Campgrounds near Mabank, Texas typically feature level sites with water views on surrounding lakes including Cedar Creek Reservoir, Lake Lavon, and Bardwell Lake. The region has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers reaching 95-100°F in July and August, while winter temperatures drop to around 35-40°F. Camping areas maintain basic facilities throughout the summer months when waterfront sites become most popular with weekend visitors.
What to do
Fishing access: High View Park offers quality lake fishing from the shoreline. According to Dani K., "Very pretty lake views and tons of grass. My dog loved going for runs through the grass (while on her leash)." The park provides electrical hookups and covered picnic tables near fishing spots.
Lake swimming: Mott Bardwell Lake features designated swimming areas with clean water and mowed grass. A camper notes, "Clean lake, no broken glass, mowed grass. We love going out there and cooking, swimming, hiking, camping." Swimming access points are maintained throughout summer months.
Boating opportunities: Northside RV Resort provides boat access with a man-made lake and trails. According to Marilea G., "The park has a man made lake with jogging trails. We enjoyed our stay." Boat ramps remain accessible for most of the year, with some restrictions during winter months.
What campers like
Clean bathroom facilities: Liberty Hill Park Campground maintains well-kept restrooms and shower facilities. One camper reported, "Extremely clean grounds and super friendly staff. Allows pets (on leash of course). Our site had power and electric only, but I believe some sites also have sewer." Bathroom facilities remain open year-round at most locations.
Security measures: Multiple parks feature regular security patrols. At High View, Derrick A. notes, "Local sheriff's dept and park ranger made several trips through the park which made it feel secure. Bathroom facilities were clean." Most campgrounds close gates at night with specific entry restrictions.
Equestrian considerations: While horse campgrounds near Mabank, Texas are limited, some nearby areas permit horseback riding on designated trails. No campgrounds in the immediate area feature dedicated equestrian camping with horse corrals, though day-use riding is possible at certain locations. Campers seeking horseback accommodations should call ahead to confirm current policies.
What you should know
Gate restrictions: Highview Park enforces strict gate closing times that can impact late arrivals. Reagan K. warns, "If you're looking for a late night stop, this isn't it. Gates lock at 10 pm. We couldn't get in." No provisions exist for after-hours entry.
Tent camping limitations: Some parks restrict tent camping on weekends. At Oak Cove Marina, Rachel J. discovered, "We drove all over the park and could not find a designated area for tents. We finally stopped at the restaurant/convenient store/bait shop and asked where are the tent sites. He asked when we wanted to stay and we gave him the dates. He then informed us they do not allow tents during the weekend."
Insect concerns: Several locations report significant ant problems during warmer months. At Liberty Hill Park Campground, Eric S. cautions, "Ants are bad, Argentine ants are very bad because they're small. Once they're in your car you just take them everywhere." Bringing ant prevention supplies is recommended from April through October.
Tips for camping with families
Playground availability: Lavonia Lavon Lake offers wide open spaces for children. Brian notes, "It's a great campsite close to home and nice for a quick getaway. Has the feel of being somewhat remote since it's out by the lake." Some visitors report playground equipment has been removed at certain parks.
Kid-friendly fishing spots: Oak Cove Marina provides fishing opportunities for children, though activities may be limited. Michaela L. shares, "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. We managed though and we do plan on going back, but we will definitely be bringing more activities for our children."
Safety considerations: Maintaining regular supervision around water areas is essential. At Waxahachie Creek Park, campsite placement may require additional vigilance as Jeanette W. notes, "This is as close to nature as one can get in a campground! There was poison ivy on the trees next to us and in the mowed ground around the campsite."
Tips from RVers
Site levelness: American RV Park provides level concrete sites with full hookups. Russ G. reports, "Staff were pleasant, check in was fast and easy. Hook-ups are in good condition. Site is concrete." Most parks feature 30/50 amp electrical connections.
Reservation policies: Campgrounds often require advance booking, especially during summer months. At Northside RV Resort, one RVer cautions about reading terms carefully: "Throughout the online reservation process nothing is disclosed regarding the terms and conditions. After they take and accept your money, they email you a link to the terms and conditions." Cancellation fees typically range from $14-50.
Spacing between sites: Layout and privacy vary significantly between parks. At American RV Park, William N. observes, "Our site was level and had some shade. Spacing between sites was fine. Not too close together." Most campgrounds feature sites spaced 20-40 feet apart with varying degrees of natural screening.
