Best Tent Camping near Palestine, TX

Recent Tent Reviews near Palestine, Texas

136 Reviews of 5 Palestine Campgrounds

• 

  Rachel J.

  Traveler

  

  Nov. 3, 2020

  Fishermans Point Marina and Resort

  Limited tent sites

  We went to check this place out to reserve for a family camp trip. The grounds are clean and spacious. They have wonderful cabins and RV sites. The only have 5 tent sites. There are no tent pads and the sites are on a small hill. The picnic tables are limited and not every tent site has one. There are no fire rings so it’s a little unnerving building a fire on the grass. The lake and marina is wonderful and clean. They have all sorts of thing to do there. Kayak rentals, fishing charters, a cute little cafe. This is a place I would come to rent a cabin but not to tent camp!

• C

  Cara H.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 22, 2018

  Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area

  Clean and nice campground

  This is a nice little campground and a pretty little east Texas lake. It is clean and everyone we met was friendly. The tent sites don’t have electric but include a picnic table and fire pit. We had a great visit!

• 

  Rachel J.

  Traveler

  

  Nov. 3, 2020

  Oak Cove Marina

  No tents on weekends

  My husband and I went to this site to scope it out for a weekend family camping trip. We drove all over the park and could not find a designated area for tents. We finally stopped at the restaurant/convenient store/bait shop and asked where are the tent sites. He asked when we wanted to stay and we gave him the dates. He then informed us they do not allow tents during the weekend. Some customers there recommended a different park.

  This is a RV park. There is no tent sites. From what we could see a lot of the RVs live at the park. It doesn’t look like a camping site of any sort. It looks more like a trailer park. We were greatly disappointed.

• 

  Perla P.

  Guide

  

  Apr. 13, 2023

  Fort Boggy State Park Campground

  Hidden gem

  Beautiful small state park. We usually tent camp but this time we decided staying at a cabin. Nice, beautiful and modern cabins. Love the enclosed porch and open porch as well. The cabin was spacious enough for our family of 6. The new family restroom close to the cabins was great, nice and clean. I will be back.

• 

  LaRee S.

  Ranger

  

  May. 3, 2022

  Llamaland Ranch

  Family Camping Dream Come True!

  Camping amongst the llamas was a dream come true! It was everything we hoped for- and more! You can tell Judy does this for the love of llamas. We got a tour of the pasture, and met all of the llamas by name. We got to feed the llamas, and they hung around our camp for almost our entire visit. We. Had. A. Blast. 

  Multiple fire pits and picnic tables per site. Big, shady trees to escape the beating Texas sun. And we felt safe enough to let our boys camp in their own tent for the first time. Not too far from the city, but definitely feels like you're in the middle of nowhere. Tent sites aren't secluded, but they aren't close-by either, and our neighbors were never bother. 10/10 we will definitely be back.

• 

  Daniel L.

  Guide

  

  Oct. 16, 2020

  Mission Tejas State Park Campground

  Great park - small crowded camping

  Come for the hiking trails and access to local communities like Palestine, TX and 4C Trail.

  You will get to know your neighbors at this state park if you choose to camp here.

  Our party was spread out between the main campground and the Day Use area sites. We enjoyed the site we had, but our friends were camping in the main camping loop which was very crowded and cramped mid-week. Personally our site was B near the playground and the ADA trailheads. Site B is kinda magical and if you like people watching than you are in luck, there is no shortage of foot traffic near your campsite. For us it was nice and hikers, passersby were very respectful. 

  Amenities used:

  Bundled FIrewood (donations accepted, however it is free to use)

  WIFI at the visitors center is sub-dial-up speed

  Bathhouse is stall type so it is not a fully private room.

  Staff if friendly and helpful

  Sites are all on hillside, if you have an RV/camper I would rec the pull through sites. The back in sites really only work for tent camping. For Tents, the pad sizes vary so be sure to check your tent dimensions. We saw a few sites our 4 person tent wouldn't have fit onto. (Saw the same at Lake Ratcliff) 

  Personally I would recommend the campgrounds at Lake Ratcliff if you are looking for spacious camping loops. Also Lake Ratcliff's bathhouse was much nicer and more ADA friendly. Mission Tejas's high quality trails are only a 20min drive from Lake Ratcliff.

  Would've given this park a 4 star if campground hadn't been so cramped. Maybe my expectations need curbing. I will return for some winter camping later this year, possible even early spring as well. It is a great park, but if it is full, it feels crowded.

• 

  Candy A.

