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Best Tent Camping near Tuscola, TX

105 Reviews

Tent campers visiting Tuscola, Texas have several established campgrounds within reasonable driving distance. Johnson Park on Lake Fort Phantom Hill offers walk-in tent sites approximately 30 miles northeast of Tuscola, while Rough Creek Park at Spence Reservoir provides more primitive tent camping options about 60 miles southwest. Padgitt Park near Voss is another tent camping option situated about 45 miles south of Tuscola.

Johnson Park provides a relatively developed tent camping experience with amenities uncommon at other area sites. The campground features drinking water, showers, flush toilets, and picnic tables at most sites. Fire rings are available, and fires are permitted when no burn bans are in effect. The sites offer varying levels of shade and proximity to Lake Fort Phantom Hill. According to one visitor, "The park has loads of available camping areas and gazebos with tables, trash cans, grills, and a set of restrooms that are kept relatively clean." Most tent sites are accessible via short walks from parking areas.

Rough Creek Park presents a more rustic tent camping experience with minimal facilities. The park offers approximately ten tent sites, most with picnic tables and grills, but lacks drinking water and showers. Only basic vault toilets and trash collection are available. Tent campers should bring all necessary water and supplies. The sites benefit from substantial tree cover, providing essential shade during hot Texas summers. The campground is situated along Spence Reservoir, providing water access for fishing and paddling activities. A camper noted that the park features "lots of trees to protect from the summer heat" and that the location is "ideal for tents" rather than larger camping setups. The combination of water access and shade makes these tent sites particularly valuable in the region's climate.

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Best Tent Sites Near Tuscola, Texas (3)

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Tent Camping Reviews near Tuscola, TX

105 Reviews of 3 Tuscola Campgrounds

  • Rick G.
    Dec. 21, 2022

    Abilene State Park Campground

    Nice wooded campground with decent views of the stars

    The Cedar Grove tent camp area was well wooded with sites that were decently spaced. The sites had a fire ring/grill with a lantern post. There was water spigot close to my site. The restrooms were clean and the showers hot but the heater shower was slow to heat up. Decent views of the stars at night

  • Lee D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 16, 2022

    COE Hords Creek Lake Lakeside Park

    Nice CoE campground in rural central Texas

    General: Approximately 140 sites (plus 12 cabins) spread out all around Hords Creek Lake in two areas: Lakeside Park and Flat Rock Park. According to the map, two of the four gatehouses are closed – not sure if this is a permanent closure (and don’t know if these campsites are also closed). There was no attendant at the gate when we arrived.

    Site Quality: Paved/gravel driveways, some are pull-through, some have sewer hookups, and some have 50 amp electric. A bonus for us that we did not know when we reserved is that several sites have screened-in shelters with electricity and a generous-sized concrete picnic table. There are many trees throughout the campground and although we didn’t need the shade when we were there, I imagine it would be nice during the hot summer. There is also a fire ring but there was a strict fire ban when we were there (In fact, there was a large wildfire about 8 miles from the campground and we had been warned to stay ready to evacuate if the wind changed direction).

    Bathhouse: There seem to be more than adequate bathhouses located throughout, however, the one closest to our site was small and somewhat inadequate: one shower, one sink, and two toilets. If the campground was completely full, this may pose a problem. There was no hot water, even in the shower and the shower door did not have a latch for privacy. Also, no hooks or shelves, or soap dispensers. Make sure you bring a towel if you do not want to use the air dryer. 

    Activities/Amenities: There are several boat ramps, fishing docks, and swimming areas at different points of the lake. There was a nice, covered playground in the Lakeside Park campground. It is a bit of a hike to the dumpsters. 

    This was an overnight stay for us as we continued to travel through Texas, but we appreciated some of the amenities offered at this campground

  • Robyn W.
    Aug. 4, 2021

    Abilene State Park Campground

    Tucked away in the trees

    Smaller state park with lots of shade in the Texas heat. The areas has plenty of place to picnic and walk around. A few trails with a small pond that connects a few together. There is also a pool area this must be booked along with your site reservations. There are also place to tent camp, cabins and yurts with electricity to rent. The sites vary from full hookups to water and electricity. Each site is private and not to close each with plenty of privacy. There is also a lake that’s outside of campsite area that can be busted up the road.

    Two things I love:

    1. Shade and privacy
    2. Picnic table and fire pit at full site hook up.

    One thing I didn’t like:

    1. Road is currently damaged for easier exit so their is a detour.
  • Izzy T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 4, 2022

    Rough Creek Park - Spence Reservoir

    Follow the Brazos River!

