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Best Tent Camping near Palo Pinto, TX

233 Reviews

Tent camping options around Palo Pinto, Texas include Lake Mineral Wells State Park's Primitive Area, which offers secluded backcountry sites accessible via a 2.5-mile hiking trail. De Cordova Bend, located near Granbury, provides additional tent camping with waterfront access on the Brazos River. Both locations attract outdoor enthusiasts seeking more rugged camping experiences away from developed facilities.

The primitive camping area at Lake Mineral Wells requires a 2-mile hike in, with campsites that are minimally marked and situated on natural terrain. Campsite designation is limited, with some areas simply marked with a letter while others are identified by previously used clearings. Campers should bring all necessary supplies as no drinking water is available at the primitive sites. Fires are not permitted in the primitive area, and campers must pack out all trash. A day use fee plus primitive camping fee applies, typically around $17 total.

The primitive tent camping experience at Lake Mineral Wells offers unique geological features not common in the region. A recent review noted, "It doesn't feel like Texas at this park. So beautiful." The primitive area provides access to several trails including Cross Timbers, which is better maintained than the designated primitive campsite trail. Wildlife sightings are common, with campers reporting deer, armadillos, rabbits, and occasional coyote sounds at night. De Cordova Bend provides a different experience with lakefront tent camping that includes amenities such as picnic tables, grills, and toilet facilities. According to one visitor, "The park is often very clean and is far enough away from town to be a peaceful quick getaway." De Cordova Bend has a 10-day maximum stay policy and can become crowded during summer months.

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Best Tent Sites Near Palo Pinto, Texas (4)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Palo Pinto, TX

5 Photos of 4 Palo Pinto Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Palo Pinto, TX

233 Reviews of 4 Palo Pinto Campgrounds

  • GoWhereYouAreDraw N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 30, 2019

    Dinosaur Valley State Park Campground

    Family camping

    Nice camping spot for families. I chose to camp in the north primitive hike-in sites across the river. It was pretty hot but I still had a good time exploring the hiking trails. If you go hiking, take a map and of course extra water. My map came in handy a couple of times as I was hiking as the actual trails led me off track a few times.

    I stayed in the primitive camping area. You hike between 1-2.5 miles across the river to sites. If the river is too high these sites may be closed. Water is only available at the trailhead. These sites are primitive so they do not have showers, restrooms, picnic tables or water.

    Other sites available:

    • Campsites with electricity (Picnic tables, water hookup, electric, fire ring)
    • Walk-in campsites (Fire ring, lantern post)
    • Group camp (fire ring, water nearby, three picnic tables)
  • Crystal C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 15, 2018

    Fort Richardson State Park Hist. Site and Trailway

    Reinactments and History what more could you ask for in a camping facility

    A few times a year, the City of Jacksboro opens its arms to an influx of campers and schools from around the state eager to see one of the unique reinactments at the historic location of Fort Richardson.

    While you can visit during other times of the year, these times make for some of the most popular and thus most busy camping experiences.

    7 different types of campsites are available including group sites, equestrian sites, full hook up and primitive sites for RV and tent campers. Sites range from $10-$25 depending on the area and amenities.

    For someone like myself who prefers primitive tent camping or less amenities I found $10 tent sites were about a 3/4 mile hike in and $20 limited amenity campsites were my best options. The benefits to the $20 North Loop site was pretty obvious in restrooms and typical state park fire rings and picnic tables. Primitive sites include only fire rings and because of their remote location in warmer months can be more of a questionable location as taller grass can Harbor more snakes, specifically in this area Rattlesnakes and Copperheads.

    These fees were in addition to standard park admission which is $3 per day for adults. All of these fees are due upon entrance at the entry station where you will be greeted by a park ranger and given a map.

