Camping options around Mabank, Texas include several locations within 30-40 miles of town, sitting in the Post Oak Savannah and Blackland Prairie regions. The area features numerous lakes including Cedar Creek Lake and Lake Ray Hubbard, with summer temperatures regularly exceeding 95°F from June through September. Winter nights can drop below freezing, making spring and fall the most comfortable camping seasons.
What to do
Fishing adventures: Oak Cove Marina offers direct lake access that appeals to anglers of all skill levels. One camper noted, "My husband had a blast fishing there with his buddies and we had a good boat ride but there wasn't a whole lot for our kid to do."
Swimming and water activities: Tyler State Park Campground features a designated swimming area that remains popular even during peak summer months. "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," mentions a visitor.
Trail exploration: The wooded areas around Mill Creek Ranch RV & Cottage Resort provide hiking opportunities throughout the year. A camper commented, "This resort is located close to the Canton First Monday Trades day! Very nice clean resort! They have games, fishing, swimming, hiking!"
What campers like
Spacious RV sites: Big Tex Campgrounds receives praise for its site layout and amenities. "The sites are all large and shaded with a picnic table and a fire pit. Our site was also a full hookup site as was the site of our friends that also came with us."
Water recreation: Highview Park on Bardwell Lake provides water-based activities with camping areas overlooking the water. A visitor shared, "Great views, clean sites, however there's very limited shade."
Peaceful lake views: High View earns compliments for its lake setting. "We stayed in campsite 29 which is kind of elevated a bit and we had a great view of the lake. Even tho it rained quite a bit we still enjoyed ourselves," notes one camper.
What you should know
Gate closure policy: Some campgrounds in the area maintain strict entrance hours. At Highview Park, one frustrated camper reported, "When we arrived at 11pm the gates were locked with no one in site. Was supposed to be a one night stopover with a morning swim. Ended up at the rest stop instead."
Tent restrictions: Oak Cove Marina has policies limiting tent camping. "We drove all over the park and could not find a designated area for tents... He then informed us they do not allow tents during the weekend," shared one visitor who arrived planning to tent camp.
Highway noise: Several glamping options near Mabank, Texas sit close to major roads. One visitor at Bluebonnet Ridge RV Park noted, "You're really close to I-20, you will hear the road noise. Only trucks are loud. (We did hear a blowout, scared me to death!)"
Tips for camping with families
Water park access: Coal Mine Ranch RV Park features water recreation that appeals particularly to younger campers. "There were some drawbacks to the sites, but the water area made it all worth it for us and our toddler! He had a BLAST," shares one family.
Playground facilities: Tyler State Park Campground offers play areas designed for various age groups. A visitor mentioned, "My family and I enjoy the trails and lake at this park. The playground is one of the best I've seen at the state parks we've been to!"
Evening entertainment: Some glamping sites near Mabank organize scheduled activities. A Coal Mine Ranch RV Park visitor noted, "Plenty activities for kids. They set up a movie night on the projector. CLEAN BATHROOMS AND SHOWERS."
Tips from RVers
Concrete pads: Mill Creek Ranch RV & Cottage Resort maintains level sites that require minimal setup. A reviewer mentioned, "Very clear grounds and bathrooms. All concrete pads and level. This is a large park and staffed will."
Extended stays: Bluebonnet Ridge RV Park accommodates longer-term camping with appropriate facilities. A camper who stayed for a month detailed, "Package receiving was well handled and painless. Each visitor, even short term like us, gets a mailbox. You can go in 24/7 and check it."
Road conditions: Access roads to some facilities may require careful driving. At Bluebonnet Ridge, "The road is in fairly bad shape, leading into the park. They could really use a road company out there to fix it."