Best Tent Camping near Marlin, TX
Looking for the best Marlin tent camping? The Dyrt helps you find campsites with tent camping near Marlin. From remote to easy-to-reach, these Marlin campsites are perfect for tent campers.
Best Tent Sites Near Marlin, Texas (9)
1. Paradise Acres
2 Reviews•7 Photos•41 SavesFranklin, Texas15 Acres just 45min north of College Station, TX and 45min South of Temple, TX right off HWY 6
Enjoy a campfire, tent camping, hammocks, and peace and quiet in a secluded ranch. Only sounds you'll hear is a distant train on a still night, the occasianal coyote, and the sparks from a roaring camp fire.
2 beautiful ponds with fishing and a mix of both wooded and open areas.
Currently off-grid camping only with port-a-toilet. No water/electric. Cell service available for most carriers.
Closest grocery store 19 min drive in Hearne, TX. Only 10 min from cozy town of Calvert, TX Includes gas stations, restraunts, bars w/game room (billiards, darts, tvs)
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- Tents
$5 - $20 / night
2. Lawley Land
1 Review•6 Photos•14 SavesMexia, Texas100 acre private camping land with camp site that has a view of the water. Stocked pond with fish and tons of wildlife on the property. Plenty of room to hike and explore. You are able to bring a vehicle right up to campsite. Actively managed to increase and preserve wild life activity. Great place for small or large parties to enjoy an all natural camping experience. Pets are welcome.
Pitch a tent at the far corner of the property to enjoy the natural pond. Just follow the mowed trail to the end. There is a fire pit we use with bricks. Feel free to collect fallen limbs and make a fire where you see responsibly safe. The trail does get muddy after a rain , we will do our best to fill holes that get too deep
- Pets
- Fires
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
- Firewood Available
$20 - $50 / night
3. Stillhouse
6 Reviews•7 Photos•6 SavesBelton, TexasOverview
Stillhouse Park is a day use area that has two reservable group pavilions along the shore of Stillhouse Hollow Lake in central Texas. With activities such as picnicking, swimming, basketball and fishing, the park is popular for family gatherings and other large group events. Stillhouse Hollow Lake was created by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers with the construction of Stillhouse Hollow Dam in 1968. The 6,430-acre lake is located 16 miles upstream of the confluence of the Lampasas and Leon Rivers, which flow into the Little River.
Recreation
With 58 miles of shoreline, Stillhouse Hollow Lake is an often uncrowded haven for boaters and fishermen. Those who do not have motor boats, canoes or kayaks can rent them nearby. A variety of land-based activities are also offered, such as volleyball, basketball and horseshoes. Birding is a favorite pastime for many visitors. Hawks, great blue herons, ducks, geese, many species of songbirds, bobwhite quail, Rio Grande turkey and even an occasional bald eagle visit the lake area, yielding year-round opportunities for bird sightings.
Facilities
The lake's only marina and fuel dock are located within the park. There are two reservable group pavilions, Island View and Tear Drop, which can each hold up to 120 visitors. There are also nearly 40 individual picnic sites around the beach area, as well as a swimming beach popular with families.
Natural Features
Aside from the park and two nearby campgrounds, very little of the lakeshore is developed. It has rocky beaches and sandy bluffs along the edges, and much of it is forested. Stillhouse Park has grassy, open areas interspersed with trees. The lake has noticeably clear and deep water inhabited by largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and channel catfish. A man-made wetland was constructed on the south shore of the lake, providing an additional 10 acres of wildlife habitat in the lake area.
Nearby Attractions
The nearby Village of Salado offers golf, art galleries and shopping, among other activities. Chalk Ridge Falls Environmental Learning Center is below the Stillhouse Hollow Lake Dam. The center has about five miles of hiking trails, including a one-mile nature trail along the Lampasas River, a spring-fed creek, a waterfall, bridges and several wildlife viewing points. Stillhouse Hollow Lake is located near the Fort Hood Army Base, which has several points of interest for the military buff.
