Somerville Lake campsites scatter around the 11,456-acre reservoir located in eastern central Texas at an elevation of 238 feet. The lake features 85 miles of shoreline with camping options managed by both Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Terrain around the lake consists primarily of post oak savanna with a mix of hardwoods and grasslands.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Anglers can target catfish, bass, and crappie at Lake Somerville. At Rocky Creek (Somerville Lake), visitors report "Lots of dumpsters throughout the park" and note that "Sites on the east side of this loop are closer together." The park offers 3 miles of nature trails and a boat ramp that was under reconstruction in 2021.
Hiking options: Trail systems connect various camping areas with some routes extending between park units. The Lake Somerville State Park Birch Creek Unit Campground features "nice hiking trails" according to one visitor who noted that "The lake views are beautiful. All the campsites appear to be very well kept." During periods of flooding, some trails may close temporarily.
Wildlife viewing: Early mornings and evenings provide the best wildlife spotting opportunities. One camper at Brazos Valley RV Park described it as "Exceptionally clean and neat. Site was more than wide enough and more than long enough for my total 62 foot rig." Many campgrounds around the lake offer wildlife viewing with deer sightings common in camping areas.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate the spacing between camping spots. At Lake Somerville State Park Nails Creek Unit Campground, a visitor staying at site #26 noted "Extra parking places across the street" and mentioned you "Can see the lake from this spot." The equestrian sites offer additional privacy.
Lake access: Direct access to the water rates highly among camper reviews. The day use areas sometimes get crowded on weekends. A camper at Overlook mentioned, "We camped at spot 1, right up from the lake. Very spacious spot to fit three tents. Dog friendly. Very quiet, everyone courteous. Two great fishing spots: down on the lake by the campsite and by the marina."
Hot showers: Campground facilities vary, with some offering better amenities than others. At Rocky Creek, one visitor mentioned, "Normally all my CEOs get five stars, but the reason this one only gets four is the bathhouse was pretty dirty." The cleanliness of bathhouses depends on maintenance schedules and campground occupancy.
What you should know
Seasonal conditions: Summer temperatures typically reach the upper 90s with high humidity. Spring brings wildflowers but also the possibility of storms and flooding. A camper at Yegua Creek Campground observed that "The natural features of the campground include the scenic shoreline of Somerville Lake, where pelicans and other waterfowl can be seen."
Cell service: Reception varies by carrier and location around the lake. At Birch Creek Unit, one visitor reported, "I have T-Mobile cell service and it fluctuates between 4G and 5G. I'm able to use the internet send and receive text messages and call out and receive calls." AT&T service generally works well throughout the area.
Campground gates: Many campgrounds lock gates at night. Yegua Creek has "Gates closed and locked from 10p to 6a (can get out, but not back in)." Plan evening activities accordingly if staying outside the campground area during nighttime hours.
Tips for camping with families
Swim areas: Several designated swimming spots exist around the lake with varying amenities. A camper at Overlook mentioned, "By the campsite (not the marine side) there is a small inlet of the lake that is great for swimming. Other parts are too deep, but are perfect for taking a boat out and fishing!"
Kid-friendly sites: Reserve sites close to bathhouses and play areas when camping with children. At Rocky Creek, a visitor observed, "This is a beautiful park on a beautiful lake! Here are some of the pros: friendly couple at check-in/entrance shack, friendly rangers driving around checking on folks, deer everywhere(!)."
Supply runs: The nearest stores with comprehensive camping supplies sit 10-15 miles away. A camper at Birch Creek noted, "The closest gas station is 10 miles. There is a Dollar General store for basic stuff. If you need something, that's about 5 miles." Bring essential supplies to minimize trips to town.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Choose sites based on RV length and utilities needed. At Birch Creek, a visitor warned that "the only thing I think that they could improve would be the pads where you park your trailer on. Some of them need to be redone." Call ahead to confirm site dimensions if driving a larger rig.
Dump station access: Some campgrounds have awkward dump station arrangements. At Big Creek Resort, a camper reported the "Dump Station [is] a little hard to get to for big rigs. Also hard to leave the park from there. You may have to go back into the park to turn around."
Hookup quality: Electric and water connections vary in reliability. Nails Creek offers "Water, 20/30 amp" hookups with "Site Pad: Asphalt, level, long enough for my camper and truck with room to spare." Check with rangers about recent maintenance if hookups are essential for your stay.
