5 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Lake Hawkins County RV Park welcomes pets at all 150+ concrete pad sites with full hookups for RV camping, tent camping, and cabin rentals. The park features spacious, shaded camping areas with lake views and maintains a clean, well-kept environment for pets and their owners. Dogs must remain leashed within the campground boundaries but can enjoy the lakeside areas and designated pet exercise zones. The park provides metal picnic tables and fire rings at each site, with multiple bathroom facilities and shower houses available throughout the grounds. Fish Hawke Point at Lake Hawkins offers more primitive pet-friendly camping options with electric hookups on a first-come, first-served basis. Jellystone Park Tyler also accommodates pets in its 320 sites that include tent camping, RV spots, cabin rentals, and glamping options. Sites are somewhat close together but allow easy access to the park's numerous family activities. The concrete pads and well-maintained grounds make it comfortable for dogs and their owners.
The trails around Lake Hawkins provide excellent walking opportunities for leashed dogs, with clear water access points where pets can cool off during hot Texas summers. Tyler State Park, located approximately 30 minutes from Hawkins, offers additional pet-friendly camping with numerous hiking trails through pine forests and access to a small, no-wake lake where dogs can swim in designated areas. Most campgrounds in the region enforce standard pet policies requiring vaccination records, proper waste disposal, and keeping pets attended at all times. Local campers note that Lake Hawkins' campground becomes busy on summer weekends but remains quiet and secluded during weekdays, creating a more peaceful environment for pets sensitive to noise and activity. The sand beach area at Lake Hawkins has a section reserved specifically for RV campers and their pets, separate from the public swimming areas. Wildlife encounters are possible in the wooded areas surrounding these campgrounds, so keeping dogs leashed protects both local wildlife and pets.
"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!"
"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."
"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."
from $40 - $95 / night
"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."
"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."
"I 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."
from $20 - $49 / night
"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
"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
"Walking distance of big grocery store. 15 miles from Lake Fork. They even bring you a 55 gallon garbage container."
"The park is located inside town and close to shopping. Bathroom and showers house was added last year. This is a great place for large rv groups and rallys. The rates are $39 daily."
from $34 - $39 / night
ScoutThis park is clean and so peaceful. A must stay for me and my husband again. Worth the price . Nice park . Free firewood grills . Jeff and Tammy are no longer park host there. A really nice fellow name Glen is. And Barb not the owner .
ScoutJELLYSTONE PARK TYLER, TEXAS — 1 STAR. ABSOLUTELY DISGUSTED.
We paid for a family vacation October 16–18. Instead, we spent our time dealing with concerning cabin conditions, repeatedly relocating, and trying to get management to take us seriously.
Cabin 122 smelled musty, had an unusually soft bathroom floor, and showed visible discoloration and growth that concerned us. I photographed it.
We were moved repeatedly. No meaningful assistance was offered. Our children lost vacation time because we were busy packing and unpacking.
AND LET ME MAKE SOMETHING PERFECTLY CLEAR:
NOTHING WE RECEIVED WAS PROACTIVELY OFFERED TO MAKE OUR DISRUPTED VACATION RIGHT.
Build-A-Bear? WE requested it in exchange for a missed hayride.
Linens refund? WE requested it because of the bedding condition.
Management has referenced these things as though they somehow made up for everything else.
They did not. Stop presenting things we had to ask for as generosity.
Then there's manager Tom.
During one interaction, he demanded that I look at him while he spoke to me. I found his manner condescending and disrespectful.
He also chose to approach me to apologize while I was alone in my swimsuit at the pool, despite having other opportunities to speak with me. I was uncomfortable with that interaction.
I repeatedly raised a Build-A-Bear request without meaningful acknowledgment. When a man in our group repeated the same request, Tom immediately agreed.
I cannot speak to his intentions, but I should not have to rely on a man repeating my request to feel heard.
Women, based on my experience, I would personally avoid dealing with Tom.
