RV camping near Tatum, Texas provides convenient access to East Texas' scenic Piney Woods region. Most campgrounds in this area operate year-round with summer temperatures frequently exceeding 90°F and mild winters rarely dropping below freezing. The terrain is generally flat to gently rolling with mature pine forests and small lakes characterizing the landscape around many RV parks.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Laguna Vista RV Park, campers can enjoy the small pond for relaxed fishing. "The small pond was great to walk around and chat by," notes one visitor who stayed for a quick overnight.
Antique shopping: The Gladewater area, home to Antique Capital RV Park, is known for its extensive antique shopping opportunities. "Great spot if you love antiquing! Gladewater has many, many, many antique shops," shares one reviewer who enjoyed the proximity to these vintage treasures.
Golfing access: Some RV parks in the region offer convenient access to golf courses. Shallow Creek RV Park is situated on a golf course, making it ideal for RV campers who enjoy golfing during their stay.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Carthage RV Campground receives consistent praise for its maintenance. "Very quiet despite mostly long terms, lots of rules that keeps the campground clean, neat, and orderly," reports one camper who appreciated the well-maintained environment.
Swimming options: Shallow Creek RV Park offers multiple water recreation options. "2 pools, hot tub, splash park, play area. Internet good," states a visitor who stayed for nearly a month, appreciating the variety of water amenities during hot Texas days.
Level sites: Many campgrounds feature concrete pads that require minimal leveling. As one camper at Carthage RV Campground noted, "Sites are perfectly level and concrete. Sites toward the front seem pretty close together, but sites further from the road are spread out more."
What you should know
Site layouts vary: At Stillwater RV Resort, some sites require attention during setup. "You will need a little side to side leveling for many of the sites," explains a reviewer who visited with multiple families for a long weekend.
Hookup placement: Several parks have utilities positioned at challenging locations on the site. At Carthage RV Campground, one camper warned: "Spaces are extra long, however made for a 5th wheel. If in class A with a tow, will have to unhook if you don't have 25-30 foot long hoses."
Tree coverage: Tree density varies significantly between parks. While some properties maintain natural shade, others like Stillwater RV Resort have cleared their land. "They clearcut the entire property and its like a airport runway," noted one reviewer describing the lack of natural shade.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Marshall Meadows RV & Tiny Home Village offers natural features that appeal to families. "Come see the beautiful outdoors with a nice pond. We're it feels like your home away from home in the Piney woods of East Texas," describes a visitor who found the setting ideal for families.
Activity planning: Some parks organize scheduled events for children. At Stillwater RV Resort, a camper observed, "We pulled in on a Friday, after 5pm local, and they were setting up for a movie night poolside for the kids to watch while they were swimming."
Playground access: Several parks include dedicated children's play areas. Shallow Creek RV Park features both water recreation and dry playgrounds, providing options for kids regardless of weather conditions.
Tips from RVers
Sewer hose length: Come prepared with extra sewer hose at certain parks. At Stillwater RV Resort, one RVer cautioned: "Make sure you bring a lot of sewer hose! We had our 20ft and had to go to Walmart to get an extension, they put it nearly at the front of the site!"
Entry access: Some parks have challenging entrances that require careful navigation. Shallow Creek RV Park was described by a long-term camper as having "narrow drive in and out" despite its many positive attributes.
Leveling requirements: While many parks advertise level sites, come prepared for adjustments. Laguna Vista RV Park sites were described by one traveler as "good with easy full hook ups, drive through, but required side leveling."
