Family Friendly Campgrounds In Texas
Guadalupe River State Park
Guadalupe River State Park is a fantastic place to explore nature and take in the beauty of the Lone Star State. Located in Comal and Kerr Counties, the park is approximately 9,400 acres of rolling hills, bottomlands and riparian areas along the banks of the Guadalupe River.
The park’s main attraction is its riverfront and the plentiful opportunities for swimming, fishing, kayaking, canoeing and tubing. You can also enjoy birdwatching, hiking, camping and nature photography. The network of trails includes a five mile Prairie Ridge Trail which offers stunning views of the surrounding Hill Country.
There are four developed family friendly camping areas showcasing gravel pad RV sites, screened shelters, walk-in primitive sites and tent camping. Educational programs, walks and special events which help visitors get in touch with nature are also offered.
In addition to the recreational opportunities, Guadalupe River State Park serves as a refuge for the rare whooping crane, bald eagle and golden cheeked warbler. The rugged terrain and healthy riparian habitat make it an ideal place for animal spotting and bird watching. In fact, the park is home to over 150 species of birds, mammals, amphibians and reptiles.
All of this makes this a great choice for a memorable family camping trip.
Padre Island National Seashore
Tucked away in extreme South Texas lies a peaceful and serene paradise, Padre Island National Seashore. This stunningly beautiful national park stretches from Port Mansfield to the north to the Port Isabel and South Padre Island to the south. It offers visitors miles and miles of sand, waves and sun.
Padre Island National Seashore, part of the 55 mile long Padre Island, is a barrier island habitat home to a variety of flora and fauna as well as a few endangered species. As a result, visitors will find there are several areas which are off limits to protect the native inhabitants.
Fortunately, visitors to the seashore will be spoiled for choice when it comes to activities to do. Those who are looking for water activities, swimming and beach combing will find plenty of it while bird watchers and nature lovers will delight in the opportunity to explore the wonders of the island’s flora and fauna.
The Padre Island National Seashore is also home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the United States. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing afternoon on the shore or an afternoon of fishing and boating, Padre Island has something for everyone.
Perhaps one of the best things about the Padre Island National Seashore is the amazing wildlife. From the green sea turtles that nest on the beach to the bottle nose dolphins swimming offshore to hundreds of bird species that can be observed in the area. There’s something for everyone here. The Padre Island National Seashore is also home to a variety of wild animals such as javelinas, bobcats, coyotes and even the rare ocelots. In short, there is more than enough for you and your family to take in.
Palo Duro Canyon State Park
Palo Duro Canyon State Park is a magical place located in the Panhandle of Texas. It is the second deepest canyon in the United States and is known for its stunning beauty and recreational opportunities.
The lush canyon is about 120 miles long and 20 miles wide so it is easy to find something to do there. Visitors can go horseback riding, mountain biking, camping and even bird watching. There are also picnick areas, a playground and even a top notch Amphitheater where local and national acts perform.
The most popular activities are guided nature hikes, horseback riding and exploring the canyon itself. The canyon has a wide range of plant and wildlife. It is part of the Chihuahuan desert which is full of cacti, ocotillos, yucca plants and other native plants and wildlife. There are also over a hundred different species of birds making it a bird watcher’s paradise.
Palo Duro Canyon State Park is considered an archeological site due to numerous artifacts found in the area. The native Comanche and Apache tribes both lived in the canyon and left behind ancient rock art and tools. There is also a small museum in the park that showcases the artifacts found in and around the canyon.
Palo Duro Canyon State Park is a truly unique place. It is the perfect destination for any family that wan’t to camp in some place a little bit different.
Colorado Bend State Park
Nestled in the heart of Texas Hill Country, Colorado Bend State Park is an outdoor paradise for nature lovers. Spanning over 5000 acres, this Texas state park offers an abundance of outdoor activities and stunning scenery. From majestic hikes and incredible wildlife viewing to mesmerizing swimming holes, Colorado Bend State Park has something for every Texas family.
The park is home to an incredible variety of wildlife and plants. More than 118 species of birds are found here, making it an excellent destination for birdwatchers. There are also more than 100 species of butterfly, over 50 species of terrestrial wildlife and approximately 15 species of fish.
Hiking is one of the most popular activities at Colorado Bend State Park, with more than 35 miles of trails to explore. These trails range from easy to strenuous and take hikers through some of the park’s most stunning landscapes. From caves, canyons and bluffs to scenic overlooks, your family will be in heaven.
Swimming is another available activity in the park. The Gorman Falls area offers a perfect spot for a leisurely swim with plenty of natural features to explore. It’s also worth noting that the entire Colorado River is a “no-wake” zone, making it a safe spot to explore by canoe or kayak.
If fishing is your thing, the river is home to a wide variety of fish species, including small mouth bass, flathead catfish and blue catfish. There are even opportunities to go saltwater fishing here as the park is located at the mouth of the Rio Grande.
For families looking to stay overnight, Colorado Bend State Park offers several camping options. There is a major primitive camping area, as well as several designated sites for RV or tent camping. Glampers can also stay in one of the park’s yurts or safari tents.
Caddo Lake State Park
Caddo Lake State Park is one of the most picturesque parks in the country. Located in eastern Texas near the Louisiana border, this beautiful park is one of the few remaining natural lake systems in the United States.
Spanning over 26,000 acres in seven east Texas counties, Caddo Lake State Park serves as a safe haven for more than 70 species of fish and wildlife. It is a unique ecosystem that is home to a variety of trees, plants and birds.
The most prominent feature of Caddo Lake State Park is the lake itself. It was created by a series of dams and has a surface area of around 25,400 acres. It features a variety of habitats from backwaters and sloughs to bay systems and open lake regions. The lake is home to fish species including bass, crappie and catfish. There are also over 200 species of birds that call the lake home making it a great spot for birdwatching.
Caddo Lake State Park is a popular destination for campers, hikers and boaters. Campers can choose from campsites with two options. Water view sites with full hookups and primitive camping. Hikers have the opportunity to explore the scenic trails with options for all difficulty levels. Boaters will find plenty of places to explore in Caddo Lake and there are boat launches located throughout the park.
This park also features an array of amenities such as picnic sites, boat ramps and swimming areas. There’s also an interpretive center that offers guided tours, interactive exhibits and programs focused on the ecology of the park.
When visiting Caddo Lake , be sure to bring your camera and capture the breathtaking beauty of this natural wonder. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or just looking for some memories with the family, it is a great choice.
