D
Dominic B.
Traveler
TravelerThomas Lake Park
Nice place to dispersed camp
Nice mowed area on river/lake. Bumpy dirt road to arrive. Several locals in and out for recreation.
Tent Camping near Bagwell, TX
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Tent camping near Bagwell, Texas provides several established and primitive options within a 30-mile radius. Thomas Lake Park offers dispersed tent camping with drive-in access and picnic tables, situated on the shores of a sizable lake with boat access. Harpoon Larry's Camping provides tent-only sites with multiple access options including walk-in tent sites and hike-in opportunities. East Lake Crockett Recreation Area in nearby Honey Grove offers basic tent camping with toilet facilities and trash service, while Bluejay Campground at Beavers Bend State Park in neighboring Oklahoma provides more developed tent campsites with amenities.
Most tent campgrounds in the Bagwell area require campers to bring their own water, as drinking water is limited at primitive sites. Thomas Lake Park features a mile-long dirt road leading to spacious, grassy tent sites but lacks facilities like toilets or trash service. Harpoon Larry's Camping allows fires and provides firewood, though a high-clearance vehicle is recommended to access the best tent camping areas. At Beavers Bend State Park campgrounds, reservations are required for tent sites, which come equipped with picnic tables, fire rings, and access to toilet facilities. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F, making spring and fall the most comfortable seasons for primitive tent camping in this region.
The backcountry tent camping experience near Bagwell offers solitude and natural settings. Thomas Lake Park provides tent campers with lakeside views in a quiet environment with freshly maintained grounds. According to reviews, "There's plenty of space to set up camp with the campground overlooking a good sized lake." At Harpoon Larry's, one visitor noted, "The clearing is completely secluded and surrounded by pines, perfect for families and groups." Coyote Drive Campground at Beavers Bend requires campers to park 15-50 feet from their sites, creating a more secluded walk-in tent camping experience where visitors can "walk the shoreline" peacefully. These primitive tent camping options provide natural settings with minimal development, appealing to those seeking a more authentic outdoor experience.
Best Tent Campgrounds near Bagwell (11)
1. Bluejay — Beavers Bend State Park
"Nice spot well shaded"
"The park had some great hiking trails and museum."
2. Lamar Point
3. Thomas Lake Park
"We got the best sleep we’ve ever had camping with the soft grass and our sleeping pad. Watch out for mud spots in the grass."
"Very quiet area with plenty of space to set up camp. Grass was freshly mowed when I showed up. Campground overlooks a good sized lake, as well as has a boat ramp. Great stay"
4. East Lake Crockett Recreation Area
"Stayed at the campground across the lake and saw plenty of people come and go throughout our stay."
5. Coyote Drive Campground — Beavers Bend State Park
"Super nice lake, no parking at campsite for coyote but can park about 15-50ft away, pretty peaceful to walk the shoreline"
6. Harpoon Larry's Camping
"We didn't trust our camper Prius to make it through a certain dip in the trail, so we found a nice level spot in the woods just off the trail."
from $44 - $150 / night
7. Rockin Bar B Ranch
Check Availabilityfrom $40 - $105 / night
8. Deer Drive — Beavers Bend State Park
9. Hawk Drive — Beavers Bend State Park
10. Grasshopper Campground — Beavers Bend State Park
Drive Time
- 1 hr 1 min from Texarkana, TX
- 1 hr 20 min from Sherman, TX
- 1 hr 36 min from Longview, TX
- 1 hr 49 min from Tyler, TX
Recent Tent Camping Photos near Bagwell, TX
5 Photos of 11 Bagwell Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Tent Camping Reviews near Bagwell, TX
222 Reviews of 11 Bagwell Campgrounds
Elise A.
RangerQuail Circle — Beavers Bend State Park
Small but Decent
Quail Circle is a small, quiet, and generally well-kept loop. The pavement’s a bit bumpy in spots, but most RV sites are level. Our site, unfortunately, sat near a washout that dropped off into the woods. The bathhouse is clean, but not close, maybe a football field away. There’s a dump station at the adjacent campground. It’s semi-wooded, not deep wilderness, but feels like being among trees. Beavers Bend is spread out. From here, trailheads are about seventeen to thirty minutes away, so plan on driving. That distance turned out to be a plus in peak summer. The main areas felt like a carnival and family cruise ship, but our loop stayed calm. Not my favorite ever, but a solid stay overall.
