Several campgrounds near Village Mills in East Texas offer wooded sites with varying levels of amenities, privacy, and water access. Located in the Piney Woods region at an elevation around 150 feet, this area experiences hot, humid summers and mild winters with occasional cold snaps. Train noise affects some campgrounds, while others remain quiet and isolated.
What to do
Water activities at B.A. Steinhagen Lake: Magnolia Ridge offers direct water access for kayaking. "We brought kayaks and had a great time amongst the trees. Even saw some small gators!" notes Ronda C., who visited in January 2021.
Horseback riding and dinner packages: Lake Livingston State Park Campground offers unique outdoor experiences. "You can have a horseback ride and steak dinner at the park for a reasonable fee and meet some interesting people. Swim in the lake, hike the trails, and kayak," reports Emily M.
Fishing opportunities: Most campgrounds in the area provide lake or creek access for fishing. "We enjoyed Christmas in this quiet park, kinda chilly and pretty deserted. As per normal for RV parks, WiFi sucks but cell signal was adequate (fairly strong with WeBoost) close proximity to shops and restaurants. Walks, bike tracks, river for kayaking all add to enjoyment," shares Kevin H. about Village Creek State Park.
What campers like
Shaded campsites: Many campers appreciate the thick tree cover at Sandy Creek - Town Bluff Reservoir. "Campsites are large and decent amount of shade. Close to Martin Dies SP. Only negative is a lack of hiking trails, otherwise its a great, quiet spot," says Bob M.
Wildlife viewing: The area offers opportunities to see native Texas wildlife. "Deep into the piney woods and swampy outcrops of B.A. Steinhagen lake, I camped under the shade of a huge magnolia tree alongside very tall pines and oaks. Alligators are present all day and night near the water. They aren't a nuisance," explains Heidi R. about Magnolia Ridge.
Clean facilities: Parks maintain bathroom and shower facilities to varying degrees. "The bathhouse is clean and has hot showers. There are alot of water activities nice hiking trails," reports Nancy K. about Village Creek State Park.
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Coverage varies significantly between campgrounds. At Rainbow's End RV Park, "if you have Tmobile cel phones or hotspots, this is not the RV park for you. We barely had cel phone reception, and our mobile hotspot was all but useless. Verizon works well here," warns Rachel H.
Weather considerations: Summer heat and humidity can be intense. "Our first stop in the maiden voyage of our travel trailer and this park was good and kind to us. Beautiful, level pull-thru sites with plenty of space from others, shade and sun and within walking distance to bathhouse and swim beach. Mosquitoes abound and there is no cell signal or wi-fi. Prepare to drive 20 minutes to grocery," notes Phoebe M. about Village Creek.
Distance from amenities: Most campgrounds require driving for supplies. "Dollar General and gas station are less than 2 miles outside of the park at a small blinking light intersection," shares Heidi R. about Magnolia Ridge.
Tips for camping with families
Educational opportunities: Some parks offer nature programs. "We were in the Piney Shores Loop. We enjoyed the privacy of the non powered camp sites," shares Melanie C. about Village Creek State Park Campground.
Child-friendly amenities: Look for parks with playgrounds and gentle water access. "Connected to the park store they had a small educational space for young kids with a functioning beehive. The kids (ages 2-6) loved it," says Rachel W. about Lake Livingston State Park.
Dog friendly campgrounds near Village Mills: Martin Dies, Jr. State Park Campground welcomes families with pets. "Stayed at site 333. Wonderful experience with the family. Lots to do and pet friendly," reports Stacy.
Tips from RVers
Site selection at Village Mills area campgrounds: Look for level sites that match your rig size. "The sites were all well maintained with the best spots being in Piney Shores & Red Oak. We were in spot #69. It had a great view but lacked in flat playing space for young children and hammock trees," advises Rachel W. about Lake Livingston.
Hookup considerations: Water and electric availability varies between campgrounds. "The campground is not big but all sites have water and electric with a dump station. Some of the sites are elevated so if you are tent camping you have to haul up your stuff. The site I had needed more that the 50' electric cord that I usually use," explains Nancy K. about Village Creek State Park.
Pet-friendly RV campgrounds: Multiple locations accommodate pets with varying rules. "This camp ground pretty much checks every box for us. There's full hook ups for a low price. The sites are spaced apart with lots of trees. The trails are wide and well kept. The lake is huge. There's even 'self service' kayak rentals," notes Rocco about Lake Livingston State Park.
