5 campgrounds with availability next weekend
Martin Dies, Jr. State Park Campground houses upscale glamping accommodations nestled among tall pine trees near the waters of B.A. Steinhagen Lake in east Texas. Visitors stay in deluxe canvas tents and fully equipped cabins with electricity, comfortable beds, heating, and air conditioning—essential amenities for the humid Texas climate. The glamping sites feature private picnic areas, convenient access to clean shower facilities, and proximity to kayak launch points for water adventures. One visitor noted, "We rented a small rustic shelter/cabin with a heater and AC. It was actually perfect for my family of 3. This park was very quiet and was abundant with wildlife." Most sites include water hookups, fire pits, and picnic tables, creating a perfect balance of outdoor immersion with creature comforts.
Paddling trails through cypress-lined waterways provide glampers with exceptional exploration opportunities around Steinhagen Lake, with canoes and kayaks available for rent directly from the park. Wildlife viewing is particularly rewarding, as the park's diverse ecosystem supports deer, raccoons, foxes, and even alligators. A recent visitor mentioned, "This place is awesome! I've never seen so much wildlife! Gators and great fishing! So much to see and do!" Several well-maintained hiking paths wind through the forested landscape, offering opportunities to experience the park's natural beauty on foot. The park hosts regular interpretive programs focusing on local ecology and wildlife, adding educational value to the glamping experience. Fishing enthusiasts appreciate the designated fishing areas with cleaning stations, while families often enjoy bicycling throughout the park's paved roads with enforced low speed limits for safety.
"Coming from Houston it wasn't a long drive, and we enjoyed the greenery. The day we went, we were literally the only people there. I think this place is a bit of a hidden gem."
"The campsites are well shaded by trees, all have fire pits. Many sites have water and electric and facilities are easily accessed."
Available next weekend
from $14 - $55 / night
"Steinhagen lake, I camped under the shade of a huge magnolia tree alongside very tall pines and oaks. Alligators are present all day and night near the water. They aren’t a nuisance."
"We stopped here between New Orleans and Central Texas. It was pretty low key which we dig, most likely because it’s January."
Available next weekend
from $10 - $250 / night
"1/26/23-1/30/23- This is a great COE campsite that is spacious, clean, quiet, and site#63 has lake views on 3 sides. A picnic table, fire-pit, lantern post, 30A electric, and water are provided."
"Nice older csmpground with water and electric hookups. Swim beach was under renovation. Many sites are uneven but have asphalt pads and most are shady."
Available next weekend
from $16 - $30 / night
"This is a small hidden state park that has rustic beauty. 25 campsites with electric and water, that can be used for campers or tents (tent pads at each site)."
"Getting to the park can be difficult if you are arriving after the sun goes down. Once you get off the interstate there is construction going on, there was an exit sign that was not an exit at all."
Available next weekend
from $10 - $30 / night
"The lake is beautiful, the camp grounds are spotless and the Staff is awesome. Great facilities whether tent camping, RV camping or staying in a cabin. "
"Trails: There were a few trails in the park, none of which were all that long. The main Trinity Trace Trail was flat dirt, good for young bikers."
"We arrived on Memorial Day for four nights with reservations made 54 days prior."
Available next weekend
from $14 - $35 / night
"Some fairly recent upgrades to the bathrooms and showers have made it much nicer! We’ve always had a good time here and made lots of happy memories! Staff is very friendly."
"The staff were friendly and helpful. The pro and the restroom were clean. My kids loved the park and the island that was in the middle of the lake. Kayaked, hiked and fished."
"Unbelievable experience right from the start we were welcomed like we were family. The staff at Shirley creek marina are awesomely amazing people who helped us multiple times on our stay."
"The staff is so welcoming! Oh and there are 13 gorgeous cabins for rent! I highly recommend this park!"
"Full hookups, friendly staff, laundry, and showers."
"Was approx 2 miles off highway 59. Had a great playground area for kids and we loved walking down to the lake. The lady running the office was super kind and very helpful."
GuideWe stayed in the electric site #1. Spots are pretty private with trees between each campsite. We had the camp hosts on the right side of us. Trails to walk, playground for the kids, kayaks, canoes, and paddle boards for rent. We were visiting the Big Thicket National Preserve.
ScoutThe campsites have a lot of space & are surrounded by woods. The concrete sites are level and offset from the next site (one on one side of loop, next site on other side of loop), which allows for more space & privacy (stayed in #006). I had full hookups (water, electric & sewer) at $25/night (Disabled Vet rate). It was very peaceful & quiet, except for some work that needed to be done nearby.
ScoutWe recommend going camping here. We love it.
GuideWe have camped here many times over the years. While we have our favorite site, we're starting to try out different spots in the park each visit. This spot is on the "canal" side & at the far end of that stretch, so no neighbors on one side. The site is long & fairly level. There is a slight drop off from the pavement to the picnic table. There are lots of alligators swimming by to watch.
ScoutOnly 6 campsites with campers. Great lake view, lot's of wildlife. Very quiet.
GuideVery peaceful. No one bothers you. Restroom/ shower was clean.
GuideWe stopped here between New Orleans and Central Texas. It was pretty low key which we dig, most likely because it’s January. The hosts were friendly and left us to our own devices, but super helpful when we had questions. The only fisherman is our 7 year old, so the kids pond was awesome. The showers were large and the water was hot. Our spot was large and it was a trek to do laundry to Spurger but the scenery was great. Woodville is about 20 minutes away with a wal mart and anything else you’d need. Enjoyable!
GuideGetting to the park can be difficult if you are arriving after the sun goes down. Once you get off the interstate there is construction going on, there was an exit sign that was not an exit at all. I was very lucky that I did not crash! Texas State Parks charge an entrance fee even when you are camping. However, the do offer several Park Passes that are FREE or a small charge for Seniors, Disabled persons, Veterans and Gold Star Family members. I now have a lifetime pass as a Disabled Veteran and they refunded the entrance fee that I paid when I made the reservation.