- HH S.Traveler
Acorn Campground — Beavers Bend State Park
Acorn campground on river!
We spent the night at Acorn Campground, spot 5, in June. Hot but shaded. Space by the river. There was a grill, a fire pit, and a picnic table. It was easy to find our campground in Beavers Bend State Park. The heritage building is a good landmark. Loud Sirens went off twice during the day. When in the camper, though, they sounded quieter, and you could probably sleep through it. Sirens are to let you know to get out of the water because they are releasing water from dam. Can't swim in the river by our campground, but there is a swimming area to the north. This campground is on the lower level of the river, but there was no need to panic or move to higher ground when the sirens went off, even though it had been raining on and off as well. I’d been a little worried about flooding after reading about the 2015 flood, but the river remained beautiful and tranquil, offering us a stunning view—and even a playful sighting of deer paddling in the water. We left some trash on the campsite hook, only to find it scattered when we woke up. While picking up the trash, I noticed animal prints on our truck and camper. I went to the trash site to dump the trash, and a raccoon was staring at me when I opened the lid. The park staff assured us raccoons are common in the trash, so get ready to be startled. Watch out for poison ivy near the electrical outlets—bring calamine lotion—and note that mosquitoes, spiders, ants, and ticks are present, so pack accordingly. Didn't see snakes. A leaf blower is handy for cleaning off the RV pad. Gravel around the cement pad would have been nice because when it rains, it gets muddy, and there is poison ivy in the areas where you will need to hook up the RV to the electrical. Our spot was steps away from clean, air-conditioned bathrooms and showers. There were regular bugs in them, but not too many. The nicest bathroom for a campsite that I have been in. The park staff was welcoming, and there’s plenty to do—hiking trails, canoe or paddleboat rentals, and even a train ride, which I highly recommend if you love deer, as they’re abundant. You can buy ice at the train station too. Pack a life vest if traveling with kids, and if they want to experience water activities. We had reliable AT&T cell service throughout the park, so I was able to use Apple and Google Maps wherever we went. However, printed maps as well, and picked up a map from the heritage center. It’s a memorable spot for nature lovers and adventurers alike. It was peaceful.
Kerry M.TravelerCOE Hugo Lake Kiamichi Park
Kiamichi Park, Juniper Loop nice place
We camped at J 9 and 10 which are on the water. Concrete pads very level. Can walk down the hill from J9 to get to the shore. Shore is limestone, full of fossils. Very clean and mowed. Bath house is quite a way away from these sites but in good shape. The corp is working to bring the rest of the park back after they allowed another co. To run the park for a few years. (They did not upkeep the park very well.
- JJennifer G.
ScoutBig Al's Barefoot Bay
First trip in the RV
This location is great! Directly across from a bait shop, store, restaurant and bar. Super nice staff! Definitely recommend for a relaxing getaway!
- AAndre L.
GuideMount Pleasant KOA
Convenient Stay
We showed up around 8:00 and got the 1 tent site with no water or no electricity. It was $28 to stay here. The men’s room was locked for some reason and the interstate nearby is pretty loud. It’s a convenient and safe place to stay for the night while we drive down i20.
- aadrienne T.Guide
South Sulphur Campground
Wooded, well spaced sites
Staying in site 11, with access to the lake (fun for kids, fishing). The site is HUGE! Woke to the sounds of birds. Lots of shade and privacy. Site 11 is next to overflow parking but its not a big deal. All the sites up against the lake looked great! The bathrooms are fine, 1 shared between two loops-slightly far walk. But that wasn't an issue for us. There are a few short miles worth of trails we plan to walk-they appear to be wooded walking trails. All in all this place is a hidden gem if you want to get into nature with the luxury of electric and water, and showers/flushing toilets. Also, I have 3 bars of service (AT&T)
Alisha K.GuideMount Pleasant KOA
Clean and friendly staff
We only stayed one night at a pull-thru site but the campground was clean and we really appreciated the nice fully grassed dog park for our pups to run around.
- HHolly B.Scout
Broken Bow Dispersed off Rd 51220
Sweet, easy to access, still secluded
First site after turning off the main road along the creek. Spacious, multiple access to the creek, circle drive easy for mini-van. Most importantly, you don't have to drive all the way into the mountains to feel like you're deep in the woods. Site has not been cleaned but the mess is in just one area. There are a couple large abandoned tires and old camping equipment in the middle of the circle drive. Absolutely lovely to camp at. I'd haul the trash if I could.
