Best Campgrounds near Bowie, TX
Campgrounds near Bowie, Texas span from full-service RV parks to dispersed camping areas within a 30-mile radius of the city. The LBJ National Grasslands offers free dispersed camping options approximately 15 miles southeast of Bowie, while developed facilities like Pelham City Park and Selma City Park provide camping with partial hookups closer to town. Several private RV parks including The Ooak RV Park & Campground and Camper's Paradise accommodate both tent and RV campers with a range of amenities. Most camping areas in the region are situated around lakes, with Amon G. Carter Lake and Black Creek Lake serving as popular destinations for water-based recreation.
Access to camping areas varies significantly by location and season in this North Texas region. Developed campgrounds like Wise County Park maintain paved access roads suitable for most vehicles, while routes to primitive camping areas in LBJ National Grasslands may require higher clearance during wet conditions. Summer temperatures frequently exceed 95°F from June through September, making spring and fall the most comfortable camping seasons. Most established campgrounds operate year-round with water and electric hookups, though some amenities may be limited in winter months. Reservations are recommended for weekend stays at developed sites, particularly at lakeside locations. As one camper noted about Selma City Park, "Gates to through traffic closed at 10 p.m. in the attempt to keep late night traffic away from the facility and provide additional safety, which was a nice touch for those camping."
Lakefront camping represents a significant draw for the Bowie area, with multiple campgrounds offering direct water access. Wise County Park provides waterfront camping with boat ramps and swimming areas, which campers consistently rate highly for cleanliness and scenery. "The lake is so pristine and the camping spots are fairly large and ours was right on the water," reported one visitor. In contrast, RV-focused parks like Railway RV Park and Flying Horse RV Park cater more to travelers seeking full hookups and convenience. Many mixed-use campgrounds in the region feature fishing opportunities, picnic tables, and fire rings, though amenities vary widely between public and private facilities. Campers should verify current amenities before arrival, as visitor feedback indicates some facilities listed at certain parks may not be consistently available or maintained, particularly at smaller municipal camping areas.
