Best Dog-Friendly Camping near National Forests and Grasslands in Texas

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, National Forests and Grasslands in Texas, TX has a lot to offer. Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are National Forests and Grasslands in Texas campgrounds just for you. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Texas camping adventure.

Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near National Forests and Grasslands in Texas (68)

    1. Lufkin KOA Journey

    3 Reviews
    Lufkin, TX
    6 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."

    2. Alazan Bayou

    1 Review
    Nacogdoches, TX
    3 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."

    3. Fairway RV Park

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

    4. Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area

    20 Reviews
    Kennard, TX
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (936) 655-2299

    $15 - $35 / night

    "East Texas weather is so unpredictable. When we arrived at camp it was nice and sunny, so my friend and I decided to walk our dogs. On our walk we got caught in the middle of a down pour!"

    "Very well-maintained National Forest site just off Texas Highway 7 in the middle of the Davey Crockett National Forest. "

    5. Ford Chapel RV Park

    2 Reviews
    Lufkin, TX
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (936) 632-7096

    $35 - $45 / night

    7. Neches Bluff Overlook Campground

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

    "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."

    "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."

    8. Hanks Creek

    10 Reviews
    Zavalla, TX
    24 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."

    9. Red Barn RV Park

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

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

    10. Mission Tejas State Park Campground

    15 Reviews
    Alto, TX
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (936) 687-2394

    $10 - $20 / night

    "The camping sites are all situated in the woods scattered among the hills above the Neches River Valley."

    "Sites A and B are next to the day usage areas of the park, and are separated from the RV accessible areas."

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Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near National Forests and Grasslands in Texas

178 Reviews of 68 National Forests and Grasslands in Texas Campgrounds


  • S
    May. 29, 2022

    Camp Tonkawa Springs RV Park and Campground

    Pretty, but not for us.

    My family visited with my mother in law and my sister in law and her family. The managers acted like it was going to be a crazy busy weekend over Memorial Day. There’s 8 RVs here, and even the swimming hole has room for everyone, and then some.

    The site is situated with a spring that opens up to swim in. The water is unnaturally blue, and truly looks dyed. It’s ice cold, though! Back in the woods where the water is running, it’s crystal clear and beautiful. The best part is the deer that will walk right up to you that you can hand feed. The flies are horrendous, and so are the ants. The bathhouse is exceptionally clean and very comfortable. We enjoyed utilizing this feature. Management is different. We’ve been micromanaged to death during our stay. We’ve been asked dozens of time what we’re doing, what are plans are, how long we’re staying etc…. We were even asked to help catch a cat that’s running around with a double eye infection, and possibly a case of mange. We affectionately refer to it as zombie cat. It’s very sweet, just needs some veterinary care.

    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.

    Otherwise, it’s very quiet and peaceful. Very clean. White rock parking areas for pads, full hookups.

  • C
    Jun. 29, 2019

    Mission Tejas State Park Campground

    A hidden jewel in deep East Texas

    Ensconced in the deep Piney Woods of Davy Crockett National Forest lies the site of the original Franciscan Mission to the Caddo Indians. The local tribe’s word for friend was tejas (tay-hoss) meaning friend. The camping sites are all situated in the woods scattered among the hills above the Neches River Valley. They do not have sites for extremely large diesel pushers, but 32 foot trailers or RVs fit nicely.

    The location has Texas state park normal accoutrements like fire rings, tables, lantern posts, showers, bathrooms and new front office with interesting rain harvesting equipment to view. Serene and beautiful area with hiking trails of easy to moderate level of difficulty with a historic walk to the site of the original Camino Real also known as the Old San Antonio Road.

    Nearby you have historic markers every 3 miles or so on the current King’s Highway with Caddoan Indian Mounds to visit, sites of early settlers, including the original Rice Family Dog Run Cabin on site. There is a lovely lake for perch and bass fishing and playgrounds for young children.

    It is favorite park of mine to visit and I return every few years.

  • Sydney L.
    Aug. 7, 2018

    Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area

    Classic East Texas

    East Texas weather is so unpredictable. When we arrived at camp it was nice and sunny, so my friend and I decided to walk our dogs. On our walk we got caught in the middle of a down pour! We laughed our way back to camp and waited out the rest of the storm in our cars. It cleared up quickly and we were back out in the wild. We took an inflatable kayak out on the lake. Decent little lake. People were in the swimming area. Would camp here again.

  • Jay N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 20, 2021

    Neches Bluff Overlook Campground

    👍

    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.

