Camping near Bardwell Lake

Bardwell Lake in northeastern Ellis County, Texas features several Army Corps of Engineers campgrounds with lakeside camping opportunities. The area includes established sites at Mott Park, Highview Park, and Waxahachie Creek Park, all situated along the shores of this 3,500-acre reservoir. Located approximately 45 miles southeast of Dallas, these campgrounds provide a mix of RV and tent camping with varying levels of amenities. As one camper noted, Mott Park offers "spacious sites and gorgeous views of Bardwell Lake," making it popular for those seeking water recreation access within a reasonable drive from the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.

Most Bardwell Lake campgrounds are open year-round, though Mott Park operates seasonally from April through September. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F, while winters remain relatively mild. Reservations are recommended, particularly for weekend stays during peak summer months. Most campgrounds offer electric hookups and basic amenities, though full hookups are limited. Cell service is generally adequate throughout the area. Recent visitors to Waxahachie Creek Park reported that while roads need repaving, the camp hosts and rangers are "friendly and informative."

The camping experience varies between the different parks around Bardwell Lake. RV campers will find the most amenities at Highview Park, which accommodates large rigs and offers 50-amp electrical service. Tent campers have options at all parks but may prefer the more natural setting at Waxahachie Creek Park, which provides more vegetation between sites. Fishing is a primary attraction, with multiple boat ramps available throughout the lake area. Swimming is permitted but there are no designated beach areas. Visitors should be prepared for wildlife encounters including various insects and ants, which can be problematic during warmer months. The proximity to Ennis makes it convenient for supply runs, with grocery stores and restaurants within a 15-minute drive.

Best Camping Sites Near Bardwell Lake (109)

    1. Highview Park

    6 Reviews
    Bardwell, TX
    1 mile
    +1 (972) 875-5711

    "Lots of room to walk the dog. Great atmosphere"

    "Near Ennis, TX. Convenience stores, etc 4-6 miles away. Covered picnic table. Large combined family (private) restroom / shower."

    2. High View

    5 Reviews
    Bardwell, TX
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (972) 875-5711

    $5 - $50 / night

    "We stayed in campsite 29 which is kind of elevated a bit and we had a great view of the lake. Even tho it rained quite a bit we still enjoyed ourselves."

    "Very pretty lake views and tons of grass. My dog loved going for runs through the grass (while on her leash).

    They had some showers and toilets working again when I went. Hot water was very nice!"

    3. COE Bardwell Lake Mott Park

    5 Reviews
    Bardwell, TX
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (972) 875-5711

    $5 - $80 / night

    "It is a bit neglected but still pretty awesome with its spacious sites and gorgeous views of Bardwell Lake. Our site #29 was nice and shady and panoramic view of lake."

    "Mott park is a fantastic campground for lake activities! At the time of my visit the facilities were clean. The park was well cared for and the sites were all pretty good."

    4. Love

    4 Reviews
    Bardwell, TX
    Website
    +1 (972) 875-5711

    $100 / night

    5. The Range Vintage Trailer Resort

    7 Reviews
    Ennis, TX
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (972) 210-2900

    $98 / night

    "Sarah and Paul have curated a great Texas countryside campground with private well spaced sites and great amenities. Need high speed Internet for work- got it."

    "I stayed in spot #19, which gives you visibility to all the amenities around.

    The place is peaceful, I enjoyed walking my gsd around the property and checking out all the airstream rentals."

    6. Waxahachie Creek Park

    3 Reviews
    Bardwell, TX
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (972) 875-5711

    $28 - $120 / night

    7. Cedar Hill State Park Campground

    61 Reviews
    Cedar Hill, TX
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (972) 291-3900

    $25 - $30 / night

    "They offer water access, electricity, are near facilities, have tables and fire pits. Many of the sites overlook the lake or have easy access to the lake."

    "Lake is nearby, and fishing permits in Tx are cheap and easy to grab online. Fairly quiet, but the sites themselves are private a shaded for the most part."

