Best Campgrounds near Hawkins, TX

The Piney Woods region surrounding Hawkins, Texas features several lakeside camping options within the East Texas landscape. Lake Hawkins County RV Park provides water and electric hookups with boat-in access and an improved swimming area popular with local groups. Fish Hawke Point at Lake Hawkins offers more primitive tent camping with basic amenities. Within a 30-minute drive, Tyler State Park Campground stands out with highly-rated facilities nestled among tall pine trees, offering diverse accommodation types from RV sites with full hookups to tent camping, cabins, and even yurts. The park's lake supports fishing, kayaking, and canoeing activities, while hiking trails range from easy walks to more challenging routes through the rolling hills.

Reservations are essential for most campgrounds in the area, particularly during summer months when swimming areas attract day visitors. As one camper noted, "Tyler State Park made my husband change his mind about camping in Texas. He loved the large trees, said it was the closest he'd felt to home in quite some time." Many sites book up to five months in advance, especially lakefront locations. The region experiences hot, humid summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F, while spring and fall offer milder conditions. Mosquitoes can be abundant near lakes, particularly at dusk, with several reviewers recommending "deep woods" insect repellent. Cell service varies throughout the area, with spotty coverage at some lakeside locations.

Wildlife encounters are common throughout campgrounds near Hawkins, with raccoons frequently mentioned in visitor reviews. One camper at Tyler State Park warned, "Raccoons are very aggressive and tried to take food that we were eating from our hands!" Secure food storage is essential at all sites. The pine forests provide ample shade at most campgrounds, creating comfortable camping conditions even during warmer months. Fishing opportunities abound in the area lakes, with catfish being a common catch. Campers consistently praise the stargazing conditions, with one noting that certain areas are "night sky friendly with good dark sky viewing." Most campgrounds maintain clean facilities with standard amenities like fire rings, picnic tables, and access to bathhouses, though quality varies by location.

Best Camping Sites Near Hawkins, Texas (162)

    1. Tyler State Park Campground

    59 Reviews
    Lindale, TX
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (903) 597-5338

    $18 - $60 / night

    "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."

    2. Jellystone Park™ Tyler

    9 Reviews
    Hawkins, TX
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (903) 858-2405

    "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!"

    3. Lake Hawkins County RV Park

    8 Reviews
    Hawkins, TX
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (903) 769-4545

    "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."

    4. Music Springs

    6 Reviews
    Hawkins, TX
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (903) 312-6924

    $22 / night

    "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."

    5. Fish Hawke Point at Lake Hawkins

    3 Reviews
    Hawkins, TX
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (903) 769-2134

    6. The Trails at Lavender Road

    4 Reviews
    Lindale, TX
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (903) 258-5529

    $40 - $95 / night

    "Easy location to access from I-20. Verizon works great. We’ve been several places throughout the country and our site was extremely level."

    "Peaceful surroundings. You can hear the traffic noise. Tmobile had good service. Didn't have to unhook with 43 foot 5th Wheel."

    7. Stillwater RV Resort

    8 Reviews
    Kilgore, TX
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (903) 483-4414

    "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"

    8. Savannahs Events

    1 Review
    Hawkins, TX
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (903) 426-5727

    9. Shallow Creek RV Park

    5 Reviews
    Kilgore, TX
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (903) 984-4513

    "Near a heavy used road, and narrow drive in and out. Friendly and nice, we will be back."

    "Clean easy drive through spots."

    10. Heavenly Haven & Hideaways

    1 Review
    Tyler, TX
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (214) 729-4715

    $35 - $49 / night

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Recent Reviews near Hawkins, TX

375 Reviews of 162 Hawkins Campgrounds


  • janet S.
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Canton I-20 RV Park

    Easy to Get to, Cheap to Stay

    No complaints, best park I've seen in this area. 

    Very well maintained, large spaces, picnic tables, nice clean pool, clean laundry room and all machines working. 

    Good job.

    15 mins to Buccees :-)

  • janet S.
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Canton I-20 RV Park

    Easy to get to. Cheap to Stay.

    No complaints, best park I've seen in this area. Very well maintained, large spaces, picnic tables, nice clean pool, clean laundry room and all machines working. 

    Good job.

  • rspillers84
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Canton I-20 RV Park

    SUPER EASY ACCESS - VERY AFFORDABLE - CLOSE TO BUCCEES

    Canton I-20 RV Park is a solid spot right off the interstate. The sites are large, easy to pull into, and each one has a picnic table which makes it nice to sit outside. 

    It’s quiet for being so close to I-20, and the park feels open and well kept. 

    They’ve got a pool, showers, and restrooms that are clean and maintained, plus free laundry, which is a big bonus if you’re staying long term. 

    Utilities are included in the rent, so the price is straightforward. It’s not a resort, but it’s a comfortable, practical place to stay whether you’re traveling through or sticking around for work in the area.

  • e
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Tyler State Park Campground

    Pretty park

    Tyler State Park is a pretty park. There are a number of hiking trails, but we were only there overnight. The lake and beach look lovely. Most of the camp sites look nice with water and electric. The bath house is clean with hot showers, but could use some paint and TLC. Sites 13, 14, and 15 were very nice especially if tent camping.

  • Elise A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 20, 2025

    Buckhorn Creek

    Beautiful but loud

    Me and my partner posted up there on a Thursday evening. There wasn’t another group at the actual campsite that we could see. Despite being ostensibly alone, I do believe there is a few Lakeside properties or perhaps a neighborhood nearby because there were boats going back-and-forth across the water at all hours of the night And several dogs barking to no end.

