With dozens of beautiful parks across the state, it can be tricky to plan the perfect itinerary for your Texas RV rental. Anybody looking to splash in the surf and soak up the sun should head to Texas' barrier islands like South Padre Island and Galveston Island. If you'd prefer to escape civilization altogether, you can't beat West Texas with its sublime mountains, canyons, and deserts.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park is one of the most popular parks in Texas, boasting the state's highest mountains and an array of rare flora and fauna. Hikers searching for a challenge will want to walk to the "Top of Texas" along the Guadalupe Peak Trail, which leads you up over 8,751 feet to the highest point in the state. If you'd prefer to relax, take a short stroll and spot rare bird species like Cooper's hawks, canyon towhees, and northern mockingbirds. Just watch for rattlesnakes along the trails! The Guadalupe Mountains are also superb for stargazing, and RVers can find two rural campgrounds high up in the mountains where you can appreciate the clear night sky. El Paso is also only two hours from the park, in case you'd prefer a day trip.
Texas' other national park, Big Bend National Park, is also well worth exploring if you're in West Texas. Perched on the Mexican border, Big Bend is known for its stark canyons carved by the Rio Grande and for being an important archeological site. During your visit, hike up mountains, along rivers, and through canyons on over 150 miles of trails, or catch you and your crew dinner fishing along the Rio Grande. If you get a chance, stop off at The Fossil Discovery Exhibit and see locally unearthed fossils dating back roughly 130 million years. Thinking about camping at Big Bend? The Rio Grande Village RV Park provides sites with full-hookups within the park's boundaries.
If you're searching for an idyllic park along the Texan coastline, head for Padre Island National Seashore. Covering 70 miles of coastal lagoons, prairies, and pristine beaches just south of Corpus Christi, Padre Island is the perfect spot to top up your tan. One of the best ways to experience the park is by kayaking or canoeing along the Laguna Madre. Alternatively, comb the beaches for beautiful shells and spot some of the 380 bird species that frequent the area. There are several year-round campgrounds open to RVs on Padre Island. You'll also be just 30 miles from Corpus Christi and some of the best RV campgrounds in Texas.