Navarro Mills Lake campsites offer water and electric hookups in several parks managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The 5,070-acre reservoir sits at an elevation of 424 feet above sea level, with surrounding campgrounds positioned on gentle hills that provide lake views. Most camping areas around Navarro Mills Lake remain open year-round, with average rainfall of 39 inches annually creating lush surroundings during spring months.
What to do
Fishing from covered structures: Liberty Hill Park Campground features a "fantastic fishing barge that is covered allowing you to fish no matter the weather," according to one reviewer who notes that "Lake Navarro Mills is well know as the best Crappie fishing lake in Texas."
Swimming at designated beaches: Wolf Creek Park offers a "roped off designated swimming area with a small beach" where families can enjoy water recreation. A visitor mentions that "the lake is clean and great for tubing, standup paddle boarding or just swimming."
Stargazing opportunities: Oak Park Campground provides excellent night sky viewing with its "dark sky friendly" environment. A camper notes there are "NO STREET LIGHTS in campground," though "toilet facilities had exterior lighting," creating ideal conditions for astronomy enthusiasts.
Boat access: Mott Park at nearby Bardwell Lake offers "fantastic campground for lake activities" with well-maintained boat facilities. A reviewer states it's a "great boaters park" with clean facilities and well-cared-for sites.
What campers like
Spacious lakefront sites: Campers appreciate the generous spacing at COE Navarro Mills Reservoir Oak Park, with one reviewer noting it has "well separated spaces and lots of lake access." Another mentions it's "quiet park" where "fishing is the prevalent activity here and there is a nice pier for just that."
Shaded camping areas: Many campsites feature mature tree cover, particularly valued during summer months. A camper at Oak Park Campground mentioned their "site in large oak tree grove, so heavily shaded" which provides relief from the Texas heat.
Family-friendly amenities: Liberty Hill Park Campground receives praise for its recreation areas, with one visitor noting the "great swimming area with beach area and large children play area." Another called it an "extremely clean grounds and super friendly staff" destination.
Wildlife viewing: Multiple camping areas offer opportunities to spot local fauna. Oak Park Campground has "wildlife sightings of grey squirrels and two dozen buzzards that constantly circled over campground," while other parks report deer and various bird species.
What you should know
Gate closure times: Several campgrounds strictly enforce entrance gate hours. At Highview Park, campers report that "gates lock at 10 pm" with no late-night entry possible. One reviewer warned: "This may be a great campsite but for us it was terrible. When we arrived at 11pm the gates were locked with no one in site."
Ant infestations: Multiple visitors mention persistent Argentine ant problems at Liberty Hill Park. A camper reported they are "very bad because there small once there in your car you just take them everywhere," while another stated "there is a serius issue with the invasive Argentian ant."
Limited privacy between sites: Some campgrounds feature more open layouts. A camper at Oak Park Campground noted "no privacy from other campsites" in their review of the facilities.
Seasonal availability: Wolf Creek operates from early April through late September only. A visitor reported: "We stopped by here and unfortunately they were not open. It looks like a beautiful place and there sign says open April-September."
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds for children: Fort Parker State Park Campground offers upgraded play facilities with "a newer playground area next to the old one." A visitor mentioned it's "beautiful and generally well kept. It's an older style but they have a newer playground."
Water activities for various ages: Wolf Creek provides diverse water recreation options. A camper notes "the lake is clean and great for tubing, standup paddle boarding or just swimming" making it suitable for different skill levels.
Covered picnic areas: Many sites include sheltered eating spaces, protecting families from sun and brief rain showers. A visitor to Oak Park Campground mentioned the "metal roof shelter over concrete slab where picnic table is located" which provides shade during hot days.
Bathroom accessibility: Facility quality varies significantly between campgrounds. At Oak Park, a reviewer warned about one restroom where "women's had raw sewage throughout deep enough to cover your foot," suggesting families check facilities upon arrival or bring portable options.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Several campgrounds have uneven sites requiring preparation. At Oak Park, a reviewer noted "site 11 unlevel" while at Pecan Point Park, RVers report significant sloping on waterfront sites.
Electrical hookup locations: Placement of utilities can affect parking strategy. A camper at Oak Park mentioned "site 11 has electrical hook up at rear on the door side of the camper" and "water connection is centered at the rear of the parking pad," requiring planning for cord and hose management.
Access considerations for larger rigs: Liberty Hill Park received caution from one RVer who noted "the signage and routing are substandard. Very confusing and the turns are extremely tight. I do not recommend people with motorhome over 40 feet come here."
Urban alternatives: For those needing town amenities, American RV Park in nearby Corsicana offers convenient access to services. A reviewer described it as "mainly a city RV/camper campsite that sits right on the outskirts of the town of Corsicana. Very close to Navarro College."
