Best Campgrounds near Kilgore, TX

East Texas pine country surrounds Kilgore with a variety of camping areas within a 30-mile radius. The region includes established campgrounds like Tyler State Park and Martin Creek Lake State Park, both offering water and electric hookups for RVs alongside tent camping options. Several private RV parks including Shallow Creek RV Park and Stillwater RV Resort provide full-service amenities with sewer connections, while cabin rentals are available at Pine Ridge RV Park and Jellystone Park Tyler. Most campgrounds feature lakeside locations, providing both recreational opportunities and scenic views.

Many campgrounds in the area require reservations, particularly during summer and holiday weekends when sites fill quickly. "This is my favorite state park in Texas! Lots of options for all kinds of campers," noted one visitor about Tyler State Park. Road access to most campgrounds is well-maintained with paved entrances suitable for larger RVs, though some sites may require leveling. The climate features hot, humid summers and mild winters, making spring and fall the most comfortable camping seasons. Cell phone coverage varies by location, with stronger signals near Tyler and more limited service at remote lake areas. Visitors should be prepared for possible thunderstorms year-round, particularly during spring and early summer.

Mixed-use campgrounds dominate the Kilgore area landscape, with tent and RV sites often sharing the same facilities. Waterfront locations receive consistently positive reviews, with Lake Tyler and Lake O' The Pines frequently mentioned as scenic destinations. A camper described Martin Creek Lake State Park as having "shelters that were IMMACULATE to say the least," highlighting the clean, well-maintained facilities. Wooded sites provide ample shade during hot months, though some reviews mention mosquitoes can be problematic during summer evenings. Fishing opportunities abound at most lake campgrounds, with catfish being a common catch. Most campgrounds feature fire rings and picnic tables, though fire restrictions may apply during dry periods. Family-friendly amenities like playgrounds and swimming areas are common at the state parks, while private RV resorts often offer more extensive facilities like game rooms and camp stores.

Best Camping Sites Near Kilgore, Texas (150)

    1. Tyler State Park Campground

    59 Reviews
    Lindale, TX
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (903) 597-5338

    $18 - $60 / night

    "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."

    "This is my favorite state park in Texas! Lots of options for all kinds of campers."

    2. Martin Creek Lake State Park Campground

    22 Reviews
    Tatum, TX
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (903) 836-4336

    $15 - $85 / night

    "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."

    "This was our first experience at a Texas State Park. Overall, the park is clean and well maintained."

    3. Shallow Creek RV Park

    5 Reviews
    Kilgore, TX
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (903) 984-4513

    "Near a heavy used road, and narrow drive in and out. Friendly and nice, we will be back."

    "Clean easy drive through spots."

    4. Stillwater RV Resort

    8 Reviews
    Kilgore, TX
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (903) 483-4414

    "There is a small lake with lots of floating things for kids to climb on, a children's pool with lots of water features, a lazy river to float around using provided inner tubes, and an adults only pool"

    "Kinda pricey but the lazy river is perfect for a Texas summer. The kids and adults in our group all loved it! Staff was great."

    5. Fernbrook RV Park

    3 Reviews
    Kilgore, TX
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (903) 643-8888

    6. Antique Capital RV Park

    3 Reviews
    White Oak, TX
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (903) 845-7378

    $45 - $660 / night

    "Swimming pool & fishing lake. Very little shade. No dog park but lots of green walks for the pups. Great spot if you love antiquing! Gladewater has many, many, many antique shops."

    7. Pine Ridge RV Park

    1 Review
    Kilgore, TX
    4 miles
    +1 (903) 238-4207

    8. The Boulders at Lake Tyler

    6 Reviews
    Tyler, TX
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (903) 268-5880

    $55 - $195 / night

    "Great view of Lake Tyler. Also very clean. There is a store, great boat dock, and a vendor selling very good bbq. We will definitely come back if in the area."

    9. Jellystone Park™ Tyler

    9 Reviews
    Hawkins, TX
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (903) 858-2405

    "Great spot in the Piney woods of East Texas. Minutes from Tyler State park. Perfect spot for large families or groups."

    "Great evening movies, lots of fun activities, and close to Tyler if you decide to venture out and get some good food, or find something to do!"

