Alison P.
Guide
GuideJellystone Park™ Tyler
Camping at site 266 - it’s a great spot! Only complaint is there is no grate for the fire pit.
Camping near Jacksonville, TX
7 campgrounds with availability next weekend
Search destinations
Add dates
Several miles east of Dallas, Jacksonville's camping areas draw visitors to the piney woods of East Texas. Martin Creek Lake State Park Campground has level sites near the water where you can fish from a pier or launch your boat. Campers looking for quiet will like Neches Bluff Overlook Campground, which sits higher up with good views at dawn and dusk. Both places have the basics - bathrooms and tables for meals. Some campsites have trees for shade while others are more in the open. Spring and fall bring the best weather for camping around Jacksonville, as summers get hot and humid. Winter camping works too, but bring extra blankets since nights can get cold. Watch out for rough patches on some access roads after heavy rain. The Jacksonville area works well for fishing trips, day hikes, or just sitting back in camp and enjoying the Texas woods.
Best Campgrounds near Jacksonville (127)
1. Lookout Mountain RV Park
"This RV park sits atop of a historic state landmark, Loves Lookout Mountain, just north of Jacksonville Texas. This park has the best view in East Texas. Mr."
"This is a small RV park right off a main highway a few miles outside of Jacksonville. The first thing you notice is the amazing view! You are able to see for miles."
Check Availabilityfrom $45 - $55 / night
2. KE Bushman's Camp
"While tenting in Texas is highly variable in match, Bushmans has a unique little swatch for yents or even tents! Enjoyed Kiepersolncanned wine and best shower rooms ever’!"
"Very nice staff and a cool little store at the entrance. Just around the corner from the Kiepersol Winery and restaurant."
3. Shady Pines RV Park
"We arrived after the office was closed and there was a note on the door with our site location. We were thrilled with the accommodations."
4. Lake Jacksonville Recreation Area
"Great spot , lake is very clean , we take the kids there for swimming and tubing. Also have a swimming area with a sand beach."
5. Rusk KOA
"This KOA is a very quiet location. Very beautiful area. Close to town. Friendly staff. Saltwater swimming pool."
"This campground really has no outside noise from anywhere. It is wonderfully quiet. The office and other working staff are very friendly and informative about things to do in the area."
6. Tyler State Park Campground
"He was very unenthusiastic about camping in Texas. Well Tyler State Park made him change his mind! He LOVED the large trees, said it was the closest he'd felt to home in quite some time."
"This is my favorite state park in Texas! Lots of options for all kinds of campers."
6 Sites AvailableAvailable next weekend
from $18 - $60 / night
7. Rusk Depot Campground
"The texas state RR train engine car came through one time in the afternoon to turn around to pull the train back to palestine...that's pretty unique and a cool thing at a campsite IMO."
8. Rusk - Palestine Park
"Play ground small fishing lake. We stayed here so we could take the grandchildren to the Polar Express train ride."
Check Availabilityfrom $25 - $39 / night
9. The Boulders at Lake Tyler
"Great view of Lake Tyler. Also very clean. There is a store, great boat dock, and a vendor selling very good bbq. We will definitely come back if in the area."
Check AvailabilityCampground full next weekend
from $55 - $195 / night
10. Neches Bluff Overlook Campground
"We took our kids and set up camp in a spot tucked away from the main dirt road. The camp site was serene and there was a hiking trail nearby. We car camped with two toddlers and they had a blast."
"I spent one night over there we enjoy it me and my dog had some breakfast in the morning stay until about 1 PM and then we win unexplored around, and then enjoy some off roads. I be back."
Drive Time
- 33 min from Tyler, TX
- 56 min from Longview, TX
- 1 hr 33 min from Shreveport, LA
- 1 hr 43 min from Dallas, TX
Recent Camping Photos near Jacksonville, TX
87 Photos of 127 Jacksonville Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Rusk Depot Campground
Rusk KOAL
The Fabulous Bok Vegas Texas - Interactive Petting Zoo, Cabins, RV Park, Glamping, Tent Rentals and CampgroundC
Neches Bluff Overlook Campground
Mission Tejas State Park Campground
Borah FarmK
Heavenly Haven & HideawaysJ
Tyler State Park Campground
Sandy Pines RV Park
Salmon Lake Park & ResortL
Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area
Red Barn RV Park
Recent Reviews near Jacksonville, TX
287 Reviews of 127 Jacksonville Campgrounds
- TTasha A.
