Deer Haven Campground at Cooper Lake State Park is located near Cooper Lake in Texas, featuring flat terrain with a mix of wooded areas and open spaces. Temperatures range from the 30s in winter to the 90s in summer, providing varied camping conditions throughout the year. Nearby attractions include Cooper Lake for fishing and boating, as well as hiking trails within the state park.

Located in Deer Haven loop. Some sites are back-in, some are pull-through. Six sites with water and electric are designated as ADA accessible.

Picnic table
Fire ring
Water hookup
Electric hookup
30 amp hookup
Lantern post
Restrooms nearby

Deer Haven Campground — Cooper Lake State Park South Sulphur Unit

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Cooper

The Best Camping Near Cooper, Texas

The South Sulphur campground is about half an hour north of Interstate 30. It’s under a 2 hour drive from the DFW area so, I find it’s a nice weekend getaway. I camped here on a Sunday to Monday and it was very quiet. I was one of only 5 campers in the Deer Haven section (aside from the 3 camp hosts). I’m giving the park 5 stars but this is based on my experience of having camped here when there were few campers around. I image this place could be loud and busy on a weekend.

There are many shaded lakeside sites in the Deer Haven section. I stayed at site 68. The site was on a cul de sac so there was no campground to the one side. However, the site located on the other side was close. This would be a great spot for 2 camping families to share. The concrete pad at site 68 was level and shaded by a beautiful, mature oak tree. I could walk from the pad to the lake. It would be a great site to put out a kayak, but unfortunately the weather didn’t cooperate on my stay. So I didn’t get to kayak. I did see deer who ventured in from the wooded area next to the campsite.  Deer Haven lived up to its name!

Electric and water hookups were good as were the restroom/shower facilities, which seemed climate controlled because it felt cooler and less humid inside than outside. This usually isn’t the case in these buildings.

A big storm blew in around dinner time. The wind was fierce and blowing out of the north across the almost 20,000 acre lake! I actually called the ranger to find out if I needed to evacuate. The ranger was very responsive and reassuring. Luckily, there were no tornados warnings, so I weathered out the storm and woke to a beautiful crisp morning.

This park is huge and there is much to do. Cabins, shelters, primitive walk in sites, equine sites, a beach, several boat ramps, hiking trails, playgrounds and a fishing pier. I didn’t get to see a fraction of it, but I’ll be returning. 

I stopped in the town of Sulphur Springs on my way back to DFW. The town has a nice historic town square and makes for an interesting side stop.

Shaded lakeside camping in Deer Haven

Cooper Lake feels secluded. Lots of trees with a beautiful lake and well maintained hiking trails. It’s close enough to the Dallas area to be convenient, but never feels crowded.

Cooper Lake

Very nice camp site

I stayed for four nights and really enjoyed it.  The sites are large and fairly private.  The restrooms could use some work but they do keep them clean.  There are a lot of great hiking trails with wildlife including deer, coyotes, armadillos, and butterflies.

Great State Park

Been to this state park several times first time staying in the Deer Haven section. It lives up to its name. Plenty of deer to be seen along with their armadillo buddies. Only 30 amp hook ups so keeps the big trailers from being able to visit. 

Photos of Deer Haven Campground — Cooper Lake State Park South Sulphur Unit

Real photos from real campers