The Kilgore area offers a mix of piney woods and lake access camping options throughout East Texas. RV sites near Kilgore, Texas typically feature concrete or gravel pads with varying levels of shade. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F with high humidity, making water access and swimming options particularly valuable for campers from May through September.
What to do
Antiquing adventures: Gladewater near Kilgore is known as an antique destination. Antique Capital RV Park provides convenient access to numerous shops. "Great spot if you love antiquing! Gladewater has many, many, many antique shops. Campground staff is very nice and accommodating," notes one visitor.
Lake swimming: Clear water swimming is available at Lake Hawkins County RV Park, located about 30 miles from Kilgore. A camper mentioned, "Nice sand beach for swimming, locals are allowed, but there is a small beach reserved for rv folks." The park features "a boat dock, fishing pier, and an improved swimming area."
Golfing access: Some campgrounds provide direct access to golf courses. At Shallow Creek RV Park, one camper noted, "They are on a golf course for you golfers. Concrete pads, we could tell some were not level, but ours was hardly any leveling."
What campers like
Concrete pad quality: Many RV sites in the Kilgore region feature concrete pads rather than gravel. Shallow Creek RV Park campers frequently mention this feature: "The sites are level concrete pads with full hookups" and "Concrete pads, lots of shade, many with views of the lake."
Resort-style amenities: Several parks offer amenities beyond basic camping. Stillwater RV Resort features "Lazy river, adult-only swim up bar, playground, full service on-site restaurant/bar, coffee shop...this is not normal camping. It's fancy camping!"
Spacious sites: Campers appreciate the roominess at several parks near Kilgore. At Lake Hawkins County RV Park, one visitor commented, "Concrete pads, very clean well kept campground. View of lake is wonderful, peaceful and huge spaces. Lots of places for kids to play or ride bikes."
What you should know
Shade variations: Tree cover differs significantly between parks. While some offer ample shade, others have limited protection from the Texas sun. A camper at Antique Capital RV Park noted, "Each site has a shade tree but other than that, not much shade."
Reservation timing: Weekend availability can be limited, especially during summer months. One Stillwater RV Resort visitor mentioned, "As it was during the week, and it is mid October the park was about 70% empty, expectations are that it will fill up for the weekend only until the winter months."
Site leveling needs: Despite concrete pads, some sites require leveling. A camper at Tyler RV Park shared, "Sites are close to being level and campground is on a slight hill, couldn't ride bicycles or anything like that."
Outside food restrictions: Some resort-style parks have restrictions on bringing outside food and drinks. At Stillwater RV Resort, a visitor noted, "One downside is they don't allow outside food or drinks, which I get that they don't want people bringing in alcohol, but it would have been nice to have our own bottles of water with it being over 90 degrees."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds near Kilgore offer dedicated children's areas. Stillwater RV Resort features "a clean large bathhouse with showers and laundry right near a playground, basketball court, pickleball court and two dog runs."
Water activities: For summer camping with kids, prioritize parks with water features. Lake Hawkins County RV Park 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."
Recreation facilities: Some parks offer indoor activities for rainy days or evening entertainment. Texas Rose RV Park provides "a pavilion you can use that includes tables, grills with propane, and a smoker. You can shoot some pool, play foosball, play games or watch TV in the rec room available for use. A playground is available for the kids."
Tips from RVers
Sewer hose length: Pack extra sewer hose for some parks near Kilgore. A Stillwater RV Resort camper advised, "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!"
Cell service quality: Working remotely is feasible at most parks with good connectivity. At Lake Hawkins County RV Park, a visitor reported "Great At&t signal to work lake side," while others noted strong signals for multiple carriers.
Self-contained fire options: Some parks restrict ground fires but allow portable fire pits. At Stillwater RV Resort, "There are no fire pits, so make sure you bring a self contained one (solo stove or similar) or they have them for rent in the office."
