Camping near Fairfield, Texas centers around several lakes and reservoirs with varying accommodations for both RV and tent campers. Fort Parker State Park Campground in nearby Mexia serves as a popular destination approximately 25 miles west of Fairfield, while Limestone Lake Park offers primitive camping options about 20 miles southwest. Summer temperatures in this central Texas region frequently reach above 90°F between June and September, with humidity making spring and fall the most comfortable camping seasons.
What to do
Kayaking and canoeing: Fort Parker State Park offers excellent paddling opportunities on its 750-acre lake. "We rented a few screened shelters and brought kayaks. Great, small park for both camping and kayaking," notes Amy J. about Fort Parker State Park Campground.
Fishing from docks: The region's lakes provide ample fishing opportunities without needing a boat. "There are fish in the lake, one foot long dead floating bass was right in front of me. Plenty of smaller fish dancing on the water," reports Sebastian about Limestone Lake Park.
Swimming in designated areas: Liberty Hill Park Campground features family-friendly swimming spots. "Great swimming area with beach area and large children play area. Would definitely come back here," shares Karen A. about the facilities at Navarro Mills Lake.
Exploring historic sites: Fort Parker State Park includes historic structures worth visiting. "Neat historic fort right on site. Not a lot to do on site if you're not in the water," mentions Kim B., highlighting the cultural attractions beyond water activities.
What campers like
Waterfront sites: Campers consistently praise lakeside camping spots throughout the region. "We had a site right on the lake. Mid 70s in the day and mid 50s at night. Amazing sunsets," writes Rich J. about his November stay at Fort Parker State Park Campground.
Free camping options: Budget-conscious campers appreciate the no-cost sites available at Limestone Lake Park. "It looks way too fancy to be free camping but it is. I had a lakeside spot and had the place all to myself on a weekday," shares Brian in his review of the park.
Fishing opportunities: Many campgrounds cater specifically to anglers. "Lake Navarro Mills is well known as the best Crappie fishing lake in Texas. Navarro Mills Liberty Hill Park features a fantastic fishing barge that is covered allowing you to fish no matter the weather," explains Dude R. about Liberty Hill Park Campground.
Spacious campsites: Campers frequently mention site size as a positive feature. "Their sites are well spaced and large with a picnic table and fire ring. There are several right on the lake," notes Tori M. about Fort Parker's RV accommodations.
What you should know
Seasonal bug issues: Insects can be problematic at certain times of year. "So many bugs though," warns Kim B. about Fort Parker, while Liberty Hill Park has specific issues with "invasive Argentine ants... these can be a real issue when RV camping at Liberty Hill Park as this invasive species is out of control," according to Dude R.
Limited tent camping options: Several locations restrict tent camping or have few designated sites. "They only have 5 tent sites. There are no tent pads and the sites are on a small hill. The picnic tables are limited and not every tent site has one," cautions Rachel J. about Fishermans Point Marina and Resort.
Fire restrictions: Fire policies vary significantly between campgrounds. "There are no fire rings so it's a little unnerving building a fire on the grass," mentions Rachel J. about Fishermans Point, while Limestone Lake Park doesn't permit fires at all: "They don't allow campfires. As in, none. There are no fire rings. That right there takes it off the list for me," states Erik I.
Water level fluctuations: Lake levels can affect camping experience. "It's fairly close to the water but the lake is low so you'd have to jump down a bit in order to get to it currently," notes Erik I. about Limestone Lake Park.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Fort Parker State Park offers better-than-expected play facilities. "The playground is nicer than expected. The trails are well-marked," reports Amie M., though she cautions, "For a family I give this a 2. For Fisherman a 5. For everyone else a 3."
Swimming options: Liberty Hill Park provides dedicated swimming areas for children. "Great swimming area with beach area and large children play area," mentions Karen A. about the Liberty Hill Park Campground facilities.
Bring additional activities: Some campgrounds have limited recreation options beyond water activities. "My husband had a blast fishing there with his buddies and we had a good boat ride but there wasn't a whole lot for our kid to do. We managed though and we do plan on going back, but we will definitely be bringing more activities for our children," advises Michaela L. about her stays at Oak Cove Marina.
Primitive camping separation: Families seeking quieter experiences can find isolated primitive sites. "The 2 primitive spots are completely separated and private from the rest," shares drew S. about Liberty Hill Park Campground.
Tips from RVers
Site levelness: Lake Limestone Campground offers relatively level RV sites. "The campground is gravel pad sites that are mostly level (try site3)," suggests a reviewer about Lake Limestone Campground and Marina.
Limited big rig accessibility: Not all campgrounds accommodate larger RVs. "The signage and routing are substandard. Very confusing and the turns are extremely tight. I do not recommend people with motorhome over 40 feet come here," warns Michael C. about Liberty Hill Park.
Spacious lakefront options: Fort Parker offers generous RV sites with water views. "Really spacious RV sites on the lake! This was the first trip we took with our new vintage camper and it did not disappoint! Even in the bitter cold of December Fort Parker had plenty to offer," shares Tori M.
Water pressure concerns: Utilities can be inconsistent at some campgrounds. "Water pressure is very low," notes Eric S. about Liberty Hill Park, important information for RVers planning longer stays.
