Best Tent Camping near Jacksonville, TX

Recent Tent Reviews near Jacksonville, Texas

228 Reviews of 9 Jacksonville Campgrounds

• C

  Cara H.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 22, 2018

  Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area

  Clean and nice campground

  This is a nice little campground and a pretty little east Texas lake. It is clean and everyone we met was friendly. The tent sites don’t have electric but include a picnic table and fire pit. We had a great visit!

• 

  Wesley D.

  Traveler

  

  Dec. 25, 2020

  Tyler State Park Campground

  Lots of stuff to do!

  I tent camped and there were alot of trails, alot of activities to do and the water was alittle on the chilly side but was still nice!

• 

  Michael H.

  Scout

  

  Jul. 22, 2019

  Tyler State Park Campground

  You’ll Enjoy Every Second Of It

  Absolutely stunning Texas state park located along the Texas Forest Trail that showcases the rolling hills of pine trees that dubbed this region the name “Pineywoods” of East Texas. Clean lake with available kayaking and canoeing, and even paddle boats. RV hookups or tent campgrounds.

• 

  Blake M.

  Scout

  

  Nov. 18, 2019

  Music Springs

  Great Site

  Has a variety of unique lodging , as well as tent sites. Owners are attentive and accommodating. I recommended the teepee.

• 

  Paul L.

  Scout

  

  Oct. 6, 2022

  Tyler State Park Campground

  Many hiking trails

  The park has many hiking trails. The tent sites are close together so there is not much room for privacy. Many racoons. Park facilities are clean, nice swimming area and good roads.

• 

  Destiny L.

  Traveler

  

  Aug. 18, 2018

  Camp Tonkawa Springs RV Park and Campground

  The water is beautiful, never crowded, camping is eh

  Tere is a natural fed spring that is clear and beautiful. There's BBQ pit area and picnic tables. Cell Signal is almost non-existent. Sandy but still a lot of fun for the family.

  There's RV camping and I believe tent camping also. We normally make a day trip as Its only a couple hours from home

• 

  Crystal C.

  Guide

  

  Oct. 6, 2019

  Martin Creek Lake State Park Campground

  Pretty okay place would go back again.

  There’s 10 tent camping spots on the island. Our camp had trash on the beach when we got there. You can hear the power plant all the time. The hike was pretty and we got to see a deer with two fawn. Tons of buzzerds on the trail who defend their young. We camped the beginning of October and there was only one other tent around. Nice view from P1.

• 

  Cevan

  Traveler

  

  Dec. 29, 2020

  Tyler State Park Campground

  Tent Camping: Everything but peace and quiet, bring ear plugs.

  Hear me out :D The Park itself is very beautiful and the staff there are some of the nicest hosts you will encounter at a SP. Bathrooms were clean, and the showers were nice as well. Our issue was that Tent camping is primarily offered on the south side of the park. Which as the crow flies is about 1 mile from I20. So throughout the night the constant rumble of cars on the highway can keep you up most of the night. Then you have the local Emergency Services. Sirens down the park road and on i20. This is the perfect day use SP for the Trails and water sports. Also looks like it would be prefect for RV camping.

• 

  James_TrueZoneCoaching

  Guide

  

  Sep. 19, 2021

  Tyler State Park Campground

  Great camping 2 hours from Dallas

  I visited the Shortleaf camping area in the Tyler State Park for the weekend to participate in a 50k trail race. Each campsite in this area has a sheltered cabin, picnic table, fire pit and 2 parking spots. Tent camping is also permitted on the site but I used my iKamper Roof Top Tent as my primary place to sleep. The sheltered cabin has screens on the windows to keep the bugs out and electricity. I used this area primarily for storage of the food & gear that I used during the weekend. My campsite was located at the bottom of a hill and had a path to the restrooms and showers. These facilities were very clean and had 2 shower stalls and 3 toilet stalls along with 2 sinks. This location had access to the lake via a short hike. This type of camp site is the best of both worlds, you can camp via tent/car and still have a cabin like experience via the sheltered cabin. 

