Roadtrip with RVshare Dallas to Houston

If you are in Dallas, it is easy to make the trip to Houston by going down Interstate 45. However, while it may take you a little longer, you can easily get from Dallas to Houston by taking country roads for the majority of the trip to see many things that you would fly right by if you were on the interstate. By going off the beaten path and taking in Texas' natural beauty, you can build memories that will last a lifetime. 

Nearby National Parks

When you go on a Dallas to Houston RV road trip, you can visit two great national historical parks, and with a little extra driving, you can even take time to see Big Bend, one of the bigger national parks in the country.

Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park  

When President Johnson owned the ranch at Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park in Stonewall, it was called the Texas White House. You can stop and tour his farm. Then, head into Johnson City, where you can see his childhood home and his grandparents' home.

San Antonio Missions National Historical Park  

Four San Antonio churches, including the Alamo, are part of this national historical park. You can hike, bike, or drive along an 8-mile path allowing you to visit all four churches. The oldest of the missions is the Alamo, where the Battle of the Alamo was fought for 13 days in 1836. 

Big Bend National Park  

It is about 371 miles each way to Big Bend National Park from San Antonio. If you decide to add these miles to your trip, you can hike through canyons along the Rio Grande River, soak in a hot spring, take scenic drives, canoe on the river, go camping, and much more. 

Nearby State Parks

On your road trip from Dallas to Houston, you can also visit some outstanding state parks that offer many fun things to do, like stargazing, fishing, and hiking. Because these state parks are so different from each other, you may want to visit all of them! 

Huntsville State Park  

Explore 21 miles of trails running under tall pine trees at Huntsville State Park in Huntsville. The 210-acre Lake Raven is a great place to go fishing for crappie, perch, catfish, and bass. You can also go swimming in the lake from early morning until about sunset. Especially during spring migration, consider renting a canoe or kayak to see many bird species or spend time relaxing in the bird blind. 

Lake Somerville State Park & Trailway  

This park is divided into two main units that are connected by a 13-mile hiking and biking trail. There are over 40 miles of trails to explore at this park in Somerville, and many of them are open for mountain biking. The 11,000-acre Lake Somerville is an excellent place to go boating, or you can go fishing from your boat or from the shore. There are many open spaces to play games. With so many things to do at Lake Somerville State Park & Trailway, you will want to spend the night in their campground. 

Bastrop State Park  

Be amazed at the resiliency of nature after a forest fire when you stop at Bastrop State Park east of Austin. Look for signs of new birth along the 7 miles of hiking paths. Take the 10-mile scenic drive between Bastrop and Buescher state parks to enjoy the scenery. Rangers at Bastrop frequently lead programs that teach guests more about nature. 

Lockhart State Park  

For over 80 years, people have been coming to Lockhart State Park in Lockhart to play golf on the nine-hole course. Then, guests like to cool off with a swim in the pool that was constructed over 45 years ago. As the sun starts to set, go fishing in the Clear Fork River. After a full day of playing in the sun, stay in an RV in the campground before venturing down the road. 

Brazos Bend State Park  

You will love exploring the wetland environment at Brazos Bend State Park in Needville. Use the materials provided by the park to go on a scavenger hunt along the paved 5-mile Creekfield Nature Trail or hike along many other park trails. There are 13 miles of trails at this park that are open for horseback riding and biking. Learn more about the planets with a stop at the George Observatory and more about the park’s three ecosystems by visiting the nature center. 

Along the Way

From big-city art museums to living-history farms, there are many places that you will want to leave time for on your road trip itinerary from Dallas to Houston. 

Fort Worth Botanic Gardens  

Grab your camera and take photos inside the Fort Worth Botanic Gardens as there is always something in bloom at this facility, which is divided into over 15 unique areas. It is especially known for its Japanese gardens and its rose gardens. 

George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum  

The George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum in College Station is the final resting place of President George H.W. Bush and his wife, Barbara. You can see many personal mementos at this museum and some cool art, like the sculpture of horses jumping over a piece of the Berlin Wall on the plaza. 

Barrington Plantation  

See the home of Dr. Anson Jones, the last president of the Republic of Texas, at this location in Washington, Texas. See how a farm operated in Texas in the 1850s by watching re-creations. You can help with the chores since farm work is always plentiful. 

Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch  

See over 500 animals from around the world at this drive-thru safari that is spread across 450 acres in San Antonio. Feed many of the animals right from your RV. 

San Antonio Zoo  

You can also have many wild animal encounters at the San Antonio Zoo, including feeding giraffes and having butterflies from around the world land on you. Don't forget to take the behind-the-scenes tours and ride the carousel. 

Main Cities You Will Pass Through

Fort Worth  

There are many outstanding campgrounds in the Fort Worth area. Consider staying at Bear Creek Campground, where you can often see fossil tracks, or at Creek Harbor Fish Camp, where you can do waterfront activities on Eagle Lake. Use the dump stations at Love’s Travel Stop and Country Store #331, located along Interstate 45, before starting on your next adventure. 

College Station  

This community is most famous for being the home of Texas A&M University. You can find lots of things to do in the area, including visiting George H.W. Bush’s presidential library. Consider spending the night at RV Haven Park, where you can swim in the pool, or at the Lazy G RV Park that is conveniently located near many activities in this community. Consider using the RV dump station at nearby Lake Sommerville Birch Creek. 

Lockhart  

Get a great meal in this city known far and wide as the barbecue capital of Texas. You can find other fun things to do in this small community, including watching a show at the Gaslight Baker Theatre and seeing the timepieces at the Southwest Museum of Clocks and Watches. Think about spending the night at Lockhart State Park or Chisholm Trail RV Park. You may want to use the dump station at Lockhart State Park before starting the next leg of your journey. 

San Antonio  

You can find lots to do in this city that is home to the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park and the San Antonio Zoo. There are many outstanding campgrounds, including at San Antonio / Alamo KOA, where a dump station is available, and at Lost Resort RV Ranch. 

Katy  

Before you pull into Houston, stop and cool off at Typhoon Texas Waterpark, relax at Mary Jo Peckham Park, and tour the Johnny Nelson Katy Museum. You could extend your Dallas to Houston road trip by staying at Katy Lake RV Resort or Grand Texas RV Resort in New Caney. Consider stopping at Love's - Travel Stops & Country Stores to use the dump station. 

Find Adventure from Dallas to Houston

Find your One-Way Rental

You can easily spend a week exploring the area a little west of the interstate where you can learn an immense amount of Texas history, enjoy the state's natural beauty, dine on some world-class barbecue, and see unique attractions. You will pass through many small communities where you can experience Texas hospitality firsthand. Get off the beaten path today on an RV road trip by renting an RV in Dallas or Houston from RVshare.