North Anson Lake Dispersed
Do not stop here
I was woken up in the middle of the night by a police officer. Not a good idea to stay here for the night
The Stamford, Texas area features a mix of lakeside camping options and RV parks within a 30-mile radius. Lake Stamford Marina offers waterfront camping with full hookups, covered picnic tables, and a well-stocked store, though some campers report maintenance issues with utilities. Fort Phantom Lakeside RV Park provides boat access and lakefront views with full hookup sites. For those seeking more rustic experiences, North Anson Lake offers free dispersed camping with minimal amenities. Several municipal parks in nearby towns like Hamlin and Haskell provide affordable camping with basic utilities, with Hamlin City Park offering the first night free and subsequent nights at $15.
West Texas climate significantly impacts camping conditions, with summer temperatures regularly exceeding 95°F and limited shade at many sites. As one camper noted about Fort Phantom Lakeside RV Park, "There isn't really any shaded spots." Water levels at lake campgrounds fluctuate seasonally, affecting site availability and quality. Highway proximity is common for many campgrounds in the region, creating noise concerns. A reviewer of Whistlestop RV Resort mentioned it's "convenient to the highway, a bit noisy outside from traffic." Gas stations and supplies can be distant from some lake locations, with one camper noting the closest gas stations were "about 7 miles away" from Lake Stamford Marina.
Lakefront sites consistently receive positive feedback for their views and water access. Campers particularly value boat ramps adjacent to camping areas, with one visitor highlighting Fort Phantom's "boat ramp right next to site and picnic areas." Most RV parks in the region serve as convenient overnight stops rather than destination campgrounds. Facility quality varies considerably, with some campers reporting issues at Lake Stamford Marina where "the electric box was super janky, no breaker, and had exposed wires." Historical attractions add interest to some camping areas, with Fort Griffin State Historic Site offering both camping and the chance to "walk in the footsteps of Wyatt Earp and Doc Holiday," according to one history enthusiast. Many campgrounds lack mature trees, resulting in limited natural shade throughout the region.
$15 - $60 / night
"The sites are located close to the water with full-hook ups available. Most spots are gravel but depending on lake level some spots now have grass."
"The sign said permit required, so I bought the $12 Texas limited use permit, which is good for a year. My site was a mix of asphalt and gravel, and flat."
"Lots of highway noise, but easy to find. All spots were taken, but we got lucky when someone left. Drive past the bathrooms and the entrances to the sites are on the left."
$12 - $20 / night
"So awesome to walk in the footsteps of Wyatt Earp and Doc Holiday, a must visit for any history buff. Plus a nice quiet campground along the Brazos!"
$40 / night
"Hot in Texas and always look for trees to shade us. Really easy to stay here and get in and out easily. Walmart is nearby also"
"Convenient to the highway, a bit noisy outside from traffic. Nice pool & facilities."
"I set up camp along the lake so that it’s not close and weird for them."
"Great location right by the water depending on spot allows for better lake views. They have full site hookups with the spots on gravel. There is also boat ramp right next to site and picnic areas."
"Part of the city park, next to the ballfields, a series of ten or so widely spaced shelters, each with a picnic table, and electricity and water for two campers at each shelter."
I was woken up in the middle of the night by a police officer. Not a good idea to stay here for the night
It’s a little awkward because it being a public campground there is a playground, a restroom, no showers, but there is water, no electrical hook up, but there are families that come here and kids to play. I set up camp along the lake so that it’s not close and weird for them.
I was wondering if I was in the right place at first if you drive up and around, you’ll know once you’re here, there’s actually a place where RVs park. They require reservations. I’m not sure the name of the place.
I did tent camping. There are signs that say camping in designated campgrounds up to 48 hours. I don’t see designated campgrounds. But I looked online and it said that it is disperse camping in this public area.
We booked a reservation via the web site. When we booked the website showed almost all of the sites available. When we arrived we found all but two of the sites occupied by what appear to be full timers including the site we had booked. Instead of causing a scene we occupied one of the two open sites. Shortly after were contacted by the “camp host”. He said we could stay overnight but the new full time occupants would be arriving soon. Long story short this appears to be a full timer park and we will not be returning.
This place has a few designated camping areas. Each site is large and could fit more than one rig. The sign said permit required, so I bought the $12 Texas limited use permit, which is good for a year. My site was a mix of asphalt and gravel, and flat. There were yellow jackets around the picnic table. There was some trash, but not too bad. Bathroom around the corner, and a little lake across from the campsites. Each spot has a dusk-to-dawn light. I didn't see any other RVs here, but there were car campers. Everyone seemed to clear out in the morning. I stayed two nights.
With all the reviews I was a bit confused, and had to puzzle them together to feel safe parking here, so here it goes:
It is pretty clean and spacious here :)
If it's raining or going to be raining, you might want a 4 wheel drive or go somewhere else. Otherwise, it's a beautiful spot that requires druvubg about 10 miles of good dirt roads. We had the whole area to ourselves when we spent one neigh here in May.
