When you think about backpacking, what places come to mind? Is it the mountain ranges of Colorado or New Zealand? The deserts of Israel or Jordan? Maybe even the jungles of Costa Rica.
Yes, these are all amazing destinations for a backpacker. But did you know one American state offers some great hiking and camping opportunities while still being relatively close to home: Texas!
Texas has many beautiful and unique ecosystems. From Big Bend National Park’s desert landscape in West Texas to Cypress Creek Wilderness Preserve’s swamplands in East Texas, this Lone Star State has something for everyone who loves the outdoors. Plus, with its mild climate year-round, you can enjoy outdoor adventures any time of year! So stop reading about what Texas has to offer and start planning for your next backpacking trip!
What to pack :
Water: Despite its arid climate, Texas has some amazing backpacking locations. To ensure you’re hydrated for the entire trip, we recommend 2-3 liters of water per person per day.
Food: You’ll be burning a lot of calories on your adventure, so make sure to pack plenty of food! We recommend bringing at least a pound per day. Be sure to pack a can opener, plates/silverware if needed, and a cooking pot in case you want to cook.
First Aid: Packing a small first aid kit is crucial for backpacking trips. Make sure to bring bandages, gauze pads (3×3), medical adhesive tape (2″ width), antiseptic wipes & cream, aspirin, insect repellent wipes or spray, sunscreen lotion (at least 15 SPF), lip balm with SPF protection, and any medicine you take regularly or like to have on hand for emergencies!
Flashlight: Plan your trip around the weather and time of day
. If possible, we recommend packing at least one flashlight per person — these can be used to light up the campsite and serve as a signal should you need help.
Safety:
A whistle, Swiss army knife, and/or multi-tool are great to have for emergencies. We also recommend bringing a compass since it can help you figure out where you are or mark your path if you get lost. If you’re camping overnight, we recommend packing an extra trash bag and rain poncho if things don’t go as planned and even starting a small fire to keep warm should the weather take a turn for the worse!
Camping Essentials: You’ll want to bring whatever will make your stay more enjoyable — sleeping bags, tents, camp chairs, etc. Be sure to pick items that are lightweight & easily packable.
Tips for hiking:
-Before you head out, map out your route and make sure someone knows where you’re going.
-Stay on designated trails to avoid getting lost (and protect the environment simultaneously!).
-Make sure to pack plenty of water no matter how long or short your trip is. If there’s any doubt about how long it will be, always err on packing too much rather than too little!
-Wear sunscreen & bug repellent to avoid sunburns and bug bites (some even double as mosquito nets).
-Pack extra snacks just in case you get hungry along the way! You can never go wrong with granola bars or beef jerky
Pack smart & stay safe out there! We hope you enjoy your trip and we hope this article was helpful.
Research and plan your trip:
Before you go, be sure to do your research. Find out exactly where you’re going and what the area is like so that you can plan accordingly. If there are certain things on the trails or in the area that may pose a danger, like wild animals or poisonous insects – make sure to learn how to prepare for them and, if necessary, avoid them!
-Be aware of your surroundings:
Make sure not to leave valuables behind when you hike since it attracts unwanted visitors (and we hope they find nothing but an empty campsite!). Also, make sure you know where all of your equipment is at night — having everything safe and secure will allow you to rest easy and get ready for tomorrow!
-Pack light:
Keep your pack light and compact so that you can avoid injuries when you hike. It also makes it easier to find everything when you need it! Many packs come with compartments for easy access and the ability to add/remove sections as needed.
-Dress in layers:
You can always take off clothes if they get too warm or put them on if they get cold — this will help regulate your body temperature throughout the day. Also, wearing a cap or hat is a great idea since it protects from the sun and keeps you dry!
Stay safe out there! Be sure to do your research beforehand and prepare for whatever comes your way. If something does happen, don’t hesitate to ask someone for help via
General Recommendations:
-Bring extra cash for gas, food, etc. if needed during the trip
-Pack sunscreen & bug spray – you don’t want to be stuck with a bad sunburn or mosquito bite in the middle of the woods!
-Carry some books/cards/games for entertainment purposes
-Take plenty of photos & videos to keep your family and friends jealous!
Where to go :
Big Bend National Park
A sweltering desert landscape surrounded by mountains that will transport you to a different world. You can camp under the stars next to a winding river with towering cliff walls around you or pitch your tent near abandoned mine shafts and rock arches.
In addition to backpacking, Big Bend offers some great day hikes for those who want something less intense! General Recommendations:
-Be prepared for hot weather & pack lots of water! -Bring plenty of sunscreen & bug spray
-No matter what time of year it is, make sure to bring at least 2 liters of water per person per day – this park gets very dry, and anything more than just a thin film of sweat on your skin can lead to dehydration in a matter of hours.
