Best Campgrounds near South Bend, TX

Campgrounds near South Bend, Texas include a mix of lakeside options and public recreation areas along the Brazos River. Possum Kingdom State Park serves as the region's primary developed camping destination, offering tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin accommodations approximately 15 miles northwest of South Bend. The park sits directly on Possum Kingdom Lake, providing water access for boaters and swimmers. Several dispersed camping areas managed by the Brazos River Authority, including Bug Beach BRA #5 and North D&D Public Use Area, provide more primitive camping experiences with fewer amenities but direct lake access.

Many campgrounds in the area feature lakefront sites that tend to fill quickly during summer months. Possum Kingdom Lake and nearby Lake Eddleman offer fishing opportunities and water recreation, though amenities vary significantly between locations. Primitive sites often lack drinking water and hookups, while state park facilities provide showers, restrooms, and electrical connections. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F, making water proximity particularly valuable. Winter camping remains comfortable with mild daytime temperatures, though overnight lows can drop near freezing. As one visitor noted, "We stayed here January 26-31 on the first stop of a 3-month escape from Northern Wisconsin winter. It was always windy."

The waterfront camping experience represents a major draw throughout the region. Tent sites directly on Possum Kingdom Lake receive consistently high ratings, with campers particularly appreciating the swimming opportunities and scenic views. A review mentioned that "Beautiful park with great trails and stunning views of the lake. Lots of trees and grassy areas." Some campgrounds like Lake Eddleman City Park lack designated campsites, allowing visitors to select their own locations within the park boundaries. The region's dispersed camping areas typically allow fires and permit camping at no cost, though they provide minimal amenities. Several campgrounds accommodate RVs with hookups, though site width varies considerably. Visitors seeking more comfort can find cabin options at both Possum Kingdom State Park and Lake Godstone, which also offers glamping accommodations.

Best Camping Sites Near South Bend, Texas (61)

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Recent Reviews near South Bend, TX

138 Reviews of 61 South Bend Campgrounds


  • R
    Jul. 3, 2025

    Possum Kingdom State Park Campground

    Not a true campsite

    If you want to really camp , and not in a 50 footer , this is not a place to do it . Maybe the sites behind the lake would be better . We have camped across the country with a 12 footer teardrop 3 times . . This is my least favorite campsite ! Pads are broken up almost to the point of dangerous. Walked around in flip flops and had tar balls attach to my feet.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 2, 2025

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

    Love it here

    This was a very clean and safe spot to stop for the night! The link to get directions on the app took us to. Random off road place but we continued on and found this gem just beware that the link doesn’t take you directly to location. But otherwise perfect! So beautiful

  • Douglas P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 13, 2025

    Hubbard Creek Public Recreation area

    Quiet, remote, breezy by the water.

    Great, quiet, remote location. Stopped here for a couple nights on my way from visiting family in Dallas to camping down in Big Bend NP. Dry camping / boondocking over a weekend / Sat/Sun nights. A few locals having a beer at sunset on Sat night, and a few families and fisherman enjoying the area on Sun - but otherwise had the place all to myself. Windy & whitecaps in the AM, still & hot in the afternoon.

  • lThe Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 12, 2025

    Lake Eddleman City Park

    City park camping

    Nice and easy to pull into and close to city. Lake is less than 200’ from rv spot. Could use more maintenance and some trash around.

  • Cris B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 28, 2025

    BRA#1 Possum Kingdom Lake

    Dispersed Tent Grass Sites

    We thought this was ok for RV's, but there are only 1 or 2 places to park overnight, but you can tent on the grass in many places. There are other free areas on the lake that you can park RV's for free. These are public use lands right on the lake where you can stay overnight for free.

  • Lindsey R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 23, 2025

    Wandering Oaks RV Park

    Nice spot.

    Heading west. Booked online. Clean and neat. Friendly host. Reasonable price. Just off I20. Businesses Including Walmart just around the corner.

