Camping options near Mount Vernon, Texas center around Lake Cypress Springs and neighboring water bodies at an elevation of around 400 feet. The region experiences hot summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F and mild winters, making spring and fall ideal for outdoor activities. The East Texas Piney Woods ecosystem creates natural shade throughout many camping areas with sandy soil conditions that drain quickly after rain.
What to Do
Kayaking adventures: Lake Bob Sandlin State Park offers accessible kayak launching with unique terrain features. According to Becca H., "Kayak launch isn't easy to get to but they have provided a slide for yaks to get from the parking area to/from the launch. Once you're there though its like you're transported somewhere else and you weave your way through a winding canal to reach the lake (very cool)."
Swimming options: Daingerfield State Park provides structured swimming facilities during warmer months. A visitor noted, "Nice looking swimming area" while another mentioned the "Gorgeous lake for our boys to practice canoeing and kayaking skills."
Stargazing opportunities: For astronomy enthusiasts, clear night views are available despite some ambient light. At Big Al's Barefoot Bay, campers can take advantage of lakefront positioning for night sky viewing. According to Charlie H., the campground offers a "beautiful view, lots of space for the kids to play" with good nighttime visibility.
What Campers Like
Privacy between sites: Lake Bob Sandlin State Park offers secluded camping spaces with natural dividers. Rebecca noted, "It is very thickly wooded which makes even the smallest sites private. We stayed on site 08 which on the map looks like it's on the water but the brush is dense so there is no water view."
Clean facilities: Most campgrounds maintain well-serviced restrooms and shower facilities. At Cooper Lake State Park Doctors Creek Unit, Christina H. reported, "The public restrooms were clean, comfortable, and conveniently located. We highly recommend this campsite!"
Wildlife encounters: The region supports diverse animal populations for wildlife observation. One camper at Lake Bob Sandlin State Park shared, "One morning, as I was sitting drinking my coffee, four deer walked right through our site!! We had a regular nighttime visit from some bold raccoons."
What You Should Know
Weather considerations: Summer heat requires preparation while winter camping demands appropriate gear. At Tyler State Park, Wesley D. noted, "I tent camped and there were alot of trails, alot of activities to do and the water was alittle on the chilly side but was still nice!"
Reservation requirements: Many campgrounds require advance booking, especially during peak seasons. At Daingerfield State Park, reservations can be made through the Texas Parks system, with one visitor noting they "Reserved on-line 152 days prior to arrival."
Site variations: Campsite quality differs significantly across locations and within campgrounds. Regarding Music Springs, Karen M. observed, "The bathrooms and shower are clean, there's a community kitchen that has a microwave, coffee maker, and refrigerator. The whole place is decorated very nicely."
Tips for Camping with Families
Playground access: Several parks offer dedicated play structures for children. At Tyler State Park, Becca H. commented, "The playground is one of the best I've seen at the state parks we've been to!"
Swimming safety: Lake areas have varying depth profiles and some offer designated swimming areas. A visitor at Bob Sandlin mentioned, "Nice fishing pier. Cool by the lake" providing safe water access points for families.
Educational opportunities: Wildlife viewing provides learning experiences for children. According to a Cooper Lake State Park visitor, there's "Great hiking trails! Great hosts and knowledgeable rangers" who can enhance the educational component of your visit.
Tips from RVers
Site length considerations: Many RV sites have specific length limitations. At Daingerfield State Park, one RVer noted, "Most FHU sites (other than BIG PINE) are extremely short in length. Barely room for single axle TT, so need to review site details carefully."
Leveling requirements: Some campgrounds have uneven sites requiring additional equipment. At Walleye Park, Bill B. reported, "Site 69 will take a 45' motor coach. We have camped several times here but this time the water pressure was a joke. Very few campers. We had to use onboard water pump for everything."
Glamping alternatives: For those seeking luxury camping near Mount Vernon, Texas, several options exist beyond traditional RV setups. Glamping sites provide enhanced comfort while maintaining outdoor proximity. According to David T. who stayed at Music Springs, "Many unique places to stay" are available for those wanting more amenities than traditional camping offers.
