Best Tent Camping near South Bend, TX

Tent camping near South Bend, Texas provides access to several natural areas with primitive camping opportunities. Lake Mineral Wells State Park, located approximately 40 miles east of South Bend, offers dedicated primitive tent camping areas accessible via hiking trails. The park's primitive area features tent-only sites that require a 2-2.5 mile hike to reach, making it ideal for backpackers seeking a more secluded camping experience. Lake Daniel City Park in Stephens, situated southwest of South Bend, also provides basic tent camping facilities for visitors exploring this region of north central Texas.

The primitive tent camping area at Lake Mineral Wells State Park requires a day pass fee of $7 plus $10 for campsite use. Access to these backcountry tent sites involves a moderately challenging hike with some steep sections in the first quarter mile. The Cross Timbers trail provides better maintained access than the designated primitive campsites trail, which campers report can be overgrown with spider webs in warmer months. The primitive sites are not clearly marked or delineated, requiring campers to locate suitable clearings for tent setup. No alcohol is permitted in the park. Wildlife sightings commonly include deer, armadillos, rabbits, and coyotes can be heard at night.

According to reviews, the primitive tent camping experience at Lake Mineral Wells offers solitude and natural immersion. One visitor noted, "At some point I heard some coyotes but other than that it was very quiet and secluded so I slept like a rock." The park features unique rock formations at Penitentiary Hollow that attract climbers, plus lake access for fishing and kayaking. Campers should be prepared for limited facilities in the backcountry areas. The primitive sites lack clearly defined boundaries, with one camper reporting, "We managed to find a little outcropping that has obviously been used for a tent before." For those seeking walk-in tent sites with more amenities, the Post Oak Campground within the same park offers water, fire rings, and picnic tables with bathroom access.

Best Tent Sites Near South Bend, Texas (2)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near South Bend, TX

3 Photos of 2 South Bend Campgrounds


Tent Camping Reviews near South Bend, TX

113 Reviews of 2 South Bend Campgrounds


  • Crystal C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 15, 2018

    Fort Richardson State Park Hist. Site and Trailway

    Reinactments and History what more could you ask for in a camping facility

    A few times a year, the City of Jacksboro opens its arms to an influx of campers and schools from around the state eager to see one of the unique reinactments at the historic location of Fort Richardson.

    While you can visit during other times of the year, these times make for some of the most popular and thus most busy camping experiences.

    7 different types of campsites are available including group sites, equestrian sites, full hook up and primitive sites for RV and tent campers. Sites range from $10-$25 depending on the area and amenities.

    For someone like myself who prefers primitive tent camping or less amenities I found $10 tent sites were about a 3/4 mile hike in and $20 limited amenity campsites were my best options. The benefits to the $20 North Loop site was pretty obvious in restrooms and typical state park fire rings and picnic tables. Primitive sites include only fire rings and because of their remote location in warmer months can be more of a questionable location as taller grass can Harbor more snakes, specifically in this area Rattlesnakes and Copperheads.

    These fees were in addition to standard park admission which is $3 per day for adults. All of these fees are due upon entrance at the entry station where you will be greeted by a park ranger and given a map.

    While there is a lake, hiking and areas for horseback riding my focus upon my visit was one of the reinactments events held near Christmas. “Ghosts of Christmas Past” is an event set to showcase the period of the fort days and tell the story of how soldiers spent the time, what it might have been like on those cold winter nights and create a vision of fort life. It was a great educational visit and a great way to see a bit more of the State Park.

    With this being a short drive for me from my home, I find this campsite and full facilities to be very exciting to return for other events. Well maintained and with friendly staff it is well worth the trip.

  • Kenneth P.
    Sep. 15, 2021

    Thousand Trails Bay Landing

    Lakeside Campsite

    Large RV park with many amenities and activities. I tent camped and cooked out the back of the Jeep at a back-in RV site that sure seemed to be the best spot of them all. The site itself was really large with huge old trees for hammocks. We had our own private access to the lake that was secluded by trees at our site. Picnic table and fire ring. The tent only sites was basically a big field with a parking lot nearby. I prefer to park next to my tent since my kitchen is part of the Jeep so the tent only site didn’t work for me.

  • M
    Dec. 3, 2024

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

    Off-season boondock paradise

    One week stay during the first week of December D&D south. Weather: highs in the 60s, lows in the 40s. Covered picnic tables, grills, fire pits, trash cans at most sites. Restrooms spaced throughout the park. Massive trail system throughout the area. Excellent service for school/remote work. Ideal for tents, vans, truck campers, and small trailers. 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. Would return!

  • A
    Jun. 17, 2019

    Primitive Area — Lake Mineral Wells State Park

    Primitive but OK as backup, not well marked

    TL;DR - Fine as a backup but the park is really more of a recreation area so definitely try to get one of the screened shelter or car camping sites (all of which have fire rings, picnic tables, and grills). 