- Pets
- Electric Hookups
- Tents
- Group
- Trash
- Picnic Table
$120 / night
6. Sand Creek Campground
Be the first to review!•11 Photos•5 SavesWaco, Texas- Fires
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Trash
- Firewood Available
$25 - $47 / night
7. Hackberry Hills
Be the first to review!•14 Photos•4 SavesWoodway, TexasWhether you’re a camping enthusiast or just looking for some peace and quiet for a night, Hackberry Hills has the best to offer. Enjoy a night sleeping under the stars, rocking in a hammock or nestled in a tent. Fall asleep to the sound of the cicadas and coyotes and wake up to a beautiful sunrise and the rooster crowing. Cast a line for bass or catfish, paddle the canoe, hunt for wild berries, or simple enjoy the view. Minutes away from Baylor, Magnolia, and everything else Waco has to offer. You’re guaranteed to leave rested and relaxed.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Trash
$30 - $40 / night
8. Lake Limestone Public Use Area #3
Be the first to review!•3 SavesMexia, Texas- Pets
- Tents
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Toilets
9. Temples Lake
Be the first to review!•1 Photo•3 SavesBelton, TexasOverview
Temples Lake Park is a day-use facility with over 60 picnic sites and one reservable group area on the southern shore of Belton Lake. The lake provides some of the best fishing and boating in Central Texas and the park offers amenities for large groups of up to 80 people, such as flush toilets, showers, a playground, a swim beach and two two-lane boat ramps. Belton Lake was created by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers with the construction of Belton Dam in 1954. The 12,300-acre lake is located on the Leon River, just upstream of the confluence of the Leon River and the Little River.
Recreation
Temples Lake Park is a destination for boaters and anglers. Popular fish species include hybrid striped bass, largemouth bass, white bass, catfish and sunfish. Visitors can also make use of a swimming beach, volleyball and basketball courts and a playground in the facility.
Facilities
The park has one group shelter called Temple's Pavilion that must be reserved. There are also 62 picnic sites that do not need reservations. The park has excellent water access and convenient amenities, including flush toilets, drinking water and showers.
Natural Features
The facility is directly on the shores of Belton lake with mostly open sunny spaces, occasionally dotted with trees. Deer, turkey and other small game are commonly seen, and a man-made wetland on the opposite side of the lake was constructed to provide an additional 25 acres of wildlife habitat in the lake area.
Nearby Attractions
Belton Lake is located adjacent to the Fort Hood Army Base, which has several points of interest for the military buff. The mural painted on the spillway wall of Belton Dam depicts the history of the Bell County area.
contact_info
For facility specific information, please call (254) 742-3050.
- Pets
- Electric Hookups
- Tents
- Group
- Picnic Table
$40 - $70 / night
Recent Tent Reviews near Marlin, Texas
259 Reviews of 9 Marlin Campgrounds
- KKatie S.
Traveler
Fort Parker State Park Campground
Peaceful place
We tent camped in a primitive spot #47. Overall the spot was nice but not very level making the best placement of our large tent a bit of a challenge. Vault toilets were clean and had hand sanitizer. The nature and hiking in this park was our favorite part. Even rented a canoe and paddled across the lake to the river. Park staff were friendly and helpful. Some primitive tent sites are right on the edge of the lake and after a big rain were very swampy. I believe all sites had partial shade and some have more privacy than others. We did spot some full hook up sites in the RV section that have good space for a tent set up and we may try that next time cause we definitely will be back.
- HHeath L.Traveler
Union Grove
Clean
Clean and quiet. I probably wouldn’t stop here again tent camping in the winter. Random windstorm 30mph no way really to block it. I felt like it was more of an RV park. Plenty of deer and pretty view of the lake. Clean restrooms.
- Janese W.Traveler
Dana Peak
Tent camping
This is a gorgeous place to camp. We did tent camping this pass week. Our camp site was right by the water an absolutely gorgeous view to wake up to. I will definitely come back. The only draw back was the winds, they were so strong they shattered our tent poles. So i would recommend to definitely check the weather before selecting a date.
Dani D.
