L
Lisa A.
Traveler
TravelerArdmore Lakes RV Resort
Nice spot
Nice people, beautiful spot, pool, lake, fishing, laundry, gym. Wished it had fenced dog park, but lots of room
Camping near Gainesville, TX
207 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Camping opportunities around Gainesville, Texas include a mix of state parks, RV resorts, and lakeside campgrounds within an hour's drive. Ray Roberts Lake State Park offers two distinct camping areas—Isle du Bois and Johnson Branch—with tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin accommodations. Lake Texoma's numerous campgrounds provide additional options along the Texas-Oklahoma border, while several private RV parks like Lake Point RV Resort and Sanger-Denton North KOA cater to travelers seeking more amenities.
The North Texas climate makes camping viable year-round, though summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F, making lakeside locations particularly desirable. Most developed campgrounds in the region provide water and electric hookups, with many offering full sewer connections for RVs. A visitor noted, "The location of this campground feels secluded from the city but close to the highway so you can be in the city within a few minutes drive." Cell service is generally reliable throughout the area, with most campgrounds reporting strong coverage. During holiday weekends and summer months, advance reservations are strongly recommended as lakefront sites fill quickly.
Waterfront camping represents a significant draw for the Gainesville area, with several lakes providing recreational opportunities. Ray Roberts Lake State Park receives consistently positive reviews for its spacious sites and lake access. According to one camper, "The campground is nice and well maintained and sites are well spaced with lots of grass, trees and/or open areas." For those seeking more primitive experiences, the LBJ National Grasslands northwest of Gainesville offers dispersed camping options with fewer amenities but greater privacy. Visitors to the grasslands should be prepared for self-sufficient camping with no facilities. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound throughout the region, with deer, waterfowl, and other native species commonly spotted at dawn and dusk.
Best Campgrounds near Gainesville (207)
1. Isle du Bois Campsites — Ray Roberts Lake State Park
"In the hot month of July 2020 I loaded up Little Red and headed out to spend several days camping at the Isle Du Bois Unit of Ray Roberts Lake."
"68 year-old solo camper getting ready to travel around the country, car/tent camping primarily."
from $15 - $60 / night
Check Availability2. Winstar RV Park
"Just near the entrance(1/4 mile) is a Sonic, which was very convenient during Covid days."
"There isn’t much shade as it is located adjacent to the casino grounds or on the casino grounds. Has a nice pool and many amenities. We ate in the casino both nights at Toby Keith’s. I Love this bar."
from $30 - $50 / night
Check Availability3. Johnson Branch Campsites — Ray Roberts Lake State Park
"One of the more expensive Texas state parks. Standard electric at 25/night. Large bathrooms and lots of trash bins. Actual pay phones (who knew those still existed?)"
"Couldn't see the parking lot due to brush, but it was a very short walk and that was nice."
from $15 - $60 / night
Check Availability4. Old Towne Rv Ranch
from $30 - $50 / night
Check Availability5. Lake Point RV Resort
"I cannot speak highly enough of Lake Point RV Resort. We stayed for nearly a year, and moved out to pursue some amazing opportunities."
from $45 - $55 / night
Check Availability6. All Inn RV Park
7. Sanger - Denton North KOA
"It is directly behind the McClain's in Sanger. Our site was a full service, pull through, partially shaded site that was reserved by the dealership for new owners."
8. 4G Ranch at Tipps Lake
"solitaire](https://solitaireio.com) Peaceful lakeside camping spot for a quiet getaway. The site felt calm and spacious, and it was great for relaxing and fishing by the lake."
"For starters it is reserved on Hipcamp search 4G Ranch at Lake Tipps, it’s in Cooke County, TX. This isn’t a place you can hook up water and power. They do have a well that services all of the sites."
10. Camp Tonkawa Woods & Horse Camp
"Tipi sites feature potable water, composting toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings all within easy walking distance." Book your stay today and come back here to leave them some love."
Drive Time
- 32 min from Sherman, TX
- 1 hr 6 min from Dallas, TX
- 1 hr 15 min from Wichita Falls, TX
- 2 hrs 3 min from Lawton, OK
Recent Camping Photos near Gainesville, TX
132 Photos of 207 Gainesville Campgrounds
cheryl
Johnson Branch Campsites — Ray Roberts Lake State Park
Richard
Isle du Bois Campsites — Ray Roberts Lake State Park
Ryan H.
5 Mile Camp Primitive Dispersed Camping
Kelly G.
Cross Timbers Texoma Hiking Trail Primitive Campsite
Kelly G.
Eagle’s Roost Campsite
Nathan W.
Thousand Trails Lake Texoma
Frank S.
Paradise on Lake Texoma
JANA R.
Juniper Point
Laura R.
