Best Camping in and near Lake Tawakoni State Park

75% (4 reviews)

Find your ideal escape from Dallas along these five miles of oak-forested lakeshore.

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Lake Tawakoni State Park

Trees are aplenty so you're guaranteed a secluded night's sleep at your campsite.

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White Deer Reach Campground

46 sites · RVs, Tents In Lake Tawakoni State Park

from

$20

/ night

Spring Point Campground

33 sites · RVs, Tents In Lake Tawakoni State Park

from

$22

/ night

Top-rated campgrounds near Lake Tawakoni State Park

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Texas Safari Camp

54 sites · Lodging, Tents31 acres · Kaufman, TX

Welcome to Texas Safari Camp Escape the stresses of city living on this heavily wooded 31 acre pristine wildlife habitat. Relax your body, refresh your mind, heart and spirit. Only one hour east of Dallas but it feels like another world. This piece of east Texas paradise is 20 minutes from Buc-ee's, restaurants, grocery stores and about 25 minutes from Canton First Monday. We offer a much more personal experience than any State Park. Your host is Randall Oliver, a woodworking artist whose energy, creative vision and love of the outdoors have transformed this property into the jewel that it is. He has been organizing group campouts for 30 years and enjoys hosting, bringing people together and inspiring a passion for the outdoors. Everyone is welcomed regardless of race, religion, color, creed or sexual orientation. Randall enjoys sitting around the campfire with his guests, sharing stories, laughter and good will. He can teach your kids how to build a campfire and paddle a kayak. This property is his back yard and the people who camp here are treated like family. One of our most popular traditions is our Saturday night potluck dinner. Sharing food is the most social thing people can do. It is usually served indoors around 6:30 and it is always a feast! Some folks will eat indoors, some will eat outside around the campfire. After dinner everyone needs to help with the kitchen cleanup. Participation is optional, just bring a real food contribution and join us! At the end of a one lane rock road- this is a very secluded, QUIET and safe property. It is perfect for tent campers (sorry no RV's) with abundant clean, flat tent sites. It's positive vibe attracts good people (including a lot of first time campers) and is more peaceful and relaxing than most state parks. It is next to a 950 acre wildlife park. The Texas Zoofari Park has 900 exotic animals, many can be seen from the road (or you can pay to drive through). This can make for some interesting wildlife noises while sitting around a campfire. While it adjoins the wildlife park on two sides, Texas Safari Camp is in no way affiliated with Texas Zoofari Park. The only clearing has been done around the ponds. No hunting is allowed. It has never been in ag use and all of the native brush and cover has been left to benefit the wildlife. Imagine two ponds in the middle of a forest. Enjoy swimming and kayaking in the clear water front pond. Kayaks and paddleboards are available on request. Both ponds are stocked with bass, cat, crappie and bluegill. There is plenty of room for camping around the front pond and four established communal fire pits. You can camp on the front berm for an elevated view of the property. The back pond has a camping area with a firepit. Deep in the jungle, it offers a higher degree of seclusion but it is farther from the parking areas and outhouses. There are no preassigned campsites- it is first come first serve. Camping is $22 per person per night. Kids 12 and under are $12.00 per kid per night. Friendly, non barking and leashed dogs are welcome. People who bring big, aggressive dogs or dogs that bark constantly will be asked to leave and given a refund. Most people camp around the front pond but you can camp anywhere. Campfires are restricted to the existing fire rings. There is a rustic outhouse with a modern, ventilated composting toilet and sink and a hummingbird window touch of class. Water and electricity is available behind my home as well as an open air cold water shower. The hand crafted Hummingbird Treehouse has leaded glass windows, screened operable windows and a loft sleeping area with an operable porthole window. It overlooks the front pond and features a full size bed, lights and outdoor tables and chairs. Bring your own sleeping bags to enjoy this comfortable and classy alternative to tent camping. It rents for $80 per night for two people. No food, smoking or pets are allowed in the tree house. Texas Safari Camp Rules There are no specific site reservations so it’s first come, first served. Tent camping only- no vehicles allowed on the property. Off road wagons are provided for hauling your gear back to camp. Front pond camping areas are 30-100 yards from the two parking areas. Wagons must be returned to parking area after being unloaded. Careful, humane catch and release fishing only in the two ponds and only single, barbless hooks are allowed. There is some split firewood and you can gather and burn sticks off the ground. No chainsaws, no cutting, carving or harvesting wood from trees. All garbage (including food scraps) must be packed out. No burning of garbage. If you don't take all of your garbage with you I charge $10 per adult for me to take your garbage to the dump. Parents of non swimming children must provide a personal flotation device (PFD / life jacket) and personally supervise their swimming. No sun block or insect repellent can be used by swimmers. Kids and adults must have headlights and appropriate footwear. This is a jungle, not somewhere you should walk around at night without a flashlight and sandals. All forms of hunting, guns, bow and arrows, bb guns, slingshots and weapons of any kind are forbidden. No electronic music is allowed (without ear buds), acoustic music is allowed but there is a 10pm to 8am curfew for noise. Campers must be respectful of the property and other campers. Auto alarms must be disabled. Loud, vulgar and drunken behavior, fireworks, generators or anything that disrupts the peace and tranquility of the property is forbidden. Property has minimal cellular service.

