Texas has officially claimed the camping crown.
Camp Fimfo in New Braunfels has been named the No. 1 Top Campground in the United States for 2026 by the prestigious Campspot Awards, cementing the Lone Star State’s reputation as a premier outdoor recreation destination. The recognition comes as camping experiences across Texas continue to evolve beyond traditional tent-and-fire setups into full-blown luxury adventures.
“Campgrounds are more than places to stay. They’re places where memories get made, traditions start, and community shows up,” said Jeff Bettin, General Manager of Marketplace at Campspot, in a statement released with the announcement.
More Resort Than Campground
What exactly makes Camp Fimfo worthy of the top spot? For starters, it barely resembles what most people imagine when they hear “campground.” The sprawling New Braunfels destination features a resort-style pool complex complete with swim-up bars and waterslides that would make many hotels jealous. Visitors can also experience an alpine coaster, zipline adventures, and a water playground that sits along the picturesque Guadalupe River, according to reviews from previous guests.
The property, which opened in Spring 2021, boasts an impressive 7,800-square-foot aquatic play structure featuring tube slides, racer slides, and a Power Plunge water tower that has quickly become a favorite among families, as documented by industry observers.
Accommodation options run the gamut from traditional tent sites to RV hookups to fully-equipped cabins — ensuring visitors can choose exactly how “outdoorsy” they want their experience to be.
Texas Dominates National Rankings
But Camp Fimfo isn’t Texas’s only standout in the national rankings. The state scored an impressive hat trick with three destinations in the top five national campgrounds.
Tropic Island Resort in Port Aransas claimed the third spot nationally and was recognized as the best glamping destination in Texas. The coastal getaway offers hotel rooms, cottages, and luxury RV sites just minutes from Gulf beaches, according to the awards announcement.
Not to be outdone, Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resort in Fredericksburg secured the fourth position nationally for RV camping. The family-friendly destination features cozy cottages alongside its RV sites and hosts themed weekends complete with poolside movies and wagon rides that have become a hit with multi-generational travelers, as noted in their promotional materials.
Year-Round Appeal
What’s driving this camping renaissance in Texas? Climate certainly helps. While northern states close many campgrounds during winter months, Camp Fimfo will operate daily from March 6 through November 1, 2026, offering an extended season that appeals to both locals and tourists.
Beyond water features, the property rounds out its appeal with two resort pools, spa tubs, a jumping pillow, dog park, and ropes course. For those seeking more structured activities, options include crafts, workshops, outdoor movies, and guided nature walks — essentially combining the amenities of a cruise ship with the setting of a wilderness retreat.
Feeling overwhelmed by the options? That’s precisely the point. Modern campgrounds like Camp Fimfo are designed to offer something for everyone, from adrenaline junkies to relaxation seekers.
As traditional camping continues to evolve into experience-based getaways, Texas appears poised to lead this transformation — turning what was once considered “roughing it” into something that increasingly resembles luxury tourism with a dash of outdoor spirit.
