Best Tent Camping: Texas: Your Car-Camping Guide to Scenic Beauty, the Sounds of Nature, and an Escape from Civilization

by Wendel Withrow

Overview

Perfect Camping for You in Texas

The Lone Star State provides a spectacular backdrop for some of the most scenic campgrounds in the country, from the High Plains of the Panhandle to the beautiful beaches of the Gulf Coast. But do you know which campgrounds offer the most privacy? Which are the best for first-time campers? Wendel Withrow has traversed the entire state and compiled the most up-to-date research to steer you to the perfect spot!

Best Tent Camping: Texas presents 50 private, state park, and state and national forest campgrounds, organized into four distinct regions. Selections are based on location, topography, size, and overall appeal, and every site is rated for beauty, privacy, spaciousness, safety and security, and cleanliness—so you’ll always know what to expect. The new full-color edition of this proven guidebook provides everything you need to know, with detailed maps of each campground and key information such as fees, restrictions, dates of operation, and facilities, as well as driving directions and GPS coordinates.

Whether you seek a quiet campground near a fish-filled stream or a family campground with all the amenities, grab Best Tent Camping: Texas. It’s not only a guidebook; it’s an escape manual for all who wish to navigate the back roads of Texas to find those special locales that recharge the head, heart, and soul. This guide is a keeper.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780897324922
Publisher:	Menasha Ridge Press
Publication date:	02/13/2018
Series:	Best Tent Camping
Pages:	216
Sales rank:	619,646
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.50(d)

About the Author

Wendel Withrow is a native Texan who began treks into the woods at a young age. During his years at the University of Texas at Austin, where he received his BA in history with high honors, Wendel began his camping career and developed a wanderlust that has taken him to the most remote and beautiful parts of Texas. After receiving his law degree from the Texas Tech UniversitySchool of Law, he continued to search out the lesser-known natural wonders and historic landmarks throughout Texas and the United States. In 1989 he stumbled on Desert Solitaire by Edward Abbey, and his love for the outdoors was transformed into a crusade to try and save all things wild while any remained to be saved. Joining the Sierra Club, Wendel used his passion for photography and inspiration from Abbey to rise to the chair of the Lone Star Chapter and the Dallas group of the Sierra Club. Wendel continues to seek adventure in the outdoors and is currently planning educational field trips to help others experience the unique heritage and wilderness we all share as Texans.

Most recently, the Memnosyne Institute named Wendel as the director of Green Source DFW, an all-digital environmental newspaper and community resource seeking to inspire and coordinate the ever-growing number of local green-minded groups and their dedicated supporters. Finally, just in case any hours remain in the week, he is the founder of ExplorersAcademyUSA.org, a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing outdoor adventure and appreciation to all ages and groups previously denied the opportunities many of us take for granted.

You can access photos and additional information and leave comments or ask questions at menasharidge.com/wendel or [e-mail].

Read an Excerpt

Davis Mountains State Park
Beauty: 4 / Privacy: 3 / Spaciousness: 3 / Quiet: 3 / Security: 4 / Cleanliness: 4

Whichever tent site you choose, you will enjoy excellent shade trees and close proximity to Keesey Creek.

Key Information
Address: TX 118 N, Fort Davis, TX 79734 (park is 3 miles northwest of Fort Davis, TX)
Operated by: Texas Parks & Wildlife Department
Contact: 432-426-3337, tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/davis-mountains
Open: Year-round
Sites: 94
Each site: Picnic table, fire ring, water
Assignment: First come, first served until site-specific reservation system begins in 2018
Registration: At entrance station or reserve at texas.reserveworld.com or 512-389-8900
Facilities: Clean, modern bathrooms
Parking: At each site
Fee: $15/night for water-only campsites; $6/person entrance fee
Elevation: 5,038'
Restrictions:

• Pets: On leash only
• Fires: Burn ban may be in effect. Contact park for update.
• Alcohol: Prohibited in all public/ outdoor areas
• Vehicles: 2/site
• Other: Maximum 8 people/site; guests must leave by 10 p.m.; quiet time 10 p.m.– 6 a.m.; bring your own charcoal; limited supplies available at park store, located at entrance station; pick up other supplies in Fort Davis; gathering firewood prohibited

Named after historic Fort Davis, the Davis Mountains provide a perfect home for this state park and tent campers seeking relief from the heat and humidity of other Texas campgrounds. Located at more than 5,000 feet, the campground stretches along the mostly dry Keesey Creek and is sheltered by a mixture of mature pine, juniper, and oak trees as well as the neighboring volcanic peaks. This 2,700-acre park was developed between 1933 and 1935 by the Civilian Conservation Corps, whose stonework remains intact and symbolizes workers grateful for even backbreaking employment during the Great Depression. One of the best examples is the Indian Lodge, completed in 1935. Now fully restored, it continues to serve travelers escaping the lowland heat or traveling to other, more remote parts of this dry and beautiful country.

