Lakes and reservoirs surround Princeton, Texas, providing water recreation opportunities for campers year-round. Summer temperatures commonly exceed 90°F, while winters remain mild with occasional freezing nights. The region's relatively flat terrain creates expansive lake views and facilitates access to waterfront campsites, with many glamping options featuring direct access to fishing spots.
What to do
Fishing from dedicated structures: At Lavon Lake Lavonia, the fishing platforms are a main attraction though some require attention. "The platforms are extremely in disrepair - literally falling into the lake. The ones we saw were actually dangerous," notes one camper, highlighting the need to choose fishing spots carefully.
Kayaking in protected coves: Pilot Knoll Park on Lake Lewisville offers protected water areas ideal for paddlers. "We stayed in spot #5 right at the end of the cove. Calm water, large lot land area and clean, easy access to walk right into the lake to swim, and space to dock your boat make the cove side of the park an excellent score," reports a visitor.
Explore hiking trails: Eisenhower State Park features multiple trails with varying difficulty levels. "Hiking trails are challenging, they are also available to mountain bikes however the trail is challenging. You can also hike on the cliffs, which is the parks unique feature," explains a regular visitor. The park's unique cliff trails provide distinctive views compared to other flat areas around Princeton.
What campers like
Wide site spacing: Unlike crowded campgrounds, many parks near Princeton offer substantial space between sites. At Lavon Lake Lavonia, "The sites are far apart and lots of green space. Pavement is old and a little rough, but workable," according to a recent camper, creating a more secluded experience despite being relatively close to urban areas.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Many campers report deer sightings at Wind Point Park. "There is a lot of wildlife roaming around - lots of deer!" explains one visitor, making it ideal for nature observation without traveling to more remote locations.
Farm animal access: The Park at Brushy Creek offers something unique for glamping in Princeton, Texas area. A staff member notes, "Make sure to check out their cows and goats!" This feature creates educational opportunities for families wanting to combine glamping with agricultural experiences.
What you should know
RV versus tent experiences: The campgrounds often favor RV campers over tent campers in terms of amenities and site quality. At Lavon Lake, one camper observed, "Tent camping is an afterthought... The few tent camp sites were shoved seemingly randomly between and around the RV sites." This impacts site selection for non-RV campers.
Bathroom quality varies significantly: While some parks feature excellent facilities, others require improvement. A Lavon Lake camper noted a surprising contrast: "The only bright light of this camp experience for me? The bathrooms... The bathrooms also had automatic lighting, an exhaust fan, and what appeared to be a tiny space heater for colder months."
Weather preparedness: Waterfront glamping in Princeton, Texas area experiences more wind than inland sites. At Johnson Branch at Ray Roberts Lake, a camper warns, "If you camp near the water, it is very windy, especially at night, so make sure to bring plenty of blankets!"
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Bonham State Park provides family-friendly amenities including playground equipment. "They bathrooms and showers are clean and close there's a basketball court and kayak rentals. There's a fishing pier and lots of covered tables and grills and it's a nice Sandy Beach," reports a family camper, making it suitable for multi-activity family trips.
Free fishing equipment: Texas State Parks offer special fishing programs for families. "At every Texas State Park you can check out fishing equipment from the front office and you do not have to have a fishing license!" explains an experienced camper, reducing cost barriers for family fishing activities.
Little Free Library access: Some parks feature unexpected educational amenities. One parent camping at Pilot Knoll Park noted, "My youngest was super excited to see a little library set up at the playground. We chose Star Wars readers," providing reading opportunities even while camping.
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Be prepared for uneven sites at certain parks. "Our site was very unlevel on the hill, so bring your chocks," advises a camper at Johnson Branch, highlighting the need for proper leveling equipment even at developed sites.
Weather-resilient sites: The Vineyards Campground & Cabins receives high marks for its site construction. "Great location and staff... We haven't found a bad site yet! Great fishing, kayaking, play ground, and swim area. Very well kept up," mentions an experienced RVer who has stayed multiple times, noting the consistent quality across sites.
Security features: Some parks offer enhanced security measures. An RVer at The Vineyards noted, "Great security visible as well as a coded gate after hours," providing peace of mind for those concerned about overnight security at glamping sites near Princeton, Texas.
