Best Tent Camping near Telephone, TX

Tent campsites near Telephone, Texas include several established campgrounds with varying amenities and natural settings. East Lake Crockett Recreation Area in Honey Grove offers tent camping with basic facilities including toilets and trash service. Sleep Under The Pecan Trees provides a more rustic experience with 12 designated tent sites featuring fire rings, picnic tables, and basic toilet facilities. South Sulphur Campground near Sulphur Springs is another option for tent campers seeking established sites.

Most tent camping areas in this region have minimal amenities, requiring campers to be self-sufficient. Sites typically feature dirt or grass surfaces with limited grading. East Lake Crockett does not permit fires or alcohol, while Sleep Under The Pecan Trees allows campfires and provides firewood. Potable water is scarce at most locations, so tent campers should bring adequate water supplies. During summer months, temperatures can be extreme, making shade an important consideration when selecting a site. Pets are permitted at several campgrounds, including East Lake Crockett and Sleep Under The Pecan Trees.

The tent camping experience in this part of Texas offers unique wildlife encounters and natural settings. Sleep Under The Pecan Trees features encounters with horses that approach campsites, providing an unusual experience for tent campers. The property includes scattered ponds and extensive acreage for exploration. Sites are typically well-spaced, offering privacy not always found at more developed campgrounds. Tree cover varies by location, with pecan groves providing welcome shade at some sites. A recent review noted, "Wild, yet docile horses will approach you. You can pet them and feed them by hand. Tall trees and gorgeous campsites." Another camper described the area as having "minimal mosquitoes" compared to other Texas camping destinations, making for more comfortable tent camping experiences.

Best Tent Sites Near Telephone, Texas (12)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Telephone, TX

3 Photos of 12 Telephone Campgrounds


Tent Camping Reviews near Telephone, TX

249 Reviews of 12 Telephone Campgrounds


  • M
    Sep. 30, 2016

    COE Pat Mayse Lake Pat Mayse Park East

    Pat Mayse East Campground

    I found this campground through a US army core website, and the details at that website did not turn out to be very accurate. Both loops at Pat Mayse East Campground showed to have bathrooms, which I assumed meant flush toilets and sinks, since the map also had an icon for vault toilets and this was not used. Both loops actually do have vault toilets and no running water. The campground seems set up pretty well for RVs; there were a lot of rv hookups for water and electric. There are also basic tent sites, picnic tables and metal fire rings. Water spigots are placed throughout so access is not difficult. You have your choice of sunny areas or more forested. Some spots are tightly packed in, but others are on the outside of the loop and seem like they'd be pretty quite. I wasn't overly impressed on the whole.

  • Kellyn L.
    Jun. 21, 2020

    Lakeside (OK)

    Rained out but nice area

    We reserved in area D (tent camping no electric) for 2 nights. We got in the first night around 8 and it was pouring rain. So we did not stay the night. We returned early the next morning and were able to set up camp. They have concrete picnic tables, fire rings and the area we were in had a bathhouse. Stalls had a toilet, sink and shower area. The sites were pretty close together. Our neighbors were very friendly but I like having a little more space. Overall it was a good time. Just not as secluded as we are used to and the rain kind of put a damper on things.

  • Rick G.
    Mar. 11, 2023

    Pat Mayse West

    Nice Lake front Campround

    This is a nice campground with decently wooded sites. The site I sated had water, electric, a picnic table, a fire pit and a lantern post. There was a flat spot to set up my tent. The campground had decent star views and was a short walk to clean pit toilets. The showers were a short drive away and were also clean.

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 20, 2021

    Burns Run East Campground

    Great water sites

    SITES: 44 electric and water 3 tent only non electric 

    FEES: $16.00-$50.00 

    Picnic table, fire ring, grill, dump station, flush and pit toilets, showers, drinking water, trash, 2 boat ramps, a dock, playground and beach. Some trees but the camp is very open. Great for hunting, hiking, fishing and boating or bird watching. There are miles of equestrian trails and a four mile hiking trail. Large day use facility with electricity. LNT 

    AIS 

    BTYFI

    Travel safe

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 19, 2021

    Damsite Texas — Lake Texoma

    Country Time

    DATES: Apr 1- Nov 30

    RESERVATIONS ONLY: 877-444-6777 or recreation.gov 

    SITES: 19 with water and electric (30 amp) 

    No Host Picnic table, fish cleaning station, fire ring, grill, flush and pit toilets. The campground is located right on the Red River which makes for great water activities. Beautiful pecan trees cover the park grounds. Great shade but not great for solar but since the sites have electric it doesn't matter. There is a great view of the dam. 

    LNT 

    BTYFI 

    AIS 

    Travel safe

  • Susan L.
    Nov. 1, 2019

    Deer Haven Campground — Cooper Lake State Park South Sulphur Unit

    Shaded lakeside camping in Deer Haven

    The South Sulphur campground is about half an hour north of Interstate 30. It’s under a 2 hour drive from the DFW area so, I find it’s a nice weekend getaway. I camped here on a Sunday to Monday and it was very quiet. I was one of only 5 campers in the Deer Haven section (aside from the 3 camp hosts). I’m giving the park 5 stars but this is based on my experience of having camped here when there were few campers around. I image this place could be loud and busy on a weekend.