    We'd hoped to stay at one of the regular car camping sites in the park, but unfortunately they were all taken by the time we got to the site in the morning.

    The park has ample day use facilities that you can drive up to, and the camp store is extremely well stocked. We swam, hiked, and kayaked through the park during the day, then two people in the group decided to drive back to Dallas that night while myself and one other hiked in to the primitive sites.

    The hike in is about 2 miles. We took the designated "primitive campsites" trail hiking in. The trails were well marked, but pretty overgrown at parts with a TON of spider webs. The next morning we took the Cross Timbers trail back, which despite being a little longer was faster because of how much better maintained it was. 

    We were getting to our campsite right as the sun was setting, so didn't explore much. Generally seemed like the different primitive sites weren't delineated very well, and as far as I know there's no map of the area to help. We managed to find a little outcropping that has obviously been used for a tent before. 

    Would definitely visit the park again, and if needed camp in the primitive sites but take the Cross Timbers trail both ways.

  • a
    Feb. 12, 2022

    Possum Kingdom State Park Campground

    1st road-trip!

    This park was definitely out in the middle of nowhere, with a long peaceful drive full of wildlife. We made it to the park entrance, check in was quick. We arrived on a week day and they ranger informed us the camp store was closed until weekend and no firewood. Closest store with firewood was 30min away. They lake was beautiful. We were right beside the restroom and shower facilities which was great! We came to stay for one night, we had a roof top tent so the site we had was nice and would make a perfect side for a RV but for us it could’ve been wider for our ladder but we were close to the restroom which we wanted. The restrooms were clean, could use a little update, and water was warm but not hot. Lots of wildlife around! I would stay again but I don’t think it’s the best place to go for a winter camping trip. Thank you Texas state parks!

  • Traci M.
    Jun. 6, 2018

    Fort Richardson State Park Hist. Site and Trailway

    Fun Mother's Day Weekend at Fort Richardson State Park

    This is a fun little state park was just perfect for a little Saturday night away. It is just a little less than 2 hours from Fort Worth. I would say that the park is good for short stays of 1 to 3 nights. There is not a lot to do in the area or the park that would keep attention more than that. The park has a stocked fishing lake and equipment for loan. There is all the fort buildings to explore with rangers giving talks and various activities. There is the trail system between the park and Lost Creek Reservoir for hiking and horseback riding about a 10 mile trails. The park also has a full sized sand volleyball court and playground for the kids.

    The campsites are very good sized with two different camping areas. One the sites are pretty spread out with easy pull ins and flat. The other has a the cabins and sites are more close together. The parks only bathhouse is on this side also. It's not far but a bit too far for convenience if you are needing a shower. Restrooms are also in the fort area which is just down from the other campground. We were only there one night so the kids washed up in the creek LOL. The sites all have picnic tables and fire rings/pits.

    We put up our large tent and dog trolley line with still plenty of space. The creek running behind the (with a big fan blowing) kept us nice & cool.

    The local sheriff and police make drive throughs, No safety or security issues.

    No issues with noise either.

  • Janna R.
    May. 22, 2019

    Primitive Area — Lake Mineral Wells State Park

    Small loop for tent camping. Water at each site and 1 bathroom for area.

    We LOVE MW State Park!  The lake is awesome and great for fishing and kayaking.  We stayed at the Post Oak Campground over Valentine's Weekend 2019.  The campsites are really nice and include water, fire ring, picnic table, grill, parking for 2 vehicles, lots of trees.  Campsites on the south side of the loop back up to the lake.  There is a bathroom (no showers) at one end.  Showers are available at other campgrounds within the park.  We tucked our tent into the trees and had a very nice time.  The first night, we did hear coyotes chattering super close to our tent.  There are many trails to hike and several to ride bikes or horses on.  Staff at the park are great!  The only negative:  The Boy Scouts love this campground!  Late into our first night, 4 Boy Scout troops rolled in.  We were awakened the next morning to lots of kids yelling and 1 even playing a bugle.  By the end of the weekend, we knew all the kids names just from hearing them yell to each other.

  • LaRee S.
    May. 6, 2022

    Possum Kingdom State Park Campground

    Don't expect a quiet night's sleep

    Tent sites are walk-in to the other side of the end of the lake, and can be pretty rickety with loose rocks getting there. Was good practice for backpacking, since parking is closeby, but not very convenient. P008 is probably the only site suitable for hammock camping. Everything else is flat and exposed, next to the shore.

    We were woken up by loud boats trolling the shore and men shouting around midnight both nights we were there, and could hear conversations from the RV area.

  • M
    Apr. 25, 2021

    Thousand Trails Bay Landing

    Google Maps needs Help

    Caution- Google Maps has no idea where the entrance to this campground is. Entry was very easy and the Ranger on duty was extremely helpful. There is lot's of space in Section 1 but through out the campground there are not very many full hookup sites.