The tent-camping sites are located along Park Road 3 and begin just past the turnoff to RV sites 1–61. In order to select the best and most private tent-camping areas, continue on Park Road 3, passing sites 62–67 until the Indian Lodge appears on your right. Turn left and cross the low-water crossing of Keesey Creek to find sites 68–94, which will give you some excellent choices. Site 80, for example, is not only large but also has easy access to the bathroom and showers. Whichever tent site you choose, you will enjoy excellent shade trees and close proximity to Keesey Creek, which is dry most of the year, but do be cautious in heavy rainfall conditions. The towering Davis Mountains and surrounding rocky terrain also shelter the campground, making for a wilderness experience in the high desert of West Texas.

While this campground appears quite civilized, the park advises you to beware of bears, mountain lions, and javelinas, and not to leave small children or pets unattended. It is also important to store your food inside a closed vehicle to prevent attracting wild animals to the campground.

Besides the mild climate of the Davis Mountains, the area also offers the vistas of Skyline Drive, which is within the park and overlooks the town of Fort Davis and the Fort Davis National Historic Site—a must-see. This frontier fort has a large number of buildings that have been expertly restored. The visitor center and museum offer a fascinating glimpse of Texas history and a chance to learn not only about American Indians who inhabited this area, but also the famous “buffalo soldiers” who were assigned to Fort Davis after the Civil War.

After leaving the state park, turn left on TX 118 and travel 14 miles to the internationally known McDonald Observatory, which has hosted astronomers since 1939. Its location on 6,791-foot Mt. Locke enjoys the darkest skies in the continental United States, and day and night tours are offered. While camping at Davis Mountains State Park, be sure to attend a Star Party to see heavenly sights a city dweller can only imagine.

Voices from the Campfire and Recommended Reading

As darkness falls, though, an even more spectacular canvas unfolds overhead. The dark sky begins to blaze with stars. . . . And when the Milky Way arcs overhead, it looks like a shimmering river of light. (McDonald Observatory Guide, 2008)

Available at Fort Davis National Historic Site, Black Frontiersman: The Memoirs of Henry O. Flipper by Theodore D. Harris chronicles the first black graduate of West Point and his assignment to Fort Davis as one of the famous Buffalo Soldiers.

Backcountry Adventures

The park’s new specially designed bird blind has become a favorite for viewing a multitude of common and elusive bird species, photographing, or just relaxing. Check the park’s calendar for special interpretive programs and birding walks. A must-see attraction is the restored Fort Davis complex, where visitors can catch a glimpse of life on the Texas frontier.

Best Local Food and Drink

Locals and visitors alike enjoy Hebert’s Caboose Ice Cream Shop (432-426-3141). For food, drink, and ice cream options, stop by the Fort Davis Drug Store (432-426-3929; fortdavisdrugstore.net). Call for current/seasonal hours.

Getting There

From Fort Davis, drive west 3 miles on TX 118. The park entrance will be on your left.

GPS Coordinates: N30º 35.964' W103º 55.740'

Table of Contents

Texas Campground Locator Map

Map Legend

Acknowledgments

Preface

Best Campgrounds

Introduction

Big Bend Country and the Guadalupe Mountains

• Abilene State Park
• Balmorhea State Park
• Big Bend National Park: Chisos Basin Campground
• Big Bend National Park: Rio Grande Village and Cottonwood Campgrounds
• Big Bend Ranch State Park
• Davis Mountains State Park
• Guadalupe Mountains National Park

Central Texas and the Hill Country

• Bastrop and Buescher State Parks
• Colorado Bend State Park
• Enchanted Rock State Natural Area
• Garner State Park
• Guadalupe River State Park
• Inks Lake State Park
• Lake Buchanan: Canyon of the Eagles
• Lake Whitney: Lofers Bend Park
• Lake Whitney State Park
• McKinney Falls State Park
• Meridian State Park
• Palmetto State Park
• Pedernales Falls State Park

North Central Texas and the Lake Country

• Dinosaur Valley State Park
• Eisenhower State Park: Lake Texoma
• Lake Mineral Wells State Park & Trailway
• Lyndon B. Johnson National Grasslands
• Possum Kingdom State Park
• Purtis Creek State Park
• Ray Roberts Lake State Park: Isle du Bois Unit and Johnson Branch

South Texas and the Gulf Coast

• Brazos Bend State Park
• Choke Canyon State Park
• Goose Island State Park
• Mustang Island State Park
• Padre Island National Seashore
• Texana Park and Campground

The Texas Panhandle, High Plains, and Caprock Canyons

• Caprock Canyons State Park & Trailway
• Copper Breaks State Park
• Lake Arrowhead State Park
• Palo Duro Canyon State Park

Deep East Texas and the Big Thicket

• Fairfield Lake State Park
• Huntsville State Park
• Martin Dies, Jr. State Park
• Sam Rayburn Reservoir: Rayburn Park
• Toledo Bend Reservoir: Indian Mounds Campground

Northeast Texas and Caddo Lake Area

• Atlanta State Park
• Bonham State Park
• Caddo Lake State Park
• Caddo National Grasslands
• Cooper Lake State Park: South Sulphur Unit
• Daingerfield State Park
• Tyler State Park

Appendix A: Sources of Information

Appendix B: Camping Equipment Checklist

Appendix C: Top 10 Equipment Tips

Appendix D: Day Hiking in Texas

Index

About the Author