Best Campgrounds near Nacogdoches, TX

The Nacogdoches area in East Texas features a mix of established campgrounds and dispersed camping options within the Piney Woods region. Campground options range from full-service RV parks like Red Barn RV Park and Fairway RV Park within city limits to more rustic experiences at Camp Tonkawa Springs RV Park and Campground in nearby Garrison. The Angelina River/Hwy 59 Dispersed camping area provides free primitive camping for both tent and RV users seeking a more secluded experience. Neches Bluff Overlook Campground offers another dispersed camping option with toilet facilities but no hookups. Several campgrounds in the area accommodate various camping styles including tent camping, RV sites with full hookups, and cabin rentals at locations like Lufkin KOA Journey.

East Texas weather patterns significantly impact camping conditions, with hot, humid summers and mild winters typical for the region. Most campgrounds remain open year-round, though spring and fall offer more comfortable temperatures for outdoor activities. Water access varies across sites, with locations like Alazan Bayou WMA providing lakeside tent camping opportunities. Cell service can be limited at more remote locations, particularly in the national forest areas. Road conditions generally allow standard vehicle access to most established campgrounds, though some dispersed sites may require higher clearance vehicles. "More than meets the eye here. Texas was founded on this spot and the Caddo natives lived in the area. Short drive to the beautiful town of Nacogdoches and its lovely gardens," noted one visitor about nearby Mission Tejas State Park.

Campers consistently mention the tall pine forests as a defining characteristic of the camping experience in this region. The dense tree cover provides welcome shade during hot months but can limit views at some locations. Several visitors highlighted the peaceful atmosphere of camping beneath the East Texas pines, particularly at sites within the Davy Crockett National Forest. "Great campground in the Pineywoods of east Texas. Nice size sites with plenty of room between," wrote one camper about Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area. Water features are another draw, with fishing opportunities available at several locations. Noise levels vary significantly between campgrounds, with some reviewers noting highway sounds at certain sites while others praised the quiet solitude of more remote camping areas. Wildlife viewing opportunities include birds, deer, and other forest creatures typical to the East Texas ecosystem.

Best Camping Sites Near Nacogdoches, Texas (89)

    1. Red Barn RV Park

    2 Reviews
    Nacogdoches, TX
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (936) 564-0248

    "Privacy fence around lot and large shed to store in or use as an extra living space."

    2. Fairway RV Park

    1 Review
    Nacogdoches, TX
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (936) 462-9900

    3. Camp Tonkawa Springs RV Park and Campground

    6 Reviews
    Mount Enterprise, TX
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (936) 564-8888

    "TEXAS!! Has exploring trails and even some wildlife roaming if you are a camper. Has a mystical, Lord of Rings vibe. ENJOY!!"

    4. Alazan Bayou

    1 Review
    Nacogdoches, TX
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (936) 569-8547

    $12 - $42 / night

    "You need a Texas parks Limited use permit. It costs as little as $12 a year. If you want to fish or hunt the price goes up a little."

    5. Lufkin KOA Journey

    3 Reviews
    Lufkin, TX
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (936) 238-3721

    "It is located in Lufkin, Texas and has lovely scenery including trees and a pond. This park has everything including large paved pull-through sites with 30/50 amp."

    "Nice little spot right off the feeder road tucked back into the trees. Great playground, beautiful pool, friendly staff. Wi-Fi was great! I was able to work without using my hotspot."

    7. Neches Bluff Overlook Campground

    18 Reviews
    Alto, TX
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (936) 655-2299

    "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."

    8. Shady Pines RV Park

    Be the first to review!
    Nacogdoches, TX
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (936) 569-3083

    9. Forest Country RV Park

    Be the first to review!
    Nacogdoches, TX
    3 miles
    +1 (936) 559-1645

    10. Hanks Creek

    10 Reviews
    Zavalla, TX
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (409) 384-5716

    $26 - $150 / night

    "Excellen place t spend quiet time by the lake! Such a beautiful setting in the east Texas Piney Woods! Our site was waterside so I only had to walk 15 feet to fish!"

    "Quiet, even on Memorial Day weekend, with a visible drive through by the Angelina Sheriff's Office on a regular basis. Highly recommended."

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Recent Reviews near Nacogdoches, TX

202 Reviews of 89 Nacogdoches Campgrounds


  • Alana B.
    Jul. 8, 2025

    Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area

    Magical

    Beautiful little gem. The upkeep is outstanding, you can tell it’s really looked after. The camp sites are close to each other but since it wasn’t busy it felt like we had our own private area. There is a small swim area that you should utilize because there are alligators in the lake so it’s not safe to swim by the campground. The rangers drive around a few times a day. We didn’t do the trail this time around but will try it out next time. It’s great for big groups because of all the space. They have bathrooms with a shower and plenty of toilet paper in case you forget to bring your own. It gets pretty dark at night because there are no lights except what you pack with you. There is also a water spigot and a fire pit.

