Are you an equestrian lover who prefers a more rustic experience when you visit Tatum? Equestrian camping is the best way to experience nature. These scenic and easy-to-reach Texas campsites are perfect for your horse camping excursion.
Daingerfield State Park, in the eastern part of Texas near the tri-state area with Arkansas and Louisiana, is known as the Cathedral of Trees with its magnificent maples, oaks and pines. The 80-acre Daingerfield State Park Lake offers water activities like swimming, fishing, boating and paddle boating and the Rustling Leaves Nature Trail circumnavigates the water. Dry activities include hiking, birding and geocaching. There are also historic cabins to rent.
The Boulders offers a fun experience for the entire family. We offer fishing from our freshly renovated fishing barge, tackle, boating, boat slips, concessions and a clean and spacious RV parks or tents with a lake front view. There is also a boat ramp located on the grounds for your convenience.
$55 - $195 / night
Scout
The food truck food is not good. I got sick from eating food from there. Ted stores food in freezer without covering it up with lids. One of the park host was showing pictures. I saw the pictures and he also showed other park host. He is not a good park host. Do not ever let him borrow any money because you will never see it back. Do not put a bad review on Facebook because you will get blocked off there page. It's sad that's how they run a business.
Guide
Our site was large with a pull thru concrete pad right on the water. The sites are large and separated separated by trees and private. There is a fire ring with grill grate provided.
RangerThe only reason I didn’t give it five stars is the price and not having sewer. There are a lot of cute amenities but everything costs extra. Beautiful grounds and friendly workers. Nice waterfront concrete sites
ScoutMe and my husband had a great time and experience at the DF state park! Bathrooms were clean, the park was in great shape, and the trails were great to walk through and enjoy the scenery.
LegendReserved on-line 152 days prior to arrival.
Pros
Pristine clean restroom/showerhouse. Seemed recently renovated
BIG PINE camping area only big rig friendly(longer than 20 ft) out of 40 FHU sites. Big Pine, Dogwood and Mountain View Campgrounds FHU so 40 FHU sites with no park dump station.
Aluminum picnic table and fire ring with cooking grate
Very quiet campground except for highway and train noise
4 camp hosts
Good night sky viewing in BIG PINE
Good view of lake in BIG PINE
Privacy from side neighbors
No leveling required from side-to-side
Asphalt parking pad heaved various places due to tree roots creating numerous tripping hazard
Campsite utility hook-ups in good condition with no problems encountered
Security gate that closes overnight
No street lights in BIG PINE
Campsite and entrance fee discount with Texas State Park Pass
Not charged a fee to make my own on-line reservation
CONS
Most FHU sites (other than BIG PINE) are extremely short in length. Barely room for single axle TT, so need to review site details carefully
Site 8 had an extreme amount of above ground roots causing tripping hazard
Picnic table approx 50 feet from Site 8 parking pad
Highway and train noise
BIG PINE sites barely off campground road, so therefore no privacy from campers across the road
Restroom/shower facility not heated
No lantern pole
No wildlife sightings
No park Wifi
1 bar AT&T in BIG PINE
ScoutThis was our first outing in our recently purchased Class B. We stopped for one night on a holiday weekend but wish we had had more time. Although the sites were close together, they all had concrete pads, full hookups, were level, and had picnic tables. Great view of Lake Tyler. Also very clean. There is a store, great boat dock, and a vendor selling very good bbq. We will definitely come back if in the area.
GuideThis is a beautiful park with lots of Character. The buildings are very cute with vintage signs including lots of neon signs and a few murals. They have a large event center that can be rented with a large patio. They have a store that sells fishing license and bait. They also have a fishing barge and kayaks and boats for rent. I took off 1 star because there pull thru sites are right on the road. We had number # 17 and it was a little tricky to get into the site deep enough that your slides don't stick out into the road. It made our patio area smaller. But it was right on the water so it was worth it. They also have a few motorhome sites. If you happen to book one of those and have a trailer, your truck will be trapped in. These sites you pull straight into. So just look closely at park map and be aware as you are booking. The sites are all concrete and have a picnic table and large fireplace/grill. The staff is very friendly and accommodating. I will return and will recommend to friends.
GuideStayed here for fun to camp and hike around the lake. It was very quiet and peaceful. A few nice hikes, potable water, a small store, and free showers.
GuideOvernighted here on my way to an extended Ozarks trip. Check-in was quick and easy, and the staff were extremely helpful. They even offered my dog some treats when they noticed him.
I was thrilled when I pulled up to the site to see that I was close to - but not able to smell- the loop dumpster. The site had shade with trees perfectly spaced to hang a few hammocks, and a water spigot right at the site. My only complaint about the site itself was that it was very difficult to figure out how and where to back in, and I came dangerously close to high centering my vehicle.
The bathrooms were clean and well maintained, and the showers had hot water. Each shower stall had a small shelf/bench for presumably changing clothes, or, in my case, holding my supplies.
