Cooper Lake State Park offers both cabin and tent camping near Bonham, Texas. The landscape features rolling hills with oak trees providing natural shade at most sites. Water levels fluctuate seasonally at Lake Bonham and Cooper Lake, with summer temperatures reaching 95°F and winter lows around 30°F.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Cooper Lake State Park provides excellent crappie fishing with a steel-walled cove that blocks wind and waves. A visitor noted, "Good crappie fishing on the lake and nice cove to swim or kayak in."
Swimming beaches: Lake Bonham Recreation Area maintains sandy beaches with designated swimming areas. One camper shared, "There's a fishing pier and lots of covered tables and grills and it's a nice Sandy Beach."
Equestrian trails: Platter Flats Campground connects to extensive horseback riding trails that extend to Lakeside Park. According to a visitor, "There is a long equestrian trail that goes over to Lakeside Park across the lake that can also be hiked pretty easily that has a couple secluded spots to swim along the way."
Boat rentals: Bonham State Park offers kayak rentals and boat access. As one reviewer mentioned, "Bonham State Park takes the fishing to a whole new level by providing boats so you can get out to where the fish are hiding!"
Wildlife viewing: Several parks feature wildlife observation opportunities, especially at dawn and dusk. Birding is popular along Cooper Lake's shoreline, with one camper noting, "We did see a lot of birds along the shoreline."
What campers like
Affordable pricing: Coffee Mill Lake Recreation Area offers some of the lowest rates in the region. A camper shared, "Loved the fact it had a fire pit and a grill... even a place to hang your lantern. Was a great experience if you want better... go to places that charge more than $6 a night."
Uncrowded experience: Many campers appreciate the less crowded atmosphere of smaller parks in the Bonham area. One reviewer of Platter Flats noted, "Platter Flats is usually quiet. It's been our favorite campsite for years because of this. We've always been able to find an open spot with a nice view."
Shaded campsites: Several campgrounds feature mature trees that provide natural cooling. A visitor to Burns Run West remarked, "The sites were a good size and had lots of shade. We had an amazing view of the lake!"
Clean facilities: Despite their rustic nature, most campgrounds maintain clean restrooms and showers. One camper at Bonham State Park stated, "Beautiful old Texas State Park with all the hookups and things you need for a nice time. Level sites all with great water views close to everything."
What you should know
Seasonal closures: Some campgrounds operate on limited schedules. Burns Run East operates from April through October only, while others may close certain sections during winter months.
Limited cell service: Coverage varies significantly between campgrounds. At Choctaw RV Park, one visitor noted, "I had 5G 4 bars with T Mobile," while more remote locations may have spotty service.
Reservation requirements: Most sites require advance booking, especially on weekends. A Cooper Lake visitor advised, "All sites are reserved and paid online before you arrive."
Flooding potential: Lake levels can rise quickly after heavy rains. One camper at Lakeside Campground shared, "It is prone to flooding. It has flooded twice that I know of that caused the entire campground to be under water and closed for a lengthy time."
Primitive yurt camping: Near Bonham, Texas, some parks offer basic yurt accommodations without the luxury amenities found at glamping sites. These structures provide simple shelter while maintaining a more rustic experience than cabin camping.
Tips for camping with families
Basketball courts: Eisenhower State Park offers recreational facilities beyond water activities. One visitor remarked, "Campsites offer fire pits, water, electricity, easy access to facilities and trails. There is a swimming area that can be easily accessed."
Farm animal viewing: The Park at Brushy Creek provides unique animal encounters. A reviewer noted, "Make sure to check out their cows and goats!"
Kid-friendly beaches: Multiple campgrounds feature designated swimming areas with gradual entries. A family that visited Cooper Lake mentioned, "The day use area is OK, the swim area has a huge steel wall to block the wind and waves because they get really strong."
Group camping options: For larger family gatherings, consider dedicated group areas. One camper shared, "Big grassy group campsite area that looked inviting."
Fishing equipment loans: Texas State Parks loan fishing equipment free of charge. As one visitor explained, "At every Texas State Park you can check out fishing equipment from the front office and you do not have to have a fishing license!"
Tips from RVers
Level concrete pads: Cooper Lake State Park Doctors Creek Unit offers well-maintained sites. A frequent visitor noted, "Most of the sites are in deep shade and are very level concrete pads."
Shuttle service: RV parks near casinos may offer convenient transportation. One camper at Choctaw RV Park shared, "They have a shuttle that comes right to your spot to take you to the casino."
Multiple dump stations: Lakeside Campground provides convenient facilities for waste disposal. According to a visitor, "There are 2 dump sites on the way out."
Electrical hookup variations: Check amperage before booking. A reviewer advised, "Most RV sites are 30 amp. Section B is 50 amp. Sites are water and electric, no sewer sites."
