31 acres hosted by Randall O.
1 lodging site · 40 tent sites
Family-friendly
Recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp is great for families and kids.
Private sites
97% of recent Hipcampers say the sites felt private.
randall is a Star Host
Star Hosts are highly rated, responsive, and committed to providing incredible experiences.
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.