Marietta Landing Campground — Lake Murray State Park
Zahru A.
Buzzards Roost — Lake Murray State Park
Eric R.
Tipps Point Campground — Lake Murray State Park
Dustin P.
LBJ Lyndon B Johnson National Grasslands
Recent Reviews near Gainesville, TX
580 Reviews of 207 Gainesville Campgrounds
- Greg K.
ScoutEisenhower State Park Campground
Very fun RV camping
RV Camp sites are super nice and well spaced. Really cool fossil sites near the lake shore. Nice huge lake. And really good trails (for North East Texas).
- LLawrence P.Scout
Sugar Hill RV Resort
Little Piece of Heaven
I've been RVing for a lot of years, and I can honestly say Sugar Hill RV Resort is one of the nicest places my wife and I have stayed. One of my favorite things about this park is the landscaping. The grounds are beautiful, with flowering trees, flowers, bushes and grasses around the patios and walking paths that make it feel more like a retreat than an RV park. Every morning I'd grab my coffee and take a stroll just to enjoy it. We also had a great time exploring Anna. Having the Red Rooster Barn right next door was a real treat. We enjoyed sitting out on the patio for dinner more than once, and if you like barbecue, don't leave town without trying Hutchins BBQ. I don't hand out compliments easily, but that barbecue was flat-out outstanding. Kyla up front is an absolute sweetheart. She always greeted us with a smile, remembered our names, and somehow found time to visit whenever we stopped by. The owners are just as friendly. It was nice being able to sit and visit with them from time to time—you can tell they truly care about the folks staying here. The whole place is quiet, clean, and very well maintained. It's the kind of park where people wave as they drive by, neighbors visit, and you feel comfortable from the day you arrive. We've already told several of our RV friends about Sugar Hill, and I have a feeling we'll be making our way back before too long.
- ZZoey E.Scout
Sugar Hill RV Resort
Hidden Gem
My husband and I stayed at Sugar Hill RV Resort for a few months this summer so we could spend more time with our kids and grandbabies. We wanted a place that was quiet, clean, and felt safe, and Sugar Hill turned out to be just that. From the minute we pulled in, everyone made us feel right at home. The owners and staff are some of the sweetest folks you'll meet. They always had a smile on their face and were happy to help with anything we needed. I loved getting up early and walking the trails before it got too hot, and most evenings we'd end up soaking in the hot tub after a long day chasing grandkids around. Everything is so well kept—the pool, laundry room, showers, and grounds are all spotless. You can tell people really take pride in this place. One thing I really appreciated was how peaceful it is. It's close enough to everything we needed, but when you're back at the resort, you can actually relax and enjoy yourself. We met several other long-term guests, visited over coffee, and made some sweet new friends along the way.
Almost H.
GuideBurns Run West
Phenomenal Spot
Type of Stay: Ram Promaster 3500 Ext (22ft)
Company: Dog
$18 for a Standard Non Electric Spot
We stayed in spot A08 & I highly recommend it. Incredible view all day w/ Instant Access to Water (you gotta trot down rocks in pictures but it's easy enough)
Zero issue with bugs.
Pros: Bathroom (Toilet Paper), Showers (Weak Pressure), Quiet, Personal Fire Rings. Gas Station/ convenient store & a few restaurants right outside the grounds.
Joshua M.GuideIsle du Bois Campsites — Ray Roberts Lake State Park
Perfect for the Family!
Our family had a fantastic 2 night stay. We’ve only stayed at Johnson Branch on Ray Roberts in the past, and have loved Isle Du Bois. Our site is surrounded about beautiful lush trees and overgrowth. The beach is right up the path and my two boys (4&6) loved playing in the water with the kids. Our site is also two sites from the playground and bathroom/showers, which was super convenient! Will definitely be back and eyeing a site right off the water for some fishing!
Stevie E.ScoutSugar Hill RV Resort
They have the best cookies!
We've had a wonderful experience at Sugar Hill RV Resort. The park is gorgeous, quiet, and always well-maintained, but what really makes it special is the staff. Kyla goes above and beyond to make everyone feel welcome, she gave us cookies and is always quick to help with anything that comes up. It's rare to find a place that feels this friendly and genuinely cares about its guests. We highly recommend Sugar Hill to anyone looking for a great place to stay.
shon M.ScoutParadise RV Park
Ghosted
After filling out the required paperwork, Jeffery the manger stopped responding. Would not recommend going through the hassle with this place!
Kimah L.ScoutLyndon B. Johnson National Grassland Dispersed Camping
Ups and downs
Its beautiful. The bathrooms were closed, due to being out of order. The camp sites and view were fantastic. Management reimbursed me for our stay due to the bathrooms.