  Traveler

  

  Dec. 3, 2021

  The Ranch at Walton Springs

  Quiet Park

  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. Once in the park, the roads are a little rough and there is a mix between Mobile Homes and RVs. Our visit has been quiet and peaceful outside of a few barks from the dogs. The owners seem to be pleasant.

• L

  Lisa P.

  Guide

  

  Dec. 17, 2022

  Rusk Depot Campground

  Full hookups in the pine trees

  Took a chance on this campground because many reviews on various websites  were bad and many were old...Used to be a TX state park but was "decommissioned" evidently. It is not the most maintained campground, but it is a small loop with pull-in sites w/ full hookups. The bathroom didnt seem maintained much, but we have a camper, so don't have need for the bathrooms. The texas state RR train engine car came through one time in the afternoon to turn around to pull the train back to palestine...that's pretty unique and a cool thing at a campsite IMO.

  our group loved this place--albeit a very different experience if you are used to well-maintained KOAs etc, but for those that are self contained and just want to hang out/camp, it's a cool place. Had a nice walk around the historic train depot and the little pond behind it. we camped in october and It was very "fall vibes" with all the super tall pine trees and we thought it was a hidden gem and appropriately priced for what you get (ie: it's not priced like a KOA, so don't expect similar amenities--but there are good things about that too--it's not packed with people!!). Not sure I'd make a super long destination out of it if you're  too far away, but We will be back since it's close to camp here!

• 

  Andy K.

  Scout

  

  Mar. 18, 2021

  KE Bushman's Camp

  Tented in march.yes!

  While tenting in Texas is highly variable in match, Bushmans has a unique little swatch for yents or even tents! Enjoyed Kiepersolncanned wine and best shower rooms ever’! Now if they just sponsor a bike even, I could bring friends!

• 

  Veronica S.

  Guide

  

  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.

• 

  Patrick B.

  Traveler

  

  Oct. 9, 2023

  Neches Bluff Overlook Campground

  Peaceful

  Very primitive and off the beaten path, our 02 Mustang was able to handle it. No site numbers just pop the tent wherever. Very quiet and beautiful.

• 

  Jonathan M.

  Scout

  

  Dec. 15, 2021

  Mission Tejas State Park Campground

  Clean friendly park with a lot to do

  The park has a couple small campsites available for both tent and trailer, with price variation to reflect that. The ranger I met at the gate was friendly, engaging and welcoming. The park boats three historic locations, miles of trails and a small but beautifuly curated interpretive center that all ages interested in history will find entertainment and education in. It also boasts a library which is an unexpected but pleasant feature to find.

• 

  Sara F.

  Scout

  

  Apr. 19, 2021

  Fairfield Lake State Park - PERMANENTLY CLOSED

  Pretty park, crowded sites

  This park is beautiful with lots of areas to explore. The camp sites are all in one location and are very close to one another. Some sites are awesome while others are kind of awful, unfortunately. We were in site 004 and it wasn't great. There wasn't a good spot for a tent or a hammock. However, site 005 was much better. The sites that are listed as next to the bathrooms are RIGHT next to the bathrooms.

• 

  Jesse B.

  Traveler

  

  Aug. 2, 2020

  Oak Cove Marina

  A Nice, Warm Night

  Right by the water, and gorgeous at sunrise. There are good water, shower, and toilet amenities you’d expect from a decent campsite. Do not get a room; bring a tent or RV (way cheaper, we paid $18 for our car.) If you arrive late, they can hold your credit card when you book over the phone, and you can pay in the morning. Friendly staff, and incredible lake.

• 

  Adam H.

  Guide

  

  Jan. 10, 2019

  Neches Bluff Overlook Campground

  quiet and very primitive

  There's not much to this campground, although it is very beautiful with enormous loblolly pines. This is a primitive campsite. There's no water, no electricity, not bathrooms, etc. Just an area you can use to set up tents or hammocks. We met a nice older fella who said he comes there every day and builds a fire at dusk, stays for a little bit, then leaves.

  We bikes from the Ratcliff Recreational Area and we had to cache water.

• 

  Becca H.

  Guide

  

  May. 5, 2020

  Mission Tejas State Park Campground

  Awesome park with a lot of history!

  My girls and I loved hiking on one of two parks in Texas that you can WALK on the El Camino Royal!!! Great playground, facilities and staff!

• 

  Charlie C.

  Scout

  

  Aug. 3, 2020

  566 Piney Creek Horse Camp

  Great overnight

  I am a touring cyclist. I stopped here for an overnight. Small shelter I set up my tent under as there was rain in the area. A lot of trash in the area.

