Texarkana offers diverse camping options within a 30-mile radius of town, with Wright Patman Lake serving as a central feature for many nearby campgrounds. Temperatures range from summer highs of 95°F to winter lows near 30°F, making spring and fall optimal camping seasons. The area sits at approximately 300 feet elevation with mixed pine and hardwood forests dominating the landscape.
What to do
Fishing at Wright Patman Lake: Clear Spring Park provides access to quality fishing spots. "This campground is exceptionally well managed. The facilities are basic, with bathhouses throughout, centrally located dumpsters, walking trails, and grounds workers constantly working," notes Dale Y. about this Clear Spring location.
Hiking forest trails: Atlanta State Park features multiple trail systems through pine forests. "Great spot to get away with only 2ish hours of driving from Dallas. The park is meticulously maintained with several hiking trails, minimally busy on the lake," shares Jennifer C. about Atlanta State Park Campground.
Boating and water recreation: The lake offers excellent opportunities for kayakers and boaters. "Stayed overnight in my camper car, 20 feet away from the lake. Very pretty campground that's well taken care of," explains Kirstin G. when describing her Clear Spring experience.
What campers like
Level, spacious sites: Rocky Point campground features well-designed sites. "We were in site B5 (one of 15 sites out of 124 that have FHU), for 12 days in September and October 2020. The sites are nicely sized, well-spaced apart and angled, providing nice privacy," reports Jan S. about their stay at Rocky Point.
Clean facilities: Millwood State Park maintains quality bathrooms and showers. "Bathrooms were spacious, clean and private. Verizon cell signal was on the weak side," mentions Debbie J. about her experience at Millwood State Park Campground.
Wildlife viewing: Several campgrounds offer opportunities to spot local fauna. "We saw an alligator (I was quite excited about that). The lake is BEAUTIFUL," shares Angela R. during her Millwood State Park visit.
What you should know
Weather considerations: Summer brings intense heat and humidity. "We got in at 1:30 it was 100. A little too hot to really walk around. Though the coolest place to be is the restrooms and laundry, very nice, how long can you stay in," explains Mary T. about Texarkana KOA.
Insects and wildlife: Prepare for ticks and ants during warmer months. "Bad-Very loud and very close train nearby. Ants everywhere," warns Heidi about Forest Lake RV Park.
Road noise levels: Highway proximity affects some campgrounds. "Electric hook up does not work. Water outlet faces directly upward and requires a hose to access the water. Traffic noise is constant and LOUD," reports debra B. at Texarkana KOA.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer play areas for children. "Nice clean campground with decent sized sites. Nice playground for those with kids," mentions Gari-Ann L. about Piney Point.
Swimming options: Beaches and designated swimming areas vary by park. "Campsites are on a one way road and some were tight, but it's a quiet beautiful park right by the lake. Nice trail for walks and big playground for kids," shares Katie B. about her family's experience at Millwood State Park.
Safety considerations: Not all camping areas have after-hours security. "No security after hours and no way to get help after lady leaves at 5," notes Jennifer S. regarding Texarkana KOA.
Tips from RVers
Hookup reliability: Check reviews for recent information about electrical connections. "Sites are gravel and very level, did not have to use our automatic levelers, impressed," reports Mary T. about Texarkana KOA.
Accessibility and navigation: Some parks have tight turns or poor entrance roads. "We drove in this time with a longer rental unit with a trailer attached and found ourselves in a couple of tough turns trying to get to our spot. Wider lanes and intersections would be appreciated," advises Kaitlynn B. about Texarkana RV Park & Event Center.
Pet friendly camping near Texarkana, Arkansas: Most campgrounds welcome pets but enforce leash rules. "Good overnight stay when we go to southern texas. Easy in and easy out," mentions Heidi about Sunrise RV Park, making it a convenient option for pet-friendly camping near Texarkana.