    There are many shaded lakeside sites in the Deer Haven section. I stayed at site 68. The site was on a cul de sac so there was no campground to the one side. However, the site located on the other side was close. This would be a great spot for 2 camping families to share. The concrete pad at site 68 was level and shaded by a beautiful, mature oak tree. I could walk from the pad to the lake. It would be a great site to put out a kayak, but unfortunately the weather didn’t cooperate on my stay. So I didn’t get to kayak. I did see deer who ventured in from the wooded area next to the campsite.  Deer Haven lived up to its name!

    Electric and water hookups were good as were the restroom/shower facilities, which seemed climate controlled because it felt cooler and less humid inside than outside. This usually isn’t the case in these buildings.

    A big storm blew in around dinner time. The wind was fierce and blowing out of the north across the almost 20,000 acre lake! I actually called the ranger to find out if I needed to evacuate. The ranger was very responsive and reassuring. Luckily, there were no tornados warnings, so I weathered out the storm and woke to a beautiful crisp morning.

    This park is huge and there is much to do. Cabins, shelters, primitive walk in sites, equine sites, a beach, several boat ramps, hiking trails, playgrounds and a fishing pier. I didn’t get to see a fraction of it, but I’ll be returning. 

    I stopped in the town of Sulphur Springs on my way back to DFW. The town has a nice historic town square and makes for an interesting side stop.

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 1, 2021

    COE Lake Texoma Platter Flats

    Trail Ride Anyone

    Amazing and Great for trail riding 

    Sites: 26 family with electric and water 

              35 equestrian with hookups 

                3 equestrian tent sites no hook ups 

                1 day use shelter with electric 

    Reservations only: 877-444-6777 or recreation.gov 

    No camp host Flush and pit toilets, showers, drinking water, trash, picnic table, dump station, boat ramp, dock 

    Great for horseback riding, fishing, hiking, fishing, hunting, and boating. Beautiful rolling hills with mature trees. Great shade especially in the equestrian area. Well maintained. Wonderful lake views with amazing sunsets. 

    LNT 

    BTYFI 

    Travel safe.

  • Holly N.
    Jul. 29, 2020

    Preston Bend - Lake Texoma

    Nice camp ground

    Camping out on the peninsula (site numbers upper 20’s to 30’s), the sites are nicely spaced, have concrete pads - which is uncommon on Lake Texoma - and beautiful views. If you camp here, though, be fully prepared to battle tons of ants. This might have been my favorite campground if it weren’t for the ants. It might not be so bad if you immediately treat around your camper while setting up, but we didn’t and have been trying to get them out of our camper our whole camp trip. We were in site 30.

  • Richard
    May. 25, 2020

    McGee Creek State Park Campground

    McGee Creek State Park

    We camped at McGee Creek State Park over Memorial Day weekend. We camped at tent hill #3. The thing we really liked about this particular site was that there are only 4 tent sites here, so it’s secluded and nice and quiet. There is very little traffic driving by as well. What we didn’t like is that there is only a pit toilet and no water faucets. There is a real bathroom with a shower about a 10-15 minute walk away. The bathroom was pretty typical of a state park. There is an area that has some lake huts for rent as well. They don’t have bathrooms but the are heated/cooled.

    There is another area about 1.5 miles away called Buster Height campground. This is where the swim beach and another boat dock is. There is also an RV area and a bunch of tent sites. Most of these tent sites are pretty small and crowded together. If you have a big tent or don’t like being near others, you might want to consider tent hill if it’s available.

    On the other side of the lake (about a 25-30 minute drive) is the natural scenic recreation area. There are a ton of hiking trails that lead to backpacking campsites, equestrian camps and there are boat in sites as well.

    Overall a pretty decent park but definitely not one of our favorites.


Guide to Telephone

Tent camping near Telephone, Texas offers a chance to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying a variety of outdoor activities. With several well-reviewed spots nearby, campers can find the perfect setting for their next adventure.

Tips for tent camping near Telephone

  • East Lake Crockett Recreation Area provides a serene environment for fishing and boating, making it a great spot for water enthusiasts.
  • Sleep Under The Pecan Trees is ideal for families, featuring beautiful scenery and opportunities for wildlife encounters, including horses and donkeys.
  • Rockin Bar B Ranch offers a private and natural setting, perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Tent campers like these nearby activities

  • At Willow Springs, families can enjoy a range of activities, including fishing and hiking, all while soaking in the beautiful surroundings.
  • South Sulphur Campground features a large pond and dog parks, making it a great place for both pets and their owners to relax and play.
  • iGLAMP offers unique glamping experiences, allowing campers to enjoy nature with a touch of luxury, perfect for those who want a bit more comfort.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

  • Sleep Under The Pecan Trees has picnic tables and firewood available, enhancing the camping experience with cozy evenings around the fire.
  • Rockin Bar B Ranch allows pets and provides essential amenities like toilets and drinking water, ensuring a comfortable stay for all campers.
  • East Lake Crockett Recreation Area features trash disposal and toilets, making it easier for campers to maintain a clean and pleasant environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Telephone, TX?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Telephone, TX is East Lake Crockett Recreation Area with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Telephone, TX?

TheDyrt.com has all 12 tent camping locations near Telephone, TX, with real photos and reviews from campers.