Best Tent Camping near Texarkana, TX
Tent campers in the Texarkana area have several established campgrounds that offer primitive sites across eastern Texas and southwestern Arkansas. Thomas Lake Park provides tent-friendly dispersed camping with picnic tables and direct lake access, while locations like North Shore and Oak Park at Wright Patman Lake offer drive-in tent sites with some amenities including electric hookups and water access. River Run West and East near Millwood Lake in Arkansas provide additional tent camping options within 40 miles of Texarkana.
Most tent sites around Texarkana require minimal preparation as amenities vary significantly between locations. Thomas Lake Park features freshly mowed grass sites overlooking the water but requires navigation along a mile-long dirt road to reach the camping area. Several campgrounds like River Run West provide basic facilities including pit toilets, picnic tables, and trash service, though drinking water is rarely available. Campers should note that fire restrictions apply at many sites, particularly at North Shore and Oak Park where fires are not permitted. Sites typically cost between $5-8 per night where fees are charged, with most locations offering year-round access.
The tent camping experience near Texarkana offers varied settings from lakeside bluffs to forested areas. Thomas Lake Park provides what campers describe as "absolutely gorgeous views of the water" with well-maintained grounds that make for comfortable tent sleeping. Sites at River Run East remain relatively quiet except for occasional timber trucks crossing the nearby dam. Wildlife considerations include alligator awareness at some Arkansas locations like River Run West. Many campgrounds feature mature trees providing necessary shade during hot Texas summers. A visitor at Thomas Lake Park noted that "there's plenty of space to set up camp" with freshly maintained grounds and boat ramp access for water activities.