    While there is a lake, hiking and areas for horseback riding my focus upon my visit was one of the reinactments events held near Christmas. “Ghosts of Christmas Past” is an event set to showcase the period of the fort days and tell the story of how soldiers spent the time, what it might have been like on those cold winter nights and create a vision of fort life. It was a great educational visit and a great way to see a bit more of the State Park.

    With this being a short drive for me from my home, I find this campsite and full facilities to be very exciting to return for other events. Well maintained and with friendly staff it is well worth the trip.

  • Kenneth P.
    Sep. 15, 2021

    Thousand Trails Bay Landing

    Lakeside Campsite

    Large RV park with many amenities and activities. I tent camped and cooked out the back of the Jeep at a back-in RV site that sure seemed to be the best spot of them all. The site itself was really large with huge old trees for hammocks. We had our own private access to the lake that was secluded by trees at our site. Picnic table and fire ring. The tent only sites was basically a big field with a parking lot nearby. I prefer to park next to my tent since my kitchen is part of the Jeep so the tent only site didn’t work for me.

  • Joel R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 5, 2024

    Weatherford-Fort Worth West KOA

    Needs some work

    Generally I’ll stay at a KOA for a night when traveling through. They are like McDonald’s, nothing special but you know what to expect. This one was below par even for a KOA. We arrived just at 5:00 pm but the office was already closed. Didn’t see any staff before we left in the morning. Out checking information was available on the bulletin board. A sign said there were no more available sites, but there were clearly over 40 empty spaces. Many of the sites need new picnic tables, and the trees are full of dead branches. However the grass was mowed. Sites are very close together. Closer than most. There is a grassy dog park. There is also the a playground- a swing set! Also a pool which appears functional. Bathroom and showers were adequate. !

    There is an RV repair facility next door.

  • M
    Dec. 3, 2024

    North D&D - Brazos River Public Use Area #4

    Off-season boondock paradise

    One week stay during the first week of December D&D south. Weather: highs in the 60s, lows in the 40s. Covered picnic tables, grills, fire pits, trash cans at most sites. Restrooms spaced throughout the park. Massive trail system throughout the area. Excellent service for school/remote work. Ideal for tents, vans, truck campers, and small trailers. No cost during May-September. No water or dump in the parks, but there are showers. There are sites directly on the water and up in the hills. Would return!

  • Roger W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 14, 2024

    Holiday Park Campground

    Families Gathering

    Lots of families enjoying the nice weather the weekend we were there. Cabins looked fine from the outside.

    Holiday Park, Fort Worth, TX (Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good

    (71 yr olds in 17’ trailer.)

    Overall Rating: 4 for very large sites and nice bathroom/shower facilities. Price 2023: $ 14 w interagency pass Security: Cannot drive in after 10 Usage during visit: Full over the weekend Site Privacy: No Site Spacing: Large sites Pad surface: blacktop Reservations: Yes Campground Noise: Lots of children fun noise during our busy weekend. Outside Road Noise: No Through Traffic in campground: No Electric Hookup: Yes Sewer Hookup: No Dump Station: Yes Potable Water Available: At site Bathroom/Shower combo rooms. They are very clean and nice. Pull Throughs: Some Cell Service (AT&T): 2 to 3 bars. Setting: Along lake with trees sparsely spaced throughout the campground. Recent Weather: 70s to 30s Host: Several. Rig Size: The largest. Sites: Large sites is a big plus. Perimeter sites are much better than inner loop sites - our site is along a lakeshore more than lakeshore.

  • Veronica S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 5, 2022

    Dinosaur Valley State Park Campground

    Walk-in campsite with nearby amenities

    Stayed in the South Primative Camping Area, site 1. It was my first time doing a walk in campsite. While it is a relatively quick walk to the site from the parking lot, you should bring a folding wagon if you aren't traveling with backpacker gear. The site is large, with a lantern post (which I used as a hitch to secure my dog and as a bike rack), area for 2-3 tents, a fire pit with a bark-free log seat, and a picnic table. I found that the 2 trees in the center of the site are almost perfectly spaced for a hammock.

