Camping opportunities around Mount Vernon, Texas center primarily on lake access, with several developed campgrounds situated on Lake Cypress Springs and Lake Bob Sandlin. The region includes established campgrounds like Walleye Park and Overlook Park that offer waterfront sites with amenities for tent campers, RVs, and cabin stays. Lake Bob Sandlin State Park provides a more structured camping experience with water and electric hookups in a forested setting, while more primitive options exist at public ramps and dispersed areas around the lakes.
Access to campgrounds varies by location, with most developed sites requiring advance reservations through different systems. Lake Bob Sandlin State Park operates through the Texas State Parks reservation system, while other campgrounds like Walleye Park have their own booking requirements with some sites requiring minimum stays. Summer temperatures can climb above 90°F with high humidity, making spring and fall ideal for camping in the region. Winter camping remains comfortable for most, with daytime temperatures typically above freezing. As noted in one review: "Walleye Park is a comfortable and lovely park in Mt. Vernon on Lake Cypress Springs - one of the most beautiful lakes in Texas. The sites border the edges of a peninsula so every site has water access."
Waterfront camping dominates the Mount Vernon area, with several visitors highlighting the quality of lake access as a primary attraction. Nearly every campsite at Walleye Park offers direct water access, making it popular for fishing and water recreation. Most camping areas provide basic amenities including picnic tables, fire rings, and access to restrooms, though facility quality varies by location. Several campgrounds in the area feature shared docks or piers for fishing access. Campers report varying levels of privacy, with Lake Bob Sandlin State Park offering more secluded, wooded sites compared to the more open waterfront settings at other campgrounds. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, weekday camping provides a quieter experience, while summer weekends and holidays can be busy with boating activity, particularly at lakefront campgrounds.
$10 - $40 / night
"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."
"Vernon on Lake Cypress Springs - one of the most beautiful lakes in Texas. The sites border the edges of a peninsula so every site has water access and share a dock with the neighboring site. "
"PROS Senior discount saved $20
Each site has unobstructed lake view
Site 67 level concrete pad surrounded by sandy soil with afternoon only shade
Climate controlled toilet/shower facility
Clean"
"I found this location because I needed a free spot for a few days for a medical appointment. It is within about 5 miles of Mount Pleasant, TX."
"Has on-site Lake Police Headquarters. Gated, secure, quite, VERY nice. Bout 5 miles from Walmart and gas startions - food."
$60 - $70 / night
"The staff was friendly and helpful, and everything we needed was close by. Would definitely stay here again!"
"This is the best Free camping ground that I have been in, travel south for winter and drive about 200 miles every couple days."
$400 / night
"camping trip twice a year here It is great they have everything you need
Huge grill Covered pavilion
Large group fire pit
Every camp site faces the center so you see the whole area
Its right on Lake"
$40 - $60 / night
"Sites that back right up to great water views and access to fishing. Sandy spots to swim from at various entry points. Friendly people and several kids that run around playing, making friends."
"Very relaxing spot on Lake Bob Sandlin. Having the Marina across the street was very convenient for those last minute forgotten items."
$30 - $325 / night
"We recently bought property near Mt Pleasant and came to work on it. Stayed for a week for $150. 30/50 amp hook ups, sewer and water. Landry $2 a load. Super friendly people."
"The owner is very nice and helped me with choosing a drive thru site. It is well maintained. Mix of long term and short stay resident s."
$55 / night
"Close to boat ramp, 5 min walk to the lake, full hookups, good water pressure, fire pits, gavel sites, concrete pads for wooden picnic tables, small grills, dog run, horseshoes, laundry hut and free firewood"
TravelerBest place to go for a clean and quiet place to camp. Beautiful location, sunsets, horses and donkeys makes Sleep Under the Pecan Trees a place we go to camp multiple times a year for three years now.
TravelerGreat environment & friendly staff. My only complaint is rowdy neighbors almost fist fighting drunk a site over. Children were present and foul language was being used and foul music was being played. I am young only 28 and the music was not family friendly. I have no kids but others nearby did. Other than the certain members on that site everything was great.
GuideEasy to find. Lots of people out here camping. Several car / tent combos, class B rigs, and vans. Was serenaded by cows. There are porta poties and trash barrels around the campsite. Beautiful views of the water. Couldn't hear nearby road. Could fit a small (<20 ft) travel trailer in here. Has a main loop road you can drive around or walk. I saw a couple doing the walk. Pretty clean spot. Could do several days here easily. Att 5G, 1-2 bars. Could surf the Web.
ScoutHas on-site Lake Police Headquarters. Gated, secure, quite, VERY nice. Bout 5 miles from Walmart and gas startions - food. GREAT place to swim - as in long distance, and has a small "beach" for soakers. Two restrooms in camp ground. Two boat ramps. Has a mini airport with hobbiest flying on weekends. Nice and flat one mile road to dam to do sprint runs on, or time-trial bikes.
TravelerBeen to this state park several times first time staying in the Deer Haven section. It lives up to its name. Plenty of deer to be seen along with their armadillo buddies. Only 30 amp hook ups so keeps the big trailers from being able to visit.
