Best Glamping near Mineral Wells, TX

Late in the day we stopped at Lake Mineral Wells State Park, TX. We weren't sure where to go as the gate was unmanned at our arrival. We missed the turn to the campground, but a friendly and helpful Texas State Park Officer directed us how to get there. He helped us with how to make payment as well. 

The campground was beautiful. It was quiet, the bathrooms were clean, and the lake was serene. There are at least 3 campgrounds, including shelters, equestrian, a loop for tenters, and a loop for larger rigs.  We stayed in the Plateau loop. Even though we only stayed one night, I would go back.

Lake Mineral Wells State Park is an absolute standout, but then I’m partial because it combines 4 of my favorite things sublimely and almost in my backyard - camping, hiking, biking and kayaking. Heaven! The drive from the DFW area isn't bad either with rolling hills that are a nice departure from the usual Metroplex flatlands. 

My first trip here I was stumped by how to get to the campground. The friendly folks at the gate house simply said make the first left. When I arrived at the first left, all I saw was a spillway and I thought that certainly can’t be the way.  Well, it is! What a unique experience driving below the lake. Riding my bike on this road was even more fun and refreshing! 

I camped in the Plateau this trip and was lakeside. Campsite 64 has lots of cattails so I didn’t launch my kayak from here. One thing I really enjoyed about this site was the breeze off the lake. It kept a hot July weekend comfortable when sitting outside at the campsite and also seemed to keep the bugs at bay. This site had lots of wildlife and a deer strolled casually and fearlessly through the site while munching on grass. The fish were also entertaining and the frogs serenaded at night. They were loud, but my AC was louder so I didn’t hear them. Nice privacy between sites here. Level pad with good water pressure and a short walk to the clean showers/restroom. There’s a place to put in your kayaks in the Plateau campground and the water is gentle. Jet skis, water skiing and tubing are prohibited on this lake. As great as the Plateau campground is, my favorite sites are located in the Live Oak section. 

I rode the trailway out to the Garner Store and Cafe on FM113, but was disappointed to find that they are closed on Sundays. The trailway between the State Park and the Garner way point is an easy crushed gravel ride, except for the trailhead from the park. Be aware that it’s a bit of a steep grade. Going down is fun. Definitely worth checking out.

Also, hiked in Penitentiary Cove. Awesome rock formations, crevasses, and little shallow caves. Climbers enjoy this spot too. 

Last, but not least, check out Woody’s Bar and Grill just down the road from the park entrance heading into Mineral Wells. It’s a local, hole in the wall landmark and they’re known for their made to order burgers. They didn’t disappoint.

I'm from Texas, and I've never thought, "Let's go to Mineral Wells!".  My daughter who lives in Ft. Worth suggested we go the Lake Mineral Wells State Park for a weekend camping get away.  We wanted to spend the weekend hiking and hanging out at our campsite.  This was the perfect combination. 

We stayed on the Live Oak campground loop which has 30/50 amp/water.  We were lucky to snag the very last spot for the weekend.  Our site was right on the lake on a little 20 foot bluff that was perfect for watching the sunrise and drinking coffee each morning.  We spend our only full day hiking.  We visited the rock climbing area and also hiked to the primitive camping area.  The weather was perfect, blue bird skies and breezy mid-60's.

We felt very safe at this park.  The close the gate at 10 pm and you must have a code to enter after that.  The park host is also a ranger.  He and his wife were directly across from our site.  The whole park seems to be heavily patrolled.  Always a good feeling.  I would recommend camping here!

Stayed in the South Primative Camping Area, site 1. It was my first time doing a walk in campsite. While it is a relatively quick walk to the site from the parking lot, you should bring a folding wagon if you aren't traveling with backpacker gear. The site is large, with a lantern post (which I used as a hitch to secure my dog and as a bike rack), area for 2-3 tents, a fire pit with a bark-free log seat, and a picnic table. I found that the 2 trees in the center of the site are almost perfectly spaced for a hammock.

I chose this spot so that I could avoid the hustle and bustle of a regular campsite, and also because my dog barks a lot at people walking past the tent. Unfortunately, one of the major trails goes right past the site, so I had my fair share of barking. I think this problem might be alleviated on its own when it isn't the middle of winter, as there appears to be a significant amount of foliage.

With regards to nearby facilities - there is a trash can right across from the site on the main trail, and there is a port a potty behind the campsite, which appears to be part of the horseback riding trail.

Despite how excellently arranged this site is, I was alarmed to see how dirty other campers had left it. Site 1 had trash everywhere including broken glass and cigarette butts.

Trash aside, this is a wonderful campsite.

This was our first RV park to stay at with our new RV. We are from out of state and we’re visiting family in the Aledo area. We were welcomed at the office and check in was quick and painless. They even called us ahead to check on us and our arrival time to make sure we would be checked in quickly. The facility is a bit dated, reminds me of the parks my family traveled to when I was a kid, but clean and accommodating. The showers were in need of updated shower heads but other than that it was nice. The slips themselves were concrete and for the most part level. It took us no time to level and have our RV ready to use. The hookups were all in working order and easy to access. The pool is nice and clean, shallow for small children or if you just want to float around in the sun. It wasn’t ever crowded while we were there. There were a couple dog parks and three bath houses. All in all it was a pleasant stay. Shade is limited, welcome to Texas, but there were site with trees. We will be staying again while visiting for sure.