Camping cabins near Somerville, Texas offer diverse lodging options in a region marked by rolling green terrain around the 11,630-acre lake at 238 feet elevation. Somerville sits in the Post Oak Savannah ecoregion where tall grasses and scattered oak trees create distinct camping environments. The area typically experiences hot, humid summers with temperatures frequently exceeding 95°F from June through September.
What to do
Horseback riding on dedicated trails: Lake Somerville State Park Nails Creek Unit offers equestrian-friendly campsites with trails specifically designed for horses. "We stayed equestrian site 4 which is a fairly private site. Moon was nearly full and the coyotes were howling all night long," reports Ty C.R., highlighting the natural ambiance.
Kayaking on calm waters: The lake provides excellent paddling opportunities with minimal boat traffic during certain periods. "Went for a nice paddle on the lake until the winds came up," mentions Tucker B. about his experience at Lake Somerville State Park. Rentals are available at several locations for reasonable rates.
Wildlife observation and birding: The area's ecological diversity makes it ideal for wildlife spotting. "Great wildlife on the trails with lots of educational displays and programs. Famous for birding. If you have a horse, bring it!" notes Lynn G. The Post Oak Savannah ecosystem supports numerous bird species year-round.
What campers like
Private, wooded sites: Campers appreciate the separation between sites at Lake Bryan Campground, creating a more secluded feel. Ryan V. shared that it's a "Great get away. Not a lot of hiking trains but clean with good beach and huge grassy areas for kids and camp fires."
Nature sounds and night skies: The natural environment provides excellent conditions for stargazing and nocturnal wildlife viewing. "Warm temperatures and clear nights. Lots of stars," mentions Denise V. who visited Lake Somerville State Park Nails Creek Unit in fall.
Water access and activities: Many cabin rentals offer direct or nearby water access. "The best part is the proximity to the lake. Kayaks and canoes are available for rent for a really low price," explains Ashley C. about Lake Somerville State Park Nails Creek Unit. Swimming areas are typically within walking distance of cabin accommodations.
What you should know
Seasonal flooding concerns: Lake levels can fluctuate significantly depending on rainfall. Lynn G. noted about Lake Somerville State Park Nails Creek Unit that while campgrounds are wooded and private, "It can flood."
Bathroom and shower facilities vary: Quality and cleanliness of facilities differ between campgrounds. At Stephen F. Austin State Park Campground, "A brand new toilet/shower facility opened in early November 2020 in this FHU campground that includes 2 family restrooms," reports one camper, though they noted issues with water-saving toilets requiring "4-5 flushes to empty the bowl."
Cell service reliability: Connectivity varies throughout the region. Tucker B. mentioned "AT&T cell service was good enough for me to do some work on my hotspot" at Lake Somerville, while others report limited or no service in certain areas.
Reservation requirements: Weekends and holidays fill quickly, especially during spring and fall. One camper mentioned that at Stephen F. Austin State Park, "the campground contacted us to inquire when we'd arrive (it was late) and confirmed we'd checked in before staff left."
Tips for camping with families
Look for kid-friendly water features: Overlook offers shallow swimming areas suitable for younger children. "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!" reports Kaitlyn M.
Select sites near bathrooms: When traveling with children, convenience matters. "We wanted a site fairly close to the bathrooms because of the kiddos, one big enough to fit us all, and also one with a lot of shade because it was hella hot!" advises Brittany S. about her family trip to Stephen F. Austin State Park.
Consider educational opportunities: Several parks offer programs specifically for children. "We enjoy the history and education they provide as well," notes a camper about the interpretive programs available at state parks in the region.
Tips from RVers
Check road access information: Construction can affect routes to campgrounds. One RVer warned about Holiday RV Park: "Due to Interstate 10 construction, the eastbound exit for San Felipe is closed so the navigation system took us further East and then backtracked on some horrible condition rural roads."
Verify hookup capabilities: Different campgrounds offer varying levels of service. At Hidden Creek RV Resort, "Park is always clean and has all the amenities," according to Al J., making it suitable for RVers requiring full hookups.
Consider leveling requirements: Site terrain varies significantly between campgrounds. "The site required leveling side-to-side," notes one RVer about Stephen F. Austin State Park, while others mention completely level concrete pads at other locations.
