Best Campgrounds near Athens, TX

Camping near Athens, TX, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor lovers. From serene lakes to well-maintained campgrounds, there’s something for everyone looking to escape into nature.

What to do

• Hiking: Explore the many trails available at Tyler State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "Beautiful walk around the lake to watch the sunrise," making it a perfect spot for early risers.
• Fishing: If you enjoy fishing, Lake Tawakoni State Park Campground is a great choice. A reviewer noted, "There is a really nice, large picnic area for day pass folks, and a nice big sandy swimming beach," which is ideal for a family day out.
• Wildlife Watching: At Purtis Creek State Park Campground, you can spot various animals. One camper shared, "We saw lots of deer," which adds to the charm of the park.

What campers like

• Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the parks. A visitor at Fort Parker State Park Campground said, "Vault toilets were clean and had hand sanitizer," which is always a plus when camping.
• Spacious Sites: Many campers enjoy the spaciousness of the sites. A review for Lake Hawkins County RV Park mentioned, "Nice spaced out sites, plenty of room to enjoy the stay."
• Friendly Staff: The helpfulness of the staff is often highlighted. A camper at Mission Tejas State Park Campground noted, "Staff was awesome and super supportive with any questions/assistance."

What you should know

• No Alcohol Allowed: Some parks, like Purtis Creek State Park Campground, do not allow alcohol. A reviewer pointed out, "NO alcohol allowed," so plan accordingly.
• Limited Cell Service: Be prepared for spotty cell service in some areas. A visitor at Lake Tawakoni State Park Campground mentioned, "Verizon signal was weak with only 1-2 bars," which might affect your connectivity.
• Reservations Recommended: Many campgrounds fill up quickly, especially on weekends. A camper at Tyler State Park Campground advised, "Highly recommend this park," indicating it’s a popular spot.

Tips for camping with families

• Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with activities for kids. At Jellystone Park™ Tyler, one parent said, "Kids loved every minute of our stay!" with plenty of fun activities available.
• Safety First: Always keep an eye on your kids, especially near water. A camper at Lake Hawkins County RV Park mentioned, "Great little campground store with necessities," which can be handy for any last-minute needs.
• Plan for Meals: Bring easy-to-cook meals or snacks. A visitor at Fort Parker State Park Campground enjoyed the "great family reunions or just a fun day hiking and exploring," suggesting that shared meals can enhance the experience.

Tips from RVers

• Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Liberty Hill Park Campground cautioned, "Very confusing and the turns are extremely tight," which can be tricky for larger RVs.
• Electric Hookups: Look for campgrounds with electric hookups. A camper at Northside RV Resort appreciated the "clean and secure stay" with good facilities.
• Dump Stations: Ensure the campground has a sanitary dump station. A visitor at Lake Hawkins County RV Park noted, "They have a honey wagon," which is helpful for RVers needing to empty their tanks.

Camping near Athens, TX, has a lot to offer, from beautiful parks to family-friendly activities. Whether you're in a tent or an RV, there's a spot waiting for you!