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The PARK at Brushy Creek

5 sites · Lodging, Tents55 acres · Trenton, TX

We're situated just outside Trenton on 55 acres of gently sloping terrain featuring a wide creek and expansive grounds beyond the Big Oak, perfect for exploration. Enjoy stunning sunsets, a clear view of the night sky, the tranquil sounds of the creek, and occasional visits from deer, all contributing to a peaceful retreat. Our property is evolving as we create manicured groves and open pastures for both our farm animals and guests. During rainy spells, expect some mud and occasional sightings of heavy equipment or tractors. Our livestock rotate between our two properties, so they may not always be here at The PARK at Brushy Creek. If you don't see them here, you're welcome to visit our other property across the road with the big green gate. Currently, there is no electricity or Wi-Fi on the property. Lighting is provided by solar power or batteries. Tent sites have access to a water spigot, and there's a Port-o-let nearby. This is rural country living; our neighbors' livestock and dogs may make sounds like bleating, barking, oinking, mooing, neighing, squealing, whinnying, braying, or whining at any time of day or night. We are conveniently located one hour north of Dallas Fort Worth, just 30 minutes from McKinney, Sherman, or Greenville, and within 10 miles of Leonard, Whitewright, and Bonham. Trenton is only five miles away. Several lakes are nearby including Lake Bonham, Lake Texoma, and the new Bois' d Arc Lake. Other places of interest: The Creative Arts Center - Bonham Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary - McKinney Historic Downtown/Shopping/Restaurants - McKinney Fort Inglish Museum - Bonham Second Monday Trade Days - Bonham Caddo National Grassland - Honey Grove Odeum Theater - Whitewright Skydive Spaceland Dallas - Whitewright The Rock Yard (Casual Dining and Music Venue) - Trenton

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Llama Land Ranch

112 sites · RVs, Tents101 acres · Tool, TX

Property has been in family since 1987. The land has a rich history of wild boars and other wildlife. There is a live creek that runs along one of the property lines and is 50 ft deep. Pastures are mowed three times a year and always look beautiful. There is some terrain that is rough and the land has not been traveled. Bring machetes and a compass (We are not a rescue team). The land is ready to be loved by our visitors. The llamas will come to greet you and so will many more things in this wonderful place. We are conveniently located in a secluded area, but just a short drive from many local conveniences. Come enjoy the beautiful landscape and make memories you can treasure forever. You can also check out our website at www.llamalandranch.com

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Music Springs

20 sites · Lodging, Tents68 acres · Hawkins, TX

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Heavenly Haven & Hideaways

7 sites · RVs, Tents60 acres · Tyler, TX

Besides being surrounded by beautiful scenery, it just feels good being here. Getting out and exploring is a wonderful escape from the everyday grind. We love hosting campers and work toward making sure folks feel welcome and comfortable. We were living in the north Dallas area but always had a desire to buy some land and have a little more 'elbow room'. We were avid RVers for many years, but when that chapter closed, we missed 'glamping'. When we found our property, we knew we wanted to share this beauty, nature, and space with others as a campground. Heavenly Haven & Hideaways has been a God-inspired project, born out of our love for people, adventure, and the outdoors. Our beautiful property has RV spots, and tent camping ready now and we're currently building 2 cabins that should be available soon. There's easy access to our family and pet friendly campground in Tyler, Texas. We've set up a large communal firepit and fun outdoor games like tether ball, a volleyball net, horseshoes, and more. There's an open field for frisbee or tossing a ball around. We've cut in a lot of hiking trails that you can hike and explore our 60-acre property that includes an always-running creek. We're within a few miles of Tyler State Park which is great for bike riding & swimming in their lake. You can also rent paddle boats there. We're within a few miles of the Tyler Zoo -which is a surprisingly excellent zoo. There are several museums, shopping areas, and great food establishments in and around Tyler. Nearby Lindale also has the Pink Pistol, a Miranda Lambert store, and other neat places. Or, if you enjoy sitting by the camp fire, enjoying smores and visiting, you can do that too. Come visit us in east Texas so you can rest, play, hike, explore. https://www.facebook.com/heavenly.haven.and.hideaways

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A Little Piece of Paradise

84 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents150 acres · Terrell, TX

A little piece of paradise, a rustic country place near the sky to breathe fresh air, hear the birds sing, fish if you like fishing, enough space to walk among the trees and enjoy nature, if you are lucky you will see the deer or wild pigs . The property has a house, a cabin and in the middle of the two there is a pool next to a small lake (if Reserve it 3 nights the pool be came exclusive), a barbecue gas grill and tables for a small pool party The property is outside of the city limits but is close to the city, 15 minutes from walmart. If you have specific questions fill free to text. Wifi upon request. We have deer during the season, wild hogs, a temporary river, creek, several ponds to fish, area to to ride ATVs, many trees, plus we are working in developing for more activities in the future

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(10)

Weekend retreat

2 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Greenville, TX

Just 45 minutes from Dallas and 5 minutes from almost all of Greenville. Enjoy the quiet, peaceful and beautiful pond loaded with fish. Open ground with plenty of space to setup a tent and enjoy a fire in the fire pit. Bring your family and enjoy life in the country. Here is your chance to escape the hustle of city living

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Sugar Hill Adventures, Farmersville

10 sites · Tents20 acres · Farmersville, TX

Learn more about this land: Primitive style camping along the North East Texas Trail with direct trail access for hiking, biking, running, and walking. It is approximately 1.5 miles to charming downtown Farmersville for dining and shopping. Property is quiet and isolated providing off the grid type relaxation.

