Longview, Texas sits among the Piney Woods region of East Texas, characterized by rolling hills and dense pine forests. RV campers near Longview can expect hot, humid summers with temperatures often exceeding 95°F and mild winters with occasional freezing temperatures. Most campgrounds in the area feature gravel or concrete pads with varying degrees of shade, an important consideration during summer months when temperatures peak.
What to do
Antique shopping in Gladewater: Located near Antique Capital RV Park, visitors can explore numerous antique stores. "Great spot if you love antiquing! Gladewater has many, many, many antique shops," notes one camper who appreciated the town's specialty retail.
Golfing opportunities: Several campgrounds provide easy access to golf courses. Shallow Creek RV Park connects directly to a golf course, making it convenient for RV campers who enjoy the sport. "They are on a golf course for you golfers," mentions one reviewer who stayed for an extended period.
Lake activities: Lake Hawkins County RV Park offers water recreation with a swimming beach and fishing opportunities. A visitor notes, "View of lake is wonderful, peaceful and huge spaces. Lots of places for kids to play or ride bikes." The park features "a boat dock, fishing pier, and an improved swimming area" according to another camper.
What campers like
Clean, modern facilities: Many campgrounds maintain high standards for bathrooms and showers. At Antique Capital RV Park, a camper mentioned "showers that are nicer than home," while appreciating the site's cleanliness.
Swimming amenities: Stillwater RV Resort receives praise for its water 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!" writes one enthusiastic visitor.
Spacious sites: Several campgrounds provide ample room between sites. Lake Hawkins County RV Park impresses with its layout, as one camper mentioned: "Very spacious sites!! Nice metal picnic table and fire ring." Another noted, "Roads make it easy to get around and get into your site."
Fishing opportunities: Laguna Vista RV Park includes a pond that campers enjoy. "The small pond was great to walk around and chat by," writes one overnight visitor who appreciated this feature during their cross-country trip.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Summer heat can be intense with limited shade at newer facilities. At Antique Capital RV Park, a visitor mentioned: "Each site has a shade tree but other than that, not much shade," highlighting the importance of heat management during warmer months.
Site leveling needs: Many parks require some adjustment for RVs. At Laguna Vista RV Park, a traveler noted their site "required side leveling" despite being a pull-through with easy hookups. Shallow Creek visitors observed "we could tell some were not level, but ours was hardly any leveling."
Weekday vs. weekend experiences: Occupancy patterns affect the camping atmosphere. "It gets busy on weekends but is quiet and secluded during the week," explains a camper at Lake Hawkins County RV Park, suggesting timing considerations for those seeking different social environments.
Sewer hookup positioning: Some RV parks have unusual utility layouts. Stillwater RV Resort requires extensive hose length according to one visitor: "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!"
Tips for camping with families
Water features for kids: Stillwater RV Resort offers multiple swimming options. "The kids and adults in our group all loved it!" shares one visitor who particularly appreciated the lazy river during Texas summer heat. Another adds that their son "did the WiBit inflatable obstacle course and LOVED it."
Safe biking areas: Several parks provide open spaces for children. Lake Hawkins County RV Park has been described as having "lots of places for kids to play or ride bikes" along with "several bathroom shower houses, nice beach."
Holiday programming: Holiday weekends often feature special activities. Stillwater RV Resort organizes events such as "Duck races on two days, firework show (very good and free), bingo, chalk contest, find the flags," according to a Memorial Day weekend visitor.
Tips from RVers
Extended stay discounts: Some parks offer rate reductions for longer visits. At Shallow Creek RV Park, a camper noted: "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."
Cell service quality: Connectivity varies by carrier. Shallow Creek visitors report "Verizon great after 7 months of barely cell phone it is so nice," while Marshall Meadows RV Village has "Good At&T signal to work lake side" according to one reviewer.
Road noise considerations: Location relative to highways affects ambient sound. Shallow Creek has "2 downsides but not bad. Near a heavy used road, and narrow drive in and out," cautions a visitor who otherwise enjoyed their stay.
Site accessibility: Access routes vary in quality between parks. Pine Ridge RV Park has "very rocky roads" according to one visitor, while Lake Hawkins County RV Park features concrete pads that make navigation simpler.