  • Jim P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 16, 2025

    Possum Kingdom State Park Campground

    Great park, though some sites are a little narrow

    Beautiful park, staff were extremely welcoming and friendly. Lots of activities (there was a Scorpion hunt our first night - where they meet and use a black light to seek out the little monsters - but my son informed me that was a hard pass. All the same, a cool activity that I would have enjoyed had I been alone (or with less of a fuddy duddy).

    Only complaint is the width of the campsite. I don’t know that all were as narrow as ours, but site 20 is a really tight squeeze. Went off the side a couple of times trying to get in. With that narrow width, I was forced to park in overflow parking because with the length of my rig I wasn’t able to fit both truck and trailer on concrete and remain out of the road.

    Nice trails for hiking and the Canadian Geese were a true gem for me - something nice about waking up to hear them in the morning (sounds odd, but I found it relaxing. Besides, the are absolutely gorgeous.

    Trails are well maintained and very nice, we mostly did the Lakeview Trail, but it was a great hike, not too strenuous but with great views of the lake.

  • Cris B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 30, 2025

    Plateau — Lake Mineral Wells State Park

    Clean, beautiful and serene

    Late in the day we stopped at Lake Mineral Wells State Park, TX. We weren't sure where to go as the gate was unmanned at our arrival. We missed the turn to the campground, but a friendly and helpful Texas State Park Officer directed us how to get there. He helped us with how to make payment as well. 

    The campground was beautiful. It was quiet, the bathrooms were clean, and the lake was serene. There are at least 3 campgrounds, including shelters, equestrian, a loop for tenters, and a loop for larger rigs.  We stayed in the Plateau loop. Even though we only stayed one night, I would go back.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 15, 2025

    Lake Palo Pinto RV Park

    lots of potential

    I came in on a Monday after making my online reservations for several days in early January. The office was closed midday, but I ran into a woman who said the camp host was deer hunting.. There were lots of empty sites so I pulled into one of several with a great view of the lake and power station. There was goose shit everywhere. Rain and snow was predicted. The ground looked solid, but certainly could use some more gravel and leveling. Eventually, I got an email that I should move to another site where it would be dryer. That site did not have the height clearance my rig needed so I stayed where I was, I stayed through the shit storm and left after a week. It was very quiet with very little traffic.


Guide to South Bend

Camping sites near South Bend, Texas cluster around the Brazos River and Possum Kingdom Lake, with elevations ranging from 1,000-1,300 feet throughout the region. Water levels fluctuate seasonally, with significant drops during late summer months when temperatures regularly exceed 100°F. The landscape features limestone outcroppings and juniper thickets that create natural windbreaks at many camping locations.

What to do

Kayaking and canoeing: Possum Kingdom State Park Campground offers equipment rentals directly at the dock. "This is one of my favorite parks to kayak or canoe at! You can rent them right there at the dock. You can rent jet skis, as well," notes Michelle M. The park's water access makes it convenient for beginners.

Wildlife viewing: Look for deer and wild turkeys, particularly in the less developed areas. "Deer roamed free and the lake was peaceful with a small dock for boating and fishing," reports Kara S. about North D&D - Brazos River Public Use Area #4, where wildlife sightings are common year-round.

Night activities: Several parks offer unique evening programs. At Possum Kingdom State Park, one camper mentioned "there was a Scorpion hunt our first night - where they meet and use a black light to seek out the little monsters." These ranger-led programs typically run May through September.

Hiking trails: The trail system varies in difficulty across the region. "Massive trail system throughout the area," notes Meagan B. about North D&D, while another camper at Possum Kingdom mentions "trails are well maintained and very nice, we mostly did the Lakeview Trail, but it was a great hike, not too strenuous but with great views of the lake."

What campers like

Waterfront access: Bug Beach has a designated swimming area away from boat traffic. "Located on Possum Kingdom Lake, Bug Beach has tent camping (without designated sites), a boat ramp and roped of swimming area," reports Megan E. about Bug Beach BRA #5.

