Tyler State Park and surrounding campgrounds offer glamping options set among East Texas pine forests approximately 100 miles east of Dallas. The region features warm summers with temperatures often exceeding 95°F and mild winters with occasional freezes. Camping areas range from densely wooded sites to lakeside accommodations with varying degrees of shade.
What to do
Water activities on smaller lakes: Tyler State Park maintains a spring-fed lake where visitors can swim in designated areas. "The lake was perfect and had a nice beach. We were able to rent kayaks and paddle boats," reports Sarah J. who enjoyed family time at Tyler State Park Campground.
Hiking through pine forests: Trails wind through tall pines offering options for various skill levels. "Sites are good but trails for biking and hiking are great!!" notes Jill C. about Tyler State Park. Meanwhile, at Martin Creek Lake State Park, Shane H. mentions, "Nice short distance hiking trail, I enjoyed quite a bit."
Fishing opportunities: Multiple lakes in the area provide fishing access. At Lake Holbrook Park, Julie G. describes it as a "Sandy lake, oaks, bathroom, dock, ramp... free camp." Dianne C. from Tyler State Park adds, "The lake is perfect for kayaking and fishing from one of several docks."
What campers like
Well-maintained facilities: Campers frequently mention the cleanliness of accommodations. Karen M. appreciates Music Springs, saying, "The bathrooms and shower are clean, there's a community kitchen that has a microwave, coffee maker, and refrigerator. The whole place is decorated very nicely."
Family-friendly atmosphere: Parents appreciate the recreational options for children. Becca H. at Martin Creek Lake State Park notes, "Pretty cool playground, trails to explore, covered picnic tables in the swim area, nice fishing piers. A really cool SP."
Concrete pad sites: Many RV sites feature level concrete pads. At The Boulders at Lake Tyler, Brianna B. explains, "The grounds were clean and well maintained. Concrete sites made setup and leveling super easy. The staff was extremely friendly and helpful."
What you should know
Reservation timing: Popular sites fill quickly during peak seasons. Tim H. describes Tyler State Park as "Nestled in the piney woods, Great Lake, MTB, hiking and good facilities." Tammie L. adds, "Great little lake to fish, kayak, swim and hike! Hard to get reservations because it is so popular!"
Weather considerations: East Texas experiences hot, humid summers and occasional winter freezes. Plan accordingly with appropriate gear and clothing for seasonal conditions.
Proximity to services: Most glamping close to Tyler, Texas offers convenient access to nearby towns. Larry L. notes Mineola Civic Center and RV Park is "Walking distance of big grocery store. 15 miles from Lake Fork."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-focused activities: Look for glamping locations with designated children's areas. "The playground is one of the best I've seen at the state parks we've been to!" shares Becca H. about Tyler State Park.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Children enjoy spotting local wildlife. At Tyler State Park, Myc C. warns, "Be careful for raccoons saw a lot of them while here!"
Water safety planning: Lakes provide swimming opportunities but require supervision. Peter F. from Tyler State Park mentions, "Day use swimming area can get crowded on the weekends but there's plenty of quieter access points."
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: Choose sites based on your specific needs and preferences. Lori C. at Martin Creek Lake State Park shares, "Site 40 was wooded and very spacious. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring and ours had water and electric. There was a dump station available."
Hookup availability: RV sites offer various levels of service. Gregg C. describes Mineola Civic Center and RV Park: "The sites are level concrete pads with full hookups. Wifi is good and Verizon, T Mobile and AT&T work well."
Access information: Some campgrounds have specific access challenges. At Lake Holbrook Park, Daisee Mae S. cautions, "The road in isn't bad but it's pretty dippy in some spots so if you have a large vehicle take it slow."
