Jacksboro sits at the western edge of the Cross Timbers region of North Texas, with elevations ranging from 900 to 1,200 feet. The area experiences hot summers with temperatures often exceeding 100°F and mild winters, making spring and fall the most comfortable camping seasons. Jacksboro's location at the intersection of several ecological zones creates diverse wildlife habitats, with coyotes and wild turkey commonly seen in evening hours.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: 10-mile trail access from Fort Richardson State Park to Lost Creek Reservoir provides multiple fishing spots. "The good part about this loop is that you're camping within site of the historic Fort Richardson and visiting the grounds is a short walk. The buildings are only open from about 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., but you're welcome to wander the grounds and look in the windows," notes camper Ari A.
Historical exploration: scheduled reenactments at Fort Richardson create immersive experiences during special weekends. "A few times a year, the City of Jacksboro opens its arms to an influx of campers and schools from around the state eager to see one of the unique reinactments at the historic location of Fort Richardson," explains Crystal C. The "Ghosts of Christmas Past" event showcases fort life during winter months.
Rock climbing: beginner-friendly routes at Lake Mineral Wells State Park in Penitentiary Hollow offer accessible climbing options within a 45-minute drive. "There is rock climbing and a small swim beach on the other side of the lake and lots of places to go fishing. The trails are very rocky and not always easy to navigate, but there is so much there to explore," shares Alejandro G.
What campers like
Lake views from elevated sites: Several campgrounds offer sites with elevation advantages for scenic views. "Our site was right on the lake on a little 20 foot bluff that was perfect for watching the sunrise and drinking coffee each morning," reports Jill B. about her stay at Lake Mineral Wells State Park's Live Oak campground loop.
Night sky visibility: Low light pollution at Possum Kingdom State Park creates excellent stargazing conditions. "Very quite and no artificial lights, great place to star gaze," notes Jeanne B. about camping in the area. The darkness makes viewing constellations possible without specialized equipment.
Wildlife encounters: The region hosts diverse wildlife, particularly during early morning and evening hours. "We saw deer and wild turkey every evening, an armadillo and lots of birds," reports Susan L. about Fort Richardson State Park. Many campgrounds have designated wildlife viewing blinds or areas where sunset animal watching proves most productive.
What you should know
Weather considerations: Summer heat requires preparation, with temperatures regularly exceeding 100°F from June through August. "It had rained a lot before we got there and the lake was floating over the road by the dam drive over, it was rather scary," explains Marianne M. about conditions at Plateau — Lake Mineral Wells State Park. Spring brings unpredictable storms while fall offers milder temperatures.
Campsite selection strategies: Researching specific site numbers proves crucial for comfort. "Tent camped at site 104. Good amount of space on this site, but do your research. Some of the sites there are fairly small," advises Alejandro G. about Cross Timbers at Lake Mineral Wells. Sites along creeks often provide natural cooling effects during summer months.
Water level fluctuations: Lake and creek levels vary significantly by season and recent rainfall. "When I pulled in I spoke to person at the entry who gave me a basic rundown of the facility which included a small restaurant, atv area, sports area including mini golf and a pool and of course the camping experience options themselves," notes Crystal C. about Thousand Trails Bay Landing.
Tips for camping with families
Prairie dog viewing: easy wildlife observation at Lake Arrowhead State Park provides unique entertainment for children. "Prairie dogs inhabit the eastern half of the campground. Awesome creatures to watch for hours," shares Jarrid R. The colonies are most active during early morning and late afternoon hours.
Historical education: self-guided tours at several area forts offer interactive learning. "I have camped here multiple times with my son and a couple of other times with the Scout troop. If you have kids, the fort buildings are always a hit. They have restored the old hospital building & the officers' living quarters," reports Bill N. about Fort Richardson State Park.
Equipment loans: fishing gear available at several parks eliminates the need to pack bulky items. "The park has a stocked fishing lake and equipment for loan. There is all the fort buildings to explore with rangers giving talks and various activities," explains Traci M. Most equipment loans require a driver's license deposit rather than fees.
Tips from RVers
Site width considerations: Many older campgrounds have narrow spaces requiring careful positioning. "Only complaint is the width of the campsite. I don't know that all were as narrow as ours, but site 20 is a really tight squeeze. Went off the side a couple of times trying to get in," warns Jim P. about Possum Kingdom State Park Campground.
Horse trailer accommodation: For equestrian camping near Jacksboro, Texas, sites have varying suitability for larger rigs. "We stayed one night at the equestrian camp on our way through the area. With only a couple of small pens and not much space, we could see why equestrians might not flock here," notes Ari A. about Fort Richardson's equestrian camping area.
Road condition awareness: Access roads to several campgrounds require slow driving regardless of posted limits. "The park is huge, the road is long and paved/gravel. The speed limit is 35mph but I didn't get over 15 or 20 mph because of the holes," advises William about Thousand Trails Bay Landing.