    Pros: Nice patio pads at most sites, Clean picnic tables, BBQ's were very clean and maintained, Very clean public bathrooms/spaces, Good Cell service, When not crowded plenty of space between sites

    Cons: Minimal shade trees, Lake access very rocky, lot's of"personal sites", Most sites are not gravel so you are setting up in grass, Pool/hot tub closed due to broken equipment from the freeze. Roads in could use some help. 

    Overall the campground had a very spacious feel and they have done a really nice job of keeping the area landscaped.


Guide to South Bend

Tent campsites near South Bend, Texas offer access to unique geological features within the north central Texas landscape. The region's Cross Timbers ecosystem provides a transition zone between eastern forests and western plains, creating diverse habitats for wildlife viewing. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 95°F while winter nights can drop below freezing, requiring seasonal camping preparation.

What to do

Rock climbing adventures: At Lake Mineral Wells State Park, the Penitentiary Hollow area provides distinctive climbing opportunities. "Very unique rock climbing area. Fun to watch the climbers go up and down," notes Emily M. The formation allows for both bouldering and rappelling activities.

Kayaking exploration: The lake at Lake Mineral Wells offers paddling routes including a hidden waterway. "Kayaking on the lake with a little creek to paddle up at the far back left side," says Emily M. Paddlers can rent equipment at the park or bring their own for exploring the shoreline.

Hammock camping spots: The primitive areas provide natural hammock hanging locations with elevated views. "I hung my hammock right over a bluff for a spectacular view," reports Alan H. Hammock campers should bring tree-friendly straps and search for established spots to minimize impact.

What campers like

Diverse trail system: Lake Daniel City Park in Stephens provides less crowded alternatives to more popular parks in the region. The trail system accommodates various activities beyond hiking. "There are trails for horseback riding, mountain biking, and regular hiking trails. We hike here all year long," explains Sarah J.

Wildlife encounters: The primitive camping areas allow for natural wildlife observation opportunities. "I saw some wildlife- deer, an armadillo, and a rabbit," reports Charly S. Nighttime brings additional wildlife activity, with coyote calls commonly heard after dark.

Scenic landscape variety: The terrain around South Bend tent camping areas offers geological features uncommon in other parts of Texas. "It doesn't feel like Texas at this park. So beautiful," shares Sarah J. The mix of rocky outcroppings, water features, and wooded areas creates multiple habitat zones within short distances.

What you should know

Trail conditions vary: The primitive camping access trails have seasonal maintenance issues. "We took the designated 'primitive campsites' trail hiking in. The trails were well marked, but pretty overgrown at parts with a TON of spider webs," warns Alice M. The Cross Timbers trail provides better maintained access according to visitor reports.

Site selection challenges: The primitive camping areas lack clear site boundaries or markings. Campers need to identify suitable tent locations based on ground clearance and previous use patterns. Arriving before sunset allows time to find optimal spots.

Fee structure: Day use and camping have separate fees at established areas. "I was greeted by friendly, informative staff and paid the $7 day pass fee and $10 for the site," explains Charly S. Visitors should budget for both entry and camping costs when planning overnight stays.

Tips for camping with families

Multi-activity planning: Lake Mineral Wells State Park provides diverse options within a contained area. "LMWSP has tons of activities for the family. You can spend the day exploring and climbing the rock formations... You can also spend your day on the water, swimming on the beach, fishing from a pier or exploring the shoreline by kayak," suggests Jamey W.

Consider walk-in alternatives: The Post Oak Campground offers more accessible tent sites with additional amenities. "The campsites are really nice and include water, fire ring, picnic table, grill, parking for 2 vehicles, lots of trees. Campsites on the south side of the loop back up to the lake," explains Janna R.

Weekend crowd awareness: Popular weekends bring organized youth groups to the established campgrounds. "The Boy Scouts love this campground! Late into our first night, 4 Boy Scout troops rolled in," cautions Janna R. Families seeking quiet may prefer midweek visits or more remote primitive sites.

Tips from RVers

Supply preparation: The camp store at Lake Mineral Wells provides unexpected convenience. "The park has ample day use facilities that you can drive up to, and the camp store is extremely well stocked," notes Alice M. RVers can supplement provisions without leaving the park area.

Hiking difficulty levels: The trails to primitive areas have variable terrain challenges. "The hike to camp was 2.5 miles with a steep downhill grade the first quarter mile. Other than the first quarter I'd say it was a very easy hike," explains Charly S. RVers using established campgrounds can still access these trails for day hiking.

Weather adaptations: The region's open terrain creates exposure issues on certain trails. "I wasn't a huge fan of the trails in the back section. Very open to the sun," mentions Emily M. Morning and evening hiking provides better conditions during summer months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near South Bend, TX?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near South Bend, TX is Primitive Area — Lake Mineral Wells State Park with a 4.6-star rating from 9 reviews.