160 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
The Piney Woods region surrounding Gilmer, Texas features a mix of state parks, county facilities, and private campgrounds offering diverse camping experiences. Tyler State Park, located approximately 20 miles southwest of Gilmer, provides lakefront camping with tent sites, RV hookups, and cabins nestled among tall pine trees. Daingerfield State Park, situated about 25 miles northeast of Gilmer, offers similar accommodations with water and electric hookups in a forested setting. Lake Hawkins County RV Park and several private campgrounds like Music Springs and Shallow Creek RV Park provide additional options within a 30-minute drive of Gilmer.
Most campgrounds in the area require reservations, particularly during summer months and holiday weekends when sites fill quickly. The East Texas climate features hot, humid summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F from June through September, while winters remain relatively mild. Spring and fall offer the most comfortable camping conditions with moderate temperatures and lower humidity. Many campgrounds provide water and electric hookups, though sewer connections are less common at state parks. Cell service varies throughout the region, with better coverage near larger towns. As one visitor noted, "This is a beautiful park with plentiful trails for mountain biking and hiking. Bathrooms are always clean and the staff is polite and helpful."
Waterfront camping receives consistently positive reviews across the region's lakes and ponds. Campers frequently mention the tall pine trees that provide ample shade at most sites, creating a distinctive East Texas camping atmosphere. Tyler State Park's lake is particularly praised for its clarity and recreational opportunities. "This park was one of the most beautiful places I have ever camped in East Texas. The hiking and biking trails are amazing. The lake is super clear and very pretty," commented one camper. Sites with lake views tend to book furthest in advance, especially at state parks. Visitors should be prepared for mosquitoes during warmer months, particularly at Caddo Lake State Park where several reviewers mentioned aggressive insects. Most campgrounds maintain clean facilities and offer fire rings at individual sites, though fire bans may be implemented during dry periods.
"He was very unenthusiastic about camping in Texas. Well Tyler State Park made him change his mind! He LOVED the large trees, said it was the closest he'd felt to home in quite some time."
"This is my favorite state park in Texas! Lots of options for all kinds of campers."
from $18 - $60 / night
Check Availability"Peaceful, beautiful trees surrounding you at all times, great campgrounds and all facilities were super clean at all times! There are a couple hiking trails but they are mainly easy walks."
"Its nestled in the thick pineywoods of northeast Texas - the towering pine trees, lakeside cabins and crystal clear lake all combined bring back memories of a person's childhood."
from $10 - $225 / night
Check Availability"4.5 total miles of trails and none of it difficult. You can't take a baby stroller but obey because of a few branches, it's all easy hiking."
"One morning, as I was sitting drinking my coffee, four deer walked right through our site!! We had a regular nighttime visit from some bold raccoons, so definitely put your goodies and trash away."
from $10 - $40 / night
Check Availability"Swimming pool & fishing lake. Very little shade. No dog park but lots of green walks for the pups. Great spot if you love antiquing! Gladewater has many, many, many antique shops."
from $50 - $790 / night
Check Availability"Roads make it easy to get around and get into your site. Most pads are concrete, very clean well kept campground. View of lake is wonderful, peaceful and huge spaces."
"This is one of our “go to” parks when we stay close to home."
"This was the closest place with camping near Longview. We have looked at it before, but plans feel through. We got a camping spot Mothers day weekend. It was wonderful."
from $22 / night
Check Availability"Near a heavy used road, and narrow drive in and out. Friendly and nice, we will be back."
"Clean easy drive through spots."
from $50 - $55 / night
Check Availability"Kinda pricey but the lazy river is perfect for a Texas summer. The kids and adults in our group all loved it! Staff was great."
"Pros: Close to our home, swimming pool/lazy river, amazing staff, resort service, daily activities Cons: lack of shade, not much privacy, can get pricey if you eat and drink around the pool Honestly"
"Great spot in the Piney woods of East Texas. Minutes from Tyler State park. Perfect spot for large families or groups."
"Great evening movies, lots of fun activities, and close to Tyler if you decide to venture out and get some good food, or find something to do!"
TravelerHad a nice stay, peaceful, not crowded. Electricity hookup was further than I expected so had to buy 3 additional 20 foot extension cords (total of 4). Luckily there is a family dollar a mile or two away. Other than that no issues.
GuideLots of locals stay out here. Everyone is very friendly.
LegendLarge sites in woods or on the water. Lots of wildlife. Boat up to sites.
GuideStayed overnight and it was a great stay. Staff were friendly and the views were amazing.
GuideI only have positive things to say. I stayed one night while passing through the area. I car camp so it was really nice they hand one spot available specially for car camping.
The location was pretty easy to find. The grounds are beautiful and the area is thoughtfully set up.
The tent area has outdoor lights strung up, giving it a welcoming and inviting feeling.
The owners made a nightly round to make sure everything was in order, they are very nice and friendly.
I would stay here again if I was passing through.
ScoutThis location is great! Directly across from a bait shop, store, restaurant and bar. Super nice staff! Definitely recommend for a relaxing getaway!
RangerStayed at an RV campsite and had water and electricity no problems. Bathrooms are very spacious and kept clean daily. Canoeing on the Mill Pond was peaceful. Great state park to visit.