Multiple members of our group also understood Tom to say that accepting a refund meant we had 30 minutes to leave the property. Management disputes that account. I stand by my recollection.
After filing a formal complaint, providing photographs, and following up, I contacted Northgate Resorts because I wanted someone ABOVE Tyler management to review our experience.
Instead, I spoke with Kyle Mohler on October 27.
He disputed my concerns and denied a refund.
THEN HE TOLD ME THEY INTEND TO USE OUR EXPERIENCE TO IMPROVE HOW EMPLOYEES HANDLE GUEST RELOCATIONS.
Excuse me?
Our experience is significant enough to warrant changing procedures, but apparently not significant enough to warrant additional compensation for the family who endured it?
When I asked for contact information for someone above him, Kyle refused, stating he didn't need to or have to provide it.
I CONTACTED CORPORATE TO GET ABOVE RESORT MANAGEMENT, NOT TO BE SENT RIGHT BACK TO IT.
I am disgusted with the way this vacation and the subsequent complaint have been handled.
This is only a summary. My original complaint contains 19 sections, and I have photographs and correspondence. I am willing to share a redacted copy privately with anyone interested.
ONE STAR. I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND JELLYSTONE PARK TYLER. OUR FAMILY DESERVED BETTER.
GuideWe camped here during the Alert Academy Family Camp in October. Good little campground with all you need. Open spaces with lots of shade. It is a private campground so check the rules and make sure to communicate with staff. But we really enjoyed our stay here.
TravelerWe have stayed here on multiple cross country trips and it's always been great for a quiet spot! It's well shaded and our ConnecTen Internet worked great here. Nice walking and very chill atmosphere with clean bath houses.
GuideOnly 3 campers in the whole area on a Wednesday night. Beautiful spot on the lake.
TravelerMixed Thoughts: Disappointing, “Looks Nice,” and “Oh Yeah, That Part Was Good.”
Sometimes the negative outweighs the positives!
We reserved party space at Twin Lakes Tiny Home & RV Park in Mount Pleasant and rented Little House #1. The property has potential, but unfortunately our experience fell far short.
First, don’t assume Little House #1 is actually at the lake’s edge based on the professional site map. It wasn’t where we expected. Also, the office closes at 6 PM Friday, which is important when you need a key.
The people working on-site seemed nice and appeared to be trying. The bigger problems were the accommodations and lack of follow-through.
The main AC struggled to cool the house below 85+ degrees. The master bedroom AC worked, so we left that door open trying to help cool the rest of the house. The loft where some of our six kids were staying was especially hot.
Then came the insects.
The first night, our kids had ants in their beds. To their credit, someone arrived within about an hour, sprayed and changed the sheets. Unfortunately, that was basically the last maintenance assistance we received.
By the second day, the ants were back. One of us also received a nasty spider bite in the kitchen. After being away during the day, we returned to find the house even less cooled than before.
We repeatedly called the voicemail and text line seeking assistance. No response.
Before dark on the second night, we finally packed up and left.
Sunday morning, someone identifying himself as the General Manager called, apologized and said someone would contact us within a day or so to discuss the problems.
I waited a week. Nothing.
I even sent another message explaining that I write honest reviews and wanted to give management an opportunity to respond concerning our paid stay. Still nothing.
There ARE positives. The property looks nice and has potential. The party area worked for our gathering, and the staff we encountered seemed pleasant.
However, read the event agreement carefully. There are numerous circumstances where your card can be charged—someone uses a paddle boat, stays beyond the permitted time, furniture isn’t returned as required, etc. I understand rules and holding guests accountable. I simply wish we had experienced that same level of accountability when the property failed to provide what we paid for.
We paid for a weekend getaway but dealt with inadequate AC, ants in the children’s beds, a spider bite, unanswered requests for help, an early departure and a promised management follow-up that never happened.
There really is potential here, and I hope they address these issues.
Unfortunately, based on our experience, I cannot recommend staying here.
I sincerely hope your experience is different.