https://youtu.be/BUmNQzSyQoY
We booked an extended stay at this KOA while my husband worked in the area. Big mistake. When we arrived, the park was run by a kind, professional couple who soon disappeared— and now we see why. The current manager, Diana Postma, is shockingly rude, unprofessional, and unfit to run a campground. All of the issues started simply because we asked about an unexpected$100 rate increase. Rather than explain, she completely lost control— yelling at my husband and telling us to leave if we didn’t like it. From that moment on, she seemed focused on making our stay miserable. She tried to pile on additional fees, including charging for our kids even though we own our RV, pay site rent, and cover our own utilities. The worst part? She had my husband’s work truck towed out of pure spite. She knew it was ours— she even called our neighbor first, and he told her it belonged to us. But instead of calling us, she had it removed anyway, creating unnecessary stress and expense. The condition of the park was no better:• The pool was“under repair” for our entire 6-week stay.• The laundry facilities were poorly maintained, with broken machines left unfixed.• The grounds were littered with trash, the grass was dangerously overgrown, and mosquitoes made being outside unbearable.• The office was rarely open, and calls for help were met with indifference or more attitude.• A massive tree fell and damaged another guest’s RV— KOA took no responsibility.• The WiFi was useless— barely worked the entire time we were there.• They had to change the bathroom codes because someone who wasn’t even staying there brought a prostitute into the men’s restroom. There were empty sites all around us, and it’s clear why. This park is filthy, unsafe, overpriced, and run by someone who has no business working with the public. If you value your sanity and your property, do yourself a favor and stay anywhere else.
RV camping only apparently, was told I'd have to pack up my tent by local police. Nice place otherwise though and a free first night is enjoyable
The camp host is so friendly. Road down the lane on his bike and we had a great conversation. It's quiet and peaceful here. I would certainly come back! Thank you, David.
Stamford, Texas camping options extend beyond the city limits into surrounding counties, with sites ranging from free municipal parks to lakeside RV facilities. Located in Jones County at an elevation of 1,614 feet, the area experiences long, hot summers with temperatures typically ranging from 55°F to 95°F throughout the camping season. Winter nights can drop below freezing, making spring and fall the most comfortable camping seasons for tent campers in this West Texas region.
Fishing opportunities: Lake Stamford and Fort Phantom Hill Lake offer productive fishing spots with various species. At Fort Phantom Lakeside RV Park, campers appreciate the "great fishing dock and crappie house" with one visitor noting it's a "great spot for fishing and swimming."
Historical exploration: The Albany area provides unique historical sites connected to Old West figures. At Fort Griffin State Historic Site Campgrounds, campers can explore preserved frontier structures. One camper noted it's a "wonderful place to see the stars at night" while another mentioned "clean bathroom facilities and a nice quiet place overall."
Stargazing: The clear West Texas skies provide exceptional night viewing with minimal light pollution at several area campgrounds. A visitor to Fort Griffin State Historic Site described the stars as "so close you can almost touch them," making it ideal for astronomy enthusiasts.
Water access: Direct lakefront camping remains popular despite seasonal water level fluctuations. At Johnson Park on Lake Fort Phantom Hill, one camper praised the "loads of available camping areas and gazebos with tables" and mentioned the park has "great water access" with facilities that are "kept relatively clean."
Affordable overnight options: Several municipal parks offer budget-friendly camping with basic utilities. Hamlin City Park provides "free the first night, $15 per night afterwards" according to their welcoming sign. A camper described it as having "a series of ten or so widely spaced shelters, each with a picnic table, and electricity and water for two campers at each shelter."
Well-stocked camp stores: Some lakeside locations maintain supplies for campers. At Lake Stamford Marina, a visitor noted "the store was pretty well stocked" which helps offset the distance from other shopping options.
Limited shade coverage: Most campgrounds lack mature trees, creating hot conditions during summer months. At Whistlestop RV Resort, one camper observed it "has not been established long enough to have any trees" and noted they "always look for trees to shade us" when camping in Texas.
Road conditions: Access roads to some sites require careful driving. At SeaBee Park, a camper warned the "road in has a few holes" though it was "easy to get through" and the destination was worth it with "much wildlife! Deer! Egrets!"
Site navigation confusion: Some campgrounds have unclear signage about camping locations. At SeaBee Park, a camper explained: "the GPS coordinates go to the paved area with picnic area and a bathroom, that is not where you will camp out" and advised to "continue driving down on that road and you will see camping spots numbered on the left."
Look for parks with playgrounds: Several municipal parks include children's play areas. Haskell Municipal RV Park includes a "very nice city park with kids play area and ponds" according to a recent visitor.
Consider recreational amenities: Some campgrounds offer multiple activity options. Whistlestop RV Resort provides "plenty of outdoor games to enjoy" with "a pool and covered area with corn hole and other games, beach volleyball, pickle ball, golf net and a bunch of other forms of entertainment."
Check bathroom facilities: Quality and accessibility of restrooms varies significantly between parks. At Whistlestop RV Resort, one camper praised how "bathrooms are worth the price of admission alone" describing them as "separate rooms with enough room for two" that are "incredibly clean, new and great water pressure."
Utility hookup quality: Inspect electrical connections before setup. One Lake Stamford Marina visitor warned "the electric box was super janky, no breaker, and had exposed wires" making them "nervous about plugging in my trailer."
Site spacing considerations: Private parks often provide more room between sites. At The Pecan Orchard, visitors enjoy a "quiet and peaceful" setting on a pecan ranch with good site separation.
Highway noise assessment: Many RV parks are near major roads, creating potential noise issues. A Whistlestop RV Resort guest noted it's "convenient to the highway, a bit noisy outside from traffic" suggesting requesting sites furthest from the road for lighter sleepers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Stamford, TX?
According to TheDyrt.com, Stamford, TX offers a wide range of camping options, with 38 campgrounds and RV parks near Stamford, TX and 1 free dispersed camping spot.
Which is the most popular campground near Stamford, TX?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Stamford, TX is Lake Stamford Marina with a 2.5-star rating from 2 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Stamford, TX?
According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Stamford, TX.
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