    10. Cowboy Camp RV park

    1 Review
    Easton, TX
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (903) 660-2025

    "Close to Hallsville. Full hook ups. Clean park. Great laundry facility and bath house."

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Recent Reviews near Kilgore, TX

369 Reviews of 150 Kilgore Campgrounds


  • Alex E.
    Oct. 15, 2025

    Fernbrook RV Park

    Nice people

    This is a very nice RV Park everyone is friendly it's like it's own little community because everyone communicates they have a Facebook group and if someone needs something you can reach out everyone is very trusting here and I feel like I can leave my stuff out and not have to worry about it I have been here for 4 months also the bath houses are a lot nicer than most RV parks

  • e
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Tyler State Park Campground

    Pretty park

    Tyler State Park is a pretty park. There are a number of hiking trails, but we were only there overnight. The lake and beach look lovely. Most of the camp sites look nice with water and electric. The bath house is clean with hot showers, but could use some paint and TLC. Sites 13, 14, and 15 were very nice especially if tent camping.

  • Elise A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 20, 2025

    Buckhorn Creek

    Beautiful but loud

    Me and my partner posted up there on a Thursday evening. There wasn’t another group at the actual campsite that we could see. Despite being ostensibly alone, I do believe there is a few Lakeside properties or perhaps a neighborhood nearby because there were boats going back-and-forth across the water at all hours of the night And several dogs barking to no end.

    When we departed in the morning, it took a moment to take a look at the other campsites, many of which had fire pits filled with trash. This could just be a one off, cause we did go, maybe a week or so, after the Fourth of July but there’s also a real possibility that this is a pretty normal party stomping ground. Either way the surrounding area was beautiful and when everything quieted down in the morning, it was incredibly peaceful.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 30, 2025

    Lake Bob Sandlin State Park Campground

    Nice weekend stay

    Stayed for a two day stay. Spots are small for parking but are for the camp site was appropriate. Plenty of things to do. If you like fishing plenty of options for all ages. Nice fishing pier. Cool by the lake.

  • Jonathan E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 27, 2025

    Lake Holbrook Park - South

    Good Quick Stop

    Decent camp area right by the water in a park. I wouldn’t say it’s secluded, but it’s quiet and there is enough space per site to pitch a tent and enjoy your time. I was the only person camping here when I went in January. There is a bit of light from nearby buildings/houses, but not bad. In all, it was sufficient for an overnight stop, but I wouldn’t necessarily want to stay for longer than that.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 24, 2025

    Daingerfield State Park Campground

    Daingerfield State Park-Texas

    Great campground Full Hookups Super quite. Small lake with paddle boats and canoes.

  • M
    Jun. 18, 2025

    Sunshine Oaks RV Park

    Beware when making a reservation online!

    Made a reservation online on our way home from a trip out West. Cancelled the next day due to the National Weather Service forecast for the risk of severe weather for the area. Manager refused to refund our money due to us cancelling less than 5 days of the reservation (duh, we were on our way home) and then argued with us about the weather forecast! Do yourself a favor and stay somewhere else.

  • P
    Jun. 1, 2025

    Rosie Jones Park

    Rosie Jones Park

    It was nice and clean they had mowed. Quiet nites overlooking the lake there is no electricity other than few street lights or water. It does have a camp permit now $6 a day. Road is rough going in. More of Boondocking adventures except has tables scattered.


Guide to Kilgore

Camping spots near Kilgore, Texas spread across the piney woods of East Texas, where elevations range from 350 to 500 feet above sea level. The region gets approximately 46 inches of annual rainfall, creating lush woodland environments but also periodic flooding risks during spring months. Fall camping season from September through November offers average temperatures between 55-85°F with significantly reduced humidity compared to summer months.

What to do

Watercraft rentals: Tyler State Park provides kayak and paddle boat rentals for exploring their 64-acre spring-fed lake. "The lake was perfect and had a nice beach. We were able to rent kayaks and paddle boats. The hiking is not the greatest but it was easy enough for my toddler," notes Sarah J. from Tyler State Park.

