Tent camping near Mexia, Texas offers varied experiences across different terrains and ecosystems. The region sits at approximately 500 feet elevation with clay soil conditions that can affect ground stakes during rain. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F from June through September, while winter nights often drop below freezing, requiring campers to pack accordingly for seasonal conditions.
What to do
**Firearm activities: Lawley Land permits target shooting on designated areas of the property. A camper reports, "You can pop off fire work here or shoot off guns. My kids had a great time."
Fishing access: Lake Limestone Public Use Area #3 provides direct waterfront access for bank fishing. The area includes several picnic tables near the water and allows tent setup within 50 feet of parking areas. Pack insect repellent as mosquitoes can be prevalent near the water.
Hiking trails: Fort Boggy State Park maintains several well-marked trails accessible directly from camping areas. A visitor noted, "We hiked the trails and went and checked out the little lake." Trails range from 0.5 to 2.5 miles in length, with moderate elevation changes suitable for most ability levels.
What campers like
Stargazing opportunities: Paradise Acres offers minimal light pollution for astronomy enthusiasts. A camper mentioned, "Very quite and loved looking up at the stars!" The site sits on a ridge that provides unobstructed sky views in nearly all directions.
Modern cabin facilities: Fort Boggy State Park provides cabin options for those seeking more comfort than tent camping. One visitor shared, "Beautiful small state park. We usually tent camp but this time we decided staying at a cabin. Nice, beautiful and modern cabins. Love the enclosed porch and open porch as well."
Swimming opportunities: Tent campsites at several locations feature lake access for swimming during warm months. The water temperature typically remains comfortable from May through September, with many campsites within 200 feet of swimming access points.
What you should know
Bathroom availability varies significantly: Many tent camping locations near Mexia lack permanent bathroom facilities. Fort Boggy State Park provides modern facilities near cabins, with one visitor noting, "Wonderful bathrooms nearby." However, most primitive tent sites require campers to bring portable toilets or use backcountry techniques.
Seasonal considerations: Summer tent camping requires heat preparation with temperatures regularly exceeding 100°F in July and August. Winter camping requires cold-weather gear as temperatures can drop below 30°F from December through February. Spring offers the most moderate conditions but highest rainfall probability.
Reservation requirements: Hackberry Hills requires advance bookings for all campsites, with no walk-up availability during peak seasons. The reservation window opens 30 days prior to arrival dates, and sites typically fill on weekends from March through October.
Tips for camping with families
Space considerations: Paradise Acres offers four designated tent sites that accommodate families with children. The sites provide approximately 400 square feet of flat terrain suitable for larger family tents, with buffer areas between neighboring campers.
Educational opportunities: Camp Meisenbach provides designated areas for group activities and nature study. The camp perimeter trail takes approximately 45 minutes to complete and features informational signs about local plants and wildlife suitable for school-age children.
Safety precautions: During summer months, check tent sites thoroughly for fire ant mounds, particularly after rain. Sites near water require extra supervision for children, as shorelines can be steep and sudden in certain areas. Cell service remains limited at most tent camping locations, with emergency services averaging 20-30 minute response times.
Tips from RVers
Access limitations: Sand Creek Campground accommodates smaller RVs but has clearance restrictions. Vehicle length should not exceed 25 feet due to narrow access roads with tight turns. Ground conditions deteriorate quickly after rainfall, potentially trapping larger vehicles.
Campsite preparation: When tent camping near RV areas, select sites at least 100 feet from generator-using RVs when possible. Many designated tent areas feature natural screening such as trees or elevation changes to reduce noise impact from neighboring sites.
Combined camping options: Several locations permit both tent and small RV camping on the same site. This allows family groups to use multiple shelter types while sharing a common gathering area. Reservations for these dual-use sites typically require specification of both shelter types at booking.
