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4 scenic Texas campgrounds named among America's best in 2026

Tropic Island Resort in Port Aransas, top campgrounds for glamping 2026

Tropic Island Resort in Port Aransas is a must-visit destination in 2026.

Photo courtesy of Campspot

Four Texas campsites have been lauded among the best campgrounds in America, according to the 2026 Campspot Awards.

The award-winning campgrounds are must-visit destinations that "turn a simple getaway into an unforgettable adventure," and are chosen based on a thorough review of over 3 million data points spanning guest ratings, reservation data, park features, and the quality of their Campspot Marketplace listing pages.

"The 2026 Campspot Awards highlight the best campgrounds across North America, recognized for their amazing locations, outstanding amenities, and unforgettable experiences," the report said. "Whether you're seeking adventure or relaxation, these winning destinations set the standard for exceptional camping."

One coastal Texas campground, Tropic Island Resort in Port Aransas, was named to the top campgrounds for glamping nationwide.

Tropic Island Resort is located about 200 miles from Houston in the heart of Port Aransas, and is just a short drive away from the beach, local restaurants, and shops. There are more than 170 different sites for visitors, such as fully furnished cottages, apartments, hotel rooms, and back-in and pull-thru RV sites.

Tropic Island Resort in Port Aransas, top campgrounds for glamping 2026 Rates at Tropic Island resort begin at $35 per night for back-in RV sites.Photo courtesy of Campspot

This isn't the first time Tropic Island Resort has earned acclaim in the annual Campspot Awards; it was dubbed one of the best campgrounds for national park lovers in 2023.

Other award-winning Texas campgrounds
The Vineyards Campground & Cabins in Grapevine, a Dallas-Fort Worth suburb 270 miles from Houston, was named as one of the top campgrounds in U.S. and one of the best campgrounds for RVs.

The Vineyards is situated along Grapevine Lake, mere minutes from all of the wineries and shops on Historic Main Street in downtown Grapevine. The campground boasts national recognition for its "serene ambiance, scenic landscapes, lakeside panoramas, and attentive staff."

"After check-in, treat the kids to the playground or don your swimsuit and head to the private sandy beach for a day by the water," the campsite's profile said.

For Texans searching for a one-of-a-kind camping adventures in the Hill Country, Campspot provides two options: Camp Fimfo Texas Hill Country in New Braunfels, a suburb outside San Antonio, and Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park in Fredericksburg.

Like The Vineyards, Camp Fimfo earned a new distinction as one of the best campgrounds in the U.S. for 2026, and the Fredericksburg resort was also included in Campspot's list of the top campgrounds for RVs.

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dine by the vines

Exclusive Texas Hill Country winery restaurant named best in the world

Stout's Signature restaurant at Grape Creek Vineyards in Fredericksburg

Photo courtesy of Grape Creek Vineyards

Stout's Signature is Grape Creek's members-only restaurant, but a small number of reservations will be offered to non-members.

The Hill Country has no shortage of vineyards and wineries that serve bites with their vintages, but only one Fredericksburg vineyard boasts a restaurant that measures up against the best in the world.

The industry experts at Wine Enthusiast have declared Stout's Signature at Grape Creek Vineyards one of the 57 best destination restaurants in the world. It's the only Texas restaurant to make the cut.

The new honor also elevates Grape Creek Vineyards' reputation as one of the best wineries in the Hill Country region, and its tasting tours are also recognized among the best in the country.

Stout's is a hidden gem restaurant where patrons can enjoy Hill Country-inspired cuisine with their wine tastings, from light bites to a hearty meal, all while the sprawling Grape Creek vineyard beckons from beyond the tables.

Signature dinner dishes like the tenderloin bolognese and meatballs made with veal, pork, and ground beef are must-try picks, but Wine Enthusiast reserves the most praise for its weekend brunch.

"[Stout's] boasts the region’s best Sunday brunch, with tables laden with dishes like Bourbon shrimp and grits with homemade andouille sausage and a breakfast burger with egg, bacon, and avocado," Wine Enthusiast wrote. "A mini pancake stack for the table is a must. Pair it with their Cabernet Trois, a bold blend of Cab Sauvignon, Cab Franc, and Ruby Cabernet."

Wine tasting at Grape Creek Vineyards Pair a pour with an app or an entree.Photo courtesy of Grape Creek Vineyards

Stout's has traditionally been a members-only institution for the Grape Creek Wine Club, but non-members now have a chance to dine at the exclusive restaurant. A limited number of Friday and Saturday evening dinner reservations will be offered to the public after the winery's regular closing at 5:30 pm.

"Stout's Signature has always felt like one of our best-kept secrets, and we wanted to give more people the chance to experience it, especially after being named one of the best winery restaurants in the world by Wine Enthusiast this summer," said Heath Family Brands CEO and founder Brian Heath.

Stout's Signature is located at 10587 US-290 in Fredericksburg. Non-member reservation availability is limited, and can be booked by calling 830-644-2710, opt. 3, or online via heathfamilybrands.com.

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