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.
What to do
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.
What campers like
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.
What you should know
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."
Tips for camping with families
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."
Tips from RVers
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.
