Camping in Texas means greeting big skies, diverse terrain, and the kind of isolation that feels rare. You might wake beside a Hill Country creek or under the stars in West Texas. But before you set up anywhere, know this: wild or dispersed camping is not universally allowed—in most cases, you’ll need to be on public lands that explicitly permit it. Be sure to check local regulations for specific counties, forests, or districts.
Most camping in Texas happens in designated campgrounds—state parks, national parks, national forests, or managed recreation areas. For instance, Big Bend National Park prohibits random dispersed camping; you need a permit and must use official campsites or backcountry sites. See more details on the National Park Service website. Within Texas state parks, stays are generally capped around 14 consecutive nights, though some parks set alternate limits or seasonal rules—check the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department FAQs for updates. In backcountry or primitive zones such as Big Bend Ranch State Park, limits can be tighter: 14 nights total or 7 nights in a particular zone.
Let the breadth of Texas be your guide—but travel with a sense of respect for rules, because your freedom depends on doing this right.