South Texas possesses an abundance of camping and outdoor adventure opportunities for both Texas natives and visitors. There are over 140 state parks in Texas that are managed by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Most of these parks feature campsites with tent campgrounds, and some have RV camping sites as well. Closer to central Texas, the south is known for being arid and dry, but close to the Gulf of Mexico, the region is accustomed to wet weather and the humidity that comes with beaches and marsh land.
Tent Camping in South Texas
Texas is so large that camping in one area of south Texas can be a completely different experience than camping in another area. Closer to south central Texas, campers can enjoy the western feel of camping between scrub oak trees and green rivers. Campsites such as Lost Maples State Park in the south central region boast towering bigtooth maple trees, over 10 miles of hiking trails and over 30 sights to pitch a tent. Closer to the gulf, campers can sleep right on the beach at campsites such as Mustang Island State Park where the flat, marshy beaches are ideal for sleeping directly under the stars.
RV Camping in South Texas
South Texas is known for its extreme heat, and sometimes camping with a recreational vehicle can be a smart way to avoid the perils of Texas heat and unpredictable rain storms. Most camping sites will accommodate RV campers as well as tents, but it is important to check in advance. Goose Island State Park, situated on the Aransas Bay on the Gulf of Mexico, lets RV campers set up next to a covered picnic table and overlook the gulf waters. Campers can go crabbing, enjoy bird watching, fishing and swimming. In central south Texas, a short drive from Austin, is McKinney Falls State Park, which has 81 sites for RV campers to hook up. Campers in south central Texas can enjoy hiking, fishing without a required fishing license, bird watching and swimming.
Lakes and Terrain of South Texas
South Texas is as varied in terrain as Texas as a whole. The southern edge of Texas is bordered by the Gulf of Mexico and is known for marshy beaches and wetlands. Closer to central Texas, the land is dotted with a few large lakes, but mostly consists of dry, arid landscapes with scrub oak trees, cypress trees and a rocky landscape that develops into plains the further north you go. The bulk of the land is mostly flat, with hillier regions around Austin in the south central region.
Weather in South Texas
Because of the bordering Gulf of Mexico, weather is often influenced by occurrences over the ocean, sometimes sending residual hurricane rains over south Texas. South central Texas is also known for being part of "tornado alley," a region that is prominent for its ability to produce frequent tornadoes, some that only glance by and others that can be potentially fatal. It is always good to check the weather before planning a camping trip, and most park rangers will advise campers to plan trips toward mid to late fall, when temperatures are cooler and hurricane season has passed.
Wildlife in South Texas
Wildlife in south Texas varies greatly depending on whether you are close to the gulf or farther inland. Close to the shore, a camper can enjoy spotting over 300 species of birds, looking for crabs on the shoreline, fishing in the ocean and dodging the Texas mosquitoes. Closer to central Texas, it is important for campers to beware of snakes, scorpions and spiders that are native to the area. Campers staying in tents should always be sure that tents are zipped shut to prevent snakes from seeking shelter inside and to shake out shoes that have been left outside to insure no small, brown scorpions have crawled in (the smaller the scorpion, the more painful the sting). South Texas is also home to armadillos and deer, neither of which will bother a camper, but motorists should always be looking for both of them on the road, especially at night.
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