Cooper Lake State Park provides equestrian camping with spacious facilities set in the Caddo-LBJ National Grasslands region of Northeast Texas. The surrounding parkland covers nearly 3,000 acres at an elevation of approximately 440 feet above sea level. The climate features hot summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F and mild winters, with the best camping conditions typically occurring in spring and fall.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Lake Bob Sandlin State Park offers excellent fishing with numerous access points. "Great location. Fishing dock," notes Mark J., while another visitor mentions "gorgeous waterfront sites with excellent fishing."
Kayaking adventures: The lake system provides multiple water recreation options. "Kayak launch isn't easy to get to but they have provided a slide for yaks to get from the parking area to/from the launch. Once you're there though its like you're transported somewhere else and you weave your way through a winding canal to reach the lake (very cool)," shares Becca H. at Lake Bob Sandlin State Park.
Wildlife viewing: Many campsites offer chances to observe local animals. "There are a lot of great hiking trails with wildlife including deer, coyotes, armadillos, and butterflies," reports David R. from Deer Haven Campground. At another site, a camper noted, "One morning, as I was sitting drinking my coffee, four deer walked right through our site!!"
What campers like
Privacy and seclusion: Coffee Mill Lake receives praise for its remote setting. "The Campground is secluded in The Grassland National Forest. Great bass fishing. Very Quiet," writes Janet J. about Coffee Mill Lake Recreation Area.
Well-maintained facilities: Clean bathrooms stand out to visitors. "The bathrooms could use some work but they do keep them clean," notes David R. Another camper highlighted, "The restroom/shower facilities seemed climate controlled because it felt cooler and less humid inside than outside."
Spacious sites: Horse campers appreciate the room to spread out. "Numerous sites to choose from, some pull thru, some back in. Water, tables, and fire pits at every site. Although the sites are close together there is plenty of space to spread out depending on how busy it is," observes Izzy T. at Bois D' Arc Trailhead Campground.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Summer heat can be intense in this region. "I would camp here in the summer," warns one review. Another camper notes, "Texas March weather is perfect for camping."
Site leveling challenges: Several campgrounds have uneven terrain. At Lavon Lake Lavonia, a visitor cautions, "Our site was very unlevel on the hill, so bring your chocks."
Variable facilities: Bathroom quality differs between parks. "Each bathroom was a single occupant bathroom with a locking door. The bathrooms also had automatic lighting, an exhaust fan, and what appeared to be a tiny space heater for colder months," reports one camper, while another mentions, "The vault toilets were decently cleaned."
Wildlife encounters: Prepare for nocturnal visitors. "We had a regular nighttime visit from some bold raccoons, so definitely put your goodies and trash away," advises Rebecca. Another camper reported, "Raccoon did peek its head into my camper... ahhh!"