  In September it is still pretty warm in Tyler, humidity was 100% when I visited without rain. I'll visit again in October when the cooler temps arrive and undoubtable have an even better experience.

• 

  Daniel L.

  Guide

  

  Oct. 16, 2020

  Mission Tejas State Park Campground

  Great park - small crowded camping

  Come for the hiking trails and access to local communities like Palestine, TX and 4C Trail.

  You will get to know your neighbors at this state park if you choose to camp here.

  Our party was spread out between the main campground and the Day Use area sites. We enjoyed the site we had, but our friends were camping in the main camping loop which was very crowded and cramped mid-week. Personally our site was B near the playground and the ADA trailheads. Site B is kinda magical and if you like people watching than you are in luck, there is no shortage of foot traffic near your campsite. For us it was nice and hikers, passersby were very respectful. 

  Amenities used:

  Bundled FIrewood (donations accepted, however it is free to use)

  WIFI at the visitors center is sub-dial-up speed

  Bathhouse is stall type so it is not a fully private room.

  Staff if friendly and helpful

  Sites are all on hillside, if you have an RV/camper I would rec the pull through sites. The back in sites really only work for tent camping. For Tents, the pad sizes vary so be sure to check your tent dimensions. We saw a few sites our 4 person tent wouldn't have fit onto. (Saw the same at Lake Ratcliff) 

  Personally I would recommend the campgrounds at Lake Ratcliff if you are looking for spacious camping loops. Also Lake Ratcliff's bathhouse was much nicer and more ADA friendly. Mission Tejas's high quality trails are only a 20min drive from Lake Ratcliff.

  Would've given this park a 4 star if campground hadn't been so cramped. Maybe my expectations need curbing. I will return for some winter camping later this year, possible even early spring as well. It is a great park, but if it is full, it feels crowded.

• 

  Heidi R.

  Guide

  

  May. 31, 2018

  Martin Creek Lake State Park Campground

  Screened Shelter - BEST EVER! and oddly, no mosquitoes !?

  There are many options to camp at this state park. There’s RV sites, tent sites (both primitive and “cushy”), cabins, cottages and screened shelters. my past experience with screened shelters were always dusty, dank, spider-filled shacks that I would only store my cooler and belongings in (tightly sealed) but these at Martin Creek were IMMACULATE to say the least! They seem cob-webby from the outside but once inside, the concrete floor is smoother up the edges of the walls about 2.5’, reducing entry of insects via cracks in the joints of floor and wall. The park employees vacuum these areas, as observed when I passed others that had recently vacated. The rafters in these shelters were spaced out far enough for me to hang my hammock. 4 people slept inside without air mattresses or camp pads and slept wonderfully (flat surfaces are good for our spines sometimes) not a big in sight. There is an electrical outlet inside as well as a light, and there is an outlet outside as well. Small lock on inside, watr spigot and doIble lantern hook nearby as well as a wooden/metal picnic table (good condition). I slept in Shelter #6 and it was a few yards away from the water’s edge. Great views of a small lilly-pad laced bay and we caught 7 catfish using normal nightcrawlers as bait. Fried them up for lunch the next day and they tasted like heaven! But, everything tastes better when you’re camping. We had also set up 4 tents around the area (not disturbing local flora/fauna) and we slept to the deafening croaks of frogs. Only 1 raccoon came upon our camp area to a spot where someone had thrown a corn cob, otherwise, we take all the necessary steps to avoid crossing paths with those relentless nighttime furry bandits. Shelters 7-9 are also located in great areas of the lake nearby, there is the power plants across the lake and for some reason, we like to believe that it was the reason we had ZERO mosquitoes! Many house flies and the non-biting ants were everywhere but not to the point of insanity... they list this ant as an issue on their website I do believe. I’d take this shelter over a hotel stay ANY TIME!

• 

  Jenny S.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 30, 2018

  Tyler State Park Campground

  One of our favorite parks

  I should mention that my husband is from Canada. He was very unenthusiastic about camping in Texas. Well Tyler State Park made him change his mind! He LOVED the large trees, said it was the closest he'd felt to home in quite some time. We love the variety of types of sites they offer. Lake front, group, hike in, cabin, they have something for everyone! Only downfall is they book so quickly.

