenate your body and soul or simply take a break from it all, Natura Retreat is the perfect destination.

The Natura Retre campground is located on the edge of a pine forest, not far from Lake Somerville State Park. It is close to Texas State Highway 36 and Farm to Market Road 922.

The park provides you with everything you could need for one excellent camping trip: there are clean restrooms, a campground is located on the edge of a pine forest, not far from Lake Somerville State Park, and close to both Texas State Highway 36 and Farm to Market Road 922.

Conclusion

Camping is an excellent way to get the family away from downtown Houston and enjoy the great outdoors. You can find overnight camping of all shapes and sizes throughout the state of Texas, so you are sure to find a place that meets your needs.

This article covered Brazos Bend State Park, Galveston Island State Park, Stephen F. Austin State Park, Huntsville State Park, Northlake RV Resort, Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Parks, Quintana Beach. County Park and Sheldon Lake State Park – but there are plenty more options out there!

If you’re looking for a family-fun outdoor adventure close to “Space City,” these parks provide just what you need.