Best Campgrounds near Athens, TX

Eastern Texas campgrounds near Athens provide various lakeside and woodland camping experiences with a mix of developed facilities and rustic settings. Lake Athens Marina and RV Park offers full hookup RV sites directly on Lake Athens, while Purtis Creek State Park features spacious, wooded campsites approximately 15 miles northwest of Athens. Texan RV Park serves many RV travelers with full hookups and accommodations including cabins. Shiloh on the Lake provides lakefront camping with shade trees and concrete pads, catering to both tent and RV campers with 70 sites.

Most campgrounds in the Athens area offer year-round access with varying amenities depending on location. The public campgrounds typically require reservations, especially during summer months and holidays when lakefront sites fill quickly. Many parks provide electric hookups, water connections, and shower facilities, though amenities differ between locations. Several campgrounds include boat access to area lakes, making them popular with fishing enthusiasts. "The sites are gravel but level. We have a 44ft triple axl fifth wheel, had plenty of room. The permanent residents here are nice. Clean laundry facilities," noted one visitor about Lake Athens Marina.

Lakefront camping represents a significant draw for the Athens area, with multiple sites offering direct water access. Campers frequently mention the shade coverage as a valuable feature, particularly during hot Texas summers. According to one visitor at Shiloh on the Lake, "This is a great, non-parking lot style campground. Every site is covered with trees, and though they are a bit close together you feel connected with nature." Several campgrounds offer fishing piers, swimming areas, and boat launches. While some campgrounds like Purtis Creek State Park provide more secluded, natural settings with spacious sites, others cater more to RV travelers with concrete pads and full utility hookups. Cell service is generally available throughout the area, though coverage may vary at more remote campgrounds.

Best Camping Sites Near Athens, Texas (134)

    1. Purtis Creek State Park Campground

    24 Reviews
    Eustace, TX
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (903) 425-2332

    $10 - $20 / night

    "Have been camping and fishing here, never had any fishing luck though, it is a pretty nice place that I think is a good representation of East Texas. Definitely worth a try!"

    "Campground Review

    Purtis Creek is a short hour and a half drive east of the DFW metroplex. It’s easy to get to and popular with the locals."

    2. Texan RV Park & Campus

    7 Reviews
    Eustace, TX
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (903) 677-3326

    $47 - $67 / night

    "Activities nearly everyday. Everyone that stays here is attending a class, so everyone visits with each other. I really really like it here."

    3. Lake Athens Marina and RV Park

    4 Reviews
    Athens, TX
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (903) 675-7275

    $45 - $55 / night

    "So we chose Lake Athens, and what a treat! Location is wonderful. Right on a huge, nice lake. Very safe. Large field where we let our dogs off leash. Walking distance to the fishery."

    "Great and beautiful RV park located right on Lake Athens. Very helpful office staff. I don’t have anything negative to say. All the amenities you may need are available."

    4. Shiloh on the Lake

    7 Reviews
    Eustace, TX
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (903) 489-0639

    $50 - $89 / night

    "Two restaurants within walking distance. Shaved ice within walking distance. Kayaks available. There’s a nice designated swimming area in the lake, and a fishing pier."

    "We had one camper behind us and they were super quiet. Super nice. Laundry at the office for reasonable price to use the washers and dryers."

    5. Coal Mine Ranch RV Park

    3 Reviews
    Athens, TX
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (903) 489-2625

    $15 - $74 / night

    6. Leisure Time Properties @ LTP Ranch

    1 Review
    Athens, TX
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (903) 880-7703

    $179 - $349 / night

    7. Tyler State Park Campground

    59 Reviews
    Lindale, TX
    37 miles
    Website
    +1 (903) 597-5338

    $18 - $60 / night

    "He was very unenthusiastic about camping in Texas. Well Tyler State Park made him change his mind! He LOVED the large trees, said it was the closest he'd felt to home in quite some time."

    "This is my favorite state park in Texas! Lots of options for all kinds of campers."

    8. Chuck's RV Resort

    4 Reviews
    Mabank, TX
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (903) 251-2140

    $39 - $225 / night

    "Came here because I am going to the Tech Acabemy down the road in Athens."

