Best Campgrounds near Mount Vernon, TX

Our lot #46, had a brand-new picnic table and fire pit. Easy access. There is much to do, and live entertainment and events. We visited beautiful Bob Sandlin State Park and explored Mt. Pleasant, which had much to offer. Never a boring moment yet peaceful and relaxing.

We hitchhiked here and got turned away for not having a vehicle to register with the campground. The grounds looked nice, but be advised that if you are traveling on foot you will not be permitted to enter.

We drove from NWArkansas the end of January to purchase a conversion van in Tyler, but towed our 19-foot Coleman camper just in case the van didn't work out, at least we'd have a nice camping trip! We stayed in a pull-though space (#340) which was large enough for our Tundra, the Coleman, AND our newly acquired 2000 E-350 Sportsmobile Van. 

The campsites were quiet (except for our dogs, who loved the racoons and deer...sorry!!) and well maintained. Beautiful walk around the lake to watch the sunrise. The facilities are standard state park facilities...everything worked. One toilet was a mess, but that wasn't the rangers' fault. One would think women would be more mindful of the mess they make. 

Note that the gift shop isn't open on Tuesday/Wednesdays, so if you want a head badge for your walking stick, you can purchase one at the ranger station CASH ONLY.  Highly recommend this park.

Restrooms are a bit far, but they are there.

Thus is truly a great, free place to camp. It is a several minute drive from Mount Pleasant & you'll think you're going out to the boonies, but keep going! The roads are paved and there are a couple areas to camp with several spots each. When we stayed (in January) we had the place to ourselves. There are 2 nice rest room facilities- one with a pop machine. After a while, the on-site police will come by to check you in (name, driver's license, etc) but ours was very friendly. Must be 21 to stay, and not just in your car. The sign says tents, RVs, campers, and other vehicles modified for camping are welcome for 7 days.

We spent a weekend here with the in-laws, in site 51.  It had been raining a lot, so things were pretty muddy, but all in all it was a pretty nice park.

Lots of trails to explore, and a few geocaches.  If you like boating or fishing, this park would be great for you.

Site 51 was pretty secluded and level.

The park is well taken care of. The sites are level and have plenty of shade covering. This is especially important if you are in a pop-up like us. If you are, you know what I mean. It was a quiet campground. Bathrooms were clean. The entry gate is coded after closing for some added security. Will return.

Beautiful camping grounds!! Took my 6 year old daughter for her first camping trip and she loved it. The horses came into our camp and she was mesmerized by their size and beauty. Most amazing experience. She caught her 1st bass in the pond as well. The entire property is simply beautiful and I'd strongly recommend Dads to bring their girls and boys out to enjoy this amazing display of nature and wildlife.

PROS 

Senior discount saved $20 

Each site has unobstructed lake view 

Site 67 level concrete pad surrounded by sandy soil with afternoon only shade 

Climate controlled toilet/shower facility 

Clean toilet/shower facility which are cleaned every weekday morning 

2 sand lot volleyball courts 

Small pier shared by every two campsites 

Metal picnic table, pedestal BBQ grill and concrete fire ring with no cooking grate. 

Fairly quiet during daytime weekdays except for neighboring campers 3 sites away who had their INSIDE television blaring that we could hear every word. This went on for 7 hours daily. 

Local police did regular daylight drive thrus 

Hundreds of squirrels 

Could hear whippoorwills after sunset 

Had a float plane land and then take off right in front of our campsite (see video)

Park had WIFI but didn’t use due to having 4 bars TMOBILE 

CONS 

Minimal pay/stay 3 nights

$5 fee to make on line reservations 

Had to email copy of Texas Drivers License to Water District in advance of making reservation in order to get Senior discount 

No security gate closed overnight 

No camp host 

Campers let their dogs run thru campsites and poop everywhere 

Big problem with day users and boaters walking thru campsites, even after dark, picnicking and partying late into evening in campsites where there were no campers/tenters, then leaving at all hours of the night 

LOTS of middle of the night boat noise 

Street lights throughout campground which hinders dark sky viewing 

No privacy from any other campsite 

Site picnic table anchored so not moveable

PROS 

Saved $62 with Texas State Park Pass 

NO fee to make online reservation 

Very friendly Spring Point Loop camp host 

Very quiet 

Site 77 concert parking pad level 

Site 77 some shade 

Site 77 had an aluminum picnic table (brand new), pedestal BBQ grill, metal fire pit with cooking grate and lantern pole 

Firewood vending machine at park headquarters 

Security gate locked with a pad lock at 10pm with combination provided 

Very clean toilet/shower facility that are near Spring Point Camping Loop which are also used by park day visitors 

Friendly squirrels that ate from our hands 

Saw lots of deer 

CONS 

Cigarette butts all over our campsite and parking pad upon arrival 

Firepit nearly full of ashes upon arrival 

Pedestal BBQ full of ashes and trash upon arrival 

Picnic table bolted to concrete so not moveable and it was not close to parking pad 

Saw lots of feral cats roaming the campground 

Mostly 1 bar T MOBILE 

No park WIFI

Tented 2 nights. Spot A5. Spot was good. Right on the water. Could boat up if you wanted. Nice and shady, even good shade in the direct western sun. Beautiful sunsets! Hike right from camp.

Reason for only 4 stars: toilet pits and bathhouse needs a little TLC. It’s time to clean up the shorelines. And the site ground could use some grass. Tax dollars don’t really help so don’t forget to DONATE!