The Best Backpacking in Texas

Looking for the best backpacking in Texas? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Texas. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top backpacking spots in and near Texas

Burnet, Texas

Camp at Inks Lake's Pecan Flats

5.0

2 mi

Inks Lake is located northwest of Austin and is home to about 200 campsites. For a more unique experience and to be set away from the parks many visitors, choose the Pecan Flats Trail Primitive Camp which is about a mile hike from the Pecan Flats trailhead.Once you enter the park, the Pecan Flats...
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Big Bend National Park, Texas

Chisos Mountains Loop

5.0

15.3 mi / 3737 ft gain

Most people don’t know that there are 8,000-foot peaks in Texas, but in the exceptionally remote southwest corner of the Lone Star State, Big Bend National Park’s Chisos Mountains soar high over the Chihuahuan Desert. The South Rim of the mountain bowl features a few backcountry sites that allow ...
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Quitaque, Texas

Camping at Caprock Canyon State Park

4.1

1.64 mi / 95 ft gain

Caprock Canyon State Park is equipped with two primitive campgrounds: North Prong and South Prong. These campgrounds are equipped with pit toilets as seen in the above photos. For camping at the North Prong Primitive Campsite, the hike from the parking lot to the campsite is 1.25 miles. The hikin...
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Glen Rose, Texas

Camp at Dinosaur Valley State Park

4.0

3 mi

Starting at the Cedar Brake Outer Loop trailhead, leave your car and toss your pack on your back. You'll walk along some pretty single track-style paths and depending on what season you've chosen, you might be treated to some lovely Texas wildflowers. You'll come to a river crossing and get to co...
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Boerne, Texas

Paddle Guadalupe River at Berghiem

5.0

Drive up to Bergheim Campgrounds located at 103 White Water Rd Boerne, TX 78006 for a safe place to park your vehicles. From Here you can rent kayaks, canoes or bring your own and can even arrange a drop-off or pick-up shuttle.A short 3-mile paddle to Edge Falls road is a great afternoon adventu...
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Culberson County, Texas

McKittrick Canyon Trail to McKittrick Ridge Campground

5.0

14.27 mi / 3274 ft gain

This hike is not for the faint of heart or the out of shape. Bolstering 2000ft of elevation gain over 10 miles of rough terrain, this hike will challenge you but grant you an immense reward if you can persevere. Make sure you've packed plenty of water. There are NO backcountry water supply points...
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Redford, Texas

Hike to the Upper Guale Mesa in Big Bend Ranch State Park

5.0

8.05 mi

Big Bend Ranch State Park is certainly one of Texas most beautiful "hidden" gems. Boasting over 300,000 acres of wild, rugged high desert terrain, this park is an explorers paradise. Bordering the Rio Grande, the line between the US and Mexico quickly blurs by through mesas and desert peaks. Sta...
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Vanderpool, Texas

Primitive Camp at Lost Maples State Natural Area

4.0

2.5 mi / 849 ft gain

Start at the day use overflow parking lot, there is a picnic area and a paved road will lead you to the trailhead for the East and West Trail Loops. Continue along, following the signs to the West Trail Loop. You'll come across little river crossings, but much of the trail is rocky with a nice g...
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Kennard, Texas

Backpack the 4-C National Recreation Hiking Trail

5.0

20 mi / 2326 ft gain

There is a campsite at mile 9.2 - Walnut Creek Shelter. There is no potable water around this trail, so bring ample supplies. Park in the lot at the end of the dirt road off of 4700 (see map) to access the trail. This is a 20-mile point-to-point trail so if you don't plan on an out-and-back you ...
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Huntsville, Texas

Hike the Four Notch Loop

10 mi / 0 ft gain

The Four Notch Loop is a relaxing ~10 mile hike just north of Houston. The southern half of the loop follows on a 4 mile stretch of the 140 mile Lone Star Hiking Trail while the north part circles back to complete the loop. From the large dirt and leaf covered Four Notch and Hunter Camp TH hike ...
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Burnet, Texas

Hike the Inks Lake State Park Trail

4.0

4.7 mi / 347 ft gain

The Inks Lake State Park Trail is a 4.7 mile loop trail located within Inks Lake State Park, just outside of Burnet, Texas. Only a small portion of the trail follows the lake, then it veers off through the rocky and hilly terrain of the Texas Hill Country. The trail is only partially shaded at ti...
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Vanderpool, Texas

Hike the Lost Maples West Trail Loop

4.0

7 mi / 849 ft gain

The Lost Maples West Trail Loop is a 7 mile loop hike that loops around the west portion of Lost Maples State Park. This trail is mostly shaded and offers gorgeous views and scenic overlooks. There are areas for swimming, if desired. Please be advised that there are steep areas and challenging in...
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Liberty Hill, Texas

Hike the Good Water Trail

5.0

12.6 mi / 1270 ft gain

The Good Water Trail which is part of the larger Good Water Loop, is a 12.6 mile point-to-point hike. This trail is heavily trafficked by both hikers and mountain bikers alike. It's a great trail for scenic views, nature, and wildlife. Please be advised that the trail is severely rocky and uneven...
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Shepherd, Texas

Hike to Double Lake Via Lone Star Hiking Trail

9.1 mi / 252 ft gain

The trail is recommended for use from September to May. Wild boar and spring butterflies are often seen near this trail.
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Georgetown, Texas

Good Water Loop

5.0

25.58 mi / 2241 ft gain

The Good Water Loop is a loop trail around the San Gabriel River through Russel Park and Sawyer Park. Just outside of Georgetown, Texas, this trail is perfect for a lengthy trail run or for an overnight backpacking trip. This trail is open year-round, and dogs are allowed to use this trail if kep...
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Austin, Texas

Hike the Great Hills Park Trail

2.31 mi / 127 ft gain

The Great Hills Park trail is a 2.3 mile point-to-point nature trail found within the Great Hills neighborhood of Northwest Austin. The trail is perfect for cycling, hiking, or just for taking a regular walk. The hike features a multitude of wildlife and is primarily shaded. There are several bat...
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