Free camping options: Many Brazos River Authority areas offer no-cost camping outside peak season. "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," writes Meagan B. about her December stay at North D&D.

Off-season solitude: Winter and early spring camping provides remarkable quiet. "Camped here on a weekday in November and we pretty much had it all to ourselves. Clean facilities with toilets and showers," notes Kara S. This contrasts sharply with the crowded summer months.

Cell service reliability: Unlike many remote camping areas, connectivity remains strong. "Excellent service for school/remote work," according to Meagan B., making these sites suitable for digital nomads or those needing to stay connected.

What you should know

Seasonal closures and fees: Check current status before traveling. "Public Area 4 and 6 have RV pads (which they do charge $10 to use in the Summer) with shelters, grill, and picnic tables, and many are waterside," reports Darlene about Possum Kingdom Lake BRA - Bug Beach: BRA Area #5.

Site selection concerns: Not all camping areas are created equal. "The spaces are just enough for the trailer almost not enough for your truck but for work or for a night stay on the road you would have to unhook," warns Alejandro G. about Dark Canyon RV Park.

Weather considerations: Wind conditions can impact camping comfort significantly. "Windy & whitecaps in the AM, still & hot in the afternoon," describes Douglas P. about his experience at Hubbard Creek, while another camper mentioned "it was always windy" during winter camping.

Vegetation hazards: Be alert for specific plant hazards. "If you can navigate around the dense razor sharp Grass burrs. within minutes my tent, pets, shoes and tires were covered and difficult to remove," cautions Jen M. about Bug Beach. These burrs are most problematic August through October.

Tips for camping with families

Swimming options: Lake Eddleman City Park offers gentle slopes into the water suitable for younger children. "Local ducks were friendly and quietly hung out with us all night," mentions Alejandro G., adding to the family-friendly atmosphere.

Site spacing awareness: Consider how close sites are positioned. "The campgrounds at PK look well kept and cleaned up. The trails are nice. They have plenty of shaded areas as much as they do have open and sunny areas," notes Garrett B. about Possum Kingdom State Park.

Bathroom facilities: Not all campgrounds offer equal amenities. "There is a Men's and Women's bathrooms with two shower stalls (in the women's at least) - but no family bathroom setup," notes Jenny W. about Possum Kingdom State Park. This can be challenging for families with young children.

Wildlife education opportunities: Use animal sightings as learning experiences. "Hiking trail near the primitive campsites afforded some birdwatching opportunities, although mostly we saw wild turkeys," mentions Stephanie T., highlighting the educational potential for children.

Tips from RVers

Parking considerations: Hubbard Creek Public Recreation area offers both shaded and open grass parking. "Shade spots, or on grass. Picnic tables and trash bins, swimming area and a boat launch," reports Claudia H., noting the flexibility for different rig sizes.

Road conditions: Access roads vary significantly between campgrounds. "Bit of washboard on the road, but nothing drastic," mentions Claudia H. about Hubbard Creek, while other areas require more careful navigation.

Width limitations: Some sites have challenging dimensions. "Only complaint is the width of the campsite. I don't know that all were as narrow as ours, but site 20 is a really tight squeeze. Went off the side a couple of times trying to get in," warns Jim P. about Possum Kingdom State Park.

Extended stay options: For those planning longer visits, consider facilities. "Stayed her for three weeks. It really is a nice spot for being free, but because the locals don't pick up their trash, it may not be available because of it," notes Bob W. about Hubbard Creek, highlighting both the potential and concerns for longer-term RVers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near South Bend, TX?

According to TheDyrt.com, South Bend, TX offers a wide range of camping options, with 61 campgrounds and RV parks near South Bend, TX and 3 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near South Bend, TX?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near South Bend, TX is Possum Kingdom State Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 23 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near South Bend, TX?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 free dispersed camping spots near South Bend, TX.