Lake Somerville State Park offers some of the most accessible glamping near Wellborn, Texas, located approximately 25 miles southwest. The park features over 14 miles of multi-use trails through post oak woodland terrain. Water levels fluctuate seasonally, with spring typically providing the highest levels for water recreation activities.
What to do
Hiking extensive trail systems: Lake Somerville State Park Birch Creek Unit Campground features well-maintained hiking paths for all skill levels. "Amazing views" with "amazing trails" according to Paul D., who gave the park five stars. Another visitor noted, "We went on several long hikes. Lake was great...but pretty chilly most of the time we were there."
Fishing year-round: Lake Bryan Campground provides easy lake access for anglers. "The park is open 365 days of the year and is first-come, first-serve on sites. Only $10 for the night," reports Gretchen N. The lake supports various fish species, though success varies by season.
Water recreation: Thousand Trails Lake Conroe provides multiple water-based activities. Robert M. explains, "Although its a small portion of the lake on the campgrounds side, you do have access to boat rentals, a boat launch and plenty of parking. So if you have a boat, it will be a wonderful experience. Plus there is a beach area for families to enjoy."
What campers like
Affordable pricing: Lake Bryan Campground offers budget-friendly options for visitors seeking luxury camping near Wellborn. "One of those, you get what you pay for kind of places. The facilities are there. They aren't great, but at least they are permanent," notes Brent F.
Privacy between sites: Lake Somerville State Park Birch Creek Unit Campground receives praise for its spacious campsites. "I really liked the privacy of most campsites. This spot had easy access to the bathrooms and to the trail to the lake," mentions Caitlin H., who visited the park and explored the trails.
Year-round accessibility: Most glamping locations maintain operations throughout the year. "We stayed from Christmas Eve until the Sunday after. This place doesn't disappoint," shares Margaret P. about her winter stay at Lake Somerville. "We had great internet service, which is unusual for us in a state park."
What you should know
Weather considerations: Wind conditions can impact water activities at several locations. At Oak Thicket Park, one camper advises, "Good fishing and kayaking but wind picks up often."
Site selection matters: For RV glamping, concrete pad quality varies across parks. Jeff notes about Lake Somerville, "The only thing I think that they could improve would be the pads where you park your trailer on. Some of them need to be redone."
Weekend crowds: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park™ Camp-Resort Waller experiences significant visitor increases on weekends. "Good family place, weekdays are fairly quiet, weekends are very busy," reports MaryG, who stayed in the 300-numbered lots.
Connectivity varies: Cell service fluctuates throughout the region. One visitor at Lake Somerville shared, "I have T-Mobile cell service and it fluctuates between 4G and 5G. I'm able to use the internet send and receive text messages and call out and receive calls."
Tips for camping with families
Water attractions for children: Oak Thicket Park offers family-friendly water features. "The water stays warm due to the power plant, good fishing and kayaking," notes Christyna F., making it suitable for extended water play even during cooler months.
Themed activities: Jellystone Park provides structured entertainment for children. "They have activities for all the family. I believe they have movie night every Saturday night," explains Perla P., who visited with her boys and nephews.
Fishing with kids: Several parks offer fishing piers specifically designed for family use. At Oak Thicket Park, "New piers were built that made fishing much better, Kayak fishing recommended if you don't have a boat," according to a regular visitor.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: When staying at Lake Conroe, experienced RVers suggest scoping out your preferred sites early. "The campground is huge, and you cannot reserve a specific site. You drive around and pick a site, then call and let them know which one you're in," explains Debbie J.
Full hookup availability: Karstens RV Resort provides comprehensive RV amenities. "What a great RV Park. Clean, great rates. Very good wifi included," reports Jeff B., highlighting the value compared to other area options.
Off-peak advantages: Visiting luxury glamping sites during weekdays offers significant benefits. "We camped during the week and it wasn't very crowded. Plenty to do for our little ones," shares Melissa R. about her experience at Jellystone Park, where many amenities were available even during pandemic restrictions.