TravelerMixed Thoughts: Disappointing, “Looks Nice,” and “Oh Yeah, That Part Was Good.”
Sometimes the negative outweighs the positives!
We reserved party space at Twin Lakes Tiny Home & RV Park in Mount Pleasant and rented Little House #1. The property has potential, but unfortunately our experience fell far short.
First, don’t assume Little House #1 is actually at the lake’s edge based on the professional site map. It wasn’t where we expected. Also, the office closes at 6 PM Friday, which is important when you need a key.
The people working on-site seemed nice and appeared to be trying. The bigger problems were the accommodations and lack of follow-through.
The main AC struggled to cool the house below 85+ degrees. The master bedroom AC worked, so we left that door open trying to help cool the rest of the house. The loft where some of our six kids were staying was especially hot.
Then came the insects.
The first night, our kids had ants in their beds. To their credit, someone arrived within about an hour, sprayed and changed the sheets. Unfortunately, that was basically the last maintenance assistance we received.
By the second day, the ants were back. One of us also received a nasty spider bite in the kitchen. After being away during the day, we returned to find the house even less cooled than before.
We repeatedly called the voicemail and text line seeking assistance. No response.
Before dark on the second night, we finally packed up and left.
Sunday morning, someone identifying himself as the General Manager called, apologized and said someone would contact us within a day or so to discuss the problems.
I waited a week. Nothing.
I even sent another message explaining that I write honest reviews and wanted to give management an opportunity to respond concerning our paid stay. Still nothing.
There ARE positives. The property looks nice and has potential. The party area worked for our gathering, and the staff we encountered seemed pleasant.
However, read the event agreement carefully. There are numerous circumstances where your card can be charged—someone uses a paddle boat, stays beyond the permitted time, furniture isn’t returned as required, etc. I understand rules and holding guests accountable. I simply wish we had experienced that same level of accountability when the property failed to provide what we paid for.
We paid for a weekend getaway but dealt with inadequate AC, ants in the children’s beds, a spider bite, unanswered requests for help, an early departure and a promised management follow-up that never happened.
There really is potential here, and I hope they address these issues.
Unfortunately, based on our experience, I cannot recommend staying here.
I sincerely hope your experience is different.
ScoutMid-size oak trees all over, starlink internet is ok, very quiet and not crowded. Our electric power was very poor, and the roads are busted up asphalt for the most part. Forget fishing unless you have a boat. We would come again
GuideWe stayed at Canton I-20 RV Park as an overnight stop while traveling between the Dallas area and Monroe, Louisiana, and it couldn't have been more convenient. If you're traveling east or west on I-20, this is one of those parks that's easy to get to without wasting time driving far off the interstate. It's also close enough to Buc-ee's in Terrell to stock up on snacks, fuel, and anything else you forgot before getting back on the road. Even though we were only there for one night, the park was clean, quiet, and well maintained. Check-in was simple, the hookups worked perfectly, and we had a peaceful night's sleep before continuing our trip. I can also see why this park is so popular during Canton's famous First Monday Trade Days. It's only a short drive to the market, and the park offers amenities that would make it a great home base for vendors and shoppers alike. Between the free laundry, swimming pool, covered patio, clean showers, and all-inclusive monthly rates, it seems like an excellent place for both a quick overnight stop and an extended stay. We'll definitely keep Canton I-20 RV Park on our list anytime we're traveling I-20 through East Texas. Whether you're crossing the state, visiting First Monday Trade Days, or just looking for a quiet place to spend the night, it's hard to beat the convenience.
Lake Hawkins and the surrounding area offer diverse camping options for outdoor enthusiasts and their pets. The East Texas Piney Woods region sits at approximately 400 feet elevation with mild winters and hot summers that routinely reach 90-100°F between June and September. Most campsites in the region feature level concrete pads with full hookups, though primitive camping options exist at select locations for those seeking a more rustic experience.
