When most people think of fall foliage, they picture New England’s fiery mountainsides or the Great Smoky Mountains, but Texas and its neighboring states hold some equally stunning secrets. From scarlet bigtooth maples tucked into the Hill Country to golden cypress trees draped in Spanish moss along the bayous, there are plenty of spots to witness nature’s grand autumn show without boarding a plane.
Fall camping near Texas offers a perfect blend of crisp air, colorful scenery, and fewer crowds.
Camping in the Fall comes with some of the best perks of the season… cooler temperatures for hiking, cozy campfires without the summer heat, and postcard-worthy views from your tent door.
For this list, I’ve rounded up seven campgrounds that check all the boxes, meaning they are easy to reach from Texas, excellent for spotting changing leaf colors, and equipped with quality camping facilities. Whether you prefer a weekend getaway in the Hill Country or a road trip into Oklahoma or Arkansas, these destinations deliver an unforgettable fall camping experience.
Table of Contents
1. Lost Maples State Natural Area: Vanderpool, TX
If there’s one place in Texas that steals the show in autumn, it’s Lost Maples State Natural Area. Tucked away in the Hill Country, this park is home to the rare bigtooth maple trees, which explode into brilliant shades of red, orange, and gold each fall. The result is a fiery backdrop that rivals foliage hot spots across the country.
Peak color typically arrives from late October through mid-November, though exact timing depends on weather conditions. Hikers can’t miss the Maple Trail and the more challenging East Trail, both offering sweeping views of the valley blanketed in autumn hues.
The campground provides a cozy base for exploring, with a mix of tent and RV sites plus easy access to the trailheads. And here’s the insider scoop: reservations fill up quickly this time of year, so be sure to book well in advance if you want a prime spot to catch the color at its peak.
Camping & Activities:
- 30 campsites with water and electricity
- Primitive campsites (hike-in)
- Over 10 miles of trails
- Fishing in Sabinal River or Can Creek
- Stargazing
2. Garner State Park: Concan, TX
Just an hour from Lost Maples, Garner State Park is another Hill Country favorite that shines in autumn. The Frio River winds through the park, framed by towering cypress and oak trees that glow in shades of yellow and orange come November. The contrast of colorful foliage against rugged limestone bluffs makes for some truly unforgettable scenery.
With more than 300 campsites plus cabins, Garner offers plenty of room for fall campers. You can pitch a tent near the river, pull up with your RV, or book a cozy cabin for a glamping-style experience. When you’re not leaf-peeping, enjoy paddling the river, hiking scenic trails, or just relaxing by the water with a warm drink in hand.
The best time to catch peak color here is early November, when the trees are at their brightest and the weather is just right for daytime adventures and crisp, campfire-filled nights.
Camping & Activities:
- Full Hook-up sites
- Campsites with water and electricity
- Campsites with water only
- Screened Shelters
- Swim or Tube in the Frio River
- Miniature Golf
- Fishing and Hiking
3. Guadalupe River State Park: Spring Branch, TX
For campers near San Antonio or Austin, Guadalupe River State Park is one of the easiest places to catch fall color without a long drive. The highlight here is the bald cypress trees that line the riverbanks, turning brilliant shades of orange and rust in late October through early November. When their fiery reflections shimmer on the clear Guadalupe River, it’s a sight every fall camper should experience at least once.
The park is popular for camping, kayaking, fishing, and photography, making it a versatile autumn destination. With over 90 campsites ranging from tent pads to RV hookups, you’ll have options for a weekend getaway. Bring your camera, because between the cypress-lined river and limestone outcroppings, this park is a fall photographer’s dream.
Whether you’re floating on the river, hiking the trails, or sipping coffee at your campsite, Guadalupe River State Park delivers a perfect slice of Texas fall.
Camping & Activities:
- Campsites with electricity
- Campsites with water only
- Swim or Float the Guadalupe River
- Fishing and Hiking
4. Daingerfield State Park: Daingerfield, TX
Tucked away in East Texas, Daingerfield State Park feels like stepping into a slice of New England during autumn. The park is famous for its dogwoods, sweetgums, and maples, which burst into deep reds, rich purples, and bright oranges as the temperatures drop. The reflection of these colors on the park’s serene 80-acre lake makes for postcard-perfect views.
The lakeside campground is cozy and inviting, with spots for both tents and RVs. Visitors can spend their days fishing, paddling, or hiking the Rustling Leaves Trail, which loops around the water and gives you front-row seats to the foliage.
