Best Tent Camping near Tuscola, TX

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

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.

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,

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.

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.