RV camping near Hawkins, Texas offers access to East Texas' Piney Woods region with its mix of forests, lakes and small towns. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F from June through September, with mild winters making year-round camping possible. Most camping areas in Wood County provide good cell reception for travelers needing to stay connected, with multiple carriers reporting strong signals throughout the region.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Lake Hawkins provides good fishing access with multiple docks. "Great RV park, concrete pads, well maintained quiet. This is one of my favorite finds in TX. Everything you need," notes a visitor to Lake Hawkins County RV Park.
Water recreation: Swimming areas with sandy beaches are available at several parks. "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," shares a camper at Lake Hawkins County RV Park.
Antiquing excursions: Gladewater, known as the Antique Capital of East Texas, offers numerous shops within a short drive. "Great spot if you love antiquing! Gladewater has many, many, many antique shops," mentions a visitor staying at Antique Capital RV Park.
Splash pad access: For families with children, some local facilities offer water play areas. "Best splash pad around! Kids love it and playground with concessions available! Nice, clean facilities!" reports a visitor to Mineola Civic Center and RV Park.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Many campgrounds provide well-separated camping spots. "The rv spots were comfortable and well spaced. It gets busy on weekends but is quiet and secluded during the week," explains a camper at Lake Hawkins County RV Park.
Level concrete pads: Most parks feature concrete pads that require minimal leveling. "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!!" shares a reviewer at Lake Hawkins County RV Park.
Clean facilities: Parks maintain their shower and restroom facilities well. "Friendly staff clean site, showers that are nicer than home. Each site has a shade tree but other than that, not much shade," notes a visitor to Antique Capital RV Park.
Resort-style amenities: Some parks offer premium features. "Family and adult sections. RV's of all sizes, pools for kids, bar pool for adults. Inside Cafe and arcades," describes a camper at Stillwater RV Resort.
What you should know
Seasonal variations: Summer crowds can change the camping experience. "We got here at about 3 pm on Friday and were greeted by a security guard who after getting our wristbands for the weekend escorted us to our site," explains a Memorial Day weekend visitor to Stillwater RV Resort.
Variable site leveling: Not all pads are perfectly level. "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, they put it nearly at the front of the site!" warns a camper at Stillwater RV Resort.
Local traffic: Some parks experience road noise. "2 downsides but not bad. Near a heavy used road, and narrow drive in and out," notes a camper at Shallow Creek RV Park.
Mixed reviews: Park quality can vary significantly. "Lazy river is so slow you have to paddle around it to move, locals are allowed in when they want extra money and its like Caddyshack Caddy-day in the pool," reports one dissatisfied visitor to Stillwater RV Resort.
Tips for camping with families
Water activities for children: Multiple parks offer swimming areas designed for 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," shares a family who visited Lake Hawkins County RV Park.
Playground access: Some facilities include play equipment for children. "Bathrooms nice and big and clean. They are on a golf course for you golfers. Concrete pads, we could tell some were not level, but ours was hardly any leveling. 2 pools, hot tub, splash park, play area," notes a visitor to Shallow Creek RV Park.
Kid-friendly amenities: Look for parks with recreational options for different age groups. "The pool and lazy river was nice, crowded at times but that is to be expected during a busy holiday. Our son did the WiBit inflatable obstacle course and LOVED it," reports a visitor to Stillwater RV Resort.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Choose spots based on your specific needs. "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. Walking distance of big grocery store. 15 miles from Lake Fork. They even bring you a 55 gallon garbage container," explains a camper at Mineola Civic Center and RV Park.
Connectivity considerations: Internet access varies by location. "Internet good, though we did put out our starlink as we didn't want to hog everyone. Verizon great after 7 months of barely cell phone it is so nice," shares an RVer at Texas Rose RV Park.
Hook-up placement: Sewer connections may require additional equipment. "Make sure you bring a lot of sewer hose! We had our 20ft and had to go to Walmart to get an extension, they put it nearly at the front of the site!" advises a camper at Stillwater RV Resort.
