Do you wish to go camping in Texas in the winter? The State of Texas can supply your demand! You can take a break from the cold East, North, or West Texas winters, or get away from the humidity of the Gulf Coast and the heat of Central Texas. Or you can attend festive state parks and isolated Texas State parks for winter camping as well.
Winter camping in Texas State Parks offers a unique opportunity to experience the state’s natural beauty in a quieter, more peaceful setting. While the colder months can bring lower temperatures and unpredictable weather, many Texas State Parks remain open year-round and offer comfortable camping options.
Enjoy the outdoors with fewer crowds, the chance to witness seasonal changes in the diverse Texas landscapes at Texas State Parks, and in some cases isolated experiences.
1. Lake Livingston State Park: Far South East Piney Woods-Northeast of Houston-On the western edge of the Piney Woods
Lake Livingston State Park is a beautiful winter retreat where you can enjoy peaceful lakeside walks, wildlife watching, and fishing. Nearby, the City Livingston hosts holiday activities, including the Christmas on the Square and Christmas Boat Parade on Lake Livingston. Look for special winter fishing events and the annual Christmas Lights Boat Parade on Lake Livingston.
Winter Weather: Temperatures tend to be milder than in northern Texas, with daytime highs in the 50s°F to 60s°F, but it can still get chilly in the evening. Nighttime temperatures can drop to the 30s and 40s °F, with occasional cold snaps bringing temperatures below freezing, especially in January.
2. Cedar Hill State Park: North Central Texas, southwest of Dallas, near Joe Pool Lake
Cedar Hill State Park offers a variety of outdoor activities throughout the winter months. The Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex is home to an abundance of holiday events only a short drive from the park. Festivities in DFW include Christmas Light Displays, tons of entertainment venues sporting winter themes, Winter Festivals, and Ice Skating Rinks.
3. Mission Tejas State Park: Hill Country, Grapeland, Texas, 129 miles east of Waco
Mission Tejas State Park hosts “Calls of the Wild!” events, focusing on wildlife communication during the winter season. The event is family-friendly and tailored to teach visitors of all ages how to appreciate and understand the natural sounds of the park. To confirm dates and times for this event, it is best to check with Mission Tejas State Park directly or visit their page on the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department website.
You Can:
- Learn about animal calls: Park rangers or guides discuss how animals communicate in the wild, including vocalizations, body language, and other signaling methods.
- Take part in interactive demonstrations: Guests might hear recordings of different animal sounds, such as bird songs, mammal calls, or amphibian croaks, and learn how to identify them.
- Understand nighttime animal sounds: If held in the evening, participants may listen for real animal calls in the park, like owls, frogs, or coyotes.
- Participate in discussions about the importance of preserving habitats to ensure these natural communications continue for future generations.
4. Inks Lake State Park: Hill Country, 87 miles northwest of San Antonio, near Burnet, Texas
Inks Lake offers a peaceful, scenic environment perfect for winter camping. The park is surrounded by beautiful granite outcroppings and provides easy access to water-based activities, even in cooler weather. Most of the winter, boating, fishing, and hiking are year round. For swimming, it depends on the weather conditions that affect the water temperature.
Winter Weather: Daytime temperatures typically range from 50 °F to 60 °F, with occasional cold fronts bringing cooler weather. During January, the average high temperature is approximately 60 °F with average low temperatures around 41° F. In March, average high temperatures rise to about 71 °F, with average lows around 49 °F.
5. South Llano River State Park: Southwestern edge of the Hill Country and a long way from the closest metroplexes, Austin and San Antonio
South Llano River State Park offers scenic camping with access to the Llano River. It’s a quieter park with abundant wildlife, including deer, wild turkeys, and various bird species.
Winter Weather: Mild winter temperatures range from 40 °F to 60 °F, making it a great place for outdoor activities, like kayaking, fishing, bird watching, and hiking.
6. Bastrop State Park, Bastrop Texas: Hill Country, 39 miles southeast of Austin
Known for its beautiful pine forest and historic Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) cabins, Bastrop is a serene place to camp during the winter. The park is part of the Lost Pines Forest and is great for those who want to escape from the city hustle. Hiking, biking, birdwatching, and fishing are ideal year-round.
Winter Weather: The weather is relatively mild, with daytime temperatures in the 50s °F to 60s °F. In December, the average daytime high is around 64 °F, with nighttime lows averaging 40 °F.
7. Big Bend Ranch State Park: Far West Texas arm, shares a border with Mexico on the northern arm.
With its dramatic desert landscapes, Big Bend is a popular winter camping destination. Winter is the perfect time to explore the park, as temperatures are cooler and the summer heat is absent. Its campgrounds, like Chisos Basin Campground, sit at a higher elevation and offer scenic views. Hiking, star-gazing, scenic drives, and wildlife watching are amazing during the winter.
Winter Weather: The weather can range from chilly to mild, with daytime highs averaging in the 60s°F, but nighttime temperatures can drop below freezing.
8. Guadalupe Mountains National Park: West Texas, far western arm of Big Bend Country, shares a border with New Mexico, and flows into Carlsbad Caverns National Park.
A stunning park known for its mountain scenery is Guadalupe Mountains National Park, the site of Texas’ highest peak, Guadalupe Peak. The cooler winter temperatures make it ideal for hiking without the summer heat in the daytime. Hiking to Guadalupe Peak, exploring the Salt Basin Dunes, and bird watching in the winter season are perfect adventures.
Winter Weather: Expect temperatures from the 40s °F during the day to freezing temperatures at night, especially at higher elevations.
9. Palo Duro Canyon State Park: Texas Panhandle: 29 miles southeast of Amarillo
Known as the Grand Canyon of Texas, Palo Duro Canyon offers dramatic views and striking geological formations. It’s one of the best parks for winter camping, as temperatures tend to be moderate in the winter. Hiking, horseback riding, and exploring the canyon’s rock formations cannot be beat.
Winter Weather: Daytime temperatures can range from 40°F to 60°F, with chilly nights, so bring appropriate gear.
10. Caprock Canyons State Park and Trailway: Texas Panhandle, near Quitaque, Texas, in the Texas Panhandle and 96 miles northeast of Lubbock, Texas, the closest city.
This park is famous for its stunning red rock formations and bison herds. Winter is a good time to visit as the cooler temperatures make hiking and exploring the park more enjoyable. Hiking, bison watching, and photography during daytimes are popular with winter visitors.
Winter Weather: Winter temperatures are cold, with highs ranging from the 40s °F to 50s °F. In January, the average high temperature is approximately 52 °F, while the average low temperature is around 25°F.
Bonus: Isolated Winter Camping in Texas State Parks
In winter, Texas state parks become quieter and more isolated due to fewer visitors, and offer a peaceful experience. The following Texas State Parks offer much solitude in the winter seasons. Winter visitors to these parks will not find crowds, and some are totally isolated in many areas. Here are some of the most isolated parks in Texas during the winter season:
- Big Bend Ranch State Park
- Guadalupe Mountains State Park
- Palo Duro Canyon State Park
- Caddo Lake State Park
- Balmorhea State Park
- Lake Livingston State Park
- Franklin Mountains State Park
Author: Kendall Davis
Author: Kendall Davis Company: Lumini Services Kendall currently lives on the shores of Lake Texoma in Texas. She traveled across two-thirds of the U.S. for many years camping at lakes, rivers, and three oceans before motels and hotels if at all possible, and she continuously saw God's presence in nature. Writing for Lakehub allows Kendall to share her experience with God's creations. https://kdavis1836.wixsite.com/luminiwrites
