Nemo, Texas offers tent camping options within a 25-mile radius primarily focused around Lake Whitney and Granbury areas. The region features limestone outcroppings and rolling hills characteristic of North Central Texas with elevations ranging from 600-850 feet. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 95°F, making spring and fall the preferred camping seasons when temperatures average 70-85°F and humidity levels are more moderate.
What to do
Rock climbing access: Penitentiary Hollow at Lake Mineral Wells State Park provides unique climbing opportunities on sandstone formations. "Very unique rock climbing area. Fun to watch the climbers go up and down," notes a visitor to Primitive Area — Lake Mineral Wells State Park.
Kayaking exploration: Paddle the calm waters at Lake Mineral Wells where hidden inlets await discovery. "Kayaking on the lake with a little creek to paddle up at the far back left side," reports one camper who enjoyed the water activities.
Wildlife observation: Early mornings and evenings offer prime opportunities for spotting native Texas wildlife. At Lake Mineral Wells, campers regularly encounter "deer, an armadillo, and a rabbit" during hikes to primitive camping areas.
Hiking trail networks: Multiple interconnected trail systems allow for day hikes ranging from easy to moderate difficulty. The Cross Timbers trail at Lake Mineral Wells is particularly well-maintained and provides better hiking conditions than some of the primitive trails.
What campers like
Secluded waterfront access: Cedar Creek Park Campground offers direct lake access with clean shorelines. "The lake is a super clean rock bottom one. Super peaceful," reports one camper, noting the campground has "campsites to your right and left once you reach the water."
Mature tree coverage: Cedar Creek Park features "big open fields and mature oak tree shade" according to campers who appreciate the natural canopy during hot summer months.
Family-friendly swimming: Clean swimming areas with minimal hazards make this region popular for families. "We had an amazing time with our children. You don't have to worry about dirt and glass on the ground," notes one Cedar Creek visitor.
Wildlife encounters: Multiple campers report nighttime and early morning wildlife sightings around their campsites. One camper at De Cordova Bend mentioned "there were many deer in the area all night" during their stay.
What you should know
Seasonal crowding patterns: Summer weekends experience heavy use, particularly at waterfront locations. As one De Cordova Bend camper advised, "Been told by a local, off season is best as July and August are typically overful."
Primitive site navigation: Backcountry sites often lack clear markings. At Lake Mineral Wells primitive camping area, "there weren't really any marked spots but there were clear paths and a few places that had obviously been camped at," according to one solo hiker.
Bathroom availability varies: Facilities range from vault toilets to portable options depending on location and season. At De Cordova Bend, a camper noted "Bathrooms are closed, but there is a Porta potty" during their visit.
Water access considerations: Most established sites provide potable water, but primitive areas require carrying all water needs. Cedar Creek offers "water at most [sites]" according to visitor reports.
Trail conditions: Some trails become overgrown during peak growing seasons. One Lake Mineral Wells hiker mentioned trails were "well marked, but pretty overgrown at parts with a TON of spider webs."
Tips for camping with families
Choose sites strategically: Opt for established campgrounds with amenities for younger children. Cedar Creek Park Campground provides "covered picnic tables and fire rings" at most sites, making meal preparation more convenient with children.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Morning hikes offer excellent wildlife spotting chances for children. One family at Lake Mineral Wells State Park stated, "Everything you could want is at your fingertips. We absolutely love it here."
Plan for noise considerations: Some locations regularly host large youth groups. A Lake Mineral Wells camper reported, "The Boy Scouts love this campground! Late into our first night, 4 Boy Scout troops rolled in. We were awakened the next morning to lots of kids yelling."
Multiple activity options: Look for campgrounds offering diverse recreation choices within walking distance. "LMWSP has tons of activities for the family. You can spend the day exploring and climbing the rock formations... You can also spend your day on the water," notes one regular visitor.
Tips from RVers
Shade availability: During summer months, tree coverage becomes essential for comfortable camping. At De Cordova Bend, RVers suggest to "arrive early for a treed spot or bring shade awnings" since there's "lots of sun and just a little shade."
Midweek advantages: For those with flexible schedules, weekdays offer significantly less crowded conditions. One RVer visiting De Cordova Bend in July found "this is a mid week haven... the park is busy with boating swimming, fishing, and boating is busy with day use traffic but only 3 or 4 campsites are occupied."
Extended stay options: Some locations permit longer stays for those wanting to settle in. De Cordova Bend is "free to camp with a 10 day max" according to visitors who appreciated the extended stay option.