Guide
Airport Park - Waco Lake
Weekend Trip
We tent camped at a sheltered cabin - cabin had two tables, water, and electric, plus a fan! Lots of easy water access. Showers and restrooms were available but definitely would advise these are "natural" bathrooms. Park staff very friendly. Sheltered cabins not super close to one another so helped with privacy and making you feel like you aren't crowded. No hiking trails though but is close to Mammoth if you want to spend a day there. About 3 hours from San Antonio. Wifi and cell service
Will B.Guide
Military Park Fort Hood Belton Lake Outdoor Recreation Area
Great lake
This camp ground was great. We tent camped by the water in section 3 and had the whole site to our self. The lake was nice to canoe on and had a beautiful view of the sunset.
The bathrooms were to far to walk so we had to drive to them ever time and there were no showers so this was a negative.
If you stay on the water just plan for the wind it was blowing the whole time and really hard at some points. Also there is no shade by the water so bring a shade tent.
Last thing this is a open camp ground and we had several people late at night ride by and shine there lights in our tent.
Josie J.TravelerAirport Park - Waco Lake
A nice near spot to camp
This Is a great area to camp near Waco without having to travel far. Just 5 minutes outside the Waco City limits, these grounds have a lot of hook up spots without feeling too crowded. Its also a great place to tent camp, or use one of a few cabins that are available. Nearly every camp site is a stones throw from the water. Great Swimming and fishing. There are a number of places to pull your boat up to shore. There is a play ground, but its only near a few sites and quite a distance from most sites. But for older kids with bikes, it's a fun ride. There are deer and rabbits and birds and squirrels. Its a nice little spot that is laid out to feel big.
Janet H.Guide
Mother Neff State Park Campground
Old CCC Construction Melds with New TPW Construction
Texas Parks & Wildlife (TPW) goes BIG with this sweet little park! In 2015, a new Visitors Center and 20-site campground were built among the remnants of the old CCC structures. Little reminders of CCC construction were visible just feet from my campsite (#17)… a portion of an old wall and BBQ pits. The campsite itself was wonderful! Plenty of spacing between neighboring sites. Freshly raked gravel, four large benches/chunks of quarried limestone, a picnic table, fire pit, pole with two hooks for hanging trash or gear, water, and electric. No specific tent site— since the whole area was level. Just a short walk along a path from my campsite to the restroom/shower facilities, which were very clean. Womens’ side had two sinks, three bathroom stalls- with one being ADA accessible, and two shower stalls, one of which was ADA accessible. The restroom had a large outdoor sink area, a little library, bike rack, and informational bulletin board. Only a few miles of hiking trails within the park, but beautifully maintained, with walking access to trail system from the campground. If you’re driving a taller/bigger vehicle, you’ll want to consider using those trail access points, rather than driving back to the small trailhead parking lots. The road leading back to the TH parking areas has an 8 ft height limit. Hiking highlights are an old CCC viewing tower, a CCC picnic table, a cave, and old washing pond. Camp hosts were cordial, and Park/Visitors Center staff were helpful and efficient with check in process. I received a call from the Park staff earlier in the morning on the day of my arrival, to let me know the entrance road from the south into the park was closed, so I’d have to access from the north, and also to let me know a county-wide burn ban was in effect, so no campfires during my stay in March 2022.
Brittany S.
LegendMother Neff State Park Campground
Great piece of history!
What a great park full of history! Mother Neff has a lot to offer and is just about 30 miles from Waco, TX that is known for all the Magnolia stuff! The park headquarters have a lot of information so you can figure out your trip and hit all the main attractions in one decent hike! The cave is an amazing part of history and is definitely a must-see!
Leon river runs through this park, although we are currently in a drought so it is as dry as a bone. The Tonkawa tribe lived along the river in the 1800's and many artifacts have been found along with the awesome cave they used. You can also see the wash pond and parts of the original park in the 1930's. There are lots of trees which make for some great trails and lots of shade. Plus the facilities are brand new and so nice.
The trails are quite short and you could go through the whole park in a day but it is well worth the drive to see and feel the history around you. The do have some really nice RV sites, but the tent camping is very limited and closed currently along with the cabins because of flooding. The park has been destroyed many times from the Leon River flooding and is still in the process of being cleaned up.
