Lake Winnsboro Park offers tent campers free dispersed camping with clean portable toilet facilities about 30 miles west of Daingerfield, Texas. Weather patterns in northeast Texas typically bring humid summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F from June through September, while winter nights can drop below freezing. Tent sites across the region vary from lakefront settings with boat access to secluded wooded areas requiring high-clearance vehicles.
What to do
Disc golf course access: Earl Williamson Park features an 18-hole public disc golf course that's completely free to use. "We got to play disc golf at their very nice public (free) 18 hole course. I've been carrying around the discs for years and never got to play. Now I'm hooked!" notes a camper at Earl Williamson Park.
Kayaking and water recreation: The tent camping areas provide excellent water access for paddlers. "It's a great spot for Kayaking and other water sports, or just relaxing in the water," mentions a visitor to Fish Hawke Point at Lake Hawkins, which offers first-come, first-served primitive sites.
Fishing opportunities: Several lakes near Daingerfield provide productive fishing conditions. "Right on the lake in town Park, cash only and no reservations but can call camp host to see if a spot is open," explains a camper about Earl Williamson Park, where fishing access costs just $12 per night for hookup sites.
What campers like
Affordable pricing: Many campsites in the region offer inexpensive or free camping options. "This was a great little spot! Free, quiet & clean. There were very clean portopottys for use as well," reports a visitor to Lake Winnsboro Park, highlighting the value for tent campers.
Sunsets and stargazing: Lakefront camping provides excellent views of sunsets and night skies. "The waterfront sites have an amazing sun set view of Caddo Lake. Inexpensive camping sites. No full hook up sites. Good star gazing," shares a camper about Earl Williamson Park, noting the celestial viewing opportunities.
Well-maintained grounds: Several campgrounds keep their tent sites in good condition. "There's about a mile long dirt road to get to the campground. Very quiet area with plenty of space to set up camp. Grass was freshly mowed when I showed up," notes a camper at Thomas Lake Park.
What you should know
Access challenges: Some of the best tent sites require careful vehicle navigation. "Definitely bring a high clearance vehicle if you want to make it to the clearing. We didn't trust our camper Prius to make it through a certain dip in the trail, so we found a nice level spot in the woods just off the trail," advises a visitor to Harpoon Larry's Camping.
Bathroom facilities vary widely: Toilet facilities range from well-maintained to minimal or nonexistent. "Bathrooms are not the best," notes one camper at Earl Williamson Park, while another mentions "The bath house was very clean but dated. The showers were clean."
Reservation systems: Most sites operate on first-come, first-served basis with varying payment methods. "Park has swimming, boat launch, disc golf, corn hole and much more highly recommend. Only $12 a night cash only, 2 week max," explains a camper about Earl Williamson Park.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Some campgrounds include play facilities for children. "The camp host chatted up my husband while he was getting water and didn't seem to mind. This park has a day use area that includes playgrounds, disc golf, fishing piers, and a swim beach (that we made good use of)," shares a visitor to Earl Williamson Park.
Wildlife awareness: Parents should monitor children around water areas. "Quiet and peaceful with beautiful sounds off the lake at night," reports a tent camper at Earl Williamson Park, though families should note that local wildlife can include alligators in some locations.
Holiday events: Some lakes host special events that appeal to families. "It's a great spot for Kayaking and other water sports, or just relaxing in the water. Also, a great place to watch 4th of July fire works show put on every year," mentions a camper at Fish Hawke Point.
Tips from RVers
Electric access for tent campers: Some tent sites offer electrical hookups that can improve summer comfort. "We stayed late fall of '23 for about a week. This place was wonderful. Our site had water and 50 amp service. There was a dump station that was easy to get to and maintained," notes a visitor to Earl Williamson Park.
Alternative shower access: In some parks, separate shower facilities exist for registered campers. "We were disappointed because the shower in the bathhouse didn't seem to work. It wasn't until the next morning that another camper clued us in about the 'private' shower for campers (get the code from the host)," advises an Earl Williamson Park visitor.
