A dozen outdoorsy sites scattered throughout Texas' vast landscape have been crowned the best places to camp in the U.S. — and two of them are in Houston's backyard.

The 2026 Hipcamp Awards identified the places that Hipcamp users loved the most based on an analysis of bookings, ratings, and reviews across more than 500,000 campsites from August 2025 to August 2026. The featured campgrounds are "a celebration of the [h]osts who consistently offer some of the most incredible camping experiences in the world."

"There are thousands of incredible places to camp on Hipcamp, so being recognized in the Awards is a genuinely high bar," said Alyssa Ravasio, CEO and Founder of Hipcamp, in a release. "These are places that have earned exceptional feedback again and again, and we’re excited to give the Hosts behind them the recognition they deserve."

The two best places to camp outside Houston are all within a one or two-hour drive of the city, making it a fun weekend getaway that's just far enough to embrace the beautiful scenery.

One property that backs up to Sam Houston National Forest is the perfect destination for campers that want to immerse themselves in the Texas wilderness. Circle C CampGrounds in Montgomery boasts eight campsites that are scattered along the Lone Star Hiking Trail. Reviews praise the pet and kid-friendliness of the camp, as well as its scenic views.

"This spot is amazing and peaceful," one reviewer wrote. "My two dogs and I had the whole place to ourselves since we came on a weekday which was really nice since it’s fenced in and I didn’t have to worry about my dog[s]."

Hikers will similarly enjoy traversing 14 miles of trails at 5D Ranch in Navasota, located just 30 miles further west from Circle C CampGrounds and 70 miles from Houston. This ranch encompasses 400 acres of land with 24 secluded RV/tent sites for campers to pick from. The ranch also has two fishing ponds and four boats that guests are free to use during their stay. Property owner Julie also offers guests extra activities to make their stays even more special.

"We also can provide rentals of camping essentials, a S'mores package[,] and we offer a meet the ponies session that can be scheduled upon your arrival," the ranch's description says.

You might spot a pony or two during your stay at 5D Ranch.Photo courtesy of Hipcamp

The best campgrounds elsewhere in Texas
Avid Houston campers might recognize one other winner on the list: Llama Land Ranch in Tool, a property just a short drive from Dallas where llamas and other wildlife roam free on 101 acres of land. Earlier this summer, the ranch was named one of America's 50 favorite camping spots, thanks to its affordability and its mix of tent-only, RV/tent, and RV-only campsites.

"From the moment we arrived, everything felt peaceful, welcoming, and thoughtfully set up," wrote one reviewer. "The campsite itself is beautiful, clean, and well-maintained, with just the right balance between comfort and nature. Waking up to the fresh air and scenic surroundings was incredibly relaxing. The highlight, of course, was the llamas — they were adorable, friendly, and added such a special touch to the entire stay."

Campers that recommend the ranch don't only rave about the llamas. Many reviews also praise the owner, Judy, whose family has owned the property for almost 40 years.

"Judy was a fantastic host — kind, responsive, and clearly passionate about what she’s created," the review continued. "She made sure we had everything we needed and offered helpful tips to make the most of our visit. If you’re looking for something different from a typical camping trip, this is the perfect spot."

The other award-winning best places to camp in the Lone Star State are:

• Hill Country Nature Retreat, Blanco
• Boulderdash Cabin & Camping, Bandera
• Camping Near Hamilton Pool, Dripping Springs
• The Ranch At Beulah, Elkhart
• River Grove Campground, Gonzales
• Laf Ranch, Medina
• Colorado RiverBend Retreat, Smithville
• The Best Dam Spot, Staples
• Temple of the Bird, Terlingua