Martin Creek Lake State Park offers three distinct hiking trails ranging from 1.2 to 1.5 miles each for glamping enthusiasts near Kilgore, Texas. The park's primitive camping area on the island provides waterfront views with nearby bathroom facilities. While there is some ambient noise from the power plant across the lake, most visitors find the natural setting compensates for this minor distraction. The park's glamping sites generally range from $13-19 per night, making it an affordable option in East Texas.
What to do
Fishing and water activities: Martin Creek Lake State Park features fishing piers, boat launches, and swimming areas for water enthusiasts. According to Aaron K., "My wife and I did our first camp at Martin Creek Lake state park the other week. It was a great smaller state park. We highly recommend their primitive camping option on the island."
Hiking trails: Tyler State Park Campground provides multiple trails through pine forest areas with varying difficulty levels. Peter F. notes, "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."
Wildlife viewing: At Lake Bob Sandlin State Park, visitors can spot local wildlife during their stay. Rebecca shared, "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."
Paddle sports: Caddo Lake State Park offers canoe rentals and access to unique paddling trails through cypress trees. Bill N. explains, "The big attraction here is the lake, which looks like something straight out of a Louisiana swamp movie. Huge old cypress trees with Spanish moss hanging from the limbs. The park rents canoes or there is a boat ramp to launch your own boat."
What campers like
Private island camping: Visitors appreciate the secluded glamping experience at Martin Creek Lake State Park's island sites. A camper mentioned, "We stayed at the primitive campgrounds on the island and it was just perfect. When we hiked the trail around the island it was just gorgeous."
Peaceful pine forest setting: Daingerfield State Park Campground offers glamping among tall pine trees with lake views. MORRIS O. commented, "Great campsite. Beautiful tall piney woods. Clean, well maintained campsites, restrooms, park and lakeside facilities. Gorgeous lake for our boys to practice canoeing and kayaking skills."
Well-maintained facilities: Cleanliness is frequently mentioned in reviews across parks. At Martin Creek Lake, a reviewer noted, "The sites were clean, well kept. The bathrooms were also clean (Always a good thing to have!) Lots of fishing boats, and plenty of room for parking for the day."
Unique glamping accommodations: Music Springs provides distinctive glamping options near Kilgore. According to Blake M., "Has a variety of unique lodging, as well as tent sites. Owners are attentive and accommodating. I recommended the teepee."
What you should know
Temperature variations: East Texas experiences hot summers and mild winters, making spring and fall ideal for glamping near Kilgore. Prepare for temperature drops at night even during summer months.
Reservation requirements: Most parks require advance booking, especially for weekend stays. Shane H. advises about Martin Creek Lake, "Nice short distance hiking trail, I enjoyed quite a bit. The sites were clean, well kept. The bathrooms were also clean. Lots of fishing boats, and plenty of room for parking for the day."
Power plant proximity: The power station near Martin Creek Lake creates some ambient noise. Lori C. explains, "The noise from the power station droned constantly at a low hum but was easy to tune out. We arrived early and I hiked all three trails, which were easy to follow but not that well marked where they crossed."
Wildlife considerations: Be prepared for local wildlife encounters. At Jellystone Park™ Tyler, a visitor mentioned, "Great spot found a week out from trip. Just wanted to spend a night there to check it all out. Great trails and swimming area. Be careful for raccoons saw a lot of them while here!"
Tips for camping with families
Child-friendly amenities: Parks near Kilgore offer features designed for families with children. Sarah J. from Tyler State Park notes, "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."
Playground access: Several parks include playground equipment for children. Becca H. shared about Martin Creek Lake State Park, "Pretty cool play ground, trails to explore, covered picnic tables in the swim area, nice fishing piers. A really cool SP."
Educational opportunities: Introduce children to nature through ranger programs and wildlife observation. A visitor to Lake Bob Sandlin mentioned, "Overnight spider webs cover everything and I'm quite sure we took a hundred spiders home with us! The firewood from the park was plentiful and donation based."
Pack appropriately: Bring insect repellent, extra clothing layers, and food storage containers. Karen M. from Music Springs recommends, "The bathrooms and shower are clean, there's a community kitchen that has a microwave, coffee maker, and refrigerator. The whole place is decorated very nicely."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Choose RV sites based on your equipment size and preferences. At Martin Creek Lake State Park, Lori C. advised, "We stayed one night at Martin Creek Park in our travel trailer on our way to the next destination. Site 40 was wooded and very spacious. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring and ours had water and electric."
Utility connections: Check hookup availability when booking. Many parks offer water and electric, but not all have sewer connections. Peggy H. noted about Martin Creek Lake, "We would camp here again, not full hook ups but the staff was the best we have ever runn across. Very helpful in every aspect. Swim area, alot of trails. Quiet campground."
Park layout considerations: Some parks have tight turns or limited maneuvering space. A reviewer at The Boulders at Lake Tyler mentioned, "We had number #17 and it was a little tricky to get into the site deep enough that your slides don't stick out into the road. It made our patio area smaller. But it was right on the water so it was worth it."
Seasonal planning: Book glamping sites near Kilgore in advance during peak seasons. Wayne P. from Caddo Lake recommended, "Camping in the pines was wonderful. Very nice bathrooms, private. Firewood is available for donation. Water, sewer and electric hookups very close to trailer. Quiet and good site spacing."
