4 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Cabin rentals at Ray Roberts Lake State Park near Gainesville provide both waterfront and wooded site options with electricity, heating and air conditioning. Johnson Branch Campsites at Ray Roberts Lake offers cabin accommodations with covered picnic tables and fire rings. Most cabins feature concrete pads with electrical hookups, and many include water access. Sites in Juniper Cove provide varying levels of shade, with locations 18-24 offering good tree coverage. Bathroom and shower facilities are available in the park's main areas, though some primitive cabin areas have composting toilets only. "Clean bathrooms and showers" were highlighted by a reviewer who appreciated the "well-kept" park.
Pet-friendly cabins are available at several locations including Sanger-Denton North KOA, Thousand Trails Lake Texoma, and Paradise on Lake Texoma. KOA-style cabins offer standardized amenities with concrete pads that accommodate larger vehicles. According to one visitor, the Sanger KOA cabins provide "very well maintained amenities" though they noted "there are very few shaded sites." Reservations are strongly recommended for all cabin rentals, particularly during summer months when lake activities are popular. Walnut Creek Resort cabins offer waterfront options with fishing opportunities directly from the property.
Most rustic cabin rentals in the area require guests to bring their own bedding, towels, and toiletries, while higher-end cabins may provide these items. Kitchen facilities vary significantly between properties - from basic fire rings to full kitchenettes with refrigerators and microwaves. Several campgrounds including Cedar Mills Marina & Resort feature on-site markets or camp stores for basic supplies. Firewood is available for purchase at many locations, including Ray Roberts Lake State Park which has a "firewood vending machine that's very cool and is reasonably priced for good wood" according to one camper's review.
"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?)"
"Aluminum picnic table. Clean grounds, bathroom, showers. Firewood for sale.
ATT Service Spotty"
Available this weekend
from $15 - $60 / night
"Office staff is EXTREMELY help and Nice cool little campground if not for the burn ban they rent fire pits But dsdd"
"There is lits of space for the pull throughs. Dog park is amazing, host are friendly and kind. They are very welcoming and the store is small, but clean with a little bit of everything for everyone!"
"We parked the truck sideways in the entrance to our site. It had a picnic table and fire ring. The pad was asphalt and had a drop-off on the door side so we had to prop up the stairs."
"It was absolutely breathtaking to pull into the park and start to see this area unfold around me."
Available this weekend
from $15 - $55 / night
"One big issue with this park is the distance to the actual lake itself."
"Full hook ups available. Some have no sewer hook ups. Most are 30 amp, many are 50 amp. Sites range from full sun to full shade. Quite a few annuals."
"By far the easiest process for booking a site we have ever experienced. The website is well organized and very descriptive when explaining the amenities of each site."
"Electric is located close by sites. Some sites also have sewer. Nice place, I shall return one day."
from $20 - $40 / night
"There are water and electrical hookups in a field that acts as the RV park. It is however across the street from their adorable ranch that has a small zoo, rodeo arena and delicious restaurant."
"Visited this private resort on 9/14/19 for a quick night away from the city. They have a handful of full hookup RV sites and cabins. There is also a marina with a store and kayaks for rent."
"The campground is tucked away in a woodsy area of Lake Texoma, our waterfront spot had a beautiful view & the sound of the fish jumping all around with the birds was quite serene!"
"They include a picnic table and fire ring and often find themselves being the heart of the lake action."
"It has great options- some spots are secluded in the trees and some are open in the middle areas if you want to be around people."
"Picnic tables, bathroom, and laundry is available."
"Friendly staff, nice lakeside restaurant, and clean level sites."
"We've wanted to check out Lake Murray since visiting there years ago."
"Was able to spend a night at Buzzards Roost campground while visiting Lake Murray State park. Our tent site was at the point and provided us with great views of the marina, and Tucker Tower. "
GuideThe KOA is clean and well maintained. There is lits of space for the pull throughs. Dog park is amazing, host are friendly and kind. They are very welcoming and the store is small, but clean with a little bit of everything for everyone! We will definitely be back!
