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Camp Meisenbach has eight weekend campsites with two large pavilions and beautiful Lake Murchison which provides 160 acres of great fishing, several fishing docks and a large pavilion along the water's edge.
Note: There is a $5 per day fee for Primitve Camping.
Please call (903) 569-6183 to make a reservation and make payment.
Leave it better than you found it. (Take only photographs and leave only footprints.)
After you have a reservation, if you need last minute directions or have a problem at the preserve, call 903-569-6183.
$5 / night
Welcome to Bella Hampton Farm Foundation, where our journey began with a simple dream of nurturing animals and cultivating wholesome produce for our community. What started as a humble farm dedicated to raising animals for food and eggs has evolved into a profound commitment to the well-being of animals in need. Witnessing the heartbreaking neglect and abuse suffered by countless creatures, we've transitioned into a non-profit farm with a dual purpose: caring for unwanted and mistreated animals while continuing to grow nutritious food to sustain our furry and feathered friends. Join us on this compassionate mission, where every bite and every rescue make a world of difference.
$30 - $45 / night
Note: There is a $5 per day fee for Primitve Camping.
Please call (903) 569-6183 to make a reservation and make payment.
Leave it better than you found it. (Take only photographs and leave only footprints.)
After you have a reservation, if you need last minute directions or have a problem at the preserve, call 903-569-6183.
$5 / night
Note: There is a $5 per day fee for Primitve Camping.
Please call (903) 569-6183 to make a reservation and make payment.
Leave it better than you found it. (Take only photographs and leave only footprints.)
After you have a reservation, if you need last minute directions or have a problem at the preserve, call 903-569-6183.
Traveler
We went to check this place out to reserve for a family camp trip. The grounds are clean and spacious. They have wonderful cabins and RV sites. The only have 5 tent sites. There are no tent pads and the sites are on a small hill. The picnic tables are limited and not every tent site has one. There are no fire rings so it’s a little unnerving building a fire on the grass. The lake and marina is wonderful and clean. They have all sorts of thing to do there. Kayak rentals, fishing charters, a cute little cafe. This is a place I would come to rent a cabin but not to tent camp!
Traveler
I tent camped and there were alot of trails, alot of activities to do and the water was alittle on the chilly side but was still nice!
Scout
Has a variety of unique lodging , as well as tent sites. Owners are attentive and accommodating. I recommended the teepee.
ScoutAbsolutely stunning Texas state park located along the Texas Forest Trail that showcases the rolling hills of pine trees that dubbed this region the name “Pineywoods” of East Texas. Clean lake with available kayaking and canoeing, and even paddle boats. RV hookups or tent campgrounds.
Traveler
My husband and I went to this site to scope it out for a weekend family camping trip. We drove all over the park and could not find a designated area for tents. We finally stopped at the restaurant/convenient store/bait shop and asked where are the tent sites. He asked when we wanted to stay and we gave him the dates. He then informed us they do not allow tents during the weekend. Some customers there recommended a different park.
This is a RV park. There is no tent sites. From what we could see a lot of the RVs live at the park. It doesn’t look like a camping site of any sort. It looks more like a trailer park. We were greatly disappointed.
ScoutThe park has many hiking trails. The tent sites are close together so there is not much room for privacy. Many racoons. Park facilities are clean, nice swimming area and good roads.
Ranger
Camping amongst the llamas was a dream come true! It was everything we hoped for- and more! You can tell Judy does this for the love of llamas. We got a tour of the pasture, and met all of the llamas by name. We got to feed the llamas, and they hung around our camp for almost our entire visit. We. Had. A. Blast.
Multiple fire pits and picnic tables per site. Big, shady trees to escape the beating Texas sun. And we felt safe enough to let our boys camp in their own tent for the first time. Not too far from the city, but definitely feels like you're in the middle of nowhere. Tent sites aren't secluded, but they aren't close-by either, and our neighbors were never bother. 10/10 we will definitely be back.