The campground is not big but all sites have water and electric with a dump station. Some of the sites are elevated so if you are tent camping you have to haul up your stuff. The site I had needed more that the 50' electric cord that I usually use. Luckly I had another cord so I could get electric to tent. Had to use bungee cords and duck tape to stake the tent cement under the gravel again. The bathhouse is clean and has hot showers. There are alot of water activities nice hiking trails.
LegendWe spent two nights here. The campground is a nice campground, but I feel the spaces are pretty close together for a state park. No trees or privacy between several of them. Our space #12 was level. Park did have a nice shower house as well as some nice hiking trails and the staff was extremely courteous.
Steinhagen Lake spans 13,700 acres in east Texas with a shoreline elevation of 83 feet. The lake serves as a water supply reservoir while offering year-round camping opportunities. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F with high humidity, making water-resistant camping gear essential during the June-September rainy season.
Wildlife viewing tours: 8 miles north of Martin Dies, Jr. State Park Campground explore guided spotting excursions for alligators, deer, and migratory birds. Tours run April-October, cost $15/person. "This park was very quiet and was abundant with wildlife," noted one visitor to Martin Dies.
Kayaking small inlets: Rent equipment at Magnolia Ridge for $10-20 daily to navigate cypress-lined coves. Protected waters suitable for beginners available year-round. "Beautiful park. We brought kayaks and had a great time amongst the trees. Even saw some small gators," reports a camper who explored the area.
Bank fishing: Steinhagen Lake's northwestern shores provide excellent catfish and bass opportunities, especially during spring and fall. No license required when fishing from designated piers. "The fishing was great and this State Park is one of those hidden gems. There was no crowd, it was like we had the whole place to ourselves," according to a visitor.
Shaded campsites: Pine and magnolia trees provide natural cooling during hot Texas summers. Sites with mature trees reduce afternoon temperatures by up to 15 degrees. "Deep into the piney woods and swampy outcrops of B.A. Steinhagen lake, I camped under the shade of a huge magnolia tree alongside very tall pines and oaks," described one tent camper at Magnolia Ridge.
Quiet weekday camping at COE Sam Rayburn Reservoir San Augustine Park: Sunday through Thursday offers significantly reduced crowds and better site selection. "This is a great COE campsite that is spacious, clean, quiet, and site#63 has lake views on 3 sides," shared a visitor.
Glamping amenities: Electricity and water hookups available at most established sites around Steinhagen Lake. Many include covered picnic tables for protection during afternoon showers. "Campsites are modern, many have a waterfront view. The campsites are well shaded by trees, all have fire pits. Many sites have water and electric and facilities are easily accessed," noted a camper.
Summer mosquitoes: Bring effective repellent for evening activities, particularly May through October. Consider thermacell devices for campsite perimeters. "We tented here on a rainy weekend unfortunately. It was a nice site right near the water, and we saw a lot of wildlife like an armadillo, raccoon, and deer. We got out for a little bit to go for a walk and went to some of the trails which were scenic but super buggy. Bring spray and citronella candles!" warned a visitor at Martin Dies.
Limited cell service: Most campgrounds have weak or no cellular coverage in wooded areas. Download maps and information beforehand. "Very low cell service. Which I loved but don't expect to do any business," mentioned one camper.
Hurricane recovery impacts at Village Creek State Park Campground: Some facilities still undergoing renovation from past storm damage. Check current status before booking. "Hurricane Harvey flooded most of the park in 2017 but now it is completely open. The park is very nice. It is very typical of Texas parks," reported a visitor.
Kid-friendly fishing piers: Morning hours (6-9am) offer the best chance for children to catch sunfish using simple worm bait. Most piers have cleaning stations nearby. "We enjoyed Christmas in this quiet park, kinda chilly and pretty deserted. As per normal for RV parks, WiFi sucks but cell signal was adequate," noted a Village Creek visitor.
Wildlife observation platforms at Lake Livingston State Park Campground: Visit at dawn or dusk for optimal viewing. Bring binoculars for spotting distant wildlife. "Connected to the park store they had a small educational space for young kids with a functioning beehive. The kids (ages 2-6) loved it," mentioned one family.
Accessible boardwalk trails: Flat, well-maintained paths suitable for strollers and young walkers. Most routes under 2 miles with interpretive signs. "There is a 'board walk trail' that is quite literally a board walk through the forest. It's just a 1 mile loop and has a few benches and attractions, and this would be an excellent handicap option," explained a Lake Livingston visitor.
Leveling challenges: Many waterfront sites slope toward the shore. Bring extra leveling blocks, especially for larger rigs. "I needed to lower the front of my 34' fifth wheel trailer 16" to level it; L/R leveling was reasonable needing 1/2" on the right side," detailed a camper at San Augustine Park.
Power protection equipment: Bring surge protectors for RV hookups, particularly during summer thunderstorm season. Brief outages common during weather events. "Power interruptions, albeit short. Very glad we had our power surge protector," advised an RVer.
Grocery access at Tombigbee Lake - AC Indian Reservation: Stock up before arrival as nearest full service stores require 20+ minute drives. Small camp stores carry limited essentials. "This is a great place. My family has been camping here in tents, RVs and cabins for more than 15 years. Some fairly recent upgrades to the bathrooms and showers have made it much nicer!" shared a regular visitor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Steinhagen Lake?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Steinhagen Lake is Martin Dies, Jr. State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 40 reviews.
What is the best site to find glamping camping near Steinhagen Lake?
TheDyrt.com has all 13 glamping camping locations near Steinhagen Lake, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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