Where to Go Glamping in Texas

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If you’ve ever seen the episode of Waco-based Fixer Upper, where Chip jumps into the Brazos River to cool off, you’ll have an idea of the climate here. Expect hot sunny weather in summer and temperate winters, with the upside being lush flora and plenty to do outdoors – ideal for a Texas glamping adventure. The town is also known for the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and the Waco Mammoth National Monument.

Best known as the hometown of President Lyndon B Johnson, Johnson City was established by his ancestor, James Polk Johnson – and became the county seat of Blanco County in the 1800s. This small but delightful town has a couple of excellent art galleries, as well as shopping and eateries. It is ideally located for glamping on US 290 between Austin and Fredericksburg and is a popular stop-off between the two. Considered to have a sub-tropical climate, the summers are hot but the winters are comfortable.

This secluded campground is located in the famous Texas Hill Country known for its scenery, ranches, rodeos and wide-open spaces – as well as its wineries and breweries. Pedernales Falls State Park is only 2.5km (1.5mi) away and has exceptional birdwatching and spectacular waterfalls. This is an opportunity to get close to nature when glamping in Texas, try out swimming, fishing, mountain biking and hiking during the day – while enjoying a bit of stargazing from your tent at night.

Possibly best known for being the place where the Lone Star State Flag was created, the original town is one of the oldest in the state and still has properties of state historic significance. Its location – near the southwestern edge of the Sam Houston National Forest – gives those who visit access to wide-open spaces and plenty of outdoor activities. There are excellent vineyards and wineries nearby with a popular wine festival taking place here each year.

The motto of this Teas glampsite’s hosts is “Come as a stranger, leave a friend.” These culinary-focused hosts serve Mammaw’s homemade biscuits with jam and Irish butter – or accompanied with sausage and gravy – and will happily pack you a picnic lunch with a selection of sandwiches and chips. Try a guided fishing tour with the hosts, enjoy the horseshoe pit, bird watching, hanging out with the ducks and geese – or relax in your very own hammock.

Based in the heart of the vast Hill Country, Wimberley started life as a mill village but its reputation as a resort town has recently skyrocketed. These days it offers ziplining, horseback riding, swimming, canoeing, and glamping sites nearby. There are many excellent vineyards, wineries, distilleries and breweries in this neck of the woods. Wimberley Market Days take place on the first Saturday of each month – from March through December.

Just 56km (35mi) from Austin, this is the perfect place to combine relaxation with the excitement of being on the doorstep of the live music capital of the US. This lovely spot has a wilderness feel but with amenities nearby – along with both Wimberley and Blanco offering excellent restaurants, boutiques and even a flea market. The campground is near to Jacob’s Well and Blue Hole, both fantastic for swimming and even scuba diving.

The majestic trees of the East Texas Pineywoods and the proliferation of wildflowers at Huntsville State Park are restorative and relaxing in equal measure. Hike the 208km (129mi) Lone Star Hiking Trail which crosses the nearby Sam Houston National Forest. Huntsville State Park is also known for its biking, picnicking, fishing, swimming, paddling and geocaching. There are also 34km (21mi) of trails, playgrounds, a bird hide and a nature center.

Just a two-hour drive from Houston or Dallas, glamping at this secluded lakefront oasis is where you can completely relax. Nearby, a cool spring-water creek flows into the Trinity River, with four waterfalls and facilities for kayaking – with scuba diving also on offer. Expect to see rabbits, deer, coyotes, or even wild hogs; all adding to the excitement of sleeping under the stars. There is a wood stove and campfire grill for cooking, as well as a sun shower.

A Thai yoga or deep-tissue massage is the perfect way to start your day at this superlative glamping retreat on a private ranch. Surrounded by meadows, outdoor activities include road or mountain biking or hiking on endless trails. There are wild hog hunts or archery sessions – for those with a boat, try out nearby Lake Brownwood with access to fishing and water sports. A Coleman propane stove is provided for cooking in case of a county burn ban.

This is an updated rewrite of an article originally by Jessica Devenyns.