Cooper Lake State Park offers pet-friendly camping options 16 miles south of Commerce, Texas. The park spans nearly 20,000 acres with elevations ranging from 440 to 480 feet and features two separate units with distinct camping experiences. Water levels fluctuate seasonally, affecting shoreline access and fishing conditions, particularly during summer drought periods when the lake can drop several feet below normal pool.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Cooper Lake State Park Doctors Creek Unit has excellent fishing access points. "We stayed at spot 18, it was a quick walk to the lake and had the most beautiful wooded view from the campsite," notes Christina H. The park supports largemouth bass fishing, with campers reporting catches near the shorelines.
Hiking through wildlife habitats: Multiple trails traverse the park with varying difficulty levels. At Deer Haven Campground, campers observe diverse wildlife. "There are a lot of great hiking trails with wildlife including deer, coyotes, armadillos, and butterflies," reports David R. Most trails range from 0.5 to 2.5 miles and remain accessible year-round.
Equestrian activities: The South Sulphur Unit features dedicated horse trails and specialized camping areas. "Nice equestrian/pedestrian trails. Clean and well-maintained restroom/shower facility as you come into this campground," writes Donna H. about Buggy Whip Equestrian Campground. The horse trails total approximately 10 miles of maintained paths through wooded terrain.
What campers like
Spacious, private sites: Campers appreciate the well-designed sites at Bright Star Campground. "We stayed at campsite 8 in the bright star loop and it was one of the best campsites I've stayed in. It was spacious and felt very private even though we knew there were other campsites close by," shares Donna D. Most sites feature concrete pads averaging 50 feet in length.
Quiet weekday atmosphere: The parks maintain a peaceful environment during non-peak times. "The CG is clean, well maintained. The CG roads are paved, as are the sites. The CG, at least on Sunday evening, was very quiet and peaceful. There were only 2 other campers while we were there," writes Ray & Terri F. about their Bright Star experience.
Cabin accommodations: For those seeking pet-friendly alternatives to tent camping, cabins offer comfortable options. "We 'camp' here in the cabins almost every year for our annual family camping trip of almost 20 people. The cabins are always clean and tidy. They have spacious bathrooms, an open living/dining area, a small kitchen and bedroom," reports Tori M. about Pecan Ridge Cabins.
What you should know
Wildlife encounters: Beyond casual wildlife observation, campers should prepare for more direct encounters. At Oak Grove Campground, one camper warns, "When camping here alone at night (no one else was in the tent camping area), my camp site was accosted by a family of raccoons. They were not friendly and not scared of people at all. Be careful if you have young children."
Site flooding concerns: Weather conditions can affect campsite conditions. "A few of the back-in sites had similar situations at the junction with the road," notes Ray & Terri F. about mud accumulation after rains. During spring and early summer, storms can create temporary flooding in lower-elevation sites.
Limited lake access: Not all campsites provide direct water access. "My only complaint is that access to the lake is limited to a few campsites and a day use area that could easily be overwhelmed on a busy day. The paths to the lake in the camping areas pass directly through individual campsites," explains Jesse M.
Tips for camping with families
Unique animal interactions: Sleep Under The Pecan Trees offers extraordinary wildlife experiences for children. "Beautiful camping grounds!! Took my 6 year old daughter for her first camping trip and she loved it. The horses came into our camp and she was mesmerized by their size and beauty. Most amazing experience. She caught her 1st bass in the pond as well," shares Mike J.
Off-season timing: For families concerned about crowds impacting their pet-friendly camping experience, scheduling matters. "We went for an anniversary/birthday weekend and tent camped with some friends and had a great time even with the weather," notes Victoria D., adding that weekday stays offer a more peaceful experience.
Playground facilities: Multiple recreation areas cater to families throughout the park. "Clean bathrooms, good playground and beach area. Cabins, RV, equestrian and tent sites," Danelle I. reports about Oak Grove Campground's family facilities.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for hookups: RV campers should consider specific campgrounds based on hookup needs. "The dump station has 2 spots and very easy to use," Christina H. notes about Doctors Creek Unit. Most RV sites offer 30/50 amp electrical service with water hookups, while premium sites include sewer connections.
Level concrete pads: RVers appreciate the quality of camping surfaces. "The site pads themselves are concrete and most looked to be fairly level, but a few had a bit of slope," observes Ray & Terri F. about Bright Star Campground. The majority of RV sites accommodate vehicles up to 40 feet in length.
Connectivity considerations: Cell service varies significantly across the park areas. "AT&T coverage was pitiful, with only 1 bar of LTE service and speeds up to 0.1 MB/s," reports Ray & Terri F., noting that satellite options perform better in open sites.