TravelerHear me out :D The Park itself is very beautiful and the staff there are some of the nicest hosts you will encounter at a SP. Bathrooms were clean, and the showers were nice as well. Our issue was that Tent camping is primarily offered on the south side of the park. Which as the crow flies is about 1 mile from I20. So throughout the night the constant rumble of cars on the highway can keep you up most of the night. Then you have the local Emergency Services. Sirens down the park road and on i20. This is the perfect day use SP for the Trails and water sports. Also looks like it would be prefect for RV camping.
GuideI visited the Shortleaf camping area in the Tyler State Park for the weekend to participate in a 50k trail race. Each campsite in this area has a sheltered cabin, picnic table, fire pit and 2 parking spots. Tent camping is also permitted on the site but I used my iKamper Roof Top Tent as my primary place to sleep. The sheltered cabin has screens on the windows to keep the bugs out and electricity. I used this area primarily for storage of the food & gear that I used during the weekend. My campsite was located at the bottom of a hill and had a path to the restrooms and showers. These facilities were very clean and had 2 shower stalls and 3 toilet stalls along with 2 sinks. This location had access to the lake via a short hike. This type of camp site is the best of both worlds, you can camp via tent/car and still have a cabin like experience via the sheltered cabin.
In September it is still pretty warm in Tyler, humidity was 100% when I visited without rain. I'll visit again in October when the cooler temps arrive and undoubtable have an even better experience.
GuideI should mention that my husband is from Canada. 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. We love the variety of types of sites they offer. Lake front, group, hike in, cabin, they have something for everyone! Only downfall is they book so quickly.
Scout
While tenting in Texas is highly variable in match, Bushmans has a unique little swatch for yents or even tents! Enjoyed Kiepersolncanned wine and best shower rooms ever’! Now if they just sponsor a bike even, I could bring friends!
Ranger
Typical clean and safe for a texas state park. No public drinking. Very little wildlife. We did have some squirrels get into out tent, my bad for leaving sweets out.
No feral pigs which are common these days. Nice sized spaces with tent areas and tables spread out.
Bonus in the loop bathroom they have individual rooms that have toilet and shower with a high lock. Really awesome if you are using shower with toddlers.
We saw signs about the ants bit we didn't see them. We were here over Christmas so that's probably why.
ScoutThis is my favorite state park in Texas! Lots of options for all kinds of campers. For camping, lots of different sites available for RVs/Campers, Tents, etc. some along the lake, some in the woods, and also cabins and shelters available! Hiking options vary from a nature stroll, to some more serious up-downs through the hills on the outskirts of the campground. Bring your friends, family, and pets, there is truly something for everyone here, even kayak and canoe rentals at the lake!
LegendArrived late, office closed. Confused by all of the red "reserved" signs throughout the campground- even thoug8h there were hardly any campers there. Too late to make an online reservation for the night. Sites 1 thru 4 are available for late arrivals; only one stays are allowed. Paid for site 4 at self pay station. Then changed to site 21 the next morning which is closer to the restroom, and paid in the office. $20 per per site, plus $5 per day per person for a day use fee (which annoyed me). Campground is clean & well maintained. Sites are not close together and have some shade. Concrete pad for parking an RV, plus a tent pad. Fire ring, table, light pole, water & electric included. Easy access to Lake Towakani, which is a typical north Texas man made lake. Nice hiking trails. Clean restroom/shower facilities. Lots of deer.
TravelerIt being August in Texas, we rented a limited use cabin with air conditioning. It also has a mini frig and a microwave inside. It has a queen size bed for which campers need to bring their own pillows and bed linens. The frig was super cold, and the AC worked well. There was a wood table with four chairs. The table was really sticky, so I recommend bringing something you can use as a table cloth. There are only six of these cabins, and they have a four bathroom building at the end of the cul de sac. No tents or pets are allowed at the cabin sites. Each has fire pit and water outside cabin
The park has a very small lake with canoe, kayak, paddle board, row boat, and paddle boat rentals. Life vests are provided with rental. It was fun! There is a good sized swimming area too. There are a number of trails of varying difficulty, some for hiking only, some for home and bike. Ranger programs offered.