TravelerDisappointing and unnecessarily confrontational experience.
I booked and paid for a campsite at The Vineyards in my self-contained Sprinter camper van. I checked in without issue and had already spent one night there when the park manager, Lisa, approached me while I was relaxing inside my van to inform me that my vehicle was not welcome.
She stated that the city requires RVs to have hookups and be commercially manufactured. However, the campground’s published policies explicitly allow management to approve converted camper vans (and I am fully self-contained). It also allows for truck campers, which I suppose theoretically could have sewer hookups, but I assure you my custom converted Sprinter is more aesthetic than a truck camper, if that was her concern (no offense to my truck camper friends).
I also could not find the city ordinance she was referring to.
I understand that campgrounds have rules and that management has discretion to enforce them. What I don’t understand is why my reservation was accepted, why I was allowed to stay overnight, or why the situation needed to be handled so confrontationally.
When I offered to leave if they would refund my unused second night, Lisa told me it was too late for a refund and that I might as well stay.
So apparently my van was prohibited until refunding my money became the alternative.
I wasn’t causing a disturbance, requesting special accommodations, or asking to use facilities I hadn’t paid for. I was simply enjoying a campsite I’d reserved and paid for.
The campground itself is lovely, which makes the experience even more disappointing. A straightforward, respectful conversation about their policies would have been entirely reasonable. Instead, I was made to feel unwelcome at a place where I was already a paying guest.
If you’re traveling in a self-contained converted camper van, I’d strongly recommend getting written approval before booking, regardless of whether your reservation is accepted. And given that I am now reading other complaints of the staff being rude, I might avoid this spot altogether.
GuideNot too far from Highway 75 and the Choctaw Resort. Parking for registration is located right next to the office. All the park staff we dealt with were very friendly and helpful. The road from the highway to the park is easy to navigate for any size rig. The same inside the park; it's well-marked and easy to navigate. No road noise- very quiet.
First things first - be prepared for a longer-than-usual registration process. I've never had a registration process require as much information, or take as long as this one did. You will need the driver's license of every person in your party - adults and teenagers. They will scan and retain each of them. You will need to provide actual copies of the insurance policies for both your RV and your tow (or Toad) vehicle, along with the license plate numbers for all vehicles. If you are using a Good Sam's discount, make sure that you have the membership number and expiration date.
Most check-in procedures at parks take a couple of minutes, but not here. Thank goodness we were the only ones checking in, or it would have been a lengthy ordeal. So, be prepared in advance and have all of this with you to speed up the process. At first, I couldn't figure out why they required all of this information, then it dawned on me- this is predominantly a park for full-time residents, and that would be the information they'd require of people living there.
It's off the beaten path, so you're not going to get that many travelers. As we walked through the park, I noticed that close to 100% of the rigs are full-timers. In my experience, most parks that cater to full-timers are kind of sketchy and don't really appeal to travelers - not this one. This is labeled as a resort, and it probably is the nicest RV park that we've ever visited that is predominantly full-timers.
Please don't have any reservations about staying here, as you will feel welcome. We were assigned to pull-through site number 40. All the sites are concrete and appear level. Power, Water, and Sewer were all conveniently located, and the power supply had no issues at all. We use a power management system, and all electrical parameters were spot on during our stay. Water pressure was very good, and the in-ground sewer connection was conveniently located.
Bathrooms, Showers, and Laundry are all located on the back side of the office building and are in great shape with a keyed entry. There is great Wi-Fi in the park with repeaters near all the sites. We had AT&T 5G with 2 bars. Starlink reception was not an issue due to no large trees. Their website lists all of the amenities, and I've included photos of the park. Summary: A great place for an overnight or an extended stay. This park deserves its high rating, and I would not hesitate to recommend it- enjoy!
