Campers near Cuney, Texas find themselves at the junction of piney woods and East Texas lake country, with elevations ranging from 300-600 feet across the area. The region experiences humid summers with temperatures frequently exceeding 90°F and mild winters, making camping comfortable from late September through early May. While RV camping dominates the area, several locations also accommodate tent campers looking for waterfront sites.
What to do
Hiking and biking trails: Tyler State Park Campground features extensive trail networks suitable for various skill levels. One camper notes, "Sites are good but trails for biking and hiking are great!!" These trails wind through pine forests and around the lake, providing outdoor recreation without leaving the campground.
Fishing opportunities: Fishing remains popular across the Cuney area, with multiple lakes offering different experiences. At Lake Palestine Resort, the focus is clearly on anglers, with one visitor describing it as "a nice fisherman campground" while noting that "'resort' is a misnomer." The campground features a boardwalk behind sites close to the store.
Water activities: Summer recreation centers on the various lakes. Tyler State Park offers diverse water options as one camper describes: "Pine forest and beautiful lake for swimming, paddel boarding (SUP), or fishing." The Boulders at Lake Tyler enhances water access with "a variety of rentals available - golf carts, kayaks, and pontoon boats" according to a recent visitor.
Train watching: For something different, Rusk Depot Campground offers a unique train experience. As one camper notes, "The texas state RR train engine car came through one time in the afternoon to turn around to pull the train back to palestine...that's pretty unique and a cool thing at a campsite."
What campers like
Lake access: Water proximity ranks highly among camper preferences. At Lake Jacksonville Recreation Area, visitors appreciate that the "lake is very clean, we take the kids there for swimming and tubing. Also have a swimming area with a sand beach." This clean swimming area distinguishes it from other area lakes.
Level concrete sites: Many campers appreciate the concrete pads found at several campgrounds. One visitor to The Boulders at Lake Tyler mentioned, "Concrete sites made setup and leveling super easy." These level sites prove particularly valuable during rainy periods when grass or gravel sites become muddy.
Location convenience: The strategic position between various East Texas attractions makes some campgrounds especially appealing. At Lookout Mountain RV Park, visitors note it's "a great central location for anything East Texas. Within easy reach of Tyler, Canton, Lindale, Gladewater and more."
Views: Several campgrounds offer scenic vistas uncommon in this part of Texas. Lookout Mountain RV Park stands out, with one camper describing it as having "an unbelievable view! You are able to see for miles." Another simply stated the view is "breathtaking."
What you should know
Site selection matters: At several campgrounds, some sites work better than others. At Tyler RV Park, one camper warns, "I'm a little worried about getting out due to the tight turn leaving the park, I have a 40 camper and a 4 door long bed dually, large trees right at the turn onto the county road."
Seasonal considerations: Summer brings heat and humidity, making spring and fall ideal for camping. One visitor to KE Bushman's Camp noted they "tented in march.yes!" showing that early spring works well for tent camping before summer heat arrives.
Maintenance varies: Campground upkeep differs significantly across the area. One Rusk Depot Campground visitor observed: "It is not the most maintained campground, but it is a small loop with pull-in sites w/ full hookups." Understanding each location's maintenance level helps set appropriate expectations.
Noise factors: Highway proximity affects some campgrounds. At Rusk Depot Campground, campers report "Highway noise even in our campsite the furthest from the highway. Of course, lots of train whistles during depot operations."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly water options: Several lakes offer family-oriented swimming areas. One camper at Tyler State Park Campground mentioned, "The lake was perfect and had a nice beach. We were able to rent kayaks and paddle boats. The hiking is not the greatest but it was easy enough for my toddler."
Playground access: Some campgrounds include playgrounds for children. A visitor to Tyler State Park noted, "The playground is one of the best I've seen at the state parks we've been to!"
Wildlife viewing: The area offers opportunities to observe local wildlife. Campers at KE Bushman's Camp often spot birds and small mammals around the fishing pond, making it suitable for nature-oriented families.
Bug preparation: Insect activity varies by season. A Rusk Depot camper noted, "Lots of tall trees. Very little if any biting bugs." Pack appropriate repellent during warmer months, particularly for camping near wooded areas.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Full-hookup sites exist but vary by campground. The Boulders at Lake Tyler offers "30&50 amp hookups, water hookup, dump site only ($15 for honey wagon)," according to a recent visitor.
Site dimensions: RVers should confirm site sizes match their rigs. At Tyler State Park Campground, "Sites are semi level, full hookup, some shade!" However, at Rusk Depot, "Limited sites for RVs longer than 30 feet. Most sites were designed for 20 feet or smaller."
Pad materials: Surface types impact leveling ease. A camper at KE Bushman's Camp reported, "Nice concrete pads, average size for the site for a privately owned park," making setup easier than at campgrounds with gravel or dirt pads.
Electrical reliability: Some campgrounds experience power issues. At Rusk Depot Campground, one camper reported, "On our last night, the 30 amp breaker kept tripping without a full load. Happened twice within an hour so we scaled back our amp use under 20 just to have some heat during the night."
