Dog-Friendly Camping near Kilgore, TX

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    Tyler State Park Campground's pet-friendly sites accommodate tent campers, RV users, and cabin guests throughout the year. The park features multiple camping loops with water and electric hookups where leashed pets are welcome. Martin Creek Lake State Park also allows pets at designated campsites with full hookups and screened shelters. Most RV parks near Kilgore maintain pet-friendly policies, including Shallow Creek RV Park, Stillwater RV Resort, and Fernbrook RV Park, all offering full hookup sites with 50-amp service. Pine Ridge RV Park extends pet accommodations to cabin rentals. Campgrounds typically require pets to remain on leashes no longer than 6 feet, though enforcement varies between locations. The concrete pads at many sites provide clean surfaces for pet owners, while grassy areas between sites offer space for walking dogs.

    Hiking trails at Tyler State Park provide excellent exercise opportunities for leashed dogs, with a 2.5-mile loop trail circling the lake. The park's pine forest setting creates natural shade for pets during summer months when ground temperatures can exceed 100°F. Lake access points at Martin Creek and Tyler State Park allow pets to cool off, though owners should check for blue-green algae warnings during warmer months. Most campgrounds lack dedicated dog parks, but Lake Hawkins County RV Park offers open green spaces suitable for pet exercise. Campers report minimal wildlife concerns for pets, though ticks are common in warmer months. Local ordinances require proof of rabies vaccination, and the nearest emergency veterinary services are located in Longview and Tyler, approximately 15-20 minutes from most campgrounds.

    Best Dog-Friendly Campgrounds near Kilgore (116)

      1. Shallow Creek RV Park

      5.0(5)6mi from Kilgore16 sitesRVs, Tents

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

      "Clean easy drive through spots."

      from $50 - $55 / night

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      2. Stillwater RV Resort

      3.8(8)12mi from Kilgore1 siteRVs

      "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."

      3. Fernbrook RV Park

      4.7(3)5mi from KilgoreRVs, Tents

      4. Antique Capital RV Park

      4.0(3)10mi from KilgoreRVs, Tents

      "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."

      from $50 - $790 / night

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      5. Pine Ridge RV Park

      3.0(1)4mi from KilgoreRVs, Cabins

      6. Jellystone Park™ Tyler

      3.8(10)25mi from Kilgore6 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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!"

      7. Cowboy Camp RV park

      4.0(1)16mi from KilgoreRVs

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

      8. Southwoods RV Park | Christian Retirement Ministry

      5.0(1)18mi from KilgoreRVs

      9. Lake Hawkins County RV Park

      4.3(8)28mi from KilgoreRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "Roads make it easy to get around and get into your site. Most pads are concrete, very clean well kept campground. View of lake is wonderful, peaceful and huge spaces."

      "This is one of our “go to” parks when we stay close to home."

      10. Brushy Creek

      4.3(11)30mi from Kilgore99 sitesRVs, Tents

      "This lake is situated in east Texas and is a corp of engineers lake. Every site is a concrete pad with a picnic table and fire ring. Hooks up are water and electricity only, no sewer."

      "This COE campground is part of Lake O' The Pines right outside the historic town of Jefferson, TX. Our site had 180 degree views of the beautiful lake and sat amongst tall pines."

      from $18 - $44 / night

      Check Availability

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    Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Kilgore, TX

    388 Reviews of 116 Kilgore Campgrounds

    • T
      Oct. 27, 2026

      Jellystone Park™ Tyler

      Horrible experience

      JELLYSTONE PARK TYLER, TEXAS — 1 STAR. ABSOLUTELY DISGUSTED.

      We paid for a family vacation October 16–18. Instead, we spent our time dealing with concerning cabin conditions, repeatedly relocating, and trying to get management to take us seriously.

      Cabin 122 smelled musty, had an unusually soft bathroom floor, and showed visible discoloration and growth that concerned us. I photographed it.

      We were moved repeatedly. No meaningful assistance was offered. Our children lost vacation time because we were busy packing and unpacking.

      AND LET ME MAKE SOMETHING PERFECTLY CLEAR:

      NOTHING WE RECEIVED WAS PROACTIVELY OFFERED TO MAKE OUR DISRUPTED VACATION RIGHT.

      Build-A-Bear? WE requested it in exchange for a missed hayride.