Fishing opportunities: Most lakeside campgrounds offer fishing piers and accessible shorelines with catfish being common catches. "Just got home from our first trip to Martin Creek Lake St Park. We had a good time... We enjoyed the hiking trail, playground and did some fishing," shares Dustin S. at Martin Creek Lake State Park.

Water recreation: Swimming areas and splash pads provide relief during hot summer days. "We just completed our first visit to this park! Our daughter has a December birthday, and she decided to not have a party, but to go camping instead! We stayed busy the entire stay!" reports Savanah H. at Jellystone Park Tyler.

What campers like

Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain spotless restrooms and shower facilities. "Pull thru, level, concrete pad. Swimming pool & fishing lake. Very little shade. No dog park but lots of green walks for the pups. Great spot if you love antiquing!" reports Jo at Antique Capital RV Park.

Playground amenities: Several parks offer extensive playground options for families with young children. "We brought our Springdale Mini by Keystone to The Boulders for our first ever camping trip and could not have had a better experience. The grounds were clean and well maintained. Concrete sites made setup and leveling super easy," shares Brianna B. at The Boulders at Lake Tyler.

Hiking trails: The region offers moderate hiking paths through pine forests. "Pine forest and beautiful lake for swimming, paddel boarding (SUP), or fishing. Lots of hiking/mountain bike trails. Day use swimming area can get crowded on the weekends but there's plenty of quieter access points," notes Peter F. about Tyler State Park.

What you should know

Weather considerations: Summer temperatures regularly exceed 95°F with high humidity from June through August. "We are 'spoiled' RV'ers used to staying at pretty much top of the line, no kidding, real RV Resorts and this place certainly fits the bill. Its not cheap for sure, but it is wonderful," explains Mark M. about Stillwater RV Resort.

Site leveling: Many campsites require some leveling adjustments, particularly for larger RVs. "Site 40 was wooded and very spacious. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring and ours had water and electric. There was a dump station available," reports Lori C. about Martin Creek Lake State Park.

Reservation requirements: Most popular campgrounds fill completely during summer weekends and holiday periods, requiring reservations 2-3 months in advance. "Just wanted to spend a night there to check it all out. Great trails and swimming area. The shop was closed while I was there and the boat rentals as well. Be careful for raccoons saw a lot of them while here!" warns Myc C. about Tyler State Park.

Tips for camping with families

Safety precautions: Poison ivy grows abundantly in wooded areas, particularly along trails and natural areas. "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," describes Heidi R. about Martin Creek Lake State Park.

Seasonal activities: Holiday weekends typically feature organized family events like outdoor movies and group activities. "Great spot in the Piney woods of East Texas. Minutes from Tyler State park. Perfect spot for large families or groups," advises Sidney R. about Jellystone Park Tyler.

Pet accommodations: Most campgrounds allow pets but have specific leash and cleanup requirements. "The staff was helpful & super friendly. There was thick beautiful well groomed grass & paved level sites. Playground was basic but again very well kept," comments Angel at Fernbrook RV Park.

Tips from RVers

Hookup configurations: Placement of utility hookups varies considerably between campgrounds, affecting setup requirements. "We found this at the last minute and they had room for 25 days. When we got in the owner said he would give us the monthly rate because it was cheaper than 3 weeks. That was nice," shares Mary T. about Shallow Creek RV Park.

Antenna reception: Cell coverage varies widely within the Kilgore area with stronger signals near major highways. "Pulled into campground after hours. Owners had the welcome packet waiting on us with directions to the campsite. Loved that the facilities were secure. Campground is in a quiet area with no road noise," notes ScottFrance at Fernbrook RV Park.

Road access: Some campgrounds have narrow entrance roads that can challenge larger rigs. "The sites were close together, with full hookup's! We had a great time here with our family camping next to us and some friends rented a cabin, which was very nice!" shares Tammie L. about Jellystone Park Tyler.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Kilgore, TX?

According to TheDyrt.com, Kilgore, TX offers a wide range of camping options, with 150 campgrounds and RV parks near Kilgore, TX and 4 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Kilgore, TX?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Kilgore, TX is Tyler State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 59 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Kilgore, TX?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 free dispersed camping spots near Kilgore, TX.