Where are the best places to go glamping in Texas?

Texans can go big on everything, including camping and the great outdoors. When it comes to glamorous camping, or glamping, the state is filled with sites that combine rugged landscapes with luxury amenities often found in hotels.

What you’ll learn:

• There are glamping sites and experiences throughout Texas in remote locations like Texas Hill Country and near major cities like Dallas, Austin and Houston.
• Texas offers glamping options for everything from romantic getaways to family-friendly adventures.
• Glamping accommodations can take different forms, from safari-inspired tents to luxury treehouses.
• Capital One has travel rewards credit cards to help make the most of your Texas glamping adventure.

When you’re planning your vacation, there are plenty of regions to focus on: 

• Texas Hill Country: This section of central Texas sprawls across about 30,000 square miles. And what better way to experience it than glamping options that include everything from safari-style tents with king-sized beds to cabins and cottages with luxury conveniences? The area also features numerous wineries, scenic hiking trails, swimming holes and historic towns.
• Big Bend National Park: This West Texas park is a popular choice thanks to its reputation as an outstanding dark sky location. A luxurious yurt with air conditioning, an outdoor fire ring and a telescope just might be the ideal setting for stargazing. 
• Palo Duro Canyon State Park: Located in the Texas Panhandle, the “Grand Canyon of Texas” features glamping options and more than 30 miles of trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding. 
• Piney Woods: East Texas offers glamping along Lake Conroe in the Sam Houston National Forest. From your lodging in yurts to inflatable bubbles, the soaring pines make it feel a world away—even though it’s just an hour’s drive from Houston.

Some glamping sites in Texas offer settings for a romantic getaway, while others create a space for family time and unwinding from city life. You might find accommodations in lavish treehouses, pods, safari tents, cabins or yurts. Many even offer air conditioning, heaters and other comforts of home.

If you’re looking for a place to enjoy privacy with a special someone, some Texas glamping sites offer things like romantic packages, couples massages, winery excursions and spots for stargazing. 

Glamping sites with a romantic setting include: 

• StarStruck Glamping: Located near Big Bend National Park, this site has glass geometric domes that allow you to sleep under the stars in the world’s largest protected dark sky reserve. 
• Sinya on Lone Man Creek: This secluded retreat is a one-unit destination that offers peace and privacy, all from a luxurious safari tent high in the treetops. The structures include decks, hammocks and private spas.

Budget-friendly glamping sites can offer unique experiences that accommodate and entertain just about everyone, including the family dog. Sites with basketball courts, swimming pools, fire pits and water excursions can be especially helpful for keeping the kids busy.

Family-friendly glamping sites include:

• Country Woods Inn: A short drive from Dallas and Fort Worth, the inn is situated on a 40-acre farm property featuring remodeled RVs and train railcars. It offers activities for the entire family like canoeing, golfing, fishing and basketball.
• The Hideaway Ranch: About halfway between Glen Rose and Stephenville, you’ll find 150 acres full of roaming horses, llamas, goats and buffalo. There’s also Buffalo Gulch, an Old West-inspired attraction with activities and games to bring everyone together.

If you want to do glamping right, why not do it with style? Many glamping sites offer unique luxury experiences you can’t get with standard camping sites. 

Looking for private decks and hot tubs for relaxing? Want king-size beds and sheets with sky-high thread counts? Love the idea of private dining and massage services between meals? 

You can find experiences like these at:

• Wahwahtaysee Resort: Located 50 miles south of Austin on the San Marcos River, the resort offers lavish safari tents with all sorts of luxuries, including king-size beds, kitchenettes, large showers and spa bathtubs. 
• Walden Retreats: Head west of Austin to find 500-square-foot safari tents designed as private studios and suites. Some units offer private hot tubs and wraparound decks with gas grills.

Planning for the weather, booking the right accommodations and knowing what to bring can make for a bespoke glamping getaway.

• When to go: The weather in Texas typically features mild winters and hot summers. Researching the weather at your chosen destination could help you fully enjoy the outdoors.  
• Where to stay: Just like hotel rooms, glamping sites can be very different. Treehouse glamping might appeal to adventurous travelers. Safari tents may feel more open and closer to nature than cabins. And converted trains and RVs could offer an unforgettable experience.
• What to do: Glamping sites can offer amenities for every member of the family, including swimming pools, fire pits and outdoor grills. Some are near towns that offer restaurants, music festivals and shopping. And some offer activities and excursions like kayaking, hiking and horseback riding.
• What to bring: Glamping accommodations typically mean you can leave your tent and camping gear at home. But depending on your destination, you might need to bring other travel basics like toiletries, bug spray, sunblock and hiking boots.

Capital One offers travel benefits for every step of your journey:

• Book travel. Book your flight, hotel, vacation rental and car rental through Capital One Travel and earn cash back or miles with every purchase.
• Get reimbursed for TSA PreCheck® and Global Entry benefits. If you pay the application fee for TSA PreCheck® or Global Entry with an eligible Capital One credit card, you’ll automatically receive a statement credit of up to $120 within two billing cycles. 
• Relax in an airport lounge. Venture X primary cardholders can enjoy complimentary access to airport lounges worldwide, including Capital One Lounge and Landing locations and participating Priority Pass™ lounges.

Glamping offers an unconventional way to enjoy the charm of camping without forgoing modern comforts. And Texas landscapes make a compelling backdrop. 

Capital One offers travel rewards credit cards with exclusive benefits and elevated rewards to help make your Texas glamping experience more enjoyable.

• Explore travel rewards cards with unlimited miles you can redeem for flights, hotels, rental cars, activities and more. 
• Elevate your next adventure with the Venture X card. Earn 10X miles on hotels and rental cars and 5X miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel. Plus earn 2X miles on all other purchases every day.
• Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel with the Venture card. Plus earn unlimited 2X miles per dollar on every purchase, every day.
• Earn 5X miles per dollar on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel with the VentureOne card. Plus earn 1.25X miles on every purchase, every day.