RV vacations are on the rise, and it's easy to see why. Few things are more appealing in life than the open road and room to roam. Texas has what you’re looking for to explore from the comfort of your home away from home.

Spacious State Park Lots

If you’ve got a big rig, put Cedar Hill State Park near Dallas-Fort Worth on your list. This charming park is an oasis of outdoor life not far from the larger urban area of DFW. Reenergize in the waters of the lake, tour a historic Texas farm, and enjoy the pocket prairies. It has nice long sites, it’s great for biking, and in spring the park enjoys amazing wildflower blooms.

Many of the spacious RV pads at Lake Livingston State Park north of Houston are tucked into the trees. You’ll feel like a homesteader in times gone by, finding a beautiful hideaway in the forest. The park is on a beautiful lake between the Piney Woods and bayous of East Texas, and the sunsets are spectacular.

Extend Your Texas Stay

Staying for a while? Experience Falcon State Park near Del Rio, which enjoys temperate winters perfect for relaxing in the sunshine. The park is located at an intersection of northern and southern flyways, where birders can spot birds endemic to the area, along with several tropical species as well. One of the best parts of this type of travel is waking up in such natural beauty. During the warmer months take advantage of the 84,000-acre Falcon International Reservoir and enjoy all manner of water sports, including swimming, boating, and fishing. Anglers mostly catch largemouth bass and catfish here.

Monahans Sandhills State Park with its cinematic, wind-sculpted sand dunes, allows unlimited stays if sites are available. The sand dunes are an ever-changing spectacle not to be missed. During your stay, explore the nearby city of Midland with its museums, nature centers, and even a planetarium.

Galveston Island State Park, a birding hotspot along the coast, and Lake Tawakoni State Park, a peaceful retreat tucked in the forest of East Texas, also allow for extended stays, along with Inks Lake State Park, a stunning gem in Central Texas with lovely water, fishing, and explorable canyons.

Nightsky and Wildlife Views

If you’re into birdwatching or stargazing, check out Davis Mountains State Park in the Big Bend region. You’ve never seen the nightsky like the views you’ll find out in West Texas. And the wildlife viewing is phenomenal as well.

The campground is home to what some call “the best little bird blind in Texas,” where you can sit in an enclosed viewing station and watch more than 260 species, including Montezuma quail. Plus, it’s just down the road from the McDonald Observatory, which offers year-round star parties. It’s also halfway between Balmorrhea State Park and the legendary town of Marfa, both spots worth a daytrip. At Balmorrhea, enjoy the huge, 1.3-acre springfed pool. Stop by Marfa to see what those lights are all about, explore its reputation as a hub for contemporary art, or simply soak in the town’s quirky, creative atmosphere.

Paddlers Paradise

If you’re into canoeing or kayaking, consider Caddo Lake State Park in northeast Texas. It’s a great place to bring an RV and then enjoy the paddling opportunities. Rent a canoe here and explore underneath the cypress trees along the bayou.           

Camping and a Show

Park your camper at Palo Duro Canyon State Park in North Texas to experience the second-biggest canyon in the country. Some of the sites are close to the amphitheater, where the long-running musical “Texas” is staged on summer nights. You’ll also find trails perfect for mountain biking, and the iconic geologic formation known as the Lighthouse, a limestone pillar that overlooks a sea of hardscrabble terrain.

Jukebox Dances

Garner State Park is one of the most visited parks in the state, and with 2.9 miles of the chilly Frio River running through it, it’s easy to understand why. Hike up Old Baldy for a view of the river valley below or mosey over to the patio on summer nights for the jukebox dance, a tradition that dates to the 1940s.     

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