  • P
    Jun. 1, 2025

    Rosie Jones Park

    Rosie Jones Park

    It was nice and clean they had mowed. Quiet nites overlooking the lake there is no electricity other than few street lights or water. It does have a camp permit now $6 a day. Road is rough going in. More of Boondocking adventures except has tables scattered.

  • mThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 15, 2025

    Boles Field Campground

    Small Rest stop with dump station

    This rest stop has plenty of picnic tables, some grills, restrooms available and a dump station. Ididn't see any camping/ or overnight signs so it should be ok to stay there. Only downside it's that there isn't a lot of spots available for RV/trucks for cars it's ok.

  • Heather S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 27, 2025

    Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area

    Convenient. Clean enough. But underwhelmed.

    We came to tent camp and wanted to be on a lake shoreline. We stayed at #11 on Lakeside Loop.

    The positive:

    • The tent pad was nice and level and the site was very roomy (we had a tent & canopy) with tons more room to stretch out.

    • We were about 200 yards from the bathroom facilities and about 30 feet from potable water for washing up.

    • The traffic was minimal because it’s off the main road, and would have been peaceful if the group of campers at #9 had been courteous and acknowledged quiet hours.

    • We had incredible weather with a wonderful steady breeze.

    Negatives:

    • We did have a lake view, but the shoreline is so incredibly overgrown making it difficult to fish. Lots of rotted wood and brush blocks a great deal of the view and access.

    • The burn circle had a grate welded at an angle to the top, so it couldn’t really be used for building up a big fire or cooking.

    • No one drove around/checked to make sure visitors are keeping to the quiet hours, which meant we were kept awake until about 12:30 am from yelling and loud music.

    • The restrooms, while near, had not been cleaned before we arrived—toilet paper on the floors and in the shower area with lots of dead june bugs and spiders on the floor the whole weekend.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 25, 2025

    Neches Bluff Overlook Campground

    Very nice

    Great view. Just a handful of spots but it was us and one other vehicle. The road up is a little rough. It’s had some washout and needs fixing but keep it slow and drive around the wash out

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 24, 2025

    Sexton Pond Dispersed

    Great spot

    Down a hard packed gravel road. A few potholes but nothing major. Nice spot in the trees. There are a few fire pits spread out. We were the only ones here.

  • Jim P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 17, 2025

    Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area

    Very peaceful park

    Great camping area, sites are a little unlevel, but not too bad. Water is a little bit of a stretch, may need to make sure you have plenty of hose.

    Remnants of old sawmill is really cool, lots of wildlife and well maintained and marked trails to explore.

    Good fishing, and swim area is very refreshing as well!


Guide to Nacogdoches

Nacogdoches camping options sit within East Texas's post oak belt, featuring sandy loam soils that influence drainage at tent sites during wet seasons. Elevation in the area ranges between 300-400 feet above sea level, contributing to moderate temperature variations between campgrounds in valleys and those on higher ground. Dispersed camping areas near Nacogdoches typically receive 45-50 inches of annual rainfall, with heaviest precipitation occurring March through May.

What to do

Fishing opportunities: At Hanks Creek, waterside sites provide immediate lake access. "Our site was waterside so I only had to walk 15 feet to fish!" notes camper Dude R. The Angelina River area also offers fishing options, with one visitor noting, "If you like fishing this is a popular fav spot among locals. You can float the river most either way overall. Sand bass is a fav when in season."

Swimming in natural springs: Camp Tonkawa Springs features a distinctive spring-fed swimming area. "Has the best clear blue water for swimming in all of E. TEXAS!! Has exploring trails and even some wildlife roaming if you are a camper. Has a mystical, Lord of Rings vibe," writes Yasmin S. Another camper describes, "Tere is a natural fed spring that is clear and beautiful. There's BBQ pit area and picnic tables."

Wildlife viewing: Several campgrounds allow close encounters with local fauna. At Camp Tonkawa, one reviewer mentions, "The best part is the deer that will walk right up to you that you can hand feed." Hiking trails throughout the Neches Bluff area provide opportunities to observe East Texas wildlife in their natural habitat.

What campers like

Peaceful mornings: Neches Bluff Overlook Campground earns praise for its tranquil setting and river views. "Great view In mornings and nights 10/10," writes Yasmin S. Another camper shared, "Crept up the hill in the middle of the night to wake up to a beautiful view!" The overlook provides scenic vistas of the Neches River below.

Clean facilities: The Lufkin KOA Journey receives consistent praise for maintenance standards. "This is really now the Lufkin KOA Journey... This RV park is one of the nicest we've seen. The pads appear to be newly poured concrete. All very level. The hookups are in good working order. This is a very clean RV park," notes Brian C. Another visitor adds, "Bathrooms and showers were clean and stocked."

