The Mount Vernon area provides several RV camping options within the Piney Woods region of northeast Texas. Campgrounds cluster near Lake Bob Sandlin and Lake Cypress Springs, with most positioned within 15-30 minutes of Mount Vernon proper. The terrain features gentle rolling hills, pine forests, and numerous lakes stocked with bass, crappie, and catfish.
What to do
Lake activities: boat ramps and fishing spots are accessible near Big Al's Barefoot Bay, where campers report "great for kayaking, fishing and just relaxing on the lake. There is a great hiking trail by the marina." The campground provides direct lake access with "sandy spots to swim from at various entry points."
Walking trails: natural areas around Lake Bob Sandlin offer walking paths for wildlife viewing. One camper at The Bluffs RV Park noted they were "close to boat ramp, 5 min walk to the lake" with "full hookups" and "good water pressure."
Local entertainment: weekend events occur regularly at some parks. Barefoot Bay features "Karaoke across the street every Friday and live music every Saturday," according to campers who stayed for an extended period. During summer months, many parks organize community activities for guests.
What campers like
Lake views: waterfront camping receives positive reviews at many parks. At Big Al's Barefoot Bay, campers appreciate sites that "back right up to great water views and access to fishing" despite the "space between campers" being somewhat cramped.
Convenient amenities: marina access ranks highly among Twin Lakes RV Resort visitors. As one guest commented, "This site was conveniently located to all the great amenities. There are so many fun things to do at this resort!"
Friendly atmosphere: community feel stands out at Ramblin Fever RV Park, where visitors mentioned "super friendly people" and feeling safe during their stays. The park maintains a mix of long-term and short-stay residents, creating a welcoming environment for newcomers.
What you should know
Highway proximity: road noise affects several campgrounds in the region. One Ramblin Fever camper noted, "There is some noise from the highway but it didn't stop us from sleeping well." Similarly, at Shady Lake RV Park, visitors mentioned a "noisy road nearby."
Site spacing: variable privacy between RV sites differs significantly between parks. At Shady Lake, one visitor reported that "overnight sites are long enough but only 5-7 feet apart," while others found The Bluffs more spacious with concrete pads for wooden picnic tables.
Facility maintenance: bathroom conditions vary across locations. At Barefoot Bay, campers noted "bathrooms/showers/laundry facilities, however they could use some work," while another visitor at Shady Lake described finding "one restroom which was filthy, one shower that was so dirty you could not stand in it."
Reservation needs: availability challenges occur during fishing tournament weekends when local parks fill quickly. Weekends from March through October typically require advance booking at most parks.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: swimming areas at Barefoot Bay provide "lots of space for the kids to play" according to visitors, with designated shore access points that work well for younger children.
Pet accommodations: dog-friendly policies exist at most parks but with restrictions. One camper at Ramblin Fever noted, "It is very pet friendly. Keep dogs on leash and clean up after them. I have 3 black labs. No fenced dog park yet, so I drove them to the city park with tennis courts every morning to run free."
Campground social life: other children often present at Barefoot Bay where campers mentioned "several kids that run around playing, making friends" especially during summer months and holiday weekends.
Tips from RVers
Budget considerations: Passport America discounts are accepted at select parks. A Ramblin Fever visitor shared, "I used Passport America pass for my first 3 nights," while another noted staying "for a week for $150. 30/50 amp hook ups, sewer and water."
Site selection: length and levelness vary significantly between parks. At Barefoot Bay, RVers reported that "sites are not very level" despite having full hookups, so bringing leveling blocks is recommended.
Utility reliability: water pressure differences exist between parks. The Bluffs received positive comments about "good water pressure" while campers at other parks reported variable water quality during peak usage times.