ScoutWe had a good time here, nice campsite, pretty treeline right behind our campsite. The raccoons are a riot though. They all came out at once and kind of pushed us into the tent. They weren't aggressive or anything, but you know. We went out on a boat on the lake, that was fun. The lake isn't very big though, but it was still a fun time. Make sure to bring a watch, they didnt have any at the little shop ( I was scared to bring my phone)! I will say though that it was kind of pricey? This was a while ago and we stayed 2 nights, I remember it being like 60$. We had the water and electric campsite. Nothing special and only me and the boyfriend (with texas liscence plates). Should not have been that much imo, and I've told people and they think it's crazy too. Just make sure to check the website before you drive all the way out there and spend way too much money. It is pretty though and peacful.
ScoutSites are spread out for tent and RV's best times to visit is fall or spring
RangerI did not stay at the park but did visit to get snapshots of the sites. The sites were really crowded with families with big tents. It almost looked like they were moving in the park. The sites were really generous with space and had some sites that were able to fit more than 3 tents. The privacy was really amazing in my opinion with each site being separated with at least 30 seconds of walking. The view was amazing and half the sites were near the lake. The only downside was the bugs. If you stood still you would get bitten. When we went the temperature wasn't the best. It stood at 90 degrees with really damp humidity.
ScoutThey have sites for all campers,tents etc. Full hook-ups to water only. Paddle boats to rent. Swimming hole, several lighted fishing docks. boat ramps. You and your family will love this park
Legend
Campground is available for RVs, tents, and large groups. There are showers and toilets available. Water/electric/sewer hook ups are also available. The grounds have a fence that indicate it is a private area. It borders Lake Hawkins, has a boat dock, fishing pier, and an improved swimming area. Sites are somewhat private but the tent side is frequented by local groups such as scouts or churches. There is a walking path that is called a trail by the park, it is mostly an access service road that a golf cart can drive on. The are is popular for daytime use in the summer because of the improved swimming area. There is a day use fee, per person, and a camping fee. The grounds are county owned and operated. Dogs are welcome.
TravelerRight by the water, and gorgeous at sunrise. There are good water, shower, and toilet amenities you’d expect from a decent campsite. Do not get a room; bring a tent or RV (way cheaper, we paid $18 for our car.) If you arrive late, they can hold your credit card when you book over the phone, and you can pay in the morning. Friendly staff, and incredible lake.
Scout
This park is beautiful with lots of areas to explore. The camp sites are all in one location and are very close to one another. Some sites are awesome while others are kind of awful, unfortunately. We were in site 004 and it wasn't great. There wasn't a good spot for a tent or a hammock. However, site 005 was much better. The sites that are listed as next to the bathrooms are RIGHT next to the bathrooms.
TravelerWater is clear and great for swimming, which is a rarity in Texas. Camp has kayaks to rent and a great playground. Lots of camp activities and great hiking. Clean bathrooms!
TravelerWell designed park, while the park has tons of sites they are placed in smaller loops, providing a more nature and less neighbor. Nice lake, the water is cleaner than most Texas lakes.
GuideThis park was one of the most beautiful places I have ever camped in East Texas. The hiking and biking trails are amazing. The lake is super clear and very pretty. I will definitely be going back here!
Traveler
Great spot in the Piney woods of East Texas. Minutes from Tyler State park. Perfect spot for large families or groups. Amenities are not fully finished till summer, but there will be a great number of improvements such as water park, warming tub and restaurant.
GuideI have been to Tyler State Park many times my last adventure there included a group of teardrop and vintage trailers. We kind of took over the whole park. Great little lake for kayaking and canoeing. Several docs for fishing which I didn't have much luck at the last trip. It's a nice Pinetree lined little parked in East Texas near Tyler.
Tent camping near Athens, Texas offers a blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure, making it a perfect getaway for nature enthusiasts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Athens, TX?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Athens, TX is Camp Meisenbach with a 0-star rating from 0 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 7 tent camping locations near Athens, TX, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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