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With summer in the rearview mirror, these locations provide the perfect combination of adventure and relaxation, making them ideal for winter camping in Texas.
Texas winters typically don’t become as frigid as, say, a Canadian or Antarctic one. Yet, depending on where you are in the state, you can still encounter a chilly and even frosty world around you. Compared to the oppressive summer heat, a Texas winter wonderland is an inviting environment to pack a bag, grab a tent, and don your hiking shoes for some winter camping.
Whether you’re looking for an active getaway full of adventure or would rather spend your time relaxing and indulging in a zen-like serenity outside bustling cities, you can find your ideal place. Here are some of the best spots for Texas winter camping.
1. Tyler State Park, Tyler
Tyler State Park sports trees over 100 feet tall, a 64-acre spring-fed lake, and abundant trails within the Pineywoods. The Whispering Pines Nature Trail is the highlight, and it is great for walkers, joggers, or bikers. And that big ol’ lake isn’t just for gawking at—you’re welcome to dive right in and swim, ride a boat across the water, or try your hand at fishing for catfish, perch, crappie, or bass.
You’re also a short drive from Tyler itself, which can be a fun excursion if you want to get outside of the trees. Check out one of the city’s quirky breweries, dine at a converted mansion at Villa Montez, and admire local artwork along Art Alley.
Photo courtesy of Joey Held.
2. Camp Fimfo, New Braunfels
Adventure is the name of the game at Camp Fimfo. While you can certainly take a leisurely camping trip within the beautiful Texas Hill Country, the backdrop is far more memorable when you inject a little thrill into it.
Daily activities like crafting, ceramics, and flag football will keep you as happy as—well, a kid at camp. Camp Fimfo’s zipline provides some majestic views of the countryside. The Cliff Carver is the only alpine coaster in Texas and propels you down the mountain. You can control your speed with manual brakes, which is far better than the alternative of no brakes at all.
3. Aloha Beach RV Resort, Port Aransas
On the other end of the adventure spectrum is Aloha Beach, a super chill spot alongside the Gulf of Mexico. The heated pool and bathhouse are like soaking in a spa with the most gorgeous views. Climb the observation deck to watch the ships roll in (a favorite pastime of Otis Redding) and take in the stunning sunset each evening.
After a tumultuous year, sometimes you just want to lounge by the water and bask in the calming atmosphere all around you. Nothing wrong with that.
4. El Cosmico, Marfa
Believing life should balance “adventure and do-nothingness,” Marfa’s El Cosmico delivers on that mindset. Its campsites include teepees, Mongolian yurts, renovated vintage trailers, and the Cosmic Kasita. Wood-fired Dutch hot tubs and haymaking events are lovely ways to unwind, and you can always get to know your fellow campers at Hammock Grove or the communal outdoor kitchen.
Marfa is also close enough to visit Big Bend (which we’ll see later on this list) and Balmorhea, a swimming hole with perhaps the clearest water in the entire state. And if you make the trip to Marfa, you need to see—or at least attempt to see—the Marfa lights.
5. Sam Houston National Forest, New Waverly
The Montgomery, San Jacinto, and Walker counties contain the Sam Houston National Forest, which has evidence that humans lived there at least 12,000 years ago. The trees may not be quite that old, but they’re still majestic.
You probably won’t see snow here, as the temperatures often don’t drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. On the other hand, you will get to encounter the sights of the Lone Star Trail, the longest continuous hiking trail in Texas. As with all state forests, camping is restricted to specific camping areas during hunting season (at the end of January).
6. Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park, Kerrville
Boasting “something for every type of camper,” Jellystone Park is a favorite of Yogi Bear. Pack up your picnic basket and head to one of the rustic cabins, cottages, and bungalows. There are also a few luxury options if you choose to level up your glamping game.
Hopefully, you packed a towel in that picnic basket because Jellystone Park has an enormous water playground, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, and water slides. If you’d rather stay dry, you can scamper around the ninja course, take a “Hey Hey” wagon ride, or try a seemingly endless array of sports and activities, like horseshoes, pickleball, disc golf, and gaga ball.
7. Abilene State Park, Tuscola
Sporting 80 campsites, Abilene State Park offers a chance to get in touch with nature. You can also rent a yurt or screened shelter underneath the tall trees, enjoying the gentle breezes of Texas winters. You might even have a friendly deer pass by and say hello—not literally, of course, though they may give you a nod as they stroll past.
As a bonus, Abilene State Park is the current home of the Centennial Time Capsule. The capsule, made from pecan trees and storing one object from each Texas state park and support program, is making a 50-year journey to every state park. And the capsule is proudly on display, so you don’t have to dig in the ground to find the buried treasure.
Photo courtesy of mr_t_77/ CC BY-SA 2.0.
8. Big Thicket National Preserve, Kountze
Some folks have called Big Thicket “the biological crossroads of North America,” though that doesn’t roll off the tongue as nicely as “America’s Ark.” Whatever you call it, Big Thicket is full of animals, flora, and vegetation. You can spot an estimated 1,320 different species of trees, 660 mushrooms, 60 mammals, 86 amphibians and reptiles, and 300 birds throughout the park.
Make sure you’re heavy on waterproof items during a visit to Big Thicket since it rains nearly 250 days out of the year. Yet that weather lends to vibrant nature all around you, and with over 40 miles of hiking trails, you’ll get plenty of scenic views. Turkey Creek Unit and Hickory Creek Savannah Unit will put you up close and personal with carnivorous plants and lush greenery.
9. Big Bend National Park, Brewster County
Big Bend offers four different camping experiences within its spacious environment. Three—Chisos Basin Campground, Rio Grande Village Campground, and Cottonwood Campground—are operated by the National Park Service, with the Rio Grand Village RV Park serving as a concession campground with full hookups. Big Bend National Park also offers backcountry camping, providing one of the most jaw-dropping experiences of the great outdoors while backpacking or kayaking through the limestone canyons—which are sometimes covered in snow during the winter.
Pine Canyon is a must-do walk with a ridiculous variety of flora, and the Santa Elena Canyon is a quick hike along the Rio Grande. If you’re planning a longer stay, you could break up your visit between Big Bend National Park and Big Bend Ranch State Park, one of four International Dark Sky Parks in Texas.
Photo courtesy of G. Lamar Yancy/CC BY 2.0.
This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.