    When we departed in the morning, it took a moment to take a look at the other campsites, many of which had fire pits filled with trash. This could just be a one off, cause we did go, maybe a week or so, after the Fourth of July but there’s also a real possibility that this is a pretty normal party stomping ground. Either way the surrounding area was beautiful and when everything quieted down in the morning, it was incredibly peaceful.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 30, 2025

    Lake Bob Sandlin State Park Campground

    Nice weekend stay

    Stayed for a two day stay. Spots are small for parking but are for the camp site was appropriate. Plenty of things to do. If you like fishing plenty of options for all ages. Nice fishing pier. Cool by the lake.

  • Jonathan E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 27, 2025

    Lake Holbrook Park - South

    Good Quick Stop

    Decent camp area right by the water in a park. I wouldn’t say it’s secluded, but it’s quiet and there is enough space per site to pitch a tent and enjoy your time. I was the only person camping here when I went in January. There is a bit of light from nearby buildings/houses, but not bad. In all, it was sufficient for an overnight stop, but I wouldn’t necessarily want to stay for longer than that.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 24, 2025

    Daingerfield State Park Campground

    Daingerfield State Park-Texas

    Great campground Full Hookups Super quite. Small lake with paddle boats and canoes.


Guide to Hawkins

Camping opportunities near Hawkins, Texas extend beyond lakeside options into the surrounding Piney Woods ecosystem at elevations between 350-500 feet. The area experiences a humid subtropical climate with approximately 46 inches of annual rainfall, creating lush vegetation throughout most camping areas. Campsite reservations should be secured 2-6 months in advance for popular locations, particularly during spring wildflower season when temperatures average 70-85°F.

What to do

Kayaking and paddling activities: At Tyler State Park Campground, the lake provides calm waters ideal for beginner paddlers. "Pine forest and beautiful lake for swimming, paddel boarding (SUP), or fishing. Lots of hiking/mountain bike trails," notes Peter F. The park offers kayak and paddleboat rentals seasonally.

Mountain biking on dedicated trails: Tyler State Park's trail system includes several routes suitable for mountain bikes with varying difficulty levels. "Sites are good but trails for biking and hiking are great!!" mentions Jill C. The trails include both technical sections and smoother paths suitable for intermediate riders.

Night sky viewing opportunities: The Piney Woods region offers good stargazing conditions away from urban light pollution. At Music Springs, campers enjoy evening star viewing from their sites. "The whole place is decorated very nicely. There's a nice lawn and games, plenty of chairs, lights in the trees, and even wifi," says Karen M.

What campers like

East Texas pine forest camping: Jellystone Park™ Tyler offers a wooded setting with tall pines. "Great spot in the Piney woods of East Texas. Minutes from Tyler State park. Perfect spot for large families or groups," says Sidney R. The pine canopy creates cooler microclimates during summer months.

Concrete RV pads: Lake Hawkins County RV Park provides level concrete pads for easier setup. "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!!" reports Emily B. The pads include full hookups for water and electric.

Family-friendly water amenities: Multiple locations offer swimming areas designed for families. "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," shares Sarah J. of Tyler State Park Campground. Beach areas are typically busiest from 11am-4pm on summer weekends.

What you should know

Weather and insect considerations: Summer temperatures regularly reach 90-95°F with high humidity. "We had our 20ft and had to go to Walmart to get an extension, they put it nearly at the front of the site! There are no trees and it is straight sun almost all day," warns Alyssa F. about Stillwater RV Resort.

Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require advanced booking, particularly for weekend stays. "Only 3 years old, most sites not level. Adult pool is small and dirty. First day lazy river was not running-second day barely moving - had to push ourselves along," notes Craig P. about Stillwater RV Resort, highlighting the importance of recent reviews.

Wildlife management needs: Wildlife encounters require proper food storage. "This is a free campground on one of the county's public lakes. Spots are first come first serve, primitive, and lack amenities. Toilets are winterized," explains Vanessa M. about Fish Hawke Point at Lake Hawkins, where wildlife is frequently spotted.

Tips for camping with families

Playground access: Heavenly Haven & Hideaways provides dedicated play areas for children. At Tyler State Park, "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!" shares Becca H. Most playgrounds are designed for children ages 5-12.

Swimming beaches: Lake swimming areas offer natural alternatives to pools. "We visited here for a weekend get away with friends and their families. We all have young kids and had a blast, playing at the sandy beach on the lake and just enjoying some play time around the campsites," reports Gabby T. about Lake Hawkins County RV Park.

Kid-focused activities: Some campgrounds organize regular family events. At Jellystone Park, "Our daughter has a December birthday, and she decided to not have a party, but to go camping instead! We stayed busy the entire stay! So much fun and lots to do with hay rides, gem stone mining, laser tag, outdoor movies, crafts, mini golf," describes Savanah H.

Tips from RVers

Leveling and setup requirements: RV sites vary in levelness across the region. "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," describes Jon S. about Lake Hawkins County RV Park.

Full hookup availability: Shallow Creek RV Park offers complete amenities for extended stays. "Level parking sites with full hook ups, easy access, picnic tables and park-like lighting are the things we appreciate at this RV resort," notes Pam. Hookup amperage varies between 30-50 amp service depending on site selection.

Sewer connection positioning: Check sewer hookup placement before arrival. "You will need to do some leveling. Another thing, make sure you bring a lot of sewer hose! We had our 20ft and had to go to Walmart to get an extension," advises Alyssa F. Many sites require 20+ feet of sewer hose due to connection placement.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Hawkins, TX?

According to TheDyrt.com, Hawkins, TX offers a wide range of camping options, with 162 campgrounds and RV parks near Hawkins, TX and 4 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Hawkins, TX?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Hawkins, TX is Tyler State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 59 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Hawkins, TX?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 free dispersed camping spots near Hawkins, TX.