Fishing opportunities: Lake Hawkins provides excellent fishing spots with multiple access points. At Tyler State Park Campground, "The lake was perfect and had a nice beach. We were able to rent kayaks and paddle boats" according to Sarah J. The park also features "a small lake, perfect for kayaking and fishing from one of several docks," as noted by Dianne C.
Mountain biking trails: Mountain biking enthusiasts can find well-maintained trails at Tyler State Park, about 30 minutes from Hawkins. Peter F. mentions there are "lots of hiking/mountain bike trails," while Jill C. specifically notes that "trails for biking and hiking are great!"
Water activities: Beyond swimming, many campgrounds offer structured water activities. Jellystone Park™ Tyler features water amenities that families particularly enjoy. Savanah H. reports, "My kids loved the splash pad/water slides (I did too!)," adding that during summer months visitors can "play at the water park."
Spacious sites: Campers frequently mention appreciating the generous spacing between sites at Lake Hawkins County RV Park. Jon S. notes there are "huge spaces" and "lots of places for kids to play or ride bikes." Charles P. confirms the "nice spaced out sites, plenty of room to enjoy the stay."
Clean facilities: Campgrounds in the area maintain high cleanliness standards. At Shallow Creek RV Park, visitors consistently comment on the upkeep. Lois describes it as "exceptionally clean" while pam mentions "the grounds, laundry and shower rooms are clean and well kept."
Family activities: Organized events keep families entertained, particularly at Jellystone Park. Savanah H. describes various activities including "hay rides, gem stone mining, laser tag, outdoor movies, crafts, mini golf, basketball, volleyball, a kangaroo jump bounce pillow."
Reservation timing: Popular campgrounds fill quickly, especially during peak seasons. At Tyler State Park, Tammie L. notes it's "hard to get reservations because it is so popular! If you get reservations it's kinda like winning the lottery."
Amenities variation: Facilities vary widely between campgrounds. Fish Hawke Point at Lake Hawkins offers more primitive options where Kevin S. explains it's "first come first serve, find any spot you like. Primitive camping," adding that "restrooms have recently been torn down and are going to be rebuilt."
Seasonal considerations: Summer weekends bring larger crowds to most campgrounds. Vanessa M. notes that Fish Hawke Point is "mostly a spot frequented by locals," while at Lake Hawkins County RV Park, George B. observes that "it gets busy on weekends but is quiet and secluded during the week."
Water features for children: Choose campgrounds with dedicated water areas for kids. At Tyler State Park, Becca H. mentions "the playground is one of the best I've seen at the state parks we've been to," while Sarah J. adds that "the hiking is not the greatest but it was easy enough for my toddler."
Organized activities: Mineola Civic Center and RV Park offers excellent amenities for families just a short drive from Hawkins. Becca H. notes they have the "best splash pad around! Kids love it and playground with concessions available! Nice, clean facilities!"
Pet-friendly trails: When camping with both kids and pets, look for trails that accommodate both. At Tyler State Park, Peter F. describes "pine forest and beautiful lake for swimming, paddel boarding (SUP), or fishing" with "plenty of quieter access points" away from crowded areas.
Site leveling: Many campgrounds feature level concrete pads, but some require adjustment. At Lake Hawkins County RV Park, Emily B. notes the "concrete pads, lots of shade, many with views of the lake," and Chris P. adds that the park has "concrete pads, well maintained quiet."
Internet connectivity: For those needing to stay connected, Jon S. reports "great At&t signal to work lake side" at Lake Hawkins County RV Park, while at Mineola Civic Center and RV Park, Gregg C. mentions "Wifi is good and Verizon, T Mobile and AT&T work well."
Hookup logistics: RV sites typically include full hookups, but confirm specifics before booking. At Mineola, larry L. notes "over 150 concrete sites all level from what I could see. Well set up for Class A Motorhome sewer, water and 50 and 30 amp connections."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Hawkins, TX?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Hawkins, TX is Jellystone Park™ Tyler with a 3.8-star rating from 10 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Hawkins, TX?
TheDyrt.com has all 125 dog-friendly camping locations near Hawkins, TX, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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