Army Corps of Engineers manages this 29-site campground on Bardwell Lake, with reservations available through the standard federal booking system. Sites include water and electric hookups, with rates starting around $14 per night according to recent visitors.
The campground sits directly on the lake with multiple sites offering water views. Site #29 provides shade and panoramic lake vistas, while waterfront spots like #04 may have sloped terrain that requires leveling. Dude R. calls it "a fantastic campground for lake activities." Swimming and fishing access the lake directly from the camping area, with reviewers noting clean water conditions and maintained grass areas.
Facilities include restrooms and shower houses, though campers should bring cleaning supplies as maintenance can vary. The campground shows some signs of deferred upkeep but remains functional for basic needs. Other campers don't always follow Leave No Trace principles, so extra trash pickup may be needed.
For additional camping options in the area, see campgrounds around Bardwell Recreation Area. The site works well for RV campers seeking lake access and basic amenities at budget-friendly Corps rates.
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