ScoutGates are closed from 11pm-4am. Very private
TravelerI stayed 12 days, running back and forth to visit friends in Dallas. There's a fair amount of trash around, but the campground's relaxing, free, with no hassles, and right on the lake. Sites aren't marked and the campground can fit maybe six or eight camps. There's a nice little town just a few miles away with a Walmart etc. (Mineola TX)
TravelerI stayed for 12 days, running back and forth to visit folks in Dallas. Loved being 15 ft from the water's edge. Some train and traffic noise. Fair amount of trash around, but it's a free, relaxing place to camp, No hassles, close to a nice little town with a Walmart (Mineola TX).
ScoutNice, easy access, very clean
Mount Vernon camping sites offer a mix of lake-oriented and primitive options. The area sits at approximately 400 feet above sea level within the Cypress Basin watershed, providing year-round accessibility with moderate temperatures. Winter lows rarely drop below 30°F, making this East Texas location suitable for camping even during cooler months.
Kayaking at Lake Bob Sandlin: Launch from designated areas and explore the winding waterways. At Lake Bob Sandlin State Park, one visitor noted, "Kayak launch isn't easy to get to but they 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."
Hiking: Explore the gentle trails around lake areas for wildlife viewing. The trail system at Lake Bob Sandlin offers 4.5 miles of relatively easy paths. A camper observed, "4.5 total miles of trails and none of it difficult. You can't take a baby stroller because of a few branches, it's all easy hiking."
Winter camping: Take advantage of mild winter conditions for a less crowded experience. A reviewer at Walleye Park shared, "We were the only ones crazy enough to go in December but it was great! Beautiful views and great fishing and were able to cook out and go geocaching."
Waterfront access: Nearly every site at some campgrounds offers direct lake views or shore access. At Walleye Park, a visitor explained, "This is a beautiful park and every campsite is lakefront. 30/50amp, water and tent sites. They do have a dump station. They also have a large pavilion that can be rented that have picnic tables."
Wildlife encounters: Many campgrounds offer opportunities for wildlife viewing. At The Bluffs RV Park, campers report good proximity to nature: "We came in town for a fishing tournament and stayed at this small campground with a lot of cute amenities! Close to boat ramp, 5 min walk to the lake, full hookups, good water pressure, fire pits, gravel sites."
Free camping options: Some locations offer no-cost camping with basic amenities. According to one camper at Public Ramp 1, "What a beautiful place! There are dispersed sites throughout the recreation area with clearly marked areas where no camping is allowed. There are restrooms and water available, as well as dumpsters."
Reservation requirements: Many campgrounds have specific booking rules. At Walleye Park, a camper noted: "Their reservation system leaves a lot to be desired. You must book 3 days minimum which leaves a lot of single day gaps that cannot be reserved online. Reservations are made through FCWD.com."
Site privacy varies: Some campsites offer more seclusion than others. One visitor commented about Walleye Park: "No privacy from any other campsite. Site picnic table anchored so not moveable."
Registration procedures: Free camping areas still require check-in. At Public Ramp 1, a visitor explained, "After a while, the on-site police will come by to check you in (name, driver's license, etc) but ours was very friendly. Must be 21 to stay, and not just in your car."
Water activities: Look for campgrounds with dedicated swimming areas. At Big Al's Barefoot Bay, one family noted: "Sandy spots to swim from at various entry points. Friendly people and several kids that run around playing, making friends."
Group facilities: Some parks cater specifically to family gatherings. At Twin Oaks Group Park, a visitor shared: "We do our family reunion camping trip twice a year here. It is great they have everything you need. Huge grill, covered pavilion, large group fire pit. Every camp site faces the center so you see the whole area."
Kid-friendly fishing: Multiple locations provide easy fishing access for children. A camper at Twin Oaks mentioned: "Its right on Lake Cypress so you can dock your boat at the pier and the catfish can be caught by kiddos."
Leveling challenges: Some campgrounds have uneven sites. At Big Al's Barefoot Bay, a reviewer mentioned: "Only 4 stars because the bathrooms are dated and sites aren't concrete."
Water pressure concerns: Check with management about utilities before booking. One RVer at Walleye Park reported: "Site 69 will take a 45' motor coach. We have camped several times here but this time the water pressure was a joke. Very few campers. We had to use onboard water pump for everything."
Budget options: Several campgrounds offer extended-stay discounts. At Ramblin Fever RV Park, a visitor shared: "We recently bought property near Mt Pleasant and came to work on it. Stayed for a week for $150. 30/50 amp hook ups, sewer and water. Laundry $2 a load."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Mount Vernon, TX?
According to TheDyrt.com, Mount Vernon, TX offers a wide range of camping options, with 118 campgrounds and RV parks near Mount Vernon, TX and 5 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Mount Vernon, TX?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Mount Vernon, TX is Lake Bob Sandlin State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 19 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Mount Vernon, TX?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 free dispersed camping spots near Mount Vernon, TX.
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