Tent camping near Wake Village, Texas centers around Wright Patman Lake and several smaller water bodies within 30 miles of town. The region experiences hot, humid summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F from June through September, while winters remain relatively mild. Most campgrounds in the area require self-sufficiency with limited facilities, and campers should prepare for seasonal closures during heavy rainfall periods when dirt access roads become impassable.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: River Run East Park offers access to Millwood Lake's diverse fish populations. According to one visitor, "This is a very small campground that is actually perfect because it is small. There are 6 sites with sheltered picnic table, fire ring, fish cleaning station, trash, NO WATER."
Wildlife observation: River Run West provides tent campers with opportunities to spot local wildlife, including alligators. A camper warns: "Beware of alligator. Pit toilets, bank fishing, boat ramp, trash, lantern poles, picnic table. This is a very small campground with just 4 tent sites but is a beautiful space."
Boating access: Smith Lake Campground provides primitive camping with boat access to fishing waters. The campground features drive-in sites with basic amenities including trash collection and picnic tables, making it suitable for overnight stays when planning water activities.
What campers like
Waterfront views: Thomas Lake Park receives consistent praise for its scenic setting. One camper notes: "We got the best sleep we've ever had camping with the soft grass and our sleeping pad. Watch out for mud spots in the grass."
Clean, well-maintained grounds: Tent campers frequently mention the upkeep of Thomas Lake Park's grounds. A visitor shared: "There's about a mile long dirt road to get to the campground. Very quiet area with plenty of space to set up camp. Grass was freshly mowed when I showed up."
Quiet atmosphere: Herron Creek offers 20 tent sites with electric hookups and basic amenities like picnic tables, toilets, and showers. The campground's boat-in accessibility provides campers seeking solitude with additional privacy options compared to drive-in only locations.
What you should know
Access limitations: Dirt roads leading to tent camping areas can become problematic during wet weather. At Thomas Lake Park, a camper reports: "There's about a mile long dirt road to get to the campground."
Limited facilities: Most tent camping areas provide minimal amenities. At River Run East, a visitor notes: "No hook ups. Site: 8 gravel, no hook up. Very quiet except for some timber trucks driving across the dam."
Signage confusion: Always verify camping is permitted. At Allens Ferry at Little River, one camper warns: "Notice- bottom of sign says no camping," after setting up camp only to discover camping was prohibited.
Tips for camping with families
Safety considerations: When camping with children at River Run West, exercise caution near water. A reviewer mentions: "Beware of alligator. This is a very small campground with just 4 tent sites but is a beautiful space. Well maintained but it really is only for tents."
Comfortable sleeping surfaces: At Thomas Lake Park, families appreciate the grassy tent sites for comfort. A camper shares: "We got the best sleep we've ever had camping with the soft grass and our sleeping pad. Watch out for mud spots in the grass."
Limited bathroom facilities: Most tent camping areas near Wake Village lack shower facilities. At River Run West, a camper notes only "pit toilets" are available, making extended stays with children potentially challenging.
Tips for RVers
Limited hookup options: Most tent camping areas near Wake Village offer minimal facilities for RVs. River Run West accommodates RVs but without hookups: "Fee:$8.00 per night. Sites: 4 gravel (no hook ups)."
Site access challenges: Tent camping areas around Wright Patman Lake typically have narrow access roads. A visitor to Allens Ferry at Little River describes it as being "at the end of the dirt road, next to the river on a 50 foot bluff surrounded by trees," indicating potential access difficulties for larger vehicles.
Alternative accommodations: While Hervey Access Camping accommodates tent camping, its big-rig friendly designation makes it suitable for RV campers seeking more primitive camping experiences near Wake Village.
