Lake Hawkins and the surrounding area offer diverse camping options for outdoor enthusiasts and their pets. The East Texas Piney Woods region sits at approximately 400 feet elevation with mild winters and hot summers that routinely reach 90-100°F between June and September. Most campsites in the region feature level concrete pads with full hookups, though primitive camping options exist at select locations for those seeking a more rustic experience.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Lake Hawkins provides excellent fishing spots with multiple access points. At Tyler State Park Campground, "The lake was perfect and had a nice beach. We were able to rent kayaks and paddle boats" according to Sarah J. The park also features "a small lake, perfect for kayaking and fishing from one of several docks," as noted by Dianne C.
Mountain biking trails: Mountain biking enthusiasts can find well-maintained trails at Tyler State Park, about 30 minutes from Hawkins. Peter F. mentions there are "lots of hiking/mountain bike trails," while Jill C. specifically notes that "trails for biking and hiking are great!"
Water activities: Beyond swimming, many campgrounds offer structured water activities. Jellystone Park™ Tyler features water amenities that families particularly enjoy. Savanah H. reports, "My kids loved the splash pad/water slides (I did too!)," adding that during summer months visitors can "play at the water park."
What campers like
Spacious sites: Campers frequently mention appreciating the generous spacing between sites at Lake Hawkins County RV Park. Jon S. notes there are "huge spaces" and "lots of places for kids to play or ride bikes." Charles P. confirms the "nice spaced out sites, plenty of room to enjoy the stay."
Clean facilities: Campgrounds in the area maintain high cleanliness standards. At Shallow Creek RV Park, visitors consistently comment on the upkeep. Lois describes it as "exceptionally clean" while pam mentions "the grounds, laundry and shower rooms are clean and well kept."
Family activities: Organized events keep families entertained, particularly at Jellystone Park. Savanah H. describes various activities including "hay rides, gem stone mining, laser tag, outdoor movies, crafts, mini golf, basketball, volleyball, a kangaroo jump bounce pillow."
What you should know
Reservation timing: Popular campgrounds fill quickly, especially during peak seasons. At Tyler State Park, Tammie L. notes it's "hard to get reservations because it is so popular! If you get reservations it's kinda like winning the lottery."
Amenities variation: Facilities vary widely between campgrounds. Fish Hawke Point at Lake Hawkins offers more primitive options where Kevin S. explains it's "first come first serve, find any spot you like. Primitive camping," adding that "restrooms have recently been torn down and are going to be rebuilt."
Seasonal considerations: Summer weekends bring larger crowds to most campgrounds. Vanessa M. notes that Fish Hawke Point is "mostly a spot frequented by locals," while at Lake Hawkins County RV Park, George B. observes that "it gets busy on weekends but is quiet and secluded during the week."
Tips for camping with families
Water features for children: Choose campgrounds with dedicated water areas for kids. At Tyler State Park, Becca H. mentions "the playground is one of the best I've seen at the state parks we've been to," while Sarah J. adds that "the hiking is not the greatest but it was easy enough for my toddler."
Organized activities: Mineola Civic Center and RV Park offers excellent amenities for families just a short drive from Hawkins. Becca H. notes they have the "best splash pad around! Kids love it and playground with concessions available! Nice, clean facilities!"
Pet-friendly trails: When camping with both kids and pets, look for trails that accommodate both. At Tyler State Park, Peter F. describes "pine forest and beautiful lake for swimming, paddel boarding (SUP), or fishing" with "plenty of quieter access points" away from crowded areas.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Many campgrounds feature level concrete pads, but some require adjustment. At Lake Hawkins County RV Park, Emily B. notes the "concrete pads, lots of shade, many with views of the lake," and Chris P. adds that the park has "concrete pads, well maintained quiet."
Internet connectivity: For those needing to stay connected, Jon S. reports "great At&t signal to work lake side" at Lake Hawkins County RV Park, while at Mineola Civic Center and RV Park, Gregg C. mentions "Wifi is good and Verizon, T Mobile and AT&T work well."
Hookup logistics: RV sites typically include full hookups, but confirm specifics before booking. At Mineola, larry L. notes "over 150 concrete sites all level from what I could see. Well set up for Class A Motorhome sewer, water and 50 and 30 amp connections."