  Tip:... if cycling the area. About a mile west of this camping area there is a pipe coming out of the ground on the north side of the road. Spewing cold potable water. Great place to fill water bottles if you can find it.

• 

  Elliott B.

  Legend

  

  Sep. 29, 2016

  Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area

  Decent size campground with some extra amenties

  Well spaced out, but not huge sites (both RV hookup electric and Non "tent only") which allow you to not really spread out, but at least people aren't on top of you. Like most campgrounds you have your standard table and fire ring, but you also have access to flush toilets and showers.

  The recreation area also rents out canoes and has pretty good fishing or you can make sure of thee swimming area and the tons of trails for some short nice hikes or a long trek through the region.

• 

  Missy S.

  Scout

  

  Apr. 26, 2019

  Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area

  Quier, beautiful space to relax.

  The campground is located in the Davy Crockett National Forest, with spots located around the edges of a small lake. Although we could occasionally hear noise from the highway, it was mostly peaceful and quiet. The campgrounds are spacious, with tent platforms, poles to hang trash, and large picnic tables. The bathrooms were amazingly clean and with camp hosts and park rangers on site, we always had help with anything we needed. We hiked and kayaked (with our own boats) and it was all just lovely. I would go back for sure!

• 

  Ryan N.

  Scout

  

  Oct. 3, 2021

  Yellow Rose RV Park

  Southern throwdown

  VERY well maintained. Staff was all super friendly and helped with all questions. A huge plus was seeing the million stars under the Texas sky!

• 

  Fred S.

  Legend

  

  Jan. 3, 2022

  Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area

  Nice wooded campground

  Pretty campground. Tall pine trees. Camped with our camper van along the loblolly loop. Not suitable for large rigs in this section. Level tent pads. Sites have access to the lake. Loved the tall trees. Restroom/shower rooms were very clean. See previous reviews about this. Paved roads & driveways in this section. No water & electric hookups in this section, but available in another section of the campground. Water spigot nearby for drinking water. Busy Hwy 7 is nearby; road noise from big rigs can get loud sometimes. AT&T cell/data service okay. No T-Mobile cell/data service. Would like to camp here again & explore some of the hiking trails.

• 

  Emily M.

  Legend

  

  Jun. 25, 2017

  Mission Tejas State Park Campground

  Historic gem

  More than meets the eye here. Texas was founded on this spot and the Caddo natives lived in the area. They are putting in a bigger interpretive center soon to commemorate the importance of this region. I would like to return to see it and do more hiking here. They have expanded the hiking trails recently. Short drive to the beautiful town of Nacogdoches and its lovely gardens.

• 

  Lily B.

  Scout

  

  Apr. 17, 2017

  Fairfield Lake State Park - PERMANENTLY CLOSED

  Quiet, lush getaway

  We brought our dog here for his first ever camping trip, and this was the perfect place and time to do so. We arrived as the weekend crowd was departing, so of dozens of sites, the site we chose was one of only four that were occupied that night. Thus, it was fabulously quiet and we were undisturbed. Our particular spot (#36) was large with many trees and plenty of brush for privacy; the ground was soft and flat for our tent; and the nearby bathrooms were relatively clean. Park staff were friendly and helpful. We were barraged by bugs at dusk, but once our fire was roaring, the smoke helped fend them off. And per the suggestion of another reviewer, we sure did pop over to the Cooper Farms store to try the peach ice cream, a delectable treat with which to end our out-of-town excursion.

• 

  Yasmin S.

  Guide

  

  Nov. 1, 2024

  Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area

  Ratcliff

  This is another Great in deep e. Texas. They have really clean it up over the years. Even thin out more by the swimming area and boat ramps. Has a boat ramp but no electric motors. Also a dump station. They upgraded a RV spot that also has a playground too. You will find remants of the old sawmill here.

• J

  Jessica M.

  Traveler

  

  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

• K

  Kim V.

  Traveler

  

  Jan. 15, 2020

  Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area

  East Texas Pineywoods!

  Great campground in the Pineywoods of east Texas. Stayed 14 days in site 20 on Dogwood loop. Nice size sites with plenty of room between. Restrooms and showers clean, though showers do need some repair. Plenty of walking/hiking trails and wood for fires. Swim area looks nice, though we visited in November so we didn't swim. Can see the foundation for the old mill in back of the park.

• 

  Sydney L.

  Traveler

  

  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.