      Linens refund? WE requested it because of the bedding condition.

      Management has referenced these things as though they somehow made up for everything else.

      They did not. Stop presenting things we had to ask for as generosity.

      Then there's manager Tom.

      During one interaction, he demanded that I look at him while he spoke to me. I found his manner condescending and disrespectful.

      He also chose to approach me to apologize while I was alone in my swimsuit at the pool, despite having other opportunities to speak with me. I was uncomfortable with that interaction.

      I repeatedly raised a Build-A-Bear request without meaningful acknowledgment. When a man in our group repeated the same request, Tom immediately agreed.

      I cannot speak to his intentions, but I should not have to rely on a man repeating my request to feel heard.

      Women, based on my experience, I would personally avoid dealing with Tom.

      Multiple members of our group also understood Tom to say that accepting a refund meant we had 30 minutes to leave the property. Management disputes that account. I stand by my recollection.

      After filing a formal complaint, providing photographs, and following up, I contacted Northgate Resorts because I wanted someone ABOVE Tyler management to review our experience.

      Instead, I spoke with Kyle Mohler on October 27.

      He disputed my concerns and denied a refund.

      THEN HE TOLD ME THEY INTEND TO USE OUR EXPERIENCE TO IMPROVE HOW EMPLOYEES HANDLE GUEST RELOCATIONS.

      Excuse me?

      Our experience is significant enough to warrant changing procedures, but apparently not significant enough to warrant additional compensation for the family who endured it?

      When I asked for contact information for someone above him, Kyle refused, stating he didn't need to or have to provide it.

      I CONTACTED CORPORATE TO GET ABOVE RESORT MANAGEMENT, NOT TO BE SENT RIGHT BACK TO IT.

      I am disgusted with the way this vacation and the subsequent complaint have been handled.

      This is only a summary. My original complaint contains 19 sections, and I have photographs and correspondence. I am willing to share a redacted copy privately with anyone interested.

      ONE STAR. I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND JELLYSTONE PARK TYLER. OUR FAMILY DESERVED BETTER.

    • Benjamin S.The Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 16, 2026

      Southwoods RV Park | Christian Retirement Ministry

      We camped here during the Alert Academy Family Camp in October. Good little campground with all you need. Open spaces with lots of shade. It is a private campground so check the rules and make sure to communicate with staff. But we really enjoyed our stay here.

    • Amanda J.The Dyrt Pro User
      Sep. 25, 2026

      Martin Creek Lake State Park Campground

      Great Stop

      We have stayed here on multiple cross country trips and it's always been great for a quiet spot! It's well shaded and our ConnecTen Internet worked great here. Nice walking and very chill atmosphere with clean bath houses.

    • bThe Dyrt Pro User
      Sep. 24, 2026

      Brushy Creek

      All quiet here in the Fall

      Only 3 campers in the whole area on a Wednesday night. Beautiful spot on the lake.

    • Gavin T.
      Aug. 17, 2026

      Camp Quapaw

      Camp isn’t even

      The camp isn’t even open drove 200+ miles for nothing DO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY

    • CThe Dyrt Pro User
      Jul. 13, 2026

      Caddo Lake State Park Campground

      Great Stay

      Had a nice stay, peaceful, not crowded. Electricity hookup was further than I expected so had to buy 3 additional 20 foot extension cords (total of 4). Luckily there is a family dollar a mile or two away. Other than that no issues.

    • BThe Dyrt Pro User
      Jul. 3, 2026

      Lake Quitman West Dam

      Nice place

      Lots of locals stay out here. Everyone is very friendly.

    • JThe Dyrt Pro User
      Jun. 23, 2026

      Brushy Creek

      Beautiful large sites.

      Large sites in woods or on the water. Lots of wildlife. Boat up to sites.

    • Bryan S.The Dyrt Pro User
      Jun. 22, 2026

      Tyler State Park Campground

      Beautiful views.

      Stayed overnight and it was a great stay. Staff were friendly and the views were amazing.

    Guide to Kilgore

    Located in East Texas's piney woods region, Kilgore offers campers numerous options within a 30-mile radius. The area has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers reaching 95°F and mild winters around 40-60°F. Fall and spring provide the most comfortable camping weather, with occasional thunderstorms requiring adequate shelter preparation.

