Corps of Engineers
The COE manages 90 campgrounds along their 22 lakes. Few are free. Prices range from $6 to $18 for a single campsite. Group accommodating campsites are also available on some of the lakes.
National Forests
Angelina National Forest
Cibola National Forest
Davy Crockett Forest
Sabine National Forest
Sam Houston National Forest
Caddo – Lyndon B. Johnson NG
National Parks
Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument
– Free entry and NO camping
Amistad National Recreation Area
– No entry fees. Four campgrounds at $4-8/night. Backcountry camping permitted.
https://freecampsites.net/spur-406-amistad-national-recreation-area/
https://freecampsites.net/san-pedro-amistad-national-recreation-area/
https://freecampsites.net/amistad-nra-277-north/
https://freecampsites.net/governors-landing-cg/
Big Bend National Park
– $15 entry. Four campgrounds costing $10-18 per night. Backcountry camping with free permit
https://freecampsites.net/big-bend-national-park/
https://freecampsites.net/big-bend-np-mckinney-spring/
https://freecampsites.net/big-bend-np-nine-point-draw/
Big Thicket National Preserve
– No charge. Backcountry only (free)
Chamizal National Monument
– Free entry and NO camping
Fort Davis
– $3 entry and NO camping
Guadalupe National Park
– $3 Entry, Two campgrounds $8/night. Free backcountry camping w/permit
Pine Springs Campground
Dog Canyon Campground
Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park
– Free entry and NO camping
Lake Meredith National Recreation Area
– Free entry. 13 campgrounds in the park $10-18. Backcountry camping allowed.
Padre Island National Seashore
– $10/week entry fee. Five campgrounds from free up to $10/night. Free dispersed beach camping.
Big Shell
Bird Island Campground
Malaquite Campground
Padre Island National Seashore
Yarborough Pass
Big Shell
Palo Alto Battlefield National Historic Site
– Free entry and NO camping
Rio Grande Wild and Scenic River
– Free entry and NO camping
San Antonio Missions Historical Park
– Free entry and NO camping
National Wildlife Refuges
Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge
– Free entry and camping
Muleshoe National Wildlife Refuge
– Free entry and overnight primitive camping
https://freecampsites.net/muleshoe-national-wildlife-refuge/
Rest Areas
The Texas Dot has 80 safety rest areas and travel information centers throughout the state, some of which have free wifi. Many have RV dump stations. You are allowed to stay up to 24hrs.
State Forests
State Parks
The Texas State Parks Pass is a $60 annual pass that provides free entry.
Big Bend Ranch State Park
Fees Applicable daily entrance fees are charged in addition to the campsite or facility fee.
Entrance Fees: $3 per day, per person 13 and older
Primitive Campsites: $8 per site, per day, up to 8 people
Backcountry Zone Camping: $5 per night, per site
Water Management Districts
Brazos River Authority
Colorado River Municipal WD
Franklin County WD
Greenbelt Municipal and Industrial WA
Lavaca-Navidad River Authority
Lower Colorado River Authority
Mackenzie Municipal WA
North Montague County WD
Palo Duro River Authority
Sabine River Authority of Texas
San Antonio River Authority
Trinity River Authority
West Central Texas Municipal WD
White River Water Authority
Wildlife Manament Areas
* 22 allow overnight camping. Texas WMAs require a permit to enter. The $12 Limited Public Use (LPU) Permit is good for camping in addition to admission.
* Search WMAs by activity, camping: http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/huntwild/hunt/wma/find_a_wma/?wmaselect=%2Fwma%2Ffind_a_wma%2Flist%2F%3Fid%3D25&camping=Y&action=Search+for+Wildlife+Management+Areas
