Shiloh on the Lake permits pets at all 70 campsites, including their tent sites, RV spots with full hookups, and rental cabins in Malakoff. Texan RV Park & Campus allows dogs at both their RV sites and cabin accommodations near Athens, approximately 15 miles from Mabank. Most campgrounds in the area enforce on-leash policies, with Chuck's RV Resort offering a dedicated dog park and dog washing station for guests. Mill Creek Ranch RV & Cottage Resort welcomes pets at their tent sites, RV spots, cabins, glamping accommodations, and yurts, though some properties may charge additional pet fees. Bluebonnet Ridge RV Park provides ample room for walking dogs with a small designated dog park area, though visitors have noted the dog park sometimes lacks maintenance.
The trails surrounding Lake Tawakoni State Park accommodate leashed dogs with multiple miles of pet-friendly paths. At Tyler State Park, approximately an hour's drive from Mabank, pets can join their owners on hiking options that vary from easy nature strolls to more challenging terrain through wooded hills. The Coal Mine Ranch RV Park allows pets with boat-in camping access, providing water recreation opportunities for dogs that enjoy swimming. Severe weather considerations affect pet camping in the region, with summer temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F, requiring shade and adequate water for dogs. Llamaland Ranch offers a unique experience where pets can camp alongside llamas in designated electric sites with nearby toilets. Wildlife encounters require keeping pets secured, as some campgrounds report raccoons that can be aggressive around food.
$10 - $20 / night
"Have been camping and fishing here, never had any fishing luck though, it is a pretty nice place that I think is a good representation of East Texas. Definitely worth a try!"
"Campground Review Purtis Creek](https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/purtis-creek) is a short hour and a half drive east of the DFW metroplex. It’s easy to get to and popular with the locals."
$39 - $225 / night
"I love the amenities here (pool, Pavillion, gas grilles, dog park and wash, pond, pickleball, other games walking trail, etc.). There are some really friendly people here. You should check it out."
"Give this place a try if you’re nearby."
$50 - $109 / night
"Two restaurants within walking distance. Shaved ice within walking distance. Kayaks available. There’s a nice designated swimming area in the lake, and a fishing pier."
"We had one camper behind us and they were super quiet. Super nice. Laundry at the office for reasonable price to use the washers and dryers."
$20 - $30 / night
"We got to feed the llamas, and they hung around our camp for almost our entire visit. We. Had. A. Blast. Multiple fire pits and picnic tables per site."
"You book this location through their Facebook page llamaland Ranch. The price was $35 a night plus service fees of around $7.75. Firewood is available for a fee also."
$47 - $67 / night
"Activities nearly everyday. Everyone that stays here is attending a class, so everyone visits with each other. I really really like it here."
$50 - $55 / night
"Fur baby friendly and jus keep dog on leash and pick up after your fur baby the smells of the fire area in the park is outstanding. The park Hosts.. tammy and Jeff outstanding as well. "
"It’s easy to miss as the entrance is not marked for the best."
$59 - $70 / night
"The sites are large, easy to pull into, and each one has a picnic table which makes it nice to sit outside. It’s quiet for being so close to I-20, and the park feels open and well kept. "
"Great little street taco stand in walking distance great breakfast tacos. Cons- check in staff was not wearing mask. Some of the gravel and black top roads need resurfacing."
"This resort is located close to the Canton First Monday Trades day! Very nice clean resort! They have games, fishing, swimming, hiking!"
GuideI should mention that my husband is from Canada. He was very unenthusiastic about camping in Texas. Well Tyler State Park made him change his mind! He LOVED the large trees, said it was the closest he'd felt to home in quite some time. We love the variety of types of sites they offer. Lake front, group, hike in, cabin, they have something for everyone! Only downfall is they book so quickly.
GuideGated. Level pads. Quiet. Dog park. Play ground. Wifi. Cable. Lake.
ScoutCame here because I am going to the Tech Acabemy down the road in Athens. I love the amenities here (pool, Pavillion, gas grilles, dog park and wash, pond, pickleball, other games walking trail, etc.). There are some really friendly people here. You should check it out.
ScoutWARNING: NO BATHROOMS, NO SHOWERS. Quiet park with easy access to Dallas. Nice dog walking area and dog park. Full hookups. I get that RVs have bathrooms and most have showers, but never in all my years have I been to a park with no bathrooms or showers. Based on the reviews of others a year or more ago I would have to assume there are no plans for any in the future. As long as you know this in advance and are OK with it, you'll be satisfied here. For me,$36, 2 1/2 hours of an afternoon and a trip to Loves for a 2 showers and all was good but I'd have planned differently had I known.
ScoutStayed here 5 nights waiting for our property to be ready. Called into the office like we have every morning and was told"sorry you have to leave we reserved your spot." ON MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND!!!! Who does this??? No notice, didn't say anything all week. But sure took our money! Poop all over the grass. The dog park is nasty! They give you all the rules, very strick. LOUD, the highway is right here. Unprofessional!!!!! Never again!!!!!
ScoutThis is my favorite state park in Texas! Lots of options for all kinds of campers. For camping, lots of different sites available for RVs/Campers, Tents, etc. some along the lake, some in the woods, and also cabins and shelters available! Hiking options vary from a nature stroll, to some more serious up-downs through the hills on the outskirts of the campground. Bring your friends, family, and pets, there is truly something for everyone here, even kayak and canoe rentals at the lake!