GuidePSA: THERE ARE PORTA POTTIES — you do not need to dig a cat hole, I repeat there are bathrooms; not pretty by any means but they are there. The area we were camped at had a lot of trash on the ground. Looks like some of the garbage cans haven’t been changed/cleaned out in weeks. Critters got into the garbage too. Other than that, it’s quiet, plenty of spots to park and a great spot for fishing. Very pretty views. Seems like a semi-busy park for locals.
GuideWe showed up around 8:00 and got the 1 tent site with no water or no electricity. It was $28 to stay here. The men’s room was locked for some reason and the interstate nearby is pretty loud. It’s a convenient and safe place to stay for the night while we drive down i20.
Campsites near Gilmer, Texas offer diverse terrain across elevations ranging from 350 to 500 feet above sea level. The region features mixed pine and hardwood forests characteristic of East Texas, with sandy loam soils that drain quickly after rainfall. Winter temperatures typically range from 35-60°F, with occasional freezing periods from December through February.
Paddling opportunities: Tyler State Park's 64-acre spring-fed lake provides calm waters for kayaking and canoeing. "Pine forest and beautiful lake for swimming, paddel boarding (SUP), or fishing. Lots of hiking/mountain bike trails. Day use swimming area can get crowded on the weekends but there's plenty of quieter access points," notes Peter F. at Tyler State Park Campground.
Family-friendly biking: The trail systems in the region offer routes for cyclists of varying skill levels. "Sites are good but trails for biking and hiking are great!!" states Jill C. at Tyler State Park. Most trails are under 5 miles, making them suitable for half-day excursions.
Fishing spots: Daingerfield State Park offers accessible shoreline fishing with common catches including bass, catfish, and sunfish. As Dianne C. explains, "The lake is perfect for kayaking and fishing from one of several docks. Tranquil, peaceful, clean and easy access from I-20 N. of Tyler."
Privacy between sites: Many campgrounds in the area have natural buffers between sites. At Daingerfield State Park Campground, Anne P. shares, "Privacy if that's your thing, it is for us and our three dogs. However, there is an awesome pavilion, swim dock, picnic area and paddle boat area. Something for everyone."
Waterfront access: Sites with lake access are particularly valued for their recreational potential. "This is a beautiful park with plentiful trails for mountain biking and hiking. Bathrooms are always clean and the staff is polite and helpful," as one visitor observed at Lake Hawkins RV Park.
Well-maintained facilities: Campers regularly mention the upkeep of amenities. At Lake Hawkins County RV Park, Cindy S. notes, "Great local park. Small but well maintained. Owned and operated by a really great family. This is one of our 'go to' parks when we stay close to home."
Reservation requirements: Most parks require advance booking, especially for weekend camping. At Tyler State Park Campground, Tammie L. explains, "Great little lake to fish, kayak, swim and hike! Hard to get reservations because it is so popular! If you get reservations it's kinda like winning the lottery."
Weather planning: East Texas has high humidity even outside summer. Late fall through early spring offers more comfortable camping with less insect activity. "This is definitely one of my favorite campsites. Stayed on a Sunday night in February so the campground was empty," reports Hannah B. at Daingerfield State Park.
Wildlife encounters: Prepare for encounters with local wildlife, particularly at night. "Great spot found a week out from trip. Just wanted to spend a night there to check it all out. Great trails and swimming area. The shop was closed while I was there and the boat rentals as well. Be careful for raccoons saw a lot of them while here!" warns Myc C.
Playground access: Several parks have dedicated play areas for children. Becca H. from Lake Bob Sandlin State Park Campground shares, "My family and I enjoy the trails and lake at this park. The playground is one of the best I've seen at the state parks we've been to! We love our SP so close to home!"
Swimming areas: Designated swimming spots with gradually sloping entry points provide safer water recreation. "The lake was perfect and had a nice beach. We were able to rent kayaks and paddle boats. The hiking is not the greatest but it was easy enough for my toddler," remarks Sarah J. about Tyler State Park.
Educational opportunities: Wildlife observation opportunities abound with early morning being optimal for spotting deer. "Kayak launch isn't easy to get to but the 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)," describes Becca H. at Lake Bob Sandlin.
Site selection considerations: Many campgrounds have variable site conditions. At Music Springs, David T. notes, "This was the closest place with camping near Longview. We have looked at it before, but plans feel through. We got a camping spot Mothers day weekend. It was wonderful. Hosts are great and its well kept."
Power management: Most parks offer electricity, but amperage varies. "Concrete pads, lots of shade, many with views of the lake (very clear water for the area) great little campground store with necessities. Very spacious sites!! Nice metal picnic table and fire ring," explains Emily B. at Lake Hawkins County RV Park.
Leveling requirements: Some parks require significant leveling equipment. "Sites are semi level, full hookup, some shade! Great little lake to fish, kayak, swim and hike!" advises Tammie L. when describing Tyler State Park Campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Gilmer, TX?
According to TheDyrt.com, Gilmer, TX offers a wide range of camping options, with 160 campgrounds and RV parks near Gilmer, TX and 6 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Gilmer, TX?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Gilmer, TX is Tyler State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 60 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Gilmer, TX?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 6 free dispersed camping spots near Gilmer, TX.
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