GuideWe brought our Springdale Mini by Keystone to The Boulders for our first ever camping trip and could not have had a better experience. The grounds were clean and well maintained. Concrete sites made setup and leveling super easy. The staff was extremely friendly and helpful - when we mentioned it was our first trip, they guided us into our site and gave us tips on setup. The waterfront views were beautiful and the amenities were wonderful. They had a variety of rentals available - golf carts, kayaks, and pontoon boats. They offer boat ramp and docks and a fishing barge. The bait shop has a variety of supplies and snacks. The bathrooms were very clean. They also have a nice playground. The picnic tables at the sites looked new and all sites had a fire pit with a grill top. Overall, a great trip!
Other info: 30&50 amp hookups Water hookup Dump site only ($15 for honey wagon) Pet allowed Firewood available for purchase Cabins available for your camperless friends
GuideI stopped at Daingerfield State Park on my way to Arkansas... I got there after dark and left around 9am so I wasn’t able to enjoy the park but it was beautiful with all the fall colors. I was at cedar ridge site 51. It was a Wednesday night so there were only 3 other sites being used in that area. 51 was right next to the dumpster but a good walk from the bathrooms. There was a neighbor on one side of the site and across the street. I like not feeling surrounded by campsites. The site and park seemed very well kept up. The bathrooms were one of the nicest state park bathrooms I’ve been in. I got in after the park office was closed but they called me earlier that day and had given me the key code so I had no trouble from getting there after hours. This is one I’ll need to come back to.
GuideWe came here first week of April 2021. Spring in the air, blooms all around. Very quiet but lively park, almost all the sites were occupied for the weekend. Friendly park ranger and store personnel. All amenities were kept up with. We enjoyed hiking, biking and even an ice cream from the park store.
Our site 22 (Dogwood Camping Area) was huge, very close to Rustling leaves trail and had clean bathrooms. Some of the sites on this loop are on a slope, and is not big enough for large RVs.
GuideWe stopped here for one night while passing through, and we loved it! Site 34 was nice and ducked off. The park has a lot to do; a lake with boat rentals, swimming in the summer, and beautiful trails! We loved it so much!
RangerGreat wifi and bathrooms. Tons of security. Decent (even if short) trails.
Sign is too close to the highway without a safe place to park but there's an old sign inside the park.
Park store closed during winter except open on Saturdays.
Huge swimming beach.
RangerDriving into this park was so gorgeous! we arrived and were met with a big field with lots of kids playing. The store was closed (for the winter holidays I assume), but bathrooms were some of the best I've been in at a state park. We camped at site 49 at the Cedar Ridge campgrounds and were super happy with the site. Some sites at the entrance of the Cedar Ridge area were worryingly close together - wouldn't recommend.
Mountain View trail was a bit challenging to stay on, but everything was beautiful and both it and Rustling Leaves had great views! Will be back!
TravelerWell taken care of park. All the rv spots are nice. Family and pet friendly. The bathrooms are nice. And the bait shop has everything you forgot at home. 10/10!!
TravelerMy husband and I just started our camping adventures so we are not big connoisseurs on the “campgrounds of America” topic yet, but we were impressed by this State Park. Peaceful, beautiful trees surrounding you at all times, great campgrounds and all facilities were super clean at all times! There are a couple hiking trails but they are mainly easy walks. Is a great place to go relax, walk by the lake and hang out making S’mores! We live in Dallas so its only 2hrs away from home so is a perfect weekend getaway. 🏕🥰🍁
RangerThis park is easily in our Top 3 in the Texas State Parks system. It's a small park, but a little slice of heaven. Towering pine trees grow right up to the waters' edge. So peaceful. Donna, my wife, will often sit and gaze over the water.
The park is neat and tidy, and the bathrooms have always been clean. There are several picnic tables by the lake, a swim out platform, kayaks, paddleboats, a fishing pier, and a few swings on the playground. We typically visit during the week, so it's always been pretty quiet. And if you need supplies, there's a Brookshire's grocery nearby(only a few miles away). One trip, we decided to fish and grabbed bait from the Ace Hardware in town.
We love laying in our hammocks, watching the pines sway, and listening to the birds sing. In the warmer months, we swim and splash around the floating platform. And with a fire pit at every site, s'mores are a given each night(so long as there's no burn ban).
There's a short trail that circles the lake(about 2.5 miles). We do it EVERY trip. It's a beautiful and easy hike. Take a picnic and make your way to the CCC picnic area on the lake's other side. There will be a spot where you can enjoy your lunch, looking back across the water.(But don't let your dog grab your PB&J when you're not looking or you'll be hungry on the way back.)
GuideThe kids loved the versatility of the trails at this SP. we climbed to 535 ft, walked around the lake and explored waterfalls all at the same park! Good times and good facilities!
TravelerThe title sums it up! Nice hiking trials. Privacy if that’s your thing, it is for us and our three dogs. However, there is an awesome pavilion, swim dock, picnic area and paddle boat area. Something for everyone.
