Caddo National Grassland offers woodland camping experiences with varied terrain across its 17,000 acres. The grassland sits at approximately 700 feet elevation with hot summers reaching 95°F and mild winters. Most campgrounds remain accessible year-round, though site availability becomes limited during peak summer months when water recreation draws larger crowds to Lake Texoma and surrounding areas.
What to do
Hiking the limestone terrain: Ray Roberts Lake State Park provides several trails with distinct natural features. One visitor noted, "The hiking trails are great and the Rangers are friendly and share a lot of knowledge." Some paths connect to a small playground, which as Chris H. mentioned, "broke up the days for the kids some, which as all parents know is a gift."
Fishing from accessible points: Preston Bend - Lake Texoma offers shoreline access for anglers without boats. A visitor shared, "Peninsula juts out into water with lovely views of sunrise & sunset." The concrete pads make this location more accessible than other spots around the lake.
Airstrip activities: For those interested in aviation, Cedar Mills Marina & RV Resort provides a unique experience with its adjacent airstrip. According to Jan S., "They have a restaurant and bar, marina and airstrip... It was very quiet except on the weekends when there was a fair amount of plane noise on the airstrip."
What campers like
Spacious, well-maintained sites: Winstar RV Park receives high marks for organization and cleanliness. As one reviewer described, "The sites are excellent and at least half of the park is comprised of large, pull-through sites. These sites basically have two grills, two power poles, two water hookups, two picnic tables."
Clean facilities despite remote location: Many visitors appreciate when basic needs are met in rural settings. At Burns Run West, campers find "nice shady spots with a lot of space for a few tents or an RV." One visitor appreciated that "the sites were a good size and had lots of shade. We had an amazing view of the lake!"
Beach access for cooling off: During hot Texas summers, water access becomes essential. One camper at Burns Run West shared, "Nice swimming area for the two young kids. Water hookups right next to campsite." Another mentioned "legit beach sand, which was very nice!"
What you should know
Ants can be problematic: Multiple campers report persistent ant problems, especially at waterfront locations. At Preston Bend, one camper warned, "If you camp here, though, be fully prepared to battle tons of ants... We didn't [treat] and have been trying to get them out of our camper our whole camp trip."
Variable site conditions: Terrain can change dramatically between campgrounds. At Ray Roberts Lake State Park, "Most campsites have a lengthy walk-in distance so be prepared! Bring a cart; it'll speed things up massively."
Limited shade at some locations: Several campgrounds have minimal tree coverage. One visitor to Burns Run East noted it's "not good for tent camping because there isn't any trees, but it's right by the dam." Another camper advised, "definitely bring a canopy or tarp; there isn't much cover here."
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity matters: When selecting sites at Johnson Branch, consider location relative to play areas. Chris H. mentioned, "We were about 1/4 mile from a little playground for the kids. The playground wasn't anything grand, but it broke up the days for the kids."
Consider walk-in distances with children: Some glamping near Caddo National Grassland requires planning for site access. One reviewer at Ray Roberts Lake warned, "We found it a bit inconvenient for Car camping since the spots are walk up and you gotta leave your car behind in a parking lot."
Beach quality varies by location: For family swimming, Eisenhower State Park Campground offers distinctive water access. One visitor mentioned, "Cool beach with caves" while another noted the "swim area in this park is down a pretty steep gravel trail that I had a hard time navegating."
Tips from RVers
Weekend vs. weekday rates: Cost-conscious travelers should consider timing. At Winstar RV Park, prices run "$30 most days($50 Friday/Saturday)" according to one reviewer, who considered this reasonable "for water, sewer, and 50 amps in a clean park."
WiFi quality matters: Internet connectivity varies significantly between locations. One visitor to Winstar observed, "The campground WiFi is very good, better than most any other place I've visited, in an RV or otherwise. We were never blocked for too much usage."
Leveling challenges: Site preparation matters at certain campgrounds. At Walnut Creek Resort, one camper noted, "The one thing I didn't care for was the levelness of our spot, it was a little touch & go with my mother & her walker." Always bring leveling blocks when glamping near the Caddo Grassland area.