    8. Northside RV Resort

    9 Reviews
    Waxahachie, TX
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (972) 908-0040

    $50 - $60 / night

    "Each shower has its own toilet and vanity behind a lockable door. Our campsite (532) was a little awkward to get in because of the corner and the speed bumps, but not impossible."

    "The park has a man made lake with jogging trails. We enjoyed our stay."

    9. American RV Park

    5 Reviews
    Navarro Mills Lake, TX
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (903) 872-0233

    $45 - $250 / night

    10. Liberty Hill Park Campground

    14 Reviews
    Bardwell, TX
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (254) 578-1431

    $18 - $95 / night

    "Lake Navarro Mills is well know as the best Crappie fishing lake in Texas."

    "No trails to hike on but plenty of good roads to walk. Very peaceful!"

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Showing results 1-10 of 109 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Bardwell Lake

394 Reviews of 109 Bardwell Lake Campgrounds



Guide to Bardwell Lake

Camping near Bardwell Lake, Texas, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to relax by the water or explore nature, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Fishing: Many campers enjoy fishing at COE Bardwell Lake Mott Park. One reviewer mentioned, "Clean lake. No broken glass. We love going out there and cooking, swimming, hiking, camping."
  • Swimming: At Shiloh on the Lake, there's a designated swimming area. A visitor noted, "The swimming area is well marked and has a nice hard sand bottom."
  • Kayaking: You can rent kayaks at Shiloh on the Lake. One camper shared, "Every site is covered with trees, and though they are a bit close together, you feel connected with nature."

What campers like:

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at Northside RV Resort. A guest said, "The bathrooms are so clean. The park itself is gated and secure."
  • Spacious sites: At Liberty Hill Park Campground, visitors enjoy the spacious sites. One review stated, "The sites were spaced apart well but not very level."
  • Friendly staff: Many campers mention the helpful staff at American RV Park. A reviewer noted, "Great staff to welcome you to the park. They are very helpful and friendly."

What you should know:

  • Limited amenities: Some campgrounds, like Mott Park, may lack certain amenities. A visitor mentioned, "Take your cleaning supplies into the bathroom as a precaution; I did not see a trash can in the bathrooms."
  • Traffic noise: American RV Park is located near a busy highway. One camper said, "The park is located just off a busy state highway, so you do hear traffic, although this didn't bother us too much."
  • Seasonal access: Some campgrounds, like Mott Park, are only open from April to September. Be sure to check the season before planning your trip.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose shaded sites: Look for campgrounds like Shiloh on the Lake that offer shaded areas. A camper mentioned, "The sites are shaded and well maintained."
  • Plan for activities: Campgrounds like Cedar Hill State Park Campground have various activities. One review said, "Has a fish pond, wonderful beach, and day sites."
  • Pack bug spray: Some areas can have bugs, so it's wise to bring bug spray. A visitor at Loyd Park advised, "Bring bug spray, buy your firewood in Corsicana or Waco as there isn't any wood in Dawson."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site access: Before booking, ensure your RV can fit in the site. A reviewer at Liberty Hill Park Campground cautioned, "I do not recommend people with motorhomes over 40 feet come here."
  • Bring extra cords: At Cedar Hill State Park Campground, some electrical boxes are in the front. A camper noted, "Most modern RV's electrical connection is in the back (30-foot cable just reached)."
  • Explore nearby towns: Campers at American RV Park enjoyed the convenience of nearby dining options. One guest said, "Lots of restaurant locations to choose from within a short drive from the park."

Camping near Bardwell Lake, Texas, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Bardwell Lake?

According to TheDyrt.com, Bardwell Lake offers a wide range of camping options, with 109 campgrounds and RV parks near Bardwell Lake and 1 free dispersed camping spot.

Which is the most popular campground near Bardwell Lake?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Bardwell Lake is Highview Park with a 4-star rating from 6 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Bardwell Lake?

According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Bardwell Lake.

What parks are near Bardwell Lake?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 22 parks near Bardwell Lake that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.