Tent camping at Navarro Mills Lake provides access to several recreation areas within central Texas. The reservoir spans approximately 5,070 acres with camping options situated at elevations between 400-450 feet. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 95°F from June through September, making spring and fall the most comfortable seasons for overnight stays in the region.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Lake Limestone Public Use Area #3 offers bank fishing access with designated areas for shore casting. The lake contains healthy populations of largemouth bass, crappie, and catfish.
Wildlife observation: Cedar Ridge Mobile Home & RV Park places campers near diverse habitat areas. According to visitor Mark B., it's "located pretty close to a bunch of outdoor sports stores, so if you forgot something on your trip - it's pretty easy to pick up."
Swimming access: Camp Meisenbach provides lake access for cooling off during hot Texas days. The rock-bottom shorelines around many of the lakes create clear swimming conditions during summer months.
Boat launching: Sand Creek Campground includes access points for small watercraft. Most tent sites are situated within walking distance of the water, allowing for convenient kayak or canoe launching.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Cedar Creek Park Campground features well-distributed camping areas under mature trees. Sean B. notes there are "big open fields and mature oak tree shade. Water at most and fire rings are provided next to covered picnic tables. Quiet, lots of wildlife, has boat ramp and dock as well."
Clean environment: Many campers appreciate the well-maintained grounds at established sites. Alexandra F. shares about Cedar Creek: "We had an amazing time with our children. You don't have to worry about dirt and glass on the ground. If you want a relaxed fun weekend with friends and family, this is the place to go."
Natural setting: Hackberry Hills provides a rustic camping experience with minimal development. Sites include picnic tables and fire rings with surrounding vegetation offering natural privacy barriers between campers.
Affordable options: Several campgrounds in the region operate on first-come, first-served bases without entrance fees. Sean B. describes Cedar Creek as "first come first served and free. No showers and only a vault toilet."
What you should know
Navigation challenges: Some campgrounds have confusing access routes. Zoey T. advises about Cedar Creek: "Definitely ignore google to get here though... just follow the road to the end (no turning off) there are campsites to your right and left once you reach the water. At least 27 of them."
Limited facilities: Many tent sites around Navarro Mills Lake lack modern amenities. Bring adequate water supplies as drinking water is unavailable at locations like Lawley Land, Hackberry Hills, and Sand Creek Campground.
Variable rules: Regulations differ significantly between campgrounds. Jenny A. notes about Lawley Land: "We want to get some survival wilderness experience and this was definitely the right place for that. It has a nice lake we're you can swim. You can pop off fire work here or shoot off guns."
Seasonal considerations: Water levels fluctuate throughout the year, affecting shoreline camping spots. During drought periods, water access points may require longer walks from designated camping areas.
Tips for camping with families
Safety precautions: Bella Hampton Farm Foundation maintains 10 designated tent sites with trash collection and fire rings. The property enforces no-alcohol policies, creating a family-appropriate environment.
Comfort planning: Temperature management becomes essential during summer months. Pack extra water containers, cooling towels, and portable fans for tent camping at Navarro Mills Lake between June and September.
Activity preparation: Bring water toys, fishing equipment, and field guides for wildlife spotting. Many sites lack structured recreational amenities, requiring self-directed activities.
Site selection: Request shaded locations when making reservations. Oak trees provide critical temperature moderation during hot periods, reducing tent temperatures by up to 15 degrees compared to exposed sites.
Tips from RVers
Access limitations: Many primitive camping areas have restricted vehicle access. Scout locations before attempting to navigate larger vehicles into undeveloped areas around Navarro Mills Lake.
Utility connections: Most tent-focused campgrounds lack hookups. Cedar Ridge Mobile Home & RV Park provides electric hookups and sanitation facilities for those requiring more amenities, though primarily serves as a residential park with limited transient camping.
Ground conditions: Soil composition varies seasonally. Pack stabilization equipment for tent stakes during dry periods when ground hardness increases significantly.
Water management: Bring containers for transporting water from communal spigots to campsites. Many areas with water hookups require significant hose lengths to reach tent locations.
