Best Campgrounds near Waco, TX
Lake Waco serves as the centerpiece for several mixed-use campgrounds around Waco, Texas, with established sites ranging from lakefront RV parks to rustic tent camping areas. The Army Corps of Engineers manages multiple campgrounds including Airport Park, Midway, and Speegleville Park, which offer electric hookups, water access, and amenities for both RV and tent campers. Lake Waco Marina and Reynolds Creek provide additional options with cabin accommodations. Most campgrounds sit within a 15-minute drive of downtown Waco, making them convenient bases for exploring the city's attractions like the Magnolia Silos while still enjoying lakeside recreation.
Many Lake Waco campgrounds feature water and electric hookups, with some offering full sewer connections for extended stays. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F, making shaded sites highly desirable from June through September. Winter camping remains comfortable with mild temperatures, though occasional cold fronts can bring near-freezing conditions. Site reservations are recommended, especially for weekend stays during spring and fall when Waco tourism peaks. Airport Park experiences aircraft noise from the nearby Waco Regional Airport, with one camper noting, "One night we counted aircraft performing touch and go maneuvers 42 times. Approach was directly over our campsite."
Lakefront sites consistently receive positive feedback, with campers valuing the water views and fishing access. Several campgrounds feature boat ramps and docks that support fishing, which remains popular year-round. The campgrounds vary in terms of shade coverage—sites at North Crest RV Park offer abundant shade while some lakefront locations provide minimal tree cover. For those seeking quieter alternatives to the busier lake campgrounds, Tradinghouse Lake Park Camping provides free primitive camping approximately 20 minutes east of Waco. A visitor described it as a "Great find 20 minutes outside of Waco. Quiet, in the country. Picnic sights on water." Proximity to downtown Waco remains a consistent advantage across most camping areas, allowing easy access to restaurants, grocery stores, and attractions.