ScoutRV 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).
ScoutReally nice owners and friendly community my ac wasn’t working so they went out there way and brought me one really cheap as well great prices more so a place to live long term though. everything was great other then the weather
GuideI stayed at Hidden Cove Park for 1 night in February with 2 kids. Overall, this spot is really nice. The campsites are clean, spacious, and close to the lake. You can walk right down and fish from the bank, and the views are calm and peaceful. Although the wind was so strong, we didn’t get much fishing done.
The setup is convenient too. There’s a water spigot at the site, a picnic table, nearby bathrooms that were decently clean, and a trash dumpster close by.
Privacy is the biggest downside. The campsites are pretty close together, so you’re definitely gonna see and hear your neighbors. I had some loud neighbors and had to ask them to turn the music down. Then at 12:01 AM… the same folks fired up an electric saw to cut firewood, which definitely messed up my rest. Not really the park’s fault, but the layout doesn’t provide much separation, so your experience depends a lot on who’s around you.
For those wondering about cost, it’s$25/night, which is a good deal for the amenities. But parking is another$20. I don’t understand that, but OK. With fees, my total came to about$70, plus another$5–6 for firewood.
Since the parking lot is nearby, you’ll see headlights shining through at night when cars pass. Not a dealbreaker, just something to know.
On the flip side, being close to the parking lot is actually good and the 2–3 minute walk made hauling gear easier.
No bugs at all while I was there. It was too windy to fish, but the kids still had a great time. There’s also a basketball court, volleyball area, and a hiking trail.
The restaurant was closed, which wasn’t a big deal, but would’ve been nice. They do sell firewood at the front for a good price.
I also love that it’s only 15 minutes from home, but it feels like a world away. That alone makes it a great little reset spot.
This is a great place for first-time campers, families, or even solo trips when you just need to get away for a bit.
ScoutLots of activities boat/ horseback riding/hiking. We Just stopped on our way from Kansas City to Austin. Very quiet in March. Not sure about the rest of the time.
ScoutLove our stay at Lake Murray. The park was very quiet while we visited. We opted for a back in sit along the lake. The site was plenty big enough for our 27 ft trailer and tow vehicle.
GuideThis was the first time our family has camped two consecutive nights. My two boys 4/5 had a blast at the site, walking the trails, and finding spots to throw rocks into the lake. We were surprised at how quiet the campsites were, especially with how many people were staying in the park. P1 was great, right next to parking and the street, which was also the only minor drawback. If staying primitive, P3 is the way to go. We will definitely be back!
Cabin camping near Gainesville, Texas offers access to the 89,000-acre Lake Texoma, the 12th largest Corps of Engineers lake in the U.S. The area features a mix of wooded sites and waterfront access points across state parks and private resorts. During summer months, temperatures regularly exceed 90°F, while spring and fall provide milder conditions with occasional thunderstorms.
Water activities at Lake Texoma: Lake Murray offers unusually clear water compared to other Oklahoma lakes. "Green/blue waters that were clear enough to see the tip of my paddle when stuck straight down 4-5 feet," notes a camper at Buzzards Roost — Lake Murray State Park.
Day trips to nearby towns: The cabin location provides opportunities to explore surrounding communities. "We visited Ardmore for a day. Wandered around town and the shops," reports a visitor to Buzzards Roost campground. The proximity to metropolitan areas makes these cabins suitable for weekend getaways.
Morning kayaking: Launch early to avoid crowds at boat ramps. "On Sunday we got up with the sun and beat everyone else to the boat launch area," advises a visitor to Lake Murray. The coves around Tucker Tower offer particularly calm waters for paddling.
Hiking trails: Johnson Branch Campsites — Ray Roberts Lake State Park features several walking paths for different skill levels. A reviewer highlights that their site was "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."