Natural setting: Campers value the pine forest environment typical of East Texas campgrounds. At Neches Bluff, one visitor describes, "There's not much to this campground, although it is very beautiful with enormous loblolly pines." Another remarks, "My boyfriend and I stayed one night... and it was AMAZING!! Very secluded. If you take a right, just before you get to the actual 'campgrounds,' there is a drive able trail."

What you should know

Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly at camping sites near Nacogdoches, Texas. At Camp Tonkawa, a reviewer warns, "No phone reception, no data." Similarly, another mentions, "Cell phone service here is almost non existent. We have sprint service and have one bar, if we are outside in certain areas. Would not recommend staying here if you work remotely."

Seasonal insect challenges: Bugs can be problematic at certain times. One camper at Alazan Bayou notes the need for preparation: "At least 14 sites with picnic tables on concrete slabs. Fire rings and Lantern poles. Very well kept and mowed." At other sites, reviews mention, "The flies are horrendous, and so are the ants." Another camper warns, "You just have to have a case of bug spray to fend off the mosquitoes and bugs."

Permit requirements: Some camping areas require specific permits. For Alazan Bayou, a camper explains, "You need a Texas parks Limited use permit. It costs as little as $12 a year. If you want to fish or hunt the price goes up a little. Can be used to stay at any National Forest or Wild Management area."

Tips for camping with families

Swimming options: Family-friendly water access varies between sites. At Hanks Creek, one camper notes, "Great safe wholesome family atmosphere, clean, well maintained flush toilets, showers, children's playground.. main camping side thru attendants that didn't allow drunkenness in camping areas, dedicated bouyed swim area, no life guard but gently slopes on sand."

Playground facilities: The Lufkin KOA Journey offers recreational amenities for children. "This park has everything including large paved pull-through sites with 30/50 amp. Each site has a grassy area and picnic table. There is a great pool and outdoor park area to play in," writes one reviewer. Another mentions, "Nice little spot right off the feeder road tucked back into the trees. Great playground, beautiful pool, friendly staff."

Water exploration: Creek exploration offers natural entertainment. At Neches Bluff, a camper shares, "There was a creek nearby that we hiked up and down, even found what appeared to be a natural spring feeding the creak. We used the creek as our water supply, and the water was delicious. Lots of cool rocks, and even found a couple snail shells."

Tips from RVers

Site selection: At Red Barn RV Park, long-term options exist. "Very friendly staff and residents. Mostly long-term residents. Nice facilities and pool. Privacy fence around lot and large shed to store in or use as an extra living space," writes Jessica M. Another notes it's a "Small park, really nice family business."

Hookup quality: The Lufkin KOA earns praise for infrastructure. "The pads appear to be newly poured concrete. All very level. The hookups are in good working order," mentions Brian C. This makes setup easier and more reliable for RV campers needing dependable connections.

Length restrictions: Some campgrounds have limitations on larger rigs. At Hanks Creek, a camper warns, "Campground is nice but most sites aren't very long. Sites along the water are nice because you can beach your boat for easy access." RV campers should check specific site dimensions before booking, especially during peak seasons when options may be limited.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find camping spots around Lake Nacogdoches?

The Nacogdoches area offers several excellent lakeside camping options. Hanks Creek provides waterside sites with easy fishing access just 15 feet from your tent or RV, set in the beautiful East Texas Piney Woods. Another great option is Cassells-Boykin Park, which offers lakefront camping with basic amenities. For a more secluded experience, consider Lake Murvaul at Decker Hill Park - Lake Murvaul, a quiet lakeside spot with minimal amenities but peaceful surroundings. While these parks typically don't offer full hookups, they provide trash disposal and access to water recreation activities. Some sites are first-come, first-served, so arriving early during peak seasons is recommended.

What state parks offer camping in the Nacogdoches area?

Mission Tejas State Park Campground is a standout option located in the Davy Crockett National Forest. The park features hiking trails mostly shaded by towering pines, recently renovated restrooms, and both tent and RV sites. History buffs will appreciate its significance as the site of the original Franciscan Mission to the Caddo Indians, with expanded interpretive displays planned. Another excellent choice is Martin Creek Lake State Park Campground, offering diverse camping options including RV sites, tent sites (both primitive and with amenities), cabins, cottages, and screened shelters. Both parks require entrance fees and camping fees, with reservations recommended especially during spring and fall. The parks are typically open year-round, though summer can be quite hot.

Are there RV parks available in Nacogdoches, TX?

Nacogdoches has several RV-friendly options to accommodate travelers. Lookout Mountain RV Park provides comfortable sites for RVs of various sizes with necessary hookups. Forest Country RV Park offers toilets and big-rig-friendly spaces for those with larger vehicles. Additional options include Shady Pines RV Park and Red Barn RV Park, both featuring water hookups and toilet facilities. For those seeking more amenities, Camp Tonkawa Springs RV Park and Campground provides a more comprehensive camping experience. Most Nacogdoches area RV parks are accessible year-round, though reservations are recommended during peak spring and fall seasons when the weather is most favorable.