Bardwell Lake camping offers recreational opportunities in a prairie ecosystem surrounding this northeastern Ellis County, Texas reservoir. The lake spans approximately 3,500 acres with elevation ranging from 421 to 431 feet above sea level. Camping around Bardwell Lake includes a mix of Corps of Engineers parks featuring varying levels of shade, terrain, and amenities depending on which side of the reservoir you choose.
What to do
Fishing from dedicated structures: Liberty Hill Park at Navarro Mills Lake features a covered fishing barge that allows anglers to fish regardless of weather conditions. One visitor noted, "Lake Navarro Mills is well known as the best Crappie fishing lake in Texas."
Hiking and walking opportunities: At The Range Vintage Trailer Resort, campers have access to hiking trails throughout the property. A camper mentioned, "Unlike other campgrounds marketed that way, the sites are spacious and there are hiking trails all around the property."
Swimming areas: Liberty Hill Park provides designated swimming facilities with beach access. A visitor mentioned, "Great swimming area with beach area and large children play area." Unlike Bardwell Lake, which lacks designated beaches, this provides a more structured swimming experience.
Kayaking: The waterways around Bardwell Lake support paddling activities. As one camper at Waxahachie Creek Park stated, "Best fishing, kayaking," highlighting the compatibility of the water conditions with paddlesports.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Campers consistently mention appreciating the site layout at various parks. At High View, visitors commented, "Very pretty lake views and tons of grass. My dog loved going for runs through the grass."
Natural surroundings: Waxahachie Creek Park offers more vegetation between sites compared to other Bardwell Lake options. A visitor explained, "It was so peaceful with quite a bit of bushy vegetation to provide a small measure of privacy between sites. This is as close to nature as one can get in a campground!"
Lake views: Many campsites offer direct views of the water. At High View, a camper noted, "We stayed in campsite 29 which is kind of elevated a bit and we had a great view of the lake."
Security presence: Some campgrounds maintain regular security patrols. A High View visitor mentioned, "Local sheriff's dept and park ranger made several trips through the park which made it feel secure."
What you should know
Gate closure times: Multiple campgrounds enforce strict gate closure times that can affect late arrivals. At Highview Park, a camper warned, "If you're looking for a late night stop, this isn't it. Gates lock at 10 pm. We couldn't get in."
Insect management: Ants are a consistent challenge across multiple campgrounds. At Liberty Hill Park, a camper cautioned, "Really Nice Campground, BUT my God the ants! Liberty hill is a very beautiful campground but there is a serious issue with the invasive Argentine ant."
Variable bathroom conditions: Bathroom availability and cleanliness varies by campground and season. A High View visitor observed, "Regular restrooms were closed / locked during my visit - Monday night; May 27."
Vegetation hazards: Some campgrounds have natural hazards to be aware of. A camper at Waxahachie Creek Park reported, "There was poison ivy on the trees next to us and in the mowed ground around the campsite."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Some parks offer dedicated play areas for children. At Liberty Hill Park Campground, a visitor mentioned, "Great swimming area with beach area and large children play area."
Seasonal precautions: During warmer months, prepare for increased bug activity. At Cedar Hill State Park, a camper warned, "Fire ants and chiggers all over our campsite!" Apply appropriate repellents and check tent sites carefully.
Supply access: For families needing supplies, American RV Park provides convenient access to town resources. As one reviewer noted, "This is mainly a city RV/camper campsite that sits right on the outskirts of the town of Corsicana. Very close to Navarro College."
Wildlife education opportunities: Campgrounds around Bardwell Lake offer chances to observe local wildlife. A visitor at Waxahachie Creek Park mentioned, "There were so many butterflies, flies, and other flying insects on the sunny side of our RV."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: COE Bardwell Lake Mott Park offers electrical and water connections but limited sewer hookups. A camper shared, "The view, electricity, water, and showers was very nice at such an affordable price."
Accessibility considerations: Some campgrounds have challenging road conditions. A Waxahachie Creek Park visitor noted, "The roads inside the campground need to be repaved."
Site leveling requirements: Pay attention to site grading when selecting spots. At Cedar Hill State Park, one RVer reported, "We were surprised to find a very sloping site with the cement bumpers missing rebar and very unsafe."
Site spacing: RV sites vary in privacy and spacing. At Northside RV Resort, a visitor observed, "The sites are large and easy to pull in and out. They don't have any extras like clubhouses so you can tell they don't cater to snowbirds."
