Camping spots near Brookeland, Texas cluster around Lake Sam Rayburn, a 114,500-acre reservoir that sits at an elevation of 164 feet. The region experiences average summer temperatures of 82-95°F with high humidity levels from June through September, while winter temperatures typically range from 40-60°F. Brookeland's camping areas feature extensive shorelines with periodic flooding that creates fluctuating water levels, affecting campsite availability during wet seasons.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Mill Creek Park offers excellent fishing access with most waterfront sites having small beach areas. According to one visitor, "Most of the campsites along the water have a little beach that you can take advantage of. If it were warmer, we definitely would have gone swimming." This Corps of Engineers park maintains clean facilities throughout the fishing season.
Water recreation: Martin Dies, Jr. State Park Campground provides canoe and kayak rentals with mapped water trails. A camper noted, "Kayaks and canoes are available to rent, there are water trails mapped as well for those who enjoy boating." The park's location on the Steinhagen Reservoir (B.A. Steinhagen Lake) offers different water conditions than Lake Sam Rayburn.
Wildlife viewing: The area hosts abundant wildlife year-round. At Martin Dies State Park, campers report, "The deer walked by every night and the fireflies put on a show." The park's swampy landscape creates unique habitat for various species with good stargazing opportunities when skies clear.
What campers like
Spacious sites: COE Sam Rayburn Reservoir San Augustine Park receives high marks for site layout. A recent visitor wrote, "This is a great COE campsite that is spacious, clean, quiet, and site#63 has lake views on 3 sides." Many sites include covered picnic tables, fire rings, and lantern posts.
Sunset views: Rayburn offers exceptional sunset viewing opportunities. According to a regular visitor, "The view of the infamous Rayburn sunset are unparalleled!" The campground's caretakers maintain the grounds meticulously, with neatly mowed areas and pine needles regularly cleared away.
Natural setting: Mid Lake Campground provides peaceful surroundings with minimal development. A camper mentioned, "Only 3 sites with water view. View was great. Friendly staff. Good store with bait. Good utilities, fire pits well maintained." The 33-site facility balances natural elements with necessary amenities.
What you should know
Varied shower facilities: Bathroom and shower quality varies significantly between campgrounds. At Twin Dikes Park, one camper reported, "Bathrooms are clean, but also badly in need in refurbishing as they are decades old. Walls are cracked with plaster falling / paint peeling and water temp is unpredictable."
Site leveling challenges: Many campsites throughout the area require leveling equipment. At San Augustine Park, a visitor noted, "This is a back-in site that slopes significantly to the rear(lake side) though. I needed to lower the front of my 34' fifth wheel trailer 16" to level it."
Insect activity: Prepare for significant bug pressure, particularly during warm months. A Martin Dies State Park visitor warned, "Beautiful park but so many bugs. The landscape is swampy but it was beautiful in its own way." Bringing appropriate insect repellent is essential for comfortable camping.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming locations: COE Sam Rayburn Reservoir Twin Dikes Park offers designated swimming areas popular with families. A visitor shared, "Beautiful lake views and a boat ramp. Good fishing from shore. Lots of woods and birds. We saw a couple of eagles."
Educational opportunities: Many campgrounds provide ranger-led programs for children. Martin Dies State Park offers structured activities for different age groups. A camper noted, "There are many things to do at the state park that are appropriate for all ages. Hiking trails are well shaded and not terribly difficult."
Safety considerations: Watch for erosion issues at some campgrounds. At Twin Dikes Park, a camper warned, "There has clearly been much erosion from rains storms over the years which has not been repaired and a number of camp site have been yellow taped as not usable due to hazardous drop-offs, etc. These can be dangerous for kids."
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: At Brookeland / Lake Sam Rayburn KOA, RVers recommend careful site selection. A camper advised, "We stayed at a site with raised concrete pads. This place is not parking lot camping." The campground's spread-out design offers more privacy than typical KOAs.
Hookup availability: Full-hookup sites are limited at many campgrounds, requiring advance planning. At Twin Dikes Park, a camper noted, "There are only around 9 full hookup sites and they are very close together in the group camping section. Very little privacy. All waterfront sites are nice and big, but no utilities."
Access considerations: Some campgrounds have challenging access roads and site approaches. At Twin Dikes, a camper warned, "If your RV is over 34' long, select your site carefully as many of them are not level, and some have a steep ascent/descent driveway to the site requiring a 90 degree back in from a narrow service road."