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The Indigo Hills Prairie & Wildflow

250 sites · Lodging50 acres · Farmersville, TX

The very best native blackland prairie known to exist in the world. The prairie is surrounded by trees with plenty of shade for camping. If you get hot, take a swim in the spring fed pond that has cool water currents in certain spots. Or take the kids fishing off the fishing pier, and if they don't catch one, I'll give your money back. Come see us, enjoy nature and have fun.

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Shiloh on the Lake

116 sites · Lodging, RVs20 acres · Malakoff, TX

Serene Beauty, Adventure at Cedar Creek Lake, East Texas! On the shores of beautiful Cedar Creek Lake in Henderson County, Texas, Shiloh on the Lake is your home away from home for cozy lodging, camping, events, water sports, and nature watching. Located just 1 hour southeast of the D/FW metroplex and 15 minutes from Athens, we are on the western edge of the Piney Woods. From wakeboarder to fisherman, from hiker to front-porch bird watcher, you will find your perfect spot on our spacious and wooded 48 acres and nearly 2000 feet of shoreline.” Whether you’re a thrill-seeker on a wakeboard, a patient angler casting your line, a nature explorer on the trails, or a tranquil observer of the world from your porch, discover your ideal sanctuary on our expansive 48 acres of wooded beauty, alongside almost 2000 feet of peaceful shoreline.

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(5)

Rebecca W.’s Land

5 sites · RVs, Tents130 acres · Farmersville, TX

Learn more about this land:130 Acres of rolling hills and highly contoured and wooded areas woven around 4 ponds and 15’ canyons on the property. Explore, hike, fish. See if you can locate the natural spring. Many secluded wooded sites as well as open spaces to choose from. Watch the cattle graze the hillside and watch the beautiful sunset from many beautiful seclude settings. You might see deer in season, or see a new born calf. Cute historic town 5 minutes away.

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(6)

Coyote Campground

8 sites · Lodging, Tents14 acres · Lindale, TX

I4 acres with spring-fed creek, just a few minutes from Lindale restaurants and supplies. For more info about the tiny house or yurt rentals, please inquire. It has extended acreage with multiple ecosystems. I just found a spring and will be doing livestock. I just built an outdoor kitchen area and camp shower (need propane tank). There is an RV plug, electricity, and a water hose. There is a garage on the property that should remain locked; if you have an ATV or something you want to lock up, we can discuss garage access if need be (for a fee). You will need 4-wheel drive for the lower parts of the property, but the top has water and electricity, and any car will be fine. As this is an outdoor area, there are poisonous bugs and snakes. I have never had a problem, but this is notice that you agree to assume all liability and responsibility for your party by camping at this property.

The best camping near Lake Tawakoni State Park guide

Overview

About

A five-mile stretch of Lake Tawakoni shoreline anchors this state park 50 miles east of Dallas, where on-the-water activities take center stage. The 37,879-acre reservoir—a popular spot for high-fin blue catfish and bass fishing—is surrounded by miles of hiking and biking trails winding through the surrounding post oak woodlands. Whether you’re out on the water or firmly on dry land, keep an eye out for some of the park’s 200-plus species of birds and other wildlife.

Notable campgrounds

Best for boating: The Spring Point Camping Loop offers the closest access to the four-lane boat ramp.
Best for spreading out: The White Deer Reach Camping Loop features spacious plots with generous shade.
Best for big groups: The park’s private group camp accommodates 48 people with a large fire ring and six picnic tables.

Tips for snagging a campsite

You can reserve any of the campsites on the Texas State Parks reservations page five months in advance.
Book early for weekend trips, especially during spring and summer when the park often reaches capacity.

When to go

Peak season at Lake Tawakoni runs from March through October, with spring and summer weekends getting particularly busy. Be prepared for high heat and humidity in summer; pack sunscreen and a hat, and remember to stay hydrated. Campgrounds remain open year-round, and things tend to quiet down after Labor Day.

Know before you go

Swimming is allowed in a designated swimming area with a sandy beach, but no lifeguards are on duty.
Two White Deer Reach Camping Loop campsites with electricity are wheelchair accessible.
You can rent fishing gear from park headquarters; find a fish cleaning station near the boat ramp. Pick up ice, firewood, snacks, beverages, bait and tackle at the Lake Tawakoni Trading Post.
You don’t need a fishing license to fish from the shore.
Campsites at Lake Tawakoni are pet-friendly, but pets must be kept on a leash.