    "Give this place a try if you’re nearby."

    9. Texas Log Cabin RV Park

    4 Reviews
    Canton, TX
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (903) 336-1234

    $50 - $55 / night

    "It’s easy to miss as the entrance is not marked for the best."

    "Thank you

    HAPPY TRAILS 👣 💓"

    10. Big Tex Campgrounds

    2 Reviews
    Canton, TX
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (903) 833-4004

    $55 - $58 / night

    "They have a camp store and a laundry mat and a couple of small hiking trails. There are several other amenities coming. The only con is they will move you."

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Recent Reviews near Athens, TX

305 Reviews of 134 Athens Campgrounds


  • e
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Tyler State Park Campground

    Pretty park

    Tyler State Park is a pretty park. There are a number of hiking trails, but we were only there overnight. The lake and beach look lovely. Most of the camp sites look nice with water and electric. The bath house is clean with hot showers, but could use some paint and TLC. Sites 13, 14, and 15 were very nice especially if tent camping.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 6, 2025

    Shiloh on the Lake

    Great Weekend

    We stayed for the Fourth of July weekend. It was great! Full hookups large concrete pad. Perfection!

  • Jonathan E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 27, 2025

    Lake Holbrook Park - South

    Good Quick Stop

    Decent camp area right by the water in a park. I wouldn’t say it’s secluded, but it’s quiet and there is enough space per site to pitch a tent and enjoy your time. I was the only person camping here when I went in January. There is a bit of light from nearby buildings/houses, but not bad. In all, it was sufficient for an overnight stop, but I wouldn’t necessarily want to stay for longer than that.

  • David S.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 27, 2025

    Highview Park

    Pay campground: $18/night

    Good experience. Near Ennis, TX. Convenience stores, etc 4-6 miles away. Covered picnic table. Large combined family (private) restroom / shower. (Regular restrooms were closed / locked during my visit - Monday night; May 27.) Not many people. Campsite # 25 faces Lake Bardwell.

  • Alyssa F.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 26, 2025

    Stillwater RV Resort

    Memorial Day weekend

    We got here at about 3 pm on Friday and were greeted by a security guard who after getting our wristbands for the weekend escorted us to our site. They really didn’t tell us anything about the place other than the gym code and to wear our wristbands the entire weekend.

    The site was clean. You will need to do some leveling. Another thing, make sure you bring a lot of sewer hose! We had our 20ft and had to go to Walmart to get an extension, they put it nearly at the front of the site! There are no trees and it is straight sun almost all day. They list that they do trash pick up at 9 and 5, you put it tied up on the gravel area on your site, but I guess with it being a holiday weekend they came by more often. There is a clean large bathhouse with showers and laundry right near a playground, basketball court, pickleball court and two dog runs. There is no fire pits, so make sure you bring a self contained one (solo stove or similar,) or they have them for rent in the office. They also have golf carts for rent which if you’re at one of the back sites you may want one!

    The pool and lazy river was nice, crowded at times but that is to be expected during a busy holiday. There isn’t a lot of seating or shade. I did see people bring camp chairs and just setting up where they could. They do have cabanas for rent, and for this weekend they were $130/day. One downside is the don’t allow outside food or drinks, which I get that they don’t want people bring in alcohol, but it would have been nice to have our own bottles of water with it being over 90 degrees. They do have a cooler with tiny styrofoam cups that they did keep filled. Our son did the WiBit inflatable obstacle course and LOVED it. It was an extra charge though, which I thought was kind of ridiculous and should absolutely be included in your stay.

    They had a bunch of activities for the holiday weekend which were fun! Duck races on two days (extra fee cash only and the only thing they take cash for), firework show (very good and free,) bingo, chalk contest, find the flags, etc!

    The report is a little pricey but all in all it was really a fun weekend! I will say, come ready to spend money!