• 

  Andy K.

  Scout

  

  Mar. 18, 2021

  KE Bushman's Camp

  Tented in march.yes!

  While tenting in Texas is highly variable in match, Bushmans has a unique little swatch for yents or even tents! Enjoyed Kiepersolncanned wine and best shower rooms ever’! Now if they just sponsor a bike even, I could bring friends!

• 

  Mikaela H.

  Scout

  

  Apr. 28, 2019

  Tyler State Park Campground

  Options Galore!

  This is my favorite state park in Texas! Lots of options for all kinds of campers. For camping, lots of different sites available for RVs/Campers, Tents, etc. some along the lake, some in the woods, and also cabins and shelters available! Hiking options vary from a nature stroll, to some more serious up-downs through the hills on the outskirts of the campground. Bring your friends, family, and pets, there is truly something for everyone here, even kayak and canoe rentals at the lake!

• K

  Kim R.

  Traveler

  

  Aug. 30, 2017

  Tyler State Park Campground

  Lots to do!

  It being August in Texas, we rented a limited use cabin with air conditioning. It also has a mini frig and a microwave inside. It has a queen size bed for which campers need to bring their own pillows and bed linens. The frig was super cold, and the AC worked well. There was a wood table with four chairs. The table was really sticky, so I recommend bringing something you can use as a table cloth. There are only six of these cabins, and they have a four bathroom building at the end of the cul de sac. No tents or pets are allowed at the cabin sites. Each has fire pit and water outside cabin

  The park has a very small lake with canoe, kayak, paddle board, row boat, and paddle boat rentals. Life vests are provided with rental. It was fun! There is a good sized swimming area too. There are a number of trails of varying difficulty, some for hiking only, some for home and bike. Ranger programs offered.

• G

  Gabrielle T.

  Scout

  

  Jul. 23, 2019

  Tyler State Park Campground

  Very pretty

  We had a good time here, nice campsite, pretty treeline right behind our campsite. The raccoons are a riot though. They all came out at once and kind of pushed us into the tent. They weren't aggressive or anything, but you know. We went out on a boat on the lake, that was fun. The lake isn't very big though, but it was still a fun time. Make sure to bring a watch, they didnt have any at the little shop ( I was scared to bring my phone)! I will say though that it was kind of pricey? This was a while ago and we stayed 2 nights, I remember it being like 60$. We had the water and electric campsite. Nothing special and only me and the boyfriend (with texas liscence plates). Should not have been that much imo, and I've told people and they think it's crazy too. Just make sure to check the website before you drive all the way out there and spend way too much money. It is pretty though and peacful.

• 

  Veronica S.

  Guide

  

  Sep. 19, 2021

  Mission Tejas State Park Campground

  Lovely campground, spicy tent pad.

  I had a great time at this park. Sites A and B are next to the day usage areas of the park, and are separated from the RV accessible areas. I found the site delightfully secluded - with a nice set of steps from the picnic table and fire pit right up to the tent pad. Water spigots are everywhere - although the one immediately adjacent to A&B was a little muddy, so I walked across to the playground to get water there. There's a trash can right next to the sites, and a set of clean, nice bathrooms not far off. This spot is also conveniently located next to several trailheads.

  Only major problem with this site - there happened to be two fire ant nests on or directly adjacent to the tent pad. Luckily, I was able to angle my 2 person tent perfectly to avoid trouble, but for a larger tent it may have been a huge problem.

• 

  Patrick B.

  Traveler

  

  Oct. 9, 2023

  Neches Bluff Overlook Campground

  Peaceful

  Very primitive and off the beaten path, our 02 Mustang was able to handle it. No site numbers just pop the tent wherever. Very quiet and beautiful.

• j

  jasmine L.