ScoutJellystone Park™ Tyler
Horrible experience
JELLYSTONE PARK TYLER, TEXAS — 1 STAR. ABSOLUTELY DISGUSTED.
We paid for a family vacation October 16–18. Instead, we spent our time dealing with concerning cabin conditions, repeatedly relocating, and trying to get management to take us seriously.
Cabin 122 smelled musty, had an unusually soft bathroom floor, and showed visible discoloration and growth that concerned us. I photographed it.
We were moved repeatedly. No meaningful assistance was offered. Our children lost vacation time because we were busy packing and unpacking.
AND LET ME MAKE SOMETHING PERFECTLY CLEAR:
NOTHING WE RECEIVED WAS PROACTIVELY OFFERED TO MAKE OUR DISRUPTED VACATION RIGHT.
Build-A-Bear? WE requested it in exchange for a missed hayride.
Linens refund? WE requested it because of the bedding condition.
Management has referenced these things as though they somehow made up for everything else.
They did not. Stop presenting things we had to ask for as generosity.
Then there's manager Tom.
During one interaction, he demanded that I look at him while he spoke to me. I found his manner condescending and disrespectful.
He also chose to approach me to apologize while I was alone in my swimsuit at the pool, despite having other opportunities to speak with me. I was uncomfortable with that interaction.
I repeatedly raised a Build-A-Bear request without meaningful acknowledgment. When a man in our group repeated the same request, Tom immediately agreed.
I cannot speak to his intentions, but I should not have to rely on a man repeating my request to feel heard.
Women, based on my experience, I would personally avoid dealing with Tom.
Multiple members of our group also understood Tom to say that accepting a refund meant we had 30 minutes to leave the property. Management disputes that account. I stand by my recollection.
After filing a formal complaint, providing photographs, and following up, I contacted Northgate Resorts because I wanted someone ABOVE Tyler management to review our experience.
Instead, I spoke with Kyle Mohler on October 27.
He disputed my concerns and denied a refund.
THEN HE TOLD ME THEY INTEND TO USE OUR EXPERIENCE TO IMPROVE HOW EMPLOYEES HANDLE GUEST RELOCATIONS.
Excuse me?
Our experience is significant enough to warrant changing procedures, but apparently not significant enough to warrant additional compensation for the family who endured it?
When I asked for contact information for someone above him, Kyle refused, stating he didn't need to or have to provide it.
I CONTACTED CORPORATE TO GET ABOVE RESORT MANAGEMENT, NOT TO BE SENT RIGHT BACK TO IT.
I am disgusted with the way this vacation and the subsequent complaint have been handled.
This is only a summary. My original complaint contains 19 sections, and I have photographs and correspondence. I am willing to share a redacted copy privately with anyone interested.
ONE STAR. I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND JELLYSTONE PARK TYLER. OUR FAMILY DESERVED BETTER.
Benjamin S.GuideSouthwoods RV Park | Christian Retirement Ministry
We camped here during the Alert Academy Family Camp in October. Good little campground with all you need. Open spaces with lots of shade. It is a private campground so check the rules and make sure to communicate with staff. But we really enjoyed our stay here.
Amanda J.
TravelerMartin Creek Lake State Park Campground
Great Stop
We have stayed here on multiple cross country trips and it's always been great for a quiet spot! It's well shaded and our ConnecTen Internet worked great here. Nice walking and very chill atmosphere with clean bath houses.
- DDrew D.Scout
Lone Star Loop rv Park
The Best camping experience
The Best Rv Park around. Very nice friendly people own it. Very Clean and tidy. Lots of Grass so it doesnt feel like a parking Lot. Safe and clean.
- DDrew D.Scout
Lone Star Loop rv Park
The Best Camping experience
Amazing place to stay. Great atmosphere, family that owns it is really nice and helpful. Safe, clean, and plenty of grass so that it doesn't feel hot or like a parking lot. Over all great time.
Bryan S.GuideTyler State Park Campground
Beautiful views.
Stayed overnight and it was a great stay. Staff were friendly and the views were amazing.
- KKerri C.Guide
Heavenly Haven & Hideaways
Nice place
I only have positive things to say. I stayed one night while passing through the area. I car camp so it was really nice they hand one spot available specially for car camping. The location was pretty easy to find. The grounds are beautiful and the area is thoughtfully set up.
The tent area has outdoor lights strung up, giving it a welcoming and inviting feeling.
The owners made a nightly round to make sure everything was in order, they are very nice and friendly. I would stay here again if I was passing through. - WWayne R.Scout
Texas Gold RV Ranch
Great Campground
Love this location just outside of Palestine. Great owners!