  • Dan G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 21, 2025

    KE Bushman's Camp

    Terrible

    Drove 1hr out of way tried calling but no answer. Got to park and doors locked, not open, gated, (it is privately owned to be fair). Tried calling from parking lot, voicemail this time, left message and waiting a bit with no response. Had to keep moving as it was almost 5pm and had no idea where to go. Cracker Barrel, yeah!

  • David R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 23, 2024

    Purtis Creek State Park Campground

    Very Nice Park with Friendly Rangers

    Had a great 2 night stay. Sites are spread out. Good privacy. Restrooms are clean. Didn’t meet the host which seems unusual.

  • HoliMarie C.
    Oct. 30, 2024

    Love

    Love it

    Meditatation is easy here. our peace here nice and quiet. Find ye for real. Love this camp site.

  • Drew The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 27, 2024

    Highview Park

    Great site

    Great views, clean sites, however there's very limited shade.


Guide to Athens

Camping near Athens, TX, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor lovers. From serene lakes to well-maintained campgrounds, there’s something for everyone looking to escape into nature.

What to do

  • Hiking: Explore the many trails available at Tyler State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "Beautiful walk around the lake to watch the sunrise," making it a perfect spot for early risers.
  • Fishing: If you enjoy fishing, Lake Tawakoni State Park Campground is a great choice. A reviewer noted, "There is a really nice, large picnic area for day pass folks, and a nice big sandy swimming beach," which is ideal for a family day out.
  • Wildlife Watching: At Purtis Creek State Park Campground, you can spot various animals. One camper shared, "We saw lots of deer," which adds to the charm of the park.

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the parks. A visitor at Fort Parker State Park Campground said, "Vault toilets were clean and had hand sanitizer," which is always a plus when camping.
  • Spacious Sites: Many campers enjoy the spaciousness of the sites. A review for Lake Hawkins County RV Park mentioned, "Nice spaced out sites, plenty of room to enjoy the stay."
  • Friendly Staff: The helpfulness of the staff is often highlighted. A camper at Mission Tejas State Park Campground noted, "Staff was awesome and super supportive with any questions/assistance."

What you should know

  • No Alcohol Allowed: Some parks, like Purtis Creek State Park Campground, do not allow alcohol. A reviewer pointed out, "NO alcohol allowed," so plan accordingly.
  • Limited Cell Service: Be prepared for spotty cell service in some areas. A visitor at Lake Tawakoni State Park Campground mentioned, "Verizon signal was weak with only 1-2 bars," which might affect your connectivity.
  • Reservations Recommended: Many campgrounds fill up quickly, especially on weekends. A camper at Tyler State Park Campground advised, "Highly recommend this park," indicating it’s a popular spot.

Tips for camping with families

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with activities for kids. At Jellystone Park™ Tyler, one parent said, "Kids loved every minute of our stay!" with plenty of fun activities available.
  • Safety First: Always keep an eye on your kids, especially near water. A camper at Lake Hawkins County RV Park mentioned, "Great little campground store with necessities," which can be handy for any last-minute needs.
  • Plan for Meals: Bring easy-to-cook meals or snacks. A visitor at Fort Parker State Park Campground enjoyed the "great family reunions or just a fun day hiking and exploring," suggesting that shared meals can enhance the experience.

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Liberty Hill Park Campground cautioned, "Very confusing and the turns are extremely tight," which can be tricky for larger RVs.
  • Electric Hookups: Look for campgrounds with electric hookups. A camper at Northside RV Resort appreciated the "clean and secure stay" with good facilities.
  • Dump Stations: Ensure the campground has a sanitary dump station. A visitor at Lake Hawkins County RV Park noted, "They have a honey wagon," which is helpful for RVers needing to empty their tanks.

Camping near Athens, TX, has a lot to offer, from beautiful parks to family-friendly activities. Whether you're in a tent or an RV, there's a spot waiting for you!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Athens, TX?

According to TheDyrt.com, Athens, TX offers a wide range of camping options, with 134 campgrounds and RV parks near Athens, TX and 1 free dispersed camping spot.

Which is the most popular campground near Athens, TX?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Athens, TX is Purtis Creek State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 24 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Athens, TX?

According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Athens, TX.