    I chose this spot so that I could avoid the hustle and bustle of a regular campsite, and also because my dog barks a lot at people walking past the tent. Unfortunately, one of the major trails goes right past the site, so I had my fair share of barking. I think this problem might be alleviated on its own when it isn't the middle of winter, as there appears to be a significant amount of foliage.

    With regards to nearby facilities - there is a trash can right across from the site on the main trail, and there is a port a potty behind the campsite, which appears to be part of the horseback riding trail.

    Despite how excellently arranged this site is, I was alarmed to see how dirty other campers had left it. Site 1 had trash everywhere including broken glass and cigarette butts.

    Trash aside, this is a wonderful campsite.

  • A
    Jun. 17, 2019

    Primitive Area — Lake Mineral Wells State Park

    Primitive but OK as backup, not well marked

    TL;DR - Fine as a backup but the park is really more of a recreation area so definitely try to get one of the screened shelter or car camping sites (all of which have fire rings, picnic tables, and grills). 

    We'd hoped to stay at one of the regular car camping sites in the park, but unfortunately they were all taken by the time we got to the site in the morning.

    The park has ample day use facilities that you can drive up to, and the camp store is extremely well stocked. We swam, hiked, and kayaked through the park during the day, then two people in the group decided to drive back to Dallas that night while myself and one other hiked in to the primitive sites.

    The hike in is about 2 miles. We took the designated "primitive campsites" trail hiking in. The trails were well marked, but pretty overgrown at parts with a TON of spider webs. The next morning we took the Cross Timbers trail back, which despite being a little longer was faster because of how much better maintained it was. 

    We were getting to our campsite right as the sun was setting, so didn't explore much. Generally seemed like the different primitive sites weren't delineated very well, and as far as I know there's no map of the area to help. We managed to find a little outcropping that has obviously been used for a tent before. 

    Would definitely visit the park again, and if needed camp in the primitive sites but take the Cross Timbers trail both ways.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 15, 2025

    Dinosaur Valley State Park Campground

    Amazing!

    It's fascinating to see multiple dinosaur footprints along the river in this park. Only intended to spend one night in the campground, but due to high winds warnings, we decided to stay another night. Very nice campground with shaded paved sites. Some sites are short, so if you have a long rig you may want to call. Sites have 30 amp, water, picnic table & fire ring. Nice clean restrooms & showers. Would definitely stay again if in the area.

Guide to Palo Pinto

Tent camping near Palo Pinto, Texas offers a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying a variety of amenities and activities.

Tent campers should check out Plateau — Lake Mineral Wells State Park

  • This campground features essential amenities like drinking water, electric hookups, and clean facilities, making it a comfortable choice for tent campers.
  • With reservable sites and picnic tables available, you can easily set up your camp and enjoy meals outdoors.
  • Fires are allowed, so you can gather around the campfire for warmth and storytelling under the stars.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities at Primitive Area — Lake Mineral Wells State Park

  • The primitive camping area provides a secluded experience, perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
  • Each site is equipped with water access, ensuring you stay hydrated during your outdoor adventures.
  • The friendly staff and well-maintained trails enhance the overall camping experience, making it a great spot for both novice and experienced campers.

Tent campers like these nearby activities at Screened Shelters — Lake Mineral Wells State Park

  • Enjoy hiking through scenic trails that cater to various skill levels, offering stunning views of the park's natural beauty.
  • Rock climbing and kayaking are popular activities, providing thrilling ways to explore the park's unique landscape.
  • The swimming area is a great spot to cool off after a day of hiking or climbing, making it a well-rounded destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Palo Pinto, TX?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Palo Pinto, TX is Primitive Area — Lake Mineral Wells State Park with a 4.6-star rating from 9 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Palo Pinto, TX?

TheDyrt.com has all 4 tent camping locations near Palo Pinto, TX, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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