The Karnack, Texas region offers primitive tent camping opportunities on the Texas-Louisiana border, with several sites located around Caddo Lake and neighboring waterways. The area's low elevation of approximately 170-200 feet creates a humid subtropical climate with mild winters and hot summers. Most tent camping locations in this area feature cypress and pine trees with moderate to dense coverage.
What to do
Hunting excursions: Ivan Lake in Cotton Valley provides an excellent base for hunting trips. "We camp here while hunting..love this camp site no worries or problems, all nice red blooded Americans loving Gods outdoor country," reports David D. at Ivan Lake.
Boat access camping: Multiple campgrounds offer direct water access for anglers and boaters. At Thomas Lake Park, "Campground overlooks a good sized lake, as well as has a boat ramp," notes Wyatt, highlighting the practical water access available.
Disc golf: Earl Williamson Park maintains a complete disc golf course on the property. "We got to play disc golf at their very nice public (free) 18 hole course. I've been carrying around the discs for years and never got to play. Now I'm hooked!" shares Jeff & Alison H., describing an unexpected activity option.
What campers like
Privacy and seclusion: The Karnack region offers genuine solitude at many tent camping locations. Alice C. from Wenks Landing Recreation Area reports, "I didn't see a single soul while I was there," emphasizing the remote camping experience available even during typical camping seasons.
Lake views and water sounds: Waterfront camping creates memorable sensory experiences. Jaye C. describes Earl Williamson Park as "Quiet and peaceful with beautiful sounds off the lake at night," highlighting the auditory experience that complements the visual appeal.
Natural sleeping surfaces: The grassy terrain at certain campgrounds creates comfortable tent platforms. Emma H. shares that at Thomas Lake Park, "We got the best sleep we've ever had camping with the soft grass and our sleeping pad," though she cautions campers to "Watch out for mud spots in the grass."
What you should know
Toilet and shower facilities: Bathrooms vary significantly between campgrounds. At Earl Williamson Park, Lea B. notes, "We were disappointed because the shower in the bathhouse didn't seem to work. It wasn't until the next morning that another camper clued us in about the 'private' shower for campers (get the code from the host)."
Insect activity: The region's humid climate supports substantial insect populations. Alice C. reports that Wenks Landing was "quite buggy even in early April, but I managed to keep moving and make a fire so the smoke would help the bugs stay away."
Site selection considerations: Campground terrain varies considerably, affecting tent setup options. At Wenks Landing, "If you want to tent camp or sleep in your car, only book sites 1-5. The others don't seem to have flat spots for much of anything," advises Alice C., providing specific site recommendations.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Some campgrounds offer dedicated play areas for children. Lane M. notes that Earl Williamson Park has a "Playground for small children," making it suitable for families with younger campers.
Wildlife awareness: Water-adjacent sites require additional supervision. Stacy D. from Lake Of The Pines warns, "Wildlife can include alligators so watch your little ones!" highlighting an important safety consideration for families camping near water.
Swimming options: During warmer months, some campgrounds offer swimming access. Lea B. mentions Earl Williamson Park "has a day use area that includes playgrounds, disc golf, fishing piers, and a swim beach (that we made good use of)," noting a popular activity for children.
Tips from RVers
Hookup limitations: Most campgrounds offer partial hookups only. At Earl Williamson Park, Explorer notes it's "Right on the lake in town Park, cash only and no reservations but can call camp host to see if a spot is open... Only $12 a night cash only, 2 week max," providing key information about reservation policies and payment options.
Power considerations: The dense tree cover affects temperature management. Stacy D. from Lake Of The Pines advises, "Campgrounds offer electric and water, you'll want a fan in the summer. Heavy tree cover means little air movement, even right on the water."
Payment procedures: Many campgrounds operate on cash-only systems. Lea B. reports, "$12 for full hookups. $6 for primitive," noting the price difference between hookup types at Earl Williamson Park, where payment is handled by on-site camp hosts.
