Fort Parker State Park provides lakeside camping sites 6 miles from Mexia in limestone country. The park features multiple camping loops with varying levels of privacy, typical summer temperatures reaching into the 90s, and seasonal water levels that affect shoreline access. Several dog friendly campgrounds near Mexia cater to visitors with pets while offering diverse terrain from wooded areas to open lakefront sites.
What to do
Paddling on Navasota River: Fort Parker State Park Campground offers canoe and kayak rentals with access to the 750-acre lake. "We have a big group that camps every spring and fall. This was one of my favorites. The campsites are right on the water. We rented a few screened shelters and brought kayaks. Great, small park for both camping and kayaking," notes Amy J.
Crappie fishing: Liberty Hill Park Campground at Navarro Mills Lake offers dedicated fishing infrastructure. "Lake Navarro Mills is well know as the best Crappie fishing lake in Texas. Navarro Mills Liberty Hill Park features a fantastic fishing barge that is covered allowing you to fish no matter the weather," according to Dude R.
Stargazing: Oak Park Campground provides excellent night sky viewing opportunities. "Campground night sky friendly with good dark sky viewing NO STREET LIGHTS in campground, but toilet facilities had exterior lighting," explains Napunani.
Swimming at the beach: Wolf Creek Campground includes designated swimming areas with natural shoreline. "The lake is clean and great for tubing, standup paddle boarding or just swimming. There is also a roped off designated swimming area with a small beach," writes Jennifer B.
What campers like
Spacious lake view sites: Campers appreciate the waterfront positioning at Limestone Lake Park. "I just arrived and my jaw dropped, it's so breathtaking. Other than the occasional local on their boats making noise, this place was pretty serene," shares Jared.
Covered picnic areas: Tradinghouse Lake Park offers sheltered eating spaces at each site. "The spots are lake front with covered picnic tables. No hook ups available. View was amazing," reports Nancy B.
Wildlife viewing: Multiple campgrounds provide opportunities to observe local fauna. "Lovely wildlife to watch… egrets, herons, etc. Nice and flat parking, covered picnic tables, hardly anyone here in October!!! Easy to find with the Google coordinates!" states Tamra J.
Historic sites: Fort Parker offers both natural and cultural attractions. "Big lake to enjoy with boat rentals, simple trails, clean facilities, neat historic fort right on site," describes Kim B.
What you should know
Seasonality matters: Most campgrounds experience different usage patterns throughout the year. "We stopped by here and unfortunately they were not open. It looks like a beautiful place and their sign says open April-September," cautions Hazel J. about Wolf Creek.
Insect populations: Navarro Mills Lake has recurring ant issues at certain sites. "Liberty hill is a very beautiful campground but there is a serious issue with the invasive Argentian ant," warns Dude R., adding "these can be a real issue when RV camping at Liberty Hill Park as this invasive species is out of control."
Navigation challenges: Some campgrounds have confusing access points. "WARNING! If you use Get Directions & Google Maps on this page, it likely will route you to the wrong location. The correct access point is from the SouthEast, via the town of Marquez," advises Jared about Limestone Lake Park.
Campfire restrictions vary: Policies differ between parks in the region. "They don't allow campfires. As in, none. There are no fire rings. That right there takes it off the list for me," notes Erik I. about Public Use Area 5.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Fort Parker offers updated play equipment for children. "The playground is nicer than expected. The trails are well-marked. A quirk of this park are the neighbors. You drive by 8 plus mailboxes while inside the State Park," observes Amie M.
Swimming safety: Lawley Land provides lake access without designated swimming areas. "We want to get some survival wilderness experience and this was definitely the right place for that. It has a nice lake we're you can swim. You can pop off fire work here or shoot off guns. My kids had a great time," shares Jenny A.
Park activities: Several parks offer recreational options beyond camping. "Great for a family get-together. We stayed in the water-only section. Nice restrooms for a No-flush and real restrooms are a quick drive to the other side of the park," reports Duane O.
Off-season value: Visiting during shoulder seasons can provide more solitude for pet-friendly camping near Mexia. "This park is a bit of a hidden spot in that if you go in an off season, you may have the place to yourself," suggests Gretchen N.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for privacy: Liberty Hill Park offers secluded options for certain campers. "Stayed here last weekend, the 2 primitive spots are completely separated and private from the rest. Already reserved the same spot for a few weeks from now," recommends Drew S.
Winter camping options: Some parks remain comfortable during cooler months. "This was the first trip we took with our new vintage camper and it did not disappoint! Even in the bitter cold of December Fort Parker had plenty to offer," shares Tori M.
Accessibility considerations: North Crest RV Park provides convenient access from major highways. "Great spot with easy in and out from the interstate. HUGE pull through spaces with picnic tables. Convenient to Waco. Will definitely stay again when in town," states Josh C.
Level sites: Many parks offer concrete or prepared surfaces. "The camper pads are level. Sites are level, wide, and even shaded. We arrived around 9pm and departed 10 hours later - so level we didn't even have to unhook," notes Tom H.
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