Though smaller than some of the Hill Country parks, Daingerfield’s intimate size is part of its charm. The crisp air, vibrant leaves, and peaceful lakeshore atmosphere create a fall vibe that feels worlds away from Texas, making it a hidden gem worth the trip.
Camping & Activities:
- Campsites with water only
- Full Hook-up sites (pull through and back in)
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Boating and Paddling
5. Caddo Lake State Park: Karnack, TX
If you’re looking for a truly unique fall camping experience, Caddo Lake State Park delivers in spades. Straddling the Texas–Louisiana border, this park is unlike anywhere else in the state, with its maze of bayous and wetlands lined by towering bald cypress trees draped in Spanish moss. Come November, the trees shift into shades of gold and copper, transforming the waterways into a magical autumn wonderland.
The campground offers a mix of tent pads, RV hookups, and even historic cabins for those who prefer extra comfort. What really sets Caddo apart are the paddle trails, which let you explore the waterways up close. Drifting silently beneath the cypress canopy while fall colors reflect on the still water is an experience you won’t soon forget.
Camping & Activities:
- Full Hook-up sites
- Campsites with electricity
- Campsites with water only
- Several cabins
- Fishing
- Paddling Trails
- Hike
6. Ouachita National Forest: Hot Springs, AR
For Texans willing to head just north of the border, the Ouachita National Forest is a spectacular fall camping destination. Stretching across western Arkansas and southeastern Oklahoma, this vast forest is filled with mixed hardwoods that paint the hillsides in vibrant shades of red, yellow, and orange each October. The rolling mountains provide sweeping views that feel far removed from Texas’ flat plains, making it a refreshing change of scenery.
Campers have their pick of multiple campgrounds, including the popular Winding Stair Mountain, where campsites perch high enough to overlook valleys blanketed in color. Hiking and scenic drives, like the Talimena National Scenic Byway, showcase the forest at its most dazzling.
If you’ve been craving a true mountain foliage experience without traveling across the country, Ouachita National Forest delivers an unforgettable autumn adventure within a day’s drive of Texas.
Camping & Activities:
- Multiple campground options
- Scenic Drives
- Hiking and Mountain Bike trails
- Shooting ranges
- Fishing
- Turkey hunting
7. Beavers Bend State Park: Broken Bow, OK
Just a few hours from Dallas/Fort Worth, Beavers Bend State Park near Broken Bow Lake is a fall favorite for North Texans looking for a quick getaway. The park is blanketed with oak, hickory, and maple trees, creating a dazzling display of color that peaks from late October into early November. When the sunlight hits the leaves and reflects off the lake, it feels like you’ve stepped into a painting.
The campground offers something for everyone, with lakeside tent sites, RV areas, and cozy cabins. It’s a perfect base for enjoying the crisp autumn air while still having access to plenty of activities. Popular fall pastimes here include hiking through the colorful forests, trout fishing in the Mountain Fork River, and exploring the scenic drives around Broken Bow Lake.
With its easy access and stunning scenery, Beavers Bend makes for a convenient and memorable fall foliage trip from Texas.
Camping & Activities:
- Private Cabins
- Beavers Bend Lodge
- RV camping areas
- Hiking and Fishing
- Train Rides
- Golfing
- Petting Zoo
- Maze at Hochatown
- Ax Throwing
🍂 Peak Foliage Timing by Location
- Lost Maples State Natural Area (TX): Late October – Mid November
- Garner State Park (TX): Early – Mid November
- Guadalupe River State Park (TX): Late October – Early November
- Daingerfield State Park (TX): Mid – Late October
- Caddo Lake State Park (TX): Early – Mid November
- Ouachita National Forest (AR/OK): Mid – Late October
- Beavers Bend State Park (OK): Late October – Early November
👉 Timing varies year to year depending on weather—always check local foliage reports before heading out!
Final Thoughts
Whether you stay close to home in Texas or venture just across the border into Oklahoma or Arkansas, fall camping delivers scenery that’s hard to beat. From the fiery maples of Lost Maples to the golden cypress of Caddo Lake and the sweeping mountain views in the Ouachitas, each destination offers its own unforgettable slice of autumn.
🍂 Plan early, pack your coziest layers, and don’t forget a good camera to capture the magic of fall foliage camping. 🍂
If you’re ready to extend your fall adventures, check out my other seasonal guides:
Wherever you set up camp, fall is the perfect time to enjoy cooler weather, vibrant colors, and the simple joys of the outdoors.