  • Cultivating Fire L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 2, 2022

    Decker Hill Park - Lake Murvaul

    Quiet Primitive Lakeside View

    This quiet lakeside campsite was a nice and quiet spot tucked away from any roads where we encountered very few other campers in tents. No water, power or sanitary dumps, but there are trash cans available - granted many visitors seem to litter at this location. Possible old homeless camps on the west end of the campsite.

    Overall, nice quiet spot to stop for a few days.

    check in for free pass at the Lake Murvaul Marina on the other side of the lake

  • Veronica S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 19, 2021

    Mission Tejas State Park Campground

    Lovely campground, spicy tent pad.

    I had a great time at this park. Sites A and B are next to the day usage areas of the park, and are separated from the RV accessible areas. I found the site delightfully secluded - with a nice set of steps from the picnic table and fire pit right up to the tent pad. Water spigots are everywhere - although the one immediately adjacent to A&B was a little muddy, so I walked across to the playground to get water there. There's a trash can right next to the sites, and a set of clean, nice bathrooms not far off. This spot is also conveniently located next to several trailheads.

    Only major problem with this site - there happened to be two fire ant nests on or directly adjacent to the tent pad. Luckily, I was able to angle my 2 person tent perfectly to avoid trouble, but for a larger tent it may have been a huge problem.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 7, 2022

    Mission Tejas State Park Campground

    Fantastic Hidden Gem

    I went for a one day hike and it was phenomenal! Only two hours away from Houston. Great park to shade yourself from the Texas summer sun. It was hot but 90% of the trails are covered by shade. Most trails I went on were hilly and I wasn’t expecting that! Restrooms looked brand new! Don’t expect to have signal in or 20 min outside the park area so prepare for that. 10/10

  • Tony E.
    Mar. 2, 2021

    Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area

    Wonderful, well-spaced campground under the East Texas tall pines

    What the campsites lacks in remoteness it makes up for with everything else. 

    Very well-maintained National Forest site just off Texas Highway 7 in the middle of the Davey Crockett National Forest. 

    Highlights for the site include:

    • very well-spaced apart offering more privacy than usually afforded

    • restrooms and showers were clean.

    • Access to hacking trails in the national forest

    • Easy access to food/fuel/firewood

    • A large variety of species for birdwatching

    • Small lake with deck for launching kayaks or SUPs

    There was not water at every site, so bring a longer hose and be ready to fill your tanks or containers.

    Road noise from highway was audible, but not too distracting.

  • Ken M.
    Nov. 28, 2020

    Boykin Springs NF Campground

    quiet, remote

    Very nice and quiet campground in East Texas.  Spent Thanksgiving here with wife, kids and dogs.  Beautiful creeks and "pipe fed" springs.  Need to look up the history on this.  Bathrooms could use a refurbish but given wet weather overall in good condition.  Warm showers.  No service with T Mobile but daughter had service with Verizon.


Guide to National Forests and Grasslands in Texas

Discovering pet-friendly camping spots near National Forests and Grasslands in Texas offers a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors with your furry friends. Here are some excellent options that cater to both you and your pets.

Tips for camping with dogs near National Forests and Grasslands in Texas

  • Ensure your pet is comfortable in new environments by bringing familiar items like their bed or favorite toys when visiting places like Hanks Creek.
  • Keep your dog leashed and under control, especially in busy areas or near water, to ensure a safe experience at Lufkin KOA Journey.
  • Always clean up after your pet to maintain the beauty of nature and respect fellow campers, particularly in well-reviewed spots like Red Barn RV Park.

Pet-friendly campgrounds include Hanks Creek

  • Hanks Creek allows pets and features a dedicated swimming area, making it a great choice for families with dogs who love water.
  • With amenities like electric hookups and drinking water, Lufkin KOA Journey ensures a comfortable stay for both you and your pet.
  • Red Barn RV Park is known for its friendly atmosphere and well-maintained facilities, perfect for a relaxing getaway with your furry companion.

Dog-friendly activities while camping near National Forests and Grasslands in Texas

  • Enjoy fishing and swimming at Hanks Creek, where your dog can join in on the fun while you relax by the water.
  • Explore the nearby trails and natural beauty surrounding Slay Creek, perfect for hiking with your pet.
  • Take advantage of the spacious areas at Alazan Bayou for picnics and leisurely walks, ensuring your dog gets plenty of exercise.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near National Forests and Grasslands in Texas?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near National Forests and Grasslands in Texas is Lufkin KOA Journey with a 5-star rating from 3 reviews.

What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near National Forests and Grasslands in Texas?

TheDyrt.com has all 68 dog-friendly camping locations near National Forests and Grasslands in Texas, with real photos and reviews from campers.