Guide to Jacksonville
Jacksonville camping sites offer outdoor experiences in the densely wooded area of East Texas, where pine trees dominate the landscape at elevations between 400-700 feet. The region's natural waterways and lakes create diverse camping opportunities from RV parks with full hookups to primitive sites in the Davy Crockett National Forest. Weather patterns typically bring humidity year-round with summer temperatures regularly reaching above 90°F.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Lake Jacksonville Recreation Area provides access to a clean lake that's popular for various water activities. According to Paul H., "Great spot, lake is very clean, we take the kids there for swimming and tubing. Also have a swimming area with a sand beach."
Train watching: At Rusk Depot Campground, campers can experience something unique - trains passing directly through the campground. As one visitor notes, "The texas state RR train engine car came through one time in the afternoon to turn around to pull the train back to palestine...that's pretty unique and a cool thing at a campsite."
Wine tasting: Located near KE Bushman's Camp, the Kiepersol Winery offers an unexpected pairing with your camping trip. As Marc T. describes, "Nice, well maintained park with the usual amenities. Very nice staff and a cool little store at the entrance. Just around the corner from the Kiepersol Winery and restaurant."
What campers like
Panoramic views: Lookout Mountain RV Park sits atop a historic state landmark providing exceptional vistas. Kathy H. mentions, "This is a small RV park right off a main highway a few miles outside of Jacksonville. The first thing you notice is the amazing view! You are able to see for miles."
Natural forest settings: The tall pines create a distinctive camping atmosphere throughout the area. At Neches Bluff Overlook Campground, campers appreciate the natural surroundings, with one reviewer noting, "Very peaceful and serene spot" and another mentioning it's "Simple and secluded."
Clean facilities: Many Jacksonville area campgrounds maintain well-kept amenities. As Lori C. says about Shady Pines RV Park, "We were thrilled with the accommodations. If every RV Park is this clean and this easy to get in and out of we will be thrilled."
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Winter camping requires preparation but is doable. Raymond H. shares about Neches Bluff Overlook Campground: "It can get a little rowdy and also overgrown in the spring and summer....but it is perfect during a mild winter day. Come during a weekday and you'll almost surely have the whole place to yourself!"
Campsite selection: Many campgrounds allow you to choose your site upon arrival. When camping at Texas State Railroad locations, "Even with a reservation campsite are selected once you arrive and drive through the campsite."
Water quality: Some campgrounds in the area have mineral-rich water. Campers at the Texas State Railroad mention "Sulphuric smelling water," which is common in parts of East Texas.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: The Boulders at Lake Tyler provides family-friendly amenities that keep children entertained. According to Brianna B., "They have a nice playground. The picnic tables at the sites looked new and all sites had a fire pit with a grill top."
Swimming areas: Multiple sites offer designated swimming locations for safer water play. The Lake Jacksonville Recreation Area features "a swimming area with a sand beach" making it easier for families with children to enjoy water activities.
Kid-friendly events: Seasonal activities enhance family camping experiences. Lisa P. shares about Rusk KOA: "Have been camping here in the summers and both Easter & Halloween weekends and they do easter egg/candy hunts and have other events for the kids/kids at heart."
Tips from RVers
Level sites: Concrete pads make setup easier at several campgrounds. At The Boulders at Lake Tyler, "Concrete sites made setup and leveling super easy," according to Brianna B., who adds that "The staff was extremely friendly and helpful - when we mentioned it was our first trip, they guided us into our site and gave us tips on setup."
Road conditions: Access to some campgrounds can be challenging. Forest service roads to Neches Bluff Campground are described as "pretty level and appears you could get an rv or pull behind through it. Plenty of turn around space at multiple sites."
Site privacy: At KE Bushman's Camp, Emily B. notes, "We stayed in a pull through here. Nice concrete pads, average size for the site for a privately owned park. Great little fishing pond, but not much else to do. I would say a good weekender or awesome stop-over!"
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Jacksonville, TX?
What camping is available near Jacksonville, TX?
According to TheDyrt.com, Jacksonville, TX offers a wide range of camping options, with 127 campgrounds and RV parks near Jacksonville, TX and 5 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Jacksonville, TX?
Which is the most popular campground near Jacksonville, TX?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Jacksonville, TX is Lookout Mountain RV Park with a 5.0-star rating from 3 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Jacksonville, TX?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Jacksonville, TX?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 free dispersed camping spots near Jacksonville, TX.
Keep Exploring