Also if you take a 7 mile drive down the road to The Grove, TX, you will find another beautiful piece of history. The Grove a tiny, tiny little ghost town that was established in the 1860's! If you love seeing old buildings it is definitely worth the quick drive and take some awesome pics! Some of the original buildings are still there.
I took a trip here with my son and my grandmother and it was such a fun experience. All of the main attractions were able to be seen from the main trail so my grandma was able to keep up and see the park she has memories of as a kid. She said it is much more fancy now than it was in the 60's!
Alicia F.Legend
Midway
Beautiful View
This campground is the closest, of the lake campgrounds, to Waco. After a fun day at Magnolia Farms and DT Waco we found this campground on, the Dyrt, of course. We stopped at Walmart on the way and arrived just in time to jump in the lake. It was refreshing after a long hot day and we got to watch the sunset as we floated in the water. You have to reserve a spot on recreation.gov if you arrive after 6 PM. The reticent off duty camp host notified me that I couldn’t stay unless I made the reservation online. If you are in an RV there are a lot of lake view sights w great shade and some w canopies over the tables. We stayed at a “tent” ($16) site in our minivan. I’m still not sure where the water is for the tent ⛺️ people because I snuck over to one of the open RV sites to get water. There is a decent bathroom with toilet and shower which can’t be beat for $16.
- JJessica O.Traveler
Fort Parker State Park Campground
nature & wildlife!
We stopped here overnight on the way home from Renfest in October 2017... it was rustic, we saw a couple of wild hogs on the way to our campsite.
Like the other state parks we had been to, there was running water, tent pads & a nearby restroom. Since we were only there for one night, we didn't get a chance to explore the park.
Dude R.LegendFort Parker State Park Campground
I Love Fort Parker State Park!
In early March of 2020, right at the beginning of the Covid 19 Pandimic, I had the opportunity to visit Fort Parker State Park is located next to the town of Mexia Texas and sits on the banks of Fort Parker Lake. This great Texas State Park was built by the CCC starting in 1935 and finishing in 1942. The CCC Company 3807(C) that constructed the park and for recreation was an an all African American CCC Camp. Old Fort Parker was rebuilt by the CCC in preparation for a Texas Centennial Observance in 1936, the rest of the constructs were completed over 6 years. Fort Parker State Park was dedicated in May 1941. Fort Parker State Park provides an excellent location for family camping trips, great family reunions or just a fun day hiking and exploring. Come along with me as I explore Fort Parker State Park!
David K.
Ranger
Belton Lakeview Park
Quick Getaway
My wife and I got away from the city here several years ago. We weren't sure where to go and settled at this nice park near the lake. We didn't do much of the typical camping activities other than a tent and a fire, but we did get to enjoy each other's company under clear skies and a few pre- downloaded films on my tablet. I hope to explore the area in more detail in the future, it looks lovely by the lake.
- KKimberly V.
ScoutMother Neff State Park Campground
So well maintained!
Great park (first one in Texas) that has some interesting history. So well maintained. Site 007 has some great shade and a cute feral kitty that comes begging for food.
- JJason O.Scout
Iron Bridge
Been there 100 times
Very secluded and low volume area. I would consider this a rough site. Not for thin skinned people expecting a beautiful oasis. There is a passable boat ramp, few covered picnic tables and a cornhole “bathroom” there. No ele or water. Tons of hiking if you follow the road in and look for the 4x4 paths to the right. No fee admission. Tent/trailer/rv/sleep in car/on the ground, whatever. Lots of arrowheads laying around if your lucky to spot one. Highly suggest having some sort of personal protection for the critters that come in the wee hours of the night.
- Hope R.Guide
Flat Creek RV Resort
A Nice Spot, Perfect Distance From Town
We stayed here long term for work, in our camper trailer. This is a great place, for long or short stays. All sorts of rigs, maybe not quite the place for tents. The owner is very kind. The property is well maintained. Gravel pads, with all the hook ups. It's great not having to move to drain the tanks. There is a community area called the scale house, indoor and outdoor chill spots to enjoy the scenery. A small shower/laundry house, and overflow parking for boats, extra vehicles, etc. The creek runs along side the campground, and herds of sheep roam across the creek with friendly and protective sheep dogs. You can fish in the creek and in the pond located within the sheep field. We really enjoyed this spot.