Guide to Gainesville
The landscape surrounding Gainesville, Texas features rolling hills and several lakes within an hour's drive, making it a popular destination for anglers and water enthusiasts. The region sits at approximately 700-800 feet elevation, creating mild terrain suitable for both novice and experienced campers. Winters remain relatively mild with occasional freezes, while spring and fall offer the most comfortable camping conditions.
What to Do
Fishing opportunities: The area lakes provide excellent catfish and bass fishing. At Thousand Trails Lake Texoma, visitors can access "a nice walk to Lake Texoma which was nice" according to camper Emerson F., who enjoyed the private lake access road.
Basketball and outdoor games: Many campgrounds offer recreational amenities beyond swimming. At Winstar RV Park, guests appreciate the "large pavilion next to outdoor basketball court and playground" as mentioned by James R. The park also features "horseshoe pit, basketball court and play area" according to Suzanne S.
Hiking trails exploration: Several parks offer walking paths through wooded areas. Christopher L. notes that at Isle du Bois, "Wildlife were very quiet and the stars were bright on a clear night," making it ideal for evening nature walks.
What Campers Like
Spacious sites: Many campgrounds in the region offer generously sized camping areas. At Isle du Bois Campsites, Eric R. notes, "Campsites, large and private" making it comfortable even during busy seasons.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms and shower facilities are consistently mentioned as a plus. Taylor V. from Johnson Branch Campsites shares, "the staff was great, all the facilities were clean and grounds well kept."
Winter camping options: Unlike many northern destinations, camping remains viable year-round. Joyce L. mentions, "at night, the temperature was quite comfortable, albeit windy" when describing her spring stay at Johnson Branch, while Eric R. notes, "There are few campers here in December" at Isle du Bois, highlighting the off-season availability.
What You Should Know
Site selection considerations: Some parks have significant differences between sites. At Johnson Branch, Chris H. advises, "The site was actually pretty nice. It had the most trees over the sites around us, to give us a 'in the woods' feel." He notes that some sites have the fire ring close to the road.
Distance to amenities: Walking distance to facilities varies widely. Joyce L. from Johnson Branch warns, "Most campsites have a lengthy walk-in distance so be prepared! Bring a cart; it'll speed things up massively."
Reservation systems: Campgrounds follow different booking procedures. Robert M. explains that Lake Texoma RV Campground is "first come/first serve sites so for a beginner that can be a bit challenging," suggesting advance planning for first-time visitors.
Water quality concerns: Water sources vary in quality. Will and Lucinda B. from Winstar RV Park note, "The only negative, for me, at least, was that this is SOFT water. I have never been a fan of soft water. In addition, we used the water a couple of times to make ice, and I didn't like the taste of it."
Tips for Camping with Families
Playground accessibility: When camping with children, proximity to play areas matters. Chris H. mentions at Johnson Branch, "we were about 1/4 mile from a little playground for the kids. The playground wasn't anything grand, but it broke up the days for the kids some, which as all parents know is a gift."
Swimming areas: Many of the best places to camp near Gainesville, Texas feature designated swimming zones. Christopher L. notes at 4G Ranch at Tipps Lake, "Fun to walk down to the lake and fish," adding that it's "definitely a place you go to disconnect and relax."
Educational opportunities: Some parks offer learning experiences for children. Sarah E. mentions, "We learned what native plants we can eat!" during her Cub Scout trip to Johnson Branch, highlighting educational activities available.
Tips from RVers
Hookup inspection: Before setting up camp, verify electrical connections. Emerson F. recommends at Lake Texoma, "The first spot I chose had a bad pedestal, so I had to pick up and choose another spot. I would definitely recommend checking the pedestal before unpacking."
Site types and layouts: Different campgrounds offer various site configurations. At Lake Point RV Resort, Stephanie P. shares, "The roads are wide (gravel) and plenty of space between sites. Ours was pull through," noting the ease of access for larger rigs.
WiFi and connectivity: Internet access varies significantly between locations. Will and Lucinda B. report that at Winstar RV Park, "The campground Wifi is very good, better than most any other place I've visited, in an RV or otherwise," which is important for those working remotely or staying connected.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Gainesville, TX?
What camping is available near Gainesville, TX?
According to TheDyrt.com, Gainesville, TX offers a wide range of camping options, with 207 campgrounds and RV parks near Gainesville, TX and 6 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Gainesville, TX?
Which is the most popular campground near Gainesville, TX?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Gainesville, TX is Isle du Bois Campsites — Ray Roberts Lake State Park with a 4.7-star rating from 37 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Gainesville, TX?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Gainesville, TX?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 6 free dispersed camping spots near Gainesville, TX.
What parks are near Gainesville, TX?
What parks are near Gainesville, TX?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 18 parks near Gainesville, TX that allow camping, notably Caddo National Grassland and Lake Texoma.
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