    What to do

    Swimming and water activities: At Tyler State Park Campground, campers enjoy multiple water recreation options beyond the main beach area. "The lake was perfect and had a nice beach. We were able to rent kayaks and paddle boats," notes Sarah J. The park also offers "lots of hiking/mountain bike trails" according to Peter F.

    Fishing opportunities: Martin Creek Lake State Park Campground provides excellent fishing spots with accessible piers. "Lots of fishing and swimming," reports Angie H., who visited with her grandson. The primitive camping section on the island offers a unique experience, though Aaron K. advises: "Remember to bring your wagon, the parking lot is a good 70 yards to the camp sites."

    Antique shopping: Gladewater, near Kilgore, features numerous antique stores for rainy-day activities. Jo at Antique Capital RV Park confirms: "Great spot if you love antiquing! Gladewater has many, many, many antique shops." The park's location provides convenient access to these stores while maintaining camping comfort.

    What campers like

    Spacious lakeside sites: Lake Hawkins County RV Park receives praise for its well-designed camping areas. Emily B. appreciates the "concrete pads, lots of shade, many with views of the lake (very clear water for the area)." Jon S. adds that there are "huge spaces" with a "wonderful, peaceful" view of the lake.

    Quality facilities: Campers consistently mention the clean, well-maintained amenities at parks near Kilgore. At Antique Capital RV Park, one reviewer notes they have "showers that are nicer than home." Ryan B. appreciates that "each site has a shade tree" though he mentions there's "not much shade" overall.

    Family entertainment: Jellystone Park™ Tyler offers extensive activities beyond standard camping. Savanah H. shares that "The bouncy pillow is always a fan favorite, and we spent just as much time there as we did in the water." Another camper, Matthew F., reports his "kids loved every minute of our stay! Had plenty of things to keep them busy!"

    What you should know

    Weather considerations: Summer temperatures regularly exceed 95°F, making shade crucial. At Tyler State Park, Tim H. notes it's "nestled in the piney woods" providing natural cooling. However, concrete pads at other campgrounds can retain heat, affecting pets' paws during midday walks.

    Reservation timing: Popular parks fill quickly, especially during holidays and weekends. Tammie L. says about Tyler State Park: "Hard to get reservations because it is so popular! If you get reservations it's kinda like winning the lottery."

    Noise factors: Some campgrounds have environmental noise to consider. At Stillwater RV Resort, Mark M. mentions that during weekdays "the park was about 70% empty" but "expectations are that it will fill up for the weekend." At Martin Creek Lake, Shane H. warns: "There's a power plant over there. Didn't know that when I booked my site."

    Tips for camping with families

    Playground access: Multiple parks offer play areas for children. Becca H. says about Martin Creek Lake State Park: "Pretty cool playground, trails to explore, covered picnic tables in the swim area, nice fishing piers." Similarly, her review of Tyler State Park notes "The playground is one of the best I've seen at the state parks we've been to!"

    Swimming options: Shallow Creek RV Park provides swimming facilities suitable for families. Mary T. notes that amenities include "2 pools, hot tub, splash park, play area," making it ideal for children during hot weather. Internet access is also good, which helps with entertaining kids during downtime.

    Entertainment for rainy days: When outdoor activities aren't possible, Savanah H. recommends Jellystone Park's indoor options: "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!"

    Tips from RVers

    Site leveling: Several campgrounds require adjustment for RVs. Lisa P. at Stillwater RV Resort mentions: "Our site was at a bit of an odd angle to pull into, but nothing too serious." Daniel H. confirms: "You will need a little side to side leveling for many of the sites."

    Hookup placement: Check the position of utilities when selecting sites. Alyssa F. advises: "Make sure you bring a lot of sewer hose! We had our 20ft and had to go to Walmart to get an extension, they put it nearly at the front of the site!"

    Accessibility: For larger rigs, concrete pads provide stability regardless of weather. At Cowboy Camp RV Park, Savanah H. confirms "Full hook ups. Clean park. Great laundry facility and bath house," making it suitable for extended stays near Kilgore.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Kilgore, TX?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Kilgore, TX is Shallow Creek RV Park with a 5-star rating from 5 reviews.

    What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Kilgore, TX?

    TheDyrt.com has all 116 dog-friendly camping locations near Kilgore, TX, with real photos and reviews from campers.