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. 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 University School 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 wendel@withrowlaw.com. 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 durin