Tent camping opportunities near Hawkins, Texas range from forested lake campsites to primitive nature preserve settings. The region experiences seasonal extremes with summer humidity indices frequently reaching 85-95% from June through September, creating challenging camping conditions. Most sites sit at elevations between 350-450 feet above sea level, positioning them within the Piney Woods ecological region where sandy soil conditions impact tent staking and drainage.
What to do
Fishing access points: Visitors at Lake Winnsboro Park find convenient shoreline fishing spots where bass and catfish are common catches. "Super cute and quiet. Free, quiet & clean. There were very clean portopottys for use as well," notes camper Ashli D.
Disc golf options: Harpoon Larry's Camping features a developing disc golf course on the property. According to LaRee S., "Brock is also developing a disc golf course on property - so yes, that Harpoon Larry."
Wildlife observation: Tent campers frequently report rabbit sightings at primitive sites. "We saw a couple rabbits too!" mentions a camper at Harpoon Larry's. Multiple bird species populate the wooded areas, particularly during spring migration periods from March through May.
What campers like
Secluded clearings: Fish Hawke Point offers first-come, first-served lakeside camping with minimal crowds. Kevin S. reports, "This point is first come first serve, find any spot you like. Primitive camping... It's a great spot for Kayaking and other water sports, or just relaxing in the water."
Pine forest settings: Many sites feature dense pine cover typical of East Texas woodlands. A camper at Lake of the Pines notes, "A few miles from arriving..you can start to smell the pine trees!" The distinctive pine scent intensifies during summer heat.
Water recreation: Multiple camping areas offer direct lake access. According to Kevin S., Fish Hawke Point provides "a great spot for Kayaking and other water sports, or just relaxing in the water." The area also features "a great place to watch 4th of July fire works show put on every year."
Low-traffic camping: Several campsites in the region remain relatively unknown to non-locals. One camper at Fish Hawke Point notes, "This is a free campground on one of the county's public lakes. Spots are first come first serve, primitive, and lack amenities... mostly this is a spot frequented by locals."
What you should know
Limited facilities: Most tent camping areas near Hawkins provide minimal amenities. At Greer Hill, campers find "Barebones on purpose... Set up your basic base camp near a picnic table and fire ring... The site itself is not attractive per-se but there are some basics and an outhouse."
Access challenges: Some primitive sites require appropriate vehicles. At Harpoon Larry's, LaRee S. advises, "Definitely bring a high clearance vehicle if you want to make it to the clearing. We didn't trust our camper Prius to make it through a certain dip in the trail."
Heat considerations: Summer camping requires preparation for limited air movement. Barrett C. describes Lake of the Pines as "Simple and Functional. Just a really nice little camp ground," while another camper notes camping in high temperatures requires fans due to limited breeze.
Fire restrictions: Fire regulations vary by location and season. Fires are permitted at Fish Hawke Point and Lake Winnsboro Park but prohibited at the Mineola Nature Preserve campgrounds. Campers should check current restrictions, particularly during summer drought conditions when bans are common.
Tips for camping with families
Group-friendly clearings: Lake Of The Pines offers spacious camping areas suitable for families. One reviewer notes, "The space would be perfect for families and groups! There's lots of space to run around and spread out without worrying that someone will walk up on your camp."
Wildlife safety: Families camping with small children should exercise caution regarding wildlife. A camper warns, "Wildlife can include alligators so watch your little ones!"
Winery pairing: Families with adults can combine camping with winery visits at Mineola Nature Preserve. Andrew A. mentions, "Also there is an incredible winery on premises too. Grand Oaks Winery."
Water recreation: Fish Hawke Point provides swimming and kayaking opportunities appropriate for families. A camper notes it's "a great spot for Kayaking and other water sports, or just relaxing in the water."
Tips from RVers
Tent-only considerations: Most sites near Hawkins cater specifically to tent camping with limited RV accommodations. Travis F. recommends Lake of the Pines for "good open camping and good fishing."
Power needs: Tent campers at Lake of the Pines can access electric hookups, unusual for the region. One camper advises, "Campgrounds offer electric and water, you'll want a fan in the summer."
Site selection: For RVers considering tent camping, Andrew A. notes the Mineola Nature Preserve "also has an RV/Equestrian trailer area near the highway and some even deeper woods camping for equestrians or backpackers. No frills at all in those spots and too dark to enjoy IMO."