Cabin isolation levels: Sites vary from secluded to social. "The sites are cut in a way that gives you privacy. The sites are fairly close together but the grass makes it feel like you have your own little oasis," writes a Johnson Branch visitor who gave the location 5 stars.
Fall season experiences: Cooler temperatures and changing foliage enhance the cabin camping experience. "Fall is wonderful at both Johnson ranch and Isle Du Bois," notes a camper at Johnson Branch. This timing avoids summer crowds while maintaining good weather.
Ease of reservation systems: Some properties offer streamlined booking processes. A guest at Paradise on Lake Texoma appreciated "by far the easiest process for booking a site we have ever experienced. The website is well organized and very descriptive when explaining the amenities of each site."
Lakefront proximity: Direct water access from cabin sites is highly valued. "The RV lots are roomy, and the park is active and neighborly, and the evenings are peaceful & quiet," says a Paradise on Lake Texoma guest. Waterfront sites frequently allow for fishing directly from the property.
Water hookup challenges: Some sites require extensive hose lengths. At Paradise on Lake Texoma, one camper noted "the water hookups are FAR from the site. Do not under estimate how far these things are. With 75ft of hose - we were barely reaching the nozzle."
Beach conditions vary: Not all water access points are equally maintained. The same Paradise on Lake Texoma reviewer mentioned "pieces of metal, glass, and garbage were all over the place" at some beach areas, suggesting checking specific swimming spots upon arrival.
Bathroom and shower facilities: Facility quality differs between parks. At Eisenhower State Park Campground, a visitor described "beautiful everything! Even the bathroom is gorgeous with granite walls!" However, some primitive areas only offer vault or composting toilets.
Site leveling requirements: Some cabin and RV sites present challenges. A Buzzards Roost camper mentioned their site "leans slightly downhill so leveling pads were critical," highlighting the importance of bringing appropriate equipment.
Playground proximity: When booking, check distance to play areas. A Johnson Branch camper mentioned their site was "about 1/4 mile from a little playground for the kids," which helped entertain children throughout their stay.
Educational opportunities: Some parks offer nature programs. At Johnson Branch, a visitor shared "we learned what native plants we can eat!" This provides supplemental activities beyond water recreation.
Animal encounters: Lone Oak RV Park and Storage offers unique family entertainment. "It is across the street from their adorable ranch that has a small zoo, rodeo arena and delicious restaurant. The owners are super friendly and our kids really enjoyed the animals. They've got lemurs, a kangaroo, bunnies, a zebra, a camel and all the farm animals!"
Bring transportation for tent gear: Some walk-in sites require planning. "Most campsites have a lengthy walk-in distance so be prepared! Bring a cart; it'll speed things up massively," advises a Johnson Branch camper who also suggests bringing shade protection as "there isn't much cover here."
Concrete pads with size specifications: Cedar Mills Marina & Resort offers "clean level sites" according to one RVer. Sites at most locations can accommodate larger rigs, with some featuring pull-through access for easier parking.
Camp store access: On-site stores provide convenience items. "Excellent place to spend a few nights. Friendly staff, nice lakeside restaurant, and clean level sites," notes a Cedar Mills Marina visitor.
Site selection for privacy: Location within campgrounds affects experience. At Sanger - Denton North KOA, a reviewer found "nice large concrete spaces with plenty of room for a 44' 5th wheel, tow vehicle and extra vehicle" but noted "the feeling that we were parked in an RV storage lot rather than a campground."
Internet reliability concerns: Connectivity varies by location. A Sanger KOA visitor mentioned "internet was very unreliable," which may affect those needing to work remotely while cabin camping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular cabin campsite near Gainesville, TX?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular cabin campground near Gainesville, TX is Johnson Branch Campsites — Ray Roberts Lake State Park with a 4.4-star rating from 17 reviews.
What is the best site to find cabin camping near Gainesville, TX?
TheDyrt.com has all 38 cabin camping locations near Gainesville, TX, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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