- Raymond B.Guide
Union Grove
Beautiful stop
Words can’t describe the beauty this little camp area had. The lake is gorgeous, with wildlife all around. A must stop by and enjoy what central Texas has to offer.
Richard H.Scout
Lake Bryan Campground
Lake Bryan Campground
Lake Bryan Campground offers a serene escape with its picturesque surroundings and well-maintained facilities. Nestled by the tranquil Lake Bryan, campers can enjoy various water activities and stunning views. The campground provides a perfect blend of nature and comfort, featuring spacious sites and modern amenities. Whether you're an RV enthusiast or a tent camper, there's a suitable spot for everyone. The peaceful ambiance and friendly staff enhance the overall experience. For those seeking adventure, Lake Bryan Campground is an ideal choice. Plan your getaway and explore the beauty of nature. Also, check out https://mybestcasino.ca/review/n1-casino/ for exciting online entertainment.
Bob L.ScoutMother Neff State Park Campground
Small, immaculate
This is our go to weekend getaway. The spots are immaculate. Everything in the camping area is new. Large well developed campsites with plenty of room between. I do wish that the old area down by the river could be restored from the floods. This area is closed and in the old days it was the heart of the park. On the other hand the transition to higher land brought a very nice new visitors center and a transition from primitive campsites to very nice tent/RV sites.
It is a very small park. It was expanded in the 1930s to the minimum required to get a CCC camp.
Contrary to what this app says, they do have 20/30/50 amp outlets.
- DDanielle R.Guide
Mother Neff State Park Campground
Quiet, small, secluded
This park was extremely quiet when I was there. The spring which "never dries up" wad salt dry when I was there, the first time as far as anyone can remember. The bird activity was great, and the trails were well maintained and easy to follow. Very historic site, the first state park in Texas. Campground has level sites with full hook up.
Mark S.Guide
Downtown Texas RV Park
Neat park with unique history.
This park is located between Thorndale and Rockdale. There isn’t much to do in the area and we only stay here when visiting family in the area.
The park is pretty nice with full hookup sites down on the bank of the San Gabriel river. The river isn’t much but it’s a place to escape the Texas heat. There are also more developed spots out by the road. By the more developed area there is also a restaurant and bar.
The campground sits on the site of one of the old Spanish missions from the days when Spain was colonizing Texas. There’s a neat story about the garrison commander killing one of the Priests in a feud over an affair. There are historical markers that speak to the history in the area.
If you’re in the area and you’re looking for a spot to stay at then you really can’t go wrong here.
- FFatinhaScout
Blue Sky I-35 RV Park
Everyone should that nice!
From the moment we spoke to them on the phone late in the afternoon, to the moment we left the next morning, these were the kindess people we have met in Texas. The facilities and grounds are clean and very fresh looking. The only issue i might mention, if it not a sacrilege to add a negative thought is that the noise from the highway does not belong there. But I sure am glad we found on the side of the highway.
Crystal C.Legend
Stillhouse
People Need To Learn Leave No Trace...
When I arrived at this site in hopes of finding something semi-close to Salado I was pleased to find a great location with some awesome options. But with that being said it looked as through those coming before simply didn't understand the concept of Leave No Travel and instead had littered their left overs throughout the camp space.
What was even more so disturbing was that this site is not a camping site at all and is day use only, open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. with camping prohibited. There are two great outdoor shelters for shade for recreation but no camping near these.
A host directed me to another site on the Stillhouse Lake, this making site #3 for me to attempt to find camping. Salado area is not Tent friendly!! Sad because there are some great areas there to enjoy including those pictured.
andrewGuideBlue Sky I-35 RV Park
Safe overnight
We are headed south. I look for spots close to interstate. The park is clean, well kept and no appearance of lost long timers. The attendant put us in spot 59 across the street from the dog park. But more importantly a big open field with a walking path around it. Made our fur babies happy. I get in a hurry when we are moving again so we did not try the breakfast. I'm sure it was great. Definitely, a place to stop along Texas I-35 south of Dallas.