TravelerNice hard sites all with 20/30/50a, cable TV, and full hookups. There are 4 washer and dryers and showers for all 124 spots. So it’s iffy getting one - no place to hang your clothing in the bathrooms and or wash area. The bugs are bad here, we had ants in our trailer and lots of bites. When it rains stay on the pavement as the mud is nasty and gumbo. The road is very loud and there are train tracks with train horns blaring all night long - make sure your bedroom faces away from the road for the best sleep. The people are very friendly and responsive - while we were there the internet and water was off a lot. Management is not on site and so lots of things were going on at night. No security or patrols. Over all I would stay again for a short stay to visit family, but $55-65 a night was pretty high considering there is zero to do here , no pool, no meeting rooms, no grass to walk on. Two dog parks and one small play ground for kids.
GuideWe spent an entire month, as we typically do, in Bluebonnet Ridge RV Park in Terrell, Texas. There is a lot to really like about this campground. We would definitely stay here again.
Pros:
The park was clearly being maintained
The basketball /tennis courts had just been resurfaced
Anytime someone left, or a spot was empty, new gravel was being dumped and leveled
Even though closed for Covid, the pool was cleaned daily.
There's a small dog park area.
Doggie bags were provided in multiple places, and ample trash cans in which to drop them.
Sufficient WiFi repeaters throughout the CG
The grass is kept mowed down, good to avoid those Texas stickers getting in your shoelaces.
All but one staff member was really friendly.
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.
There's a "swap area" where people leave magazines, etc. (Near the mailboxes.)
There's a nice little pond you can fish in, catch-and-release only, no license required.
LOTS of room to walk the dog!
There's ample overflow parking and trailer storage space so you don't have to crowd your campsite.
Laundry facility on site, we didn't utilize it since we have a W/D in the rig.
Bulletin board for posting things, we bought our W/D from another person at the campsite!
Park was pretty quiet while we were there. No ruckus or loud people. Folks walked around, talked a bit.
They have Good Sam and Passport American discounts available.
Cons:
Other:
LegendThe camping area is mostly occupied by long term RV campers. Many of the campers are employed in the nearby areas. Grounds offer water/electric/sewer hookups, there are also toilets available but no showers. The RV grounds are part of the city park which offers a splash pad (seasonal), large playground, pavilion, picnic areas, arboretum, and a short hiking trail (approximately one third of a mile). The RV sites are backed up by the sheriff's office/county jail the courthouse is down the road, and there is a police department across the street. This isn't to suggest that the area is dangerous, its a small town and everything is pretty much right there. Shopping and restaurants are within walking distance.
Lake Fork, a popular fishing lake is within a ten minute drive. Lake Quitman is less than ten minutes, generally this is where water sport activities occur. Pets are welcome.
Dispersed camping options near Mabank, Texas range from lakeside spots to forested areas with varying amenities. Located in the Post Oak Savannah and Blackland Prairie ecoregions at approximately 400 feet elevation, the area experiences hot summers with temperatures regularly reaching 100°F in July and August. Winter camping remains popular with mild daytime temperatures typically in the 50-60°F range from November through February.
Fishing at accessible piers: Purtis Creek State Park Campground offers well-maintained fishing piers for anglers seeking bass and catfish. According to visitor Darlene E., "There is a small lake for fishing and a swimming area. Water and 30 amp electric only, but there is a dump station available."
Basketball and tennis: Bluebonnet Ridge RV Park provides recreational facilities including recently renovated courts. One camper noted, "The basketball/tennis courts had just been resurfaced," making it ideal for active visitors who want sports options during their stay.
Kayaking and paddle sports: Water recreation stands out at Purtis Creek State Park Campground, where visitors can rent equipment on-site. Becca H. explains it's a "Fun park with a lot of options for hiking, fishing and kayaking! Had an awesome primitive camp loop, RV and shelter sites looked good too!"
Water park activities: For families seeking more structured water play, Coal Mine Ranch RV Park includes a dedicated water recreation area. A visitor remarked, "The water park kept my kids happy the entire weekend. Only drawback was not open past 5 pm but I understand why (they do private parties)."
Spacious, private sites: Campers frequently mention the roomy sites at several dog friendly campgrounds near Mabank. At Purtis Creek, Carrie I. appreciated the "Spacious, wooded sites!" adding it's "Really secluded sites with plenty of room, and great fishing piers. Perfect for boaters."
Shaded camping areas: Shiloh on the Lake receives high marks for its natural tree cover, especially important during hot Texas summers. Brett B. describes it as "a great, non-parking lot style campground. Every site is covered with trees, and though they are a bit close together you feel connected with nature."
Swimming areas with sandy bottoms: The natural swimming spots at Shiloh on the Lake feature comfortable, well-maintained lake bottoms. According to Angela R., "The swimming area is well marked and nice hard sand bottom. We thoroughly enjoyed our time here."
Unique animal interactions: Llamaland Ranch offers a distinctive camping experience where visitors camp alongside llamas. LaRee S. shared, "We got a tour of the pasture, and met all of the llamas by name. We got to feed the llamas, and they hung around our camp for almost our entire visit."
Seasonal weather preparation: Summer heat requires careful planning with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F. Bring plenty of water and portable shade if your site has limited tree cover.
Highway noise impacts: Several campgrounds in the region experience road noise due to proximity to major highways. Will and Lucinda B. note at Bluebonnet Ridge, "You're really close to I-20, you will hear the road noise. Only trucks are loud."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Mabank, TX?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Mabank, TX is Purtis Creek State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 25 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Mabank, TX?
TheDyrt.com has all 100 dog-friendly camping locations near Mabank, TX, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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