Camping options within a 30-mile radius of Cleburne, Texas range from lakeside sites to family-friendly RV resorts. This north-central Texas region sits at approximately 760 feet elevation with rolling terrain punctuated by lakes and rivers. Winter temperatures rarely drop below freezing, making year-round camping possible, though summer humidity often exceeds 80% from June through August.
What to do
Mountain biking trails: Cleburne State Park features dedicated mountain biking paths with varying difficulty levels. "We saw big cats on the trail at a distance and that was a thrill! Lots of other wild life too!" notes Rachel D. about the park's hiking and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Fishing near camp: De Cordova Bend offers direct lake access with multiple fishing spots. "Fishing, swimming, camping, and a boat launch. Park is often very clean. Well lit at night. Nice hiking trail to the bottom of the dam," reports Alejandro G., highlighting the park's versatility.
Swimming at natural spots: The area provides several water features beyond typical swimming areas. At Dinosaur Valley State Park, Julie W. explains, "One of the best natural swimming holes I've found near DFW. There are dinosaur fossils everywhere. hiking is great, and even on a hot summer day you can go swim in the river or the blue hole."
Wildlife viewing: Early mornings offer the best deer spotting opportunities. "We were able to do quite a bit of hiking and really enjoyed the variety of trails. We saw big cats on the trail at a distance and that was a thrill! Lots of other wild life too!" mentions Rachel D. about Cleburne State Park.
What campers like
Lakefront sites: Many campers prefer water-adjacent spots for the breeze and views. Sarah J. from Cleburne State Park reports, "Such a beautiful place to camp. Our campsite was wooded and overlooked the lake. We were able to fish, hike, and kayak."
Quieter weekday stays: Local parks experience significant weekend traffic from nearby cities. "This park is quiet (as in not many campers) when we were there," notes Troy about Cleburne State Park's mid-week atmosphere.
Shaded spots: Summer temperatures often exceed 95°F, making tree cover essential. At Loyd Park, Randy H. mentions, "All sites are paved, several are lake front, and the majority of them are well shaded."
Group camping areas: The region offers specific sites designed for larger gatherings. "Keyhole camp grounds are great! About 4-6 sites backing up to a creek. Great if you have a big group. Close to bathrooms and trailhead," says Amanda C. about Cleburne State Park.
What you should know
Water conditions vary: Heavy rainfall can affect water clarity and swimming options. Troy notes about Cleburne State Park, "Only complaint was the water was extremely dirty, but that could have been attributed to a large amount of rain the day we got there."
Reservation timing: Sites fill quickly during peak seasons, especially weekends. Tiffany H. mentions about Holiday Park, "We stayed at this park from July 8 until July 14, we were in site #05. This site had 50 amp electric and water. Park was very well kept, grass mowed and cover over picnic table."
Insect awareness: The region's humidity supports active insect populations. "Watch out for poison ivy along the trails. It is everywhere!" warns Emily M. about Cleburne State Park.
Bathroom facilities: Restroom quality varies significantly between parks. "Bathrooms are simple, fully functional, and never too far from any site," reports Maxwell C. about Holiday Park, while others note less maintained facilities elsewhere.
Tips for camping with families
Water activities for children: Several parks combine swimming with educational features. "The small no-wake lake is a fisherman's paradise, and the playground and swimming beach are ideal for families," shares Matt T. about Cleburne State Park.
Educational opportunities: Ham Creek Park provides clean facilities with nature exploration. "Clean bathrooms well maintained facilities no trash or litter! Very quiet and beautiful!" notes Audra R., highlighting its family-friendly environment.
Weekend activities: Many campgrounds offer structured programming. According to Mary P. at Highland Hideaway RV Resort, "They were having a get together for all the guests with a band and food but we had to leave the day before. I thought that was a really fun idea."
Birthday celebrations: Several parks accommodate special occasions. Amy J. shares about Cleburne State Park, "Came here with my husband for my birthday for one night. We had a great site on a loop close to the restrooms (which is a plus). We roasted hot dogs, played games, went hiking, and had an all around good time."
Tips from RVers
Site selection for big rigs: Not all sites accommodate larger vehicles. At North Texas Jellystone, Kimberly D. advises, "We prefer the older part because of the trees that offer shade in the hot Texas sun, but the red carpet sites are so much better for big rigs. We've stayed in both and would probably choose the red carpet sites for our 44' rig."
Water availability: RVers should note water access points vary. MickandKarla W. explains about Holiday Park, "We needed to fill our freshwater tank and he pointed out on the map the two dump stations with potable water. We proceeded to the dump station just inside the gate to find out there was not a potable water spigot just the usual rinse hose."
Weather considerations: The region experiences rapid weather changes. "We got to barely hear a Friday night football game being called across the lake with bright stadium lights and all," James S. notes about Holiday Park, showing how close some campgrounds are to civilization while still feeling remote.