Greg B.ScoutMother Neff State Park Campground
Nice quiet little park in Central Texas
It’s quite a small park which makes it nice and peaceful. The campsites are spacious, clean and very well maintained. Full hook-ups and very level. Clean bathrooms and facilities. Park staff and hosts were friendly and helpful. There is not a lot to do in the general area, but having a nice quiet getaway is often a welcome experience. Nice and easily traveled hiking trails along with a nice pond area for evening wildlife viewing. There is also an old Indian cave and wash pond. One of Texas’ first and nicest state parks.
Michael C.LegendUnion Grove
Beautiful park on the lake
We stayed at Union Grove 5 days. Would come back in a heart beat. Our site was a pull through. Asphalt with grass all around. The roads are one way, so it’s a hike to the dumpster. The sites sit on the lake but there is really limited lake access due to the craggy nature of the shore line. The shelters are great. Like most Texas camp grounds, it could use a few more trees. But we will be back!
- Crystal C.Legend
Park Luckys RV
A lot of road noise
Just outside of temple this location has great access for visiting the event center. Design for RVs only the quick access on and off of the highway are both a blessing and a curse.
When I visited the location and spoke to management they did say there was no tent access at this location. They do allow overnight RV stay although most of the people who stay here or more long term residents.
The grounds themselves feel somewhat compact not a lot of green grass vegetation makes for a dusty campground.
The staff was very nice and seemed welcoming. Explained amenities which include a small bathroom and shower house and laundry. They do offer mail service for nomads looking to settle for more than a couple days who need to have gear shipping or long term stay residents.
The negative for me was the road noise. When I was there is was pretty extreme. I added a video to share how much traffic passes pretty much all the time.
I would suggest this if you need a couple days stay close to Temple but personally wouldn’t recommend long term or could opt for a place a bit more off the main road, there are other options in the area which offer much quieter accommodations.
Amie M.RangerFort Parker State Park Campground
Fisherman Paradise....Not for Everyone
The front guardhouse/entrance is extra campy. Low light and decorated with 69 yo 74lb catch pictures. This is by far the most fisherman geared Texas State Park we have been to and it's our 12th!
The playground is nicer than expected. The tr ails are well-marked.
A quirk of this park are the neighbors. You drive by 8 plus mailboxes while inside the State Park. An abandoned home half collapsed is seen from the roadway. So that's unique.
Beautiful and generally well kept. It's an older style but they have a newer playground area next to the old one.
For a family I give this a 2. For Fisherman a 5. For everyone else a 3.
Guide to Marlin
Tent camping near Marlin, Texas offers a serene escape into nature, with various campgrounds providing unique amenities and experiences for outdoor enthusiasts.
Tips for tent camping near Marlin
- Paradise Acres is a well-reviewed spot where you can enjoy peaceful nights under the stars and the freedom to have campfires.
- Lawley Land is perfect for families looking for a fun wilderness experience, featuring a lake for swimming and opportunities for shooting fireworks.
- Iron Bridge offers a rustic camping experience along the Leon River, ideal for those who appreciate a more rugged environment.
Unique local attractions
- Sand Creek Campground provides access to fishing and hiking, making it a great choice for those wanting to explore the outdoors.
- Stillhouse is located near a large reservoir, perfect for water activities and picnics, catering to families and groups alike.
- Owl Creek is a nostalgic spot for many, known for its fishing and swimming opportunities, making it a great place for a relaxing day by the water.
Tent campers should check out Hackberry Hills
- Hackberry Hills features a cozy atmosphere with only a couple of sites, ensuring a more intimate camping experience.
- Temples Lake offers electric hookups and picnic tables, making it convenient for those who want a bit more comfort while enjoying nature.
- Lake Limestone Public Use Area #3 is pet-friendly and provides a great spot for tent camping, perfect for those traveling with furry companions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Marlin, TX?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Marlin, TX is Paradise Acres with a 4.5-star rating from 2 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Marlin, TX?
TheDyrt.com has all 9 tent camping locations near Marlin, TX, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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