The Army Corps of Engineers operates this lakeside campground on the shores of Bardwell Lake, roughly two miles from the town of Bardwell. Sites accommodate RVs up to 140 feet with electric and water hookups, plus a dump station for convenience. The campground operates seasonally from April through September, with rates ranging from $5 to $80 per night depending on site selection and amenities.
Campers consistently praise the facility's cleanliness and direct water access. Multiple sites offer lake views, though some have slanted parking areas that may require leveling blocks. Site 29 provides shade and panoramic lake vistas, while site 4 offers waterfront positioning. Dude R. calls it "a fantastic campground for lake activities" and notes the well-maintained grounds during his visit.
The campground supports both fishing and swimming activities, with boat launches providing water access for various watercraft. Restroom facilities include showers, though campers suggest bringing cleaning supplies as a precaution. Some visitors note that Leave No Trace principles aren't always followed by other guests, so pack extra trash bags. For additional camping options in the region, explore campsites near Bardwell.
Reservations are available online, and parking passes can be picked up without staff interaction when arranged in advance.
Description
Overview
Mott Park is located on the western shore of Bardwell Lake, less than an hour south of the Dallas-Fort Worth area in north-central Texas. The lake has favorable fish and wildlife habitats, providing plenty of opportunities for fishing and hunting, and great locations for camping, boating and hiking. Deer, armadillo, rabbit, squirrel and a variety of bird species inhabit the area.
Recreation
Many local fishermen consider Bardwell Lake one of the best kept secrets in the state. Bass fishermen seldom leave empty-handed. Crappie fishing is moderate, and catfish are usually excellent. The lake has a marina with fishing piers, two of which are enclosed (a small fee is charged for the use of these facilities), and there are several designated hunting areas around the lake, including those for duck hunting.
Facilities
Mott Park offers 33 campsites with water and 30-amp electric hookups and seven picnic sites. The group camping pavilion has four 30-amp electric and water connections and may accommodate 100 people and four RVs. The facility also has a day use area for visitors who are not camping overnight. Additional amenities include a swimming area with benches, two fishing areas, public restrooms with showers, one four-lane boat ramp and a courtesy dock.
Natural Features
The park is grassy and partially forested with plenty of open space where children can play. The lake's blue water provides a refreshing break from the Texas heat, while bright bluebonnets and other wildflowers surround the lakeshore each spring.
Nearby Attractions
Numerous amenities, as well as cultural and historical attractions, lie in the nearby cities of Dallas and Fort Worth.
Fee Info
$16 per night for a 50 amp site; $14 per night for a 30 amp site. Failure to checkout by 2pm may result in additional fees.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundCOE Bardwell Lake Mott Park is located in Texas
Directions
From Ennis, Texas: From Interstate 45, exit onto U.S. Highway 287 Bypass (Exit #247). Travel 4.5 miles and exit at the Bardwell Lake exit sign. Turn left onto Highway 34 and go 3.5 miles southwest. Turn left onto FM 985 and go 1.6 miles southeast to the entrance. The park is located on the left side of the road.
Address
957 FM 985
Ennis, TX 75119
Coordinates
32.2544444 N
96.6669444 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage
Verizon5GGood CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 3/15/26- AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage
- Verizon5GGood CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 3/15/26
- AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Cabins
- Tent Cabin
- Equestrian
Features
For Campers
- Market
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- 50 Amp Hookups
Contact
General Info
Reservations
Drive Time
- 40 min from Dallas, TX
- 1 hr 7 min from Waco, TX
- 1 hr 29 min from Sherman, TX
- 1 hr 30 min from Tyler, TX