-If you can, we recommend visiting in the winter when temperatures will be relatively cooler — be sure you pack plenty of layers and don’t forget your sunscreen! -Pets are not allowed on any trails in Big Bend National Park
-Big Bend is split into two separate sections, so plan to spend at least 1 full day traveling between the different sites if you visit during peak times (March through November).
What to wear:
During the summer months, temperatures can reach well over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, so it’s important to dress accordingly! We recommend packing lightweight clothing made from quick-drying fabrics like nylon & cotton. We also recommend wearing light hiking shoes that provide good traction and support and a sun hat with at least a 3″ brim.
Rio Grande Village Campground Site
– both of these sites are only accessible by foot or horseback, so be sure to check in advance that your vehicle is appropriate for the roads leading up to this campground! Whether you’re looking for easy access or seclusion, these sites are perfect for beginners who want to get away from it all. General Recommendations:
-Bring enough water (at least 2 liters per person per day)
-Be sure to bring sunscreen, insect repellent (mosquitoes can be relentless!), durable shoes, and plenty of layers in case the weather takes a turn for the worse.
What to wear:
We recommend wearing lightweight, quick-drying clothing that is appropriate for hot weather. Hiking shoes, sunscreen, and bug spray are must-haves! Spring & fall are great times of year for this site because temperatures tend to be cooler during those seasons — make sure you pack sturdy hiking shoes because they can get muddy after rainstorms.
Rocky Creek Campground Site
If you or your group are looking to take things slower, this campsite provides unparalleled views of the desert landscape plus easy access to backcountry roads. General Recommendations:
-Bring enough water (at least 2 liters per person per day) -Be sure to bring sunscreen, insect repellent (mosquitoes can be relentless!), and plenty of layers in case the weather takes a turn for the worse.
What to wear:
We recommend wearing lightweight, quick-drying clothing that is appropriate for hot weather. Hiking shoes or sandals with good traction and support will work well for this site — make sure your shoes are sturdy enough because they can get muddy after rainstorms.
Alto Frio Campgrounds Site
If you’re looking to rough it on your next adventure & connect with nature (& maybe go off-the-grid), then this campsite is perfect for you! General Recommendations:
-Bring enough water (at least 2 liters per person per day),
-Be sure to bring sturdy shoes, sunscreen, insect repellent (mosquitoes can be relentless!), and plenty of layers in case the weather takes a turn for the worse.
What to wear:
We recommend wearing lightweight, quick-drying clothing that is appropriate for hot weather. Hiking shoes or sandals with good traction and support will work well for this site — make sure your shoes are sturdy enough because they can get muddy after rainstorms.
Devil’s Den Campground Site
This site is only accessible by foot, so it’s perfect if you’re looking for something more low-key & secluded! General Recommendations:
-Bring enough water (at least 2 liters per person per day) -Be sure to bring sturdy shoes, sunscreen, insect repellent (mosquitoes can be relentless!), and plenty of layers in case the weather takes a turn for the worse.
What to wear:
We recommend wearing lightweight, quick-drying clothing that is appropriate for hot weather. Hiking shoes or sandals with good traction and support will work well for this site — make sure your shoes are sturdy enough because they can get muddy after rainstorms.
If you’re looking to get away from city life while still staying close by, then Big Bend National Park has some amazing backpacking sites! Whether you’re an experienced backpacker or this is your first time venturing into the wilderness, there’s something perfect for everyone. Be sure to check that your vehicle is appropriate for the roads leading up to these backpacking sites ahead of time!
The best time of year for backpacking in Texas:
Spring & Fall are great times of year for this site because temperatures tend to be cooler during those seasons — make sure you pack sturdy hiking shoes because they can get muddy after rainstorms.
Backpacking is a wonderful way to experience our National Parks!
We’re lucky enough to have Big Bend, Guadalupe Mountains, Big Thicket, Padre Island National Seashore, Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park, San Antonio Missions National Historical Park & Fort Davis National Historic Site all within driving distance of one another!
We hope your next backpacking adventure includes one of these sites so you, too, can experience the wonder of our natural spaces.
What you should know about the weather in Texas :
Texas is typically hot & dry during the day, so make sure to wear sunscreen, drink water regularly, and be prepared for high temperatures. Nights in Texas tend to be cool, so it’s important to pack layers!
It would help if you were also prepared for storms because they can roll in quickly with lightning & thunder. Always check the weather before entering a backpacking site, just in case. I hope you all have a wonderful time exploring our protected spaces & I hope this article has helped prepare you for your next backpacking adventure!
Conclusion
Whether you’re an experienced backpacker or this is your first time venturing into the wilderness, there’s something perfect for everyone. Be sure to check that your vehicle is appropriate for the roads leading up to these backpacking sites ahead of time!
Thanks for your blog, nice to read. Do not stop.