    Decent spot for couple of nights while checking out the area. This park has maybe 10 sites. Most have tables and grills. Not really suitable for big rigs, as it is in the middle of Granbury. Ideal for tents, vans, or small campers. Lot of day use activity among the locals. Dumpsters and portable toilet are available. Lots of trees to protect from the summer heat! T-mobile was decent at this site. I was able to get some work done.

  • Rachel S.
    Apr. 12, 2024

    SeaBee Park

    Great free spot

    We had a great experience at this free site - there are 4 designated camp sites each with a little pullout, fire ring, covered picnic table, and large gravel parking area (probably room for 4+ cars on each). Overall very quiet with a few people driving by and a bit of a hike to the bathroom from the camping area, but it did have running water so can’t complain.

  • Rick P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 17, 2022

    Abilene State Park Campground

    Great family campground

    As with most every Texas State Park, the sites are well maintained and clean. Pads are level with plenty of room to get and out. Separate “Tent Only” sites are available. Lots of shade from trees throughout the park. First visit to this park on my way up to Colorado. Nice stop over when driving from Austin. Phone signal was not the best(booster helped). I was able to get internet using my phone as a hot spot for laptop.

    This was first time at this park and I noted several families with kiddos enjoying the park, I was just passing through but would definitely stay again,

  • Amie M.
    Dec. 16, 2020

    Abilene State Park Campground

    Extremely Safe and Family Friendly

    We stayed in a tent only spot for 8 days in Dec. Really quiet even with a trail behind us. Lots of winding beautiful trails. One of the cheaper Texas State Parks so the trails aren't very long.

    BUT the real hidden gem was in the bathroom by the yurts. They have a disabled shower. So it's within reach and the showerhead is lower. Awesome to use to clean my toddler without getting drenched.

    Felt very safe, even walking around past dark. We saw feral hogs a few times at dusk. Really loved it.

    The playground isn't very good but you are 20 minutes from Abilene with oodles of great parks and a small zoo.

  • L
    Nov. 15, 2021

    COE Hords Creek Lake Lakeside Park

    Peace and Quiet

    Beautiful and spacious sites, unobstructed view of the lake, well maintained park. Site 76 is at the last site on the stretch right beside the dam with no thru traffic (boat ramp is closed) and we never saw or heard anyone down there the entire weekend. Full hookups on that stretch and large shady spots with covered picnic tables, a fire ring, and a grill. Absolutely love this place and will definitely return regularly.

  • Shari G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 30, 2021

    Concho Park - O.H. Ivie Reservoir

    Quiet, Rustic, & Beautiful

    This is camping the way we like it -- rustic, beautiful and inexpensive.  And, there was no one there in January, despite the state parks being packed!  We had the place completely to ourselves, with the exception of a few fisherman.

    For $5 a night you can camp at any one of the dozens of sites scattered around the lakeshore.  Lots of space in between sites and most with beautiful sunrise/sunset views. Each campsite has a picnic shelter above the table for shade, and rain, a grill and fire ring, plus your very own trashcan – never saw all that before in such an inexpensive park but there you have it!   No hook-ups in the park, so bring your solar panel for some electricity if you need it.

    The lake is used mostly by local anglers, but I can imagine it gets pretty busy during the summer months when the lake level is at its highest. The only bathrooms were centrally located near the diner/ campstore/ RV Park/ gas station near the boat launch.  So, if you are out in the campground, you'll want to bring your own method. The folks were great there and let us use the wifi for a few hours. 

    There’s not much in the way of trails in the immediate area of the lake, except the dirt roads. A word about the dirt, it is mostly clay which when saturated with rain water will form the most exceptionally sticky mud to coat the underside of your vehicle. It comes off, but wow, only with some strong encouragement and a high pressure hose. 

    The closest towns with grocery stores and other services are Balanger and Menard, but you can get a few things including drinking water, ice, and drinks at the camp store.

Guide to Tuscola

Tent camping near Tuscola, Texas, offers a chance to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying the great outdoors. With a variety of campgrounds available, you'll find options that cater to your camping style.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

Tent campers should check out Padgitt Park

  • Padgitt Park is a great choice for those looking for a peaceful retreat, with ample space for tent camping and access to basic facilities like toilets and trash disposal.

Tent campers like these nearby activities

  • Enjoy the local scenery and activities at Rough Creek Park - Spence Reservoir, where you can explore the Brazos River and take advantage of the shaded areas provided by the trees.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Tuscola, TX is Johnson Park on Lake Fort Phantom Hill with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 3 tent camping locations near Tuscola, TX, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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