Camping spots near Palestine, Texas offer diverse terrain in the Piney Woods region of East Texas, where elevations range from 300 to 650 feet. The area sits at the western edge of the Davy Crockett National Forest, with sandy acidic soils supporting abundant loblolly pine and hardwood forests. Most campsites remain accessible year-round, though winter temperatures can drop into the 30s, requiring proper cold-weather gear for tent campers.
What to do
Explore historical sites: Mission Tejas State Park Campground offers access to significant Texas historical landmarks. "You can go inside it and there are info signs next to it that talk about the Mission's history and the importance of the Old San Antonio road," notes one camper. Another mentions, "My girls and I loved hiking on one of two parks in Texas that you can WALK on the El Camino Royal!!!"
Go fishing: Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area provides fishing access in a small East Texas lake. One visitor reports, "We took an inflatable kayak out on the lake. Decent little lake." The lake doesn't permit electric motors but offers a boat ramp and fishing opportunities in a peaceful setting.
Hike forest trails: Neches Bluff Overlook Campground connects to several hiking paths. "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," shares one camper. The 4C Trail has access points near this campground, though note that some sections may be temporarily closed.
What campers like
Secluded camping spots: Neches Bluff Overlook Campground offers primitive camping with stunning views. "Very peaceful and serene spot," reports one visitor. Another camper explains, "If you take a right, just before you get to the actual 'campgrounds' (saw RV spots with pit toilet), there is a drive able trail. We found a spot that had been used before, and it was very secluded and private."
Spacious campsites: Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area provides well-spaced camping areas. A visitor notes, "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." Another camper shares, "Nice, quiet, area to get away and enjoy alone or with family."
Unique camping atmosphere: Salmon Lake Park & Resort offers an unusual camping experience. A camper describes, "The original owner was a house mover, so there are all kinds of old 'western town' type setups..old jail, old barber shop, tons of old cars etc. It is fun just to walk around and look at them all." This creates a distinctive setting unlike standard campgrounds.
What you should know
Water considerations: Many primitive sites lack potable water. At Neches Bluff, a camper advises, "I would suggest getting firewood in Alto(15 minutes away) at Custom Cut Lumber. You can get pine firewood at 20 bucks a pickup load." Plan to bring sufficient water or camp near natural sources if experienced with water treatment.
Weather preparedness: The Palestine area experiences rapid weather changes year-round. At Buffalo RV Park, located about 30 minutes west of Palestine, visitors appreciate the honest management during challenging weather. "Needed a place to stay with my truck and he gave me the fairest price from all the other places I called," reports one traveler who needed shelter.
Site selection timing: Arrive during daylight hours to find optimal camping spots, especially at dispersed sites. "I'd suggest getting here with some daylight to find a site if coming on a weekend," recommends a Neches Bluff camper. Many sites are first-come, first-served, particularly in the dispersed camping areas.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: The Ranch at Walton Springs offers family-friendly accommodations 6 miles south of Palestine. "The park is located 6 miles outside and south of Palestine. It's almost halfway on Co Rd 156 between FM 2419 and US 287," notes one visitor, describing it as "quiet and peaceful" apart from occasional dog barks.
Educational opportunities: Mission Tejas State Park provides historical learning experiences for children. "The Rangers there were amazing. One came by and invited us to an archery event the next day," shares a visitor. "So, in the morning, he showed us some skulls, animal skins, and a few dead animals. He also told us some stories about the park."
Bathroom facilities: Campground restroom quality varies significantly. At Ratcliff Lake, a camper reports, "The restrooms were immaculate." However, a different visitor notes, "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."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Prepare for uneven terrain at many area campgrounds. At Salmon Lake Park & Resort, a visitor advises, "Be sure to check the sites before you unhook...some have full hookups, some have sketchy looking electric, but we just check everything before unhooking and use a surge protector."
Sandy road conditions: Some camping areas have soft sandy roads that can challenge heavy rigs. A visitor to Salmon Lake notes, "The majority of roads are compacted sandy, dirt mixture making it a little dicey to travel in a heavy rig." Bring traction aids if camping during wet periods.
Water quality variations: Several campgrounds in the area have mineral-rich water. One Salmon Lake visitor mentions, "The water is also heavily sulphuric which isn't a bad thing, it was just a shock." Consider bringing drinking water if sensitive to mineral tastes.
