I experienced some new adventures during November and into early December. I had the chance to roll through every corner of Texas—from the windswept plains of the north to the peaceful Gulf Coast beaches and the rugged heart of the Hill Country.
Traveling solo (well, not really—Lucky was with me every mile), I camped in free spots, tucked-away state parks, and even a few unexpected gems. Here’s how the journey unfolded.
Northern Texas: Waylon Country and Canyon Lands
Nov 1–4: Waylon Jennings RV Park, Littlefield, TX
This free RV park in Waylon Jennings’ hometown was a solid start to the trip. It had power and water hookups, with excellent cell service, and you can’t beat the price. A quiet spot to rest, walk Lucky, and stay dry as there was a major rain storm that came through while I was here.
Nov 5: Palo Duro Canyon State Park
Just outside of Amarillo, I booked a spot in the Sagebrush Campground for $26, again with power and water hookup. I really didn’t need either but I wanted to explore the state park and there was no boondocking available.
Palo Duro Canyon, the second-largest canyon in the U.S., is breathtaking! I took the time to explore and do a few short walks.
The major rain over the last few days had flooded some of the lower areas so a lot of hiking trails were closed. Sunset views from the rim were spectacular, and Lucky had plenty of room to explore.
There was a good cell signal, which is always one of my list when travelling solo.
Nov 6–7: New Adventures at Caprock Canyons State Park
Just a few hours drive from Palo Duro is Caprock Canyons State Park. This park was a true hidden gem. The scenic drive was spectacular and I saw serveral herds of bison.
For just $17 a night, I camped with a view of red rock cliffs and as I walked to the shower house there were bison roaming freely in the field next to it.
Cell service was surprisingly good out here, which made it easier to share updates and keep connected. If I had to choose out of the two I would definitly head back to Caprock Canyon. Great scenery and wildlife!
Eastern Texas: Woods, New Adventures, Lakes & Quiet Roads
Nov 8: Sherman, TX – Cracker Barrel Lot
Sometimes you just need a safe, convenient stop for the night. As I traveled across northern Texas, Cracker Barrel delivered—easy in, easy out, and a safe spot to park for the night.
Groceries were nearby as well so I stocked up for the rest of my Texas roadtrip.
Nov 9: Caddo Lake State Park (Mill Pond Campground)
Caddo Lake was unlike anywhere I’d ever seen before—moss-draped cypress trees and quiet bayous. My campsite at Mill Pond was just $10. While the cell signal was only okay, and the humidtity was off the chart for my liking, it was worth it for the peaceful setting and unique experience.
I was in a great spot for a short walk to the lake where I took some fabulous photos. It felt like I was in a creepy movie with the cypress trees growing out of the lake, the moss hanging off the tree branches and the unique smell of the forest. This park’s atmosphere created new adventures and experiences for me.
Nov 10: Dispersed Camping near Alto, TX
After a late start and only a few hours driving I found a little pull-off in the woods for the night. Nothing fancy, a bit of a rough drive getting to the spot, but quiet calm, and with a beautiful view.
Sometimes these unplanned stops end up being the best memories. I met with travellers from Germany and learned a bit about how they travel through Europe in their motorhome. A future trip perhaps?
Southern Texas: Salt, Sand & Coastal Breezes
Nov 11–17: Bolivar Beach, TX
As I travelled south I drove through Davy Crockett National Forest and Big Thicket National Preserve. Both were beautiful and I learned some interesting history about them.
After a long day driving I arrived at the southern Texas coast. With 27 miles of beach shoreline on Bolivar Peninsula it was an opportunity for new adventures. Free beachfront camping, endless space to walk, and Lucky could dig and sniff to her heart’s content. I stayed a full week here, and with good cell service, great weather and ocean breezes, it was hard to leave.
Nov 18–19: Galveston Island State Park (Beachside)
We moved down the coast to Galveston as a big wind and rain storm was predicted. Parking on the beach is not always the safest spot when a big storm comes in. I love new advenutures but did not want to get stuck or worse!
The beachside campsite for $35 USD ($45 CAN) had a strong cell signal, but sadly no sand for Lucky to dig into. Still, it was a lovely spot—clean and well-maintained where I filled up by battery, water tank, had a shower and sheltered from the pounding rain.
Nov 20–21: Galveston Island State Park (Bayside)
Being on a budget and the weather still stormy I moved across the road from the beach to the bayside campground, It was cheaper, only $25 USD. It was quieter, but the sand situation was the same for Lucky. Cell service dropped a bit here but still worked for the basics. Lots of birds and a few peaceful sunsets when the rain letup.
Nov 22 – Dec 2: Magnolia Beach, TX
About a 3 hour drive further west along the coast I found a dream boondocking spot! Right on the water, free, and friendly fellow travelers all around. I stayed for 11 days and probably could’ve done more (there is a 14 day limit here).
There was great cell service, plenty of space for Lucky, new adventures exploring the area and meeting other travellers. A lovely spot I will definitely come back to.
Central Texas: Rest Stops and River Parks
Dec 3–4: Goose Island State Park
Needing a shower and my battery charged I booked a spot at Goose Island State Park just outside Rockport. This park has beachside sites that feel remote, even when the campground is full.
I had great cell reception here, did some bird watching and the peaceful shoreline walks were a nice contrast to the busier beaches.
There were lots of camping spots in the trees as well, but I still wanted to see the ocean so paid a few dollars more for the water view.
Dec 5: Stonewall Rest Stop, TX
Rolling back toward the Hill Country heading north to New Mexico, I overnighted at a rest area in Stonewall. Not glamorous, but clean and safe with decent cell signal. A good base for a quick stop.
Dec 6: Foster Park (near San Angelo, TX)
After another long day on the road I stopped off at this little riverside park west of San Angelo. The cell service was poor but okay for one night. It was quiet, with plenty of birds singing and a place for Lucky to explore.
Final Thoughts
Texas is huge—truly its own country in a lot of ways. From canyons and cactus to beaches and bayous, it gave me everything I hoped for and more. The free camping options were abundant, cell service was generally reliable, and Lucky and I felt safe, welcomed, and awed by the land.
If you’re traveling through Texas in a van or RV, don’t rush it. Let each corner show you something different. And keep some beach days open—you might just stay a little longer than you planned.
I also have two other blogs you can check out from previous Texas roadtrips. Travelling through Western Texas and my first experience along the Texas Beaches.