ScoutExcellent park. Clean clear lake with a great swimming area. Great hiking trails around the lake. I have never been there, even on a hot Sunday, that I wasn’t able to get a picnic table to eat on. It even has trout fishing. I go there monthly. Terry
TravelerFor folks that went camping in the 70s, 80s, 90s with your coleman lanterns, coleman fuel stoves, and actually camped in tents (as intended)... Daingerfield State Park is the place to be. It gives you the classic nostalgic feeling of camping. Its nestled in the thick pineywoods of northeast Texas - the towering pine trees, lakeside cabins and crystal clear lake all combined bring back memories of a person's childhood. Being in this park makes you feel like that picture perfect family on the packaging of camping products. It is a beautiful park with plentiful trails for mountain biking and hiking. There are multiple campgrounds allowing for large RVs/campers and tent camping. Bathrooms are always clean and the staff is polite and helpful. Fishing is good in this large spring-fed clear water lake - although motorized boats are not allowed, kayaks, canoes and paddle boats are permitted and available to rent as well. The park store is small but has most of your camping basics such as drinks, snacks and tshirts, etc.
All of the campsites have fire rings and the park sells firewood at a fair price and permits ground fires if the county is not under a burn ban. The park also hosts a healthy amount of events such as dances, Halloween in the park, and Christmas in the park.
The town of Daingerfield is a neat little town - only a 5-10 minutes from the park, it provides multiple fast food options, a Brookshires supermarket, gas stations and perhaps the most famous location in Daingetfield - the Morris Movie Theatre. (Cash only $1.50 tickets on the newest movie releases, two auditorium building, great snacks and best of all it is a family run operation. Nightly showings which makes it a perfect place to visit if you're camping at the park for a few days)
Stargazing is also great at DSP.. the park is far enough away from bigger cities which allows for darker skies.
This is defintely one of my favorite parks to go to and in the year I've lived in this area, we've probably gone to DSP at least two dozen times or more. Do make reservations ahead of time, as this park is largely popular and fills up quickly on summer days (day use) and weekend nights (camping).
I highly recommend this park and hope you and your family make long last memories.
ScoutOne of the smaller campgrounds I have been to. Beautiful trees! In the fall the colors are gorgeous. Thus is one of the few parks that I have seen such color. Its quiet and has a small lake. It is maintained very well. One of the nicest parks I have been to.
RangerIf you like the outdoors you’ll love it at Daingerfield. It’s abundant in beautiful pines that surround the small lake. It also has some CCC features. If you’re looking to accommodate a large group of people I would recommend the Bass Lodge- it’s PERFECTION! It sleeps 15, has several bedrooms and one large meeting space. It has a patio with a trail that leads right down to the lake. You can swim in the lake if it’s warm enough and there is a pier to swim out too. Don’t miss the trail that goes around the perimeter of the park- it’s a beauty!
Travelercamp site was flat had pads for tents and was well mantaind. had a shower and restroom that was clean and also had great hikng
GuideThis is definitely one of my favorite campsites. Stayed on a Sunday night in February so the campground was empty. Was woken up a couple of times throughout the night by a Great Horned Owl, but no complaints. Would definitely stay here again, clean bathrooms, nice site, and great habitat.
LegendI went there for 3 nights. It is a beautiful little park. It has an 80 acre lake that is really nice except there is too many lilly pads. I took my tiny camper, fishing poles and kayaks. I wish there where more campsites near the water. It is a quite little park. The campsites are nice. The restrooms are very nice. This park is very clean. The park had different activities during the day on Saturday. They had live music and a campfire that I really enjoyed. Then after that they had a dance with a free jukebox and disco lights. It was fun watching the people dance. They have a really nice fishing dock and a store to buy supplies, sueveniers and ice. They rent Kayaks, paddle boats and boards by the hour. The trails go completely around the lake and are easy and very beautiful . They have free WiFi that actually work. The sunset and night sky is amazing. The racoons are very brave and will rob you of anything they can. Do not leave ice chest out or vehicle windows down. The park is only a couple miles from town. I would say this is one of Texas hidden gems. The people that work there are very nice. You don't have to have a fishing license to fish there and that I like because I didn't have to buy an out of state fishing license. There are lots of places to eat out if you don't want to cook. There is a place called Arnold's about 7 miles from park that has really reasonable food. $4 breakfast Eggs, sausage or bacon, hash browns, and biscuit & gravy. The also have a giant hamburger, bigger than a dinner plate that can feed 4 adults for only $15. Also 2 miles from the park is a big grocery store that is very reasonable, convenience stores, ice machines, and drive in restaurants. There is a $4 per person per day park entry fee. If you are a 100% disabled veteran that fee is waived for you and 1 other person. The campsites with electric are $20 & $25. Unlike many other states Texas does not give discounts for camping if your disabled or hold an America the beautiful pass.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Tatum, TX?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Tatum, TX is Daingerfield State Park Campground with a 4.9-star rating from 22 reviews.