Guide to Bagwell
Tent camping options near Bagwell, Texas include both established campgrounds and dispersed sites within a 30-mile radius. The region sits in the Post Oak Savannah ecological zone, characterized by mixed hardwood forests and open grasslands. Summer nighttime temperatures typically remain above 70°F through September, with thunderstorms common in late spring through early summer, requiring proper tent waterproofing and adequate staking.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Thomas Lake Park provides boat ramp access to a sizable lake where campers can fish for bass and catfish. As Emma H. notes, the campground offers "absolutely gorgeous views of the water" with convenient access points for shoreline fishing.
Disc golf course: Harpoon Larry's Camping features an on-site disc golf course being developed by the owner. According to LaRee S., "Brock is also developing a disc golf course on property," making this a unique camping destination for disc golf enthusiasts.
Hiking trails: Beavers Bend State Park in nearby Oklahoma maintains extensive trail networks accessible from multiple campgrounds. Gerald S. reports they "had the best time a stones throw from the water. The park had some great hiking trails and museum."
Lake activities: East Lake Crockett Recreation Area serves as a popular boating destination. Izzy T. describes it as a "nice place to launch your boat for a day of fishing" with regular visitor activity throughout the day.
What campers like
Natural settings: Rockin Bar B Ranch offers secluded tent sites in a natural environment. According to Bobbi S., the ranch provides a "very private and natural setting," appealing to those seeking isolation from neighboring campers.
Spacious campsites: Thomas Lake Park features well-maintained, open camping areas with ample room between sites. Wyatt mentions, "Very quiet area with plenty of space to set up camp. Grass was freshly mowed when I showed up."
Lake proximity: Coyote Drive Campground at Beavers Bend State Park positions campers near water access. David T. explains it's "pretty peaceful to walk the shoreline" with parking located 15-50 feet from actual campsites.
Forest surroundings: Harpoon Larry's clearing area provides a woodland camping experience. One visitor described it as "completely secluded and surrounded by pines" with "lots of space to run around and spread out without worrying that someone will walk up on your camp."
What you should know
Vehicle access challenges: Several of the best tent camping locations near Bagwell require appropriate vehicles. At Harpoon Larry's Camping, LaRee S. advises, "Definitely bring a high clearance vehicle if you want to make it to the clearing. We didn't trust our camper Prius to make it through a certain dip in the trail."
Reservations required: Beavers Bend State Park campgrounds, including Bluejay Campground, require advance booking during peak seasons. Sites can be reserved through their online system or by phone.
Limited amenities: Many dispersed camping areas lack basic facilities. Thomas Lake Park requires a mile drive down a dirt road and features no toilets or trash service, though Emma H. warns campers to "watch out for mud spots in the grass."
Seasonal water levels: Lake access points can vary significantly based on seasonal rainfall. During summer drought periods, shorelines may extend further from designated camping areas, affecting water activities.
Tips for camping with families
Weather preparation: Grasshopper Campground experiences significant weekend activity during fishing season. Agam observed, "It was really noisy because of all the boats that came fishing in the weekend," suggesting families seeking quiet consider weekday visits.
Space for activities: Harpoon Larry's clearing area provides room for children to play safely within sight of camp. LaRee S. describes the space as "perfect for families and groups" with "lots of space to run around."
Comfortable terrain: Thomas Lake Park offers grass surfaces ideal for family tent camping. Emma H. reports, "We got the best sleep we've ever had camping with the soft grass and our sleeping pad," making this location particularly suitable for families with young children.
Shade availability: Bluejay Campground features well-shaded sites that help moderate daytime temperatures. Jeremy A. describes it simply as a "nice spot well shaded," providing crucial protection during hot summer days.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup options: While tent camping dominates the Bagwell area, RVers should note that South Sulphur Campground does offer 50-amp electrical hookups for those requiring power.
Access road conditions: Many camping areas feature unpaved access roads that may become challenging after rainfall. RVers should call ahead to check current conditions before attempting to reach more remote sites.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent
campsite near Bagwell, TX?
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Bagwell, TX?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Bagwell, TX is Bluejay — Beavers Bend State Park with a 5-star rating from 3 reviews.
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Bagwell, TX?
What is the best site to find tent camping near Bagwell, TX?
TheDyrt.com has all 11 tent camping locations near Bagwell, TX, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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