Best Tent Camping: Texas

Wendel Withrow is a native Texan who began treks into the woods at a young age. During his years at the University of Texas at Austin, where he received his BA in history with high honors, Wendel began his camping career and developed a wanderlust that has taken him to the most remote and beautiful parts of Texas. After receiving his law degree from the Texas Tech University School of Law, he continued to search out the lesser-known natural wonders and historic landmarks throughout Texas and the United States. In 1989 he stumbled on Desert Solitaire by Edward Abbey, and his love for the outdoors was transformed into a crusade to try and save all things wild while any remained to be saved. Joining the Sierra Club, Wendel used his passion for photography and inspiration from Abbey to rise to the chair of the Lone Star Chapter and the Dallas group of the Sierra Club. Wendel continues to seek adventure in the outdoors and is currently planning educational field trips to help others experience the unique heritage and wilderness we all share as Texans. Most recently, the Memnosyne Institute named Wendel as the director of Green Source DFW, an all-digital environmental newspaper and community resource seeking to inspire and coordinate the ever-growing number of local green-minded groups and their dedicated supporters. Finally, just in case any hours remain in the week, he is the founder of ExplorersAcademyUSA.org, a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing outdoor adventure and appreciation to all ages and groups previously denied the opportunities many of us take for granted. You can access photos and additional information and leave comments or ask questions at menasharidge.com/wendel or wendel@withrowlaw.com.

Texas Campground Locator Map


Map Legend


Acknowledgments


Preface


Best Campgrounds


Introduction


Big Bend Country and the Guadalupe Mountains



Abilene State Park

Balmorhea State Park

Big Bend National Park: Chisos Basin Campground

Big Bend National Park: Rio Grande Village and Cottonwood Campgrounds

Big Bend Ranch State Park

Davis Mountains State Park

Guadalupe Mountains National Park




Central Texas and the Hill Country



Bastrop and Buescher State Parks

Colorado Bend State Park

Enchanted Rock State Natural Area

Garner State Park

Guadalupe River State Park

Inks Lake State Park

Lake Buchanan: Canyon of the Eagles

Lake Whitney: Lofers Bend Park

Lake Whitney State Park

McKinney Falls State Park

Meridian State Park

Palmetto State Park

Pedernales Falls State Park




North Central Texas and the Lake Country



Dinosaur Valley State Park

Eisenhower State Park: Lake Texoma

Lake Mineral Wells State Park & Trailway

Lyndon B. Johnson National Grasslands

Possum Kingdom State Park

Purtis Creek State Park

Ray Roberts Lake State Park: Isle du Bois Unit and Johnson Branch




South Texas and the Gulf Coast



Brazos Bend State Park

Choke Canyon State Park

Goose Island State Park

Mustang Island State Park

Padre Island National Seashore

Texana Park and Campground




The Texas Panhandle, High Plains, and Caprock Canyons



Caprock Canyons State Park & Trailway

Copper Breaks State Park

Lake Arrowhead State Park

Palo Duro Canyon State Park




Deep East Texas and the Big Thicket



Fairfield Lake State Park

Huntsville State Park

Martin Dies, Jr. State Park

Sam Rayburn Reservoir: Rayburn Park

Toledo Bend Reservoir: Indian Mounds Campground




Northeast Texas and Caddo Lake Area



Atlanta State Park

Bonham State Park

Caddo Lake State Park

Caddo National Grasslands

Cooper Lake State Park: South Sulphur Unit

Daingerfield State Park

Tyler State Park




Appendix A: Sources of Information


Appendix B: Camping Equipment Checklist


Appendix C: Top 10 Equipment Tips


Appendix D: Day Hiking in Texas


Index


About the Author