Glamping options near Telephone, Texas occupy a mostly flat terrain along the Red River basin with elevations rarely exceeding 700 feet. Summer temperatures typically reach 95-100°F while winter lows can drop to the 30s. The region's moderate rainfall creates lush conditions around the numerous lakes, with most primitive sites located within a 30-40 minute drive from Telephone.
What to do
Hiking trails: Coffee Mill Lake Recreation Area features secluded routes through the Grassland National Forest. "The campground is small, maybe 12 sites, vault toilets decently cleaned, and multiple water spigots. There was only one other camper, but there is access to the lake at this site with a few cars in the parking lot when we arrived, so you will see people even though it is secluded on the whole," notes reviewer Micah W.
Beach activities: McGee Creek State Park Campground offers a designated swimming area with actual sand. "McGee creek State Park is a beautiful state Park. It has beautiful campsites nestled along the lake shore. The lake is beautiful. The fishing is great from boat, shore or covered fishing dock. I love swimming and kayaking in the cool water," writes Melanie W.
Stargazing: Limited light pollution makes nighttime viewing optimal at several locations. "The campground has decent views of the stars especially looking north. The site I chose was close to the lake and relatively level," reports Rick G. about Coffee Mill Lake.
What campers like
Quieter alternatives: The Doctor's Creek Unit of Cooper Lake State Park provides a less crowded experience. "The ranger said this loop is the quieter, less busy side of Cooper Lake. Easy, short hiking trails. Playground & a swimming beach. I imagine this would be a fun, possibly crowded place in season, but probably not loud at night as sites are spaced out well," says Bob M.
Lakeside accommodations: Burns Run West offers direct water access sites. "We had such a great time while camping here. The sites were a good size and had lots of shade. We had an amazing view of the lake! We stayed at site 13 on loop B and we were located close to the bath house, which was very convenient," explains Christina H.
Minimal crowds: Coffee Mill Lake Recreation Area offers peaceful camping with limited crowds. "I am always pleasantly surprised with 'national' organizations' campgrounds. Whether a national forest or like this one, national grasslands, they are always pretty good, and this one is no exception," comments Micah W.
What you should know
Site selection considerations: At Burns Run West, campsite positioning affects comfort. "The sites are a little too close to each other for our taste so you can hear all the conversations of the neighboring sites. BUT our site has a quick access to the nice sanding beach of the lake which looks pretty amazing for a hot summer day," advises Kristi B.
Facility maintenance: Bathrooms vary in quality across locations. "Burns Run West is a nice camp ground on the Oklahoma side of Texoma. The bathrooms could use a little attention (still cleaner than some places!) and our site was missing the fire ring," notes Kristi B.
Budget options: Tent camping near Telephone can be economical. "I really like the fact that we could boondock our camper with in reason of the table area. (side of the road) plenty of room to let the slide out... Loved the fact it had a fire pit and a grill.. even a place to hang your lantern. Was a great experience if you want better.. go to places that charge more than $6 a night," shares Lisa J.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming beaches: Lake Bonham Recreation Area offers family-friendly water activities. "They bathrooms and showers are clean and close there's a basketball court and kayak rentals. There's a fishing pier anf lots of covered tabels and grills and it's a nice Sandy Beach... No where better to camp in North Texas," recommends Gemma P.
Dedicated play areas: Several campgrounds include facilities specifically for children. "This campground also has a play ground, pavilion, swim beach, and fishing docks," explains Jon B. about McGee Creek State Park.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Children can observe local fauna at various locations. "We saw a lot of horse riders. The sites have picnic tables, fire pits and are well spaced. You basically have your pick of sites so you can choose wooded areas or open without trees," explains Micah W.
Tips from RVers
Site amenities: Cooper Lake State Park offers reliable services. "I spent three hots days exploring the DR Creek Unit of Cooper Lake State Park. This is a great campground! Most of the sites are in deep shade and are very level concrete pads," reports Dude R.
Hookup availability: Choctaw RV Park provides premium services for self-contained units. "Very clean KOA right next to Choctaw casino. They have a shuttle that comes right to your spot to take you to the casino. Cable tv and a great pool as well! Great place!" notes Chris P.
Site leveling: Consider terrain when selecting a spot. "Nice place to stay in RV when on the road traveling. Near Choctaw Casino, plenty of entertainment for travelers," advises Hope F.