  Ranger

  

  Aug. 30, 2017

  Tyler State Park Campground

  crowded

  I did not stay at the park but did visit to get snapshots of the sites. The sites were really crowded with families with big tents. It almost looked like they were moving in the park. The sites were really generous with space and had some sites that were able to fit more than 3 tents. The privacy was really amazing in my opinion with each site being separated with at least 30 seconds of walking. The view was amazing and half the sites were near the lake. The only downside was the bugs. If you stood still you would get bitten. When we went the temperature wasn't the best. It stood at 90 degrees with really damp humidity.

• 

  Peggy H.

  Scout

  

  Jul. 12, 2018

  Tyler State Park Campground

  Excellent something for everyone

  They have sites for all campers,tents etc. Full hook-ups to water only. Paddle boats to rent. Swimming hole, several lighted fishing docks. boat ramps. You and your family will love this park

• 

  Vanessa M.

  Legend

  

  May. 25, 2018

  Lake Hawkins County RV Park

  Has the amenities

  Campground is available for RVs, tents, and large groups. There are showers and toilets available. Water/electric/sewer hook ups are also available. The grounds have a fence that indicate it is a private area. It borders Lake Hawkins, has a boat dock, fishing pier, and an improved swimming area. Sites are somewhat private but the tent side is frequented by local groups such as scouts or churches. There is a walking path that is called a trail by the park, it is mostly an access service road that a golf cart can drive on. The are is popular for daytime use in the summer because of the improved swimming area. There is a day use fee, per person, and a camping fee. The grounds are county owned and operated. Dogs are welcome.

• 

  Jonathan M.

  Scout

  

  Dec. 15, 2021

  Mission Tejas State Park Campground

  Clean friendly park with a lot to do

  The park has a couple small campsites available for both tent and trailer, with price variation to reflect that. The ranger I met at the gate was friendly, engaging and welcoming. The park boats three historic locations, miles of trails and a small but beautifuly curated interpretive center that all ages interested in history will find entertainment and education in. It also boasts a library which is an unexpected but pleasant feature to find.

• 

  Adam H.

  Guide

  

  Jan. 10, 2019

  Neches Bluff Overlook Campground

  quiet and very primitive

  There's not much to this campground, although it is very beautiful with enormous loblolly pines. This is a primitive campsite. There's no water, no electricity, not bathrooms, etc. Just an area you can use to set up tents or hammocks. We met a nice older fella who said he comes there every day and builds a fire at dusk, stays for a little bit, then leaves.

  We bikes from the Ratcliff Recreational Area and we had to cache water.

• 

  Becca H.

  Guide

  

  May. 5, 2020

  Mission Tejas State Park Campground

  Awesome park with a lot of history!

  My girls and I loved hiking on one of two parks in Texas that you can WALK on the El Camino Royal!!! Great playground, facilities and staff!

• 

  Charlie C.

  Scout

  

  Aug. 3, 2020

  566 Piney Creek Horse Camp

  Great overnight

  I am a touring cyclist. I stopped here for an overnight. Small shelter I set up my tent under as there was rain in the area. A lot of trash in the area.

  Tip:... if cycling the area. About a mile west of this camping area there is a pipe coming out of the ground on the north side of the road. Spewing cold potable water. Great place to fill water bottles if you can find it.

• D

  Danelle I.

  Traveler

  

  Aug. 23, 2019

  Tyler State Park Campground

  Great campsite

  Water is clear and great for swimming, which is a rarity in Texas. Camp has kayaks to rent and a great playground. Lots of camp activities and great hiking. Clean bathrooms!

• 

  Cultivating Fire L.

  Ranger

  

  Oct. 2, 2022

  Decker Hill Park - Lake Murvaul

  Quiet Primitive Lakeside View

  This quiet lakeside campsite was a nice and quiet spot tucked away from any roads where we encountered very few other campers in tents. No water, power or sanitary dumps, but there are trash cans available - granted many visitors seem to litter at this location. Possible old homeless camps on the west end of the campsite.

  Overall, nice quiet spot to stop for a few days.

  check in for free pass at the Lake Murvaul Marina on the other side of the lake