Wichita Falls camping areas sit within the Rolling Plains region of North Texas, where prairies and woodlands meet at elevations between 900-1,100 feet. The Red River borders the north of the county, creating a watershed that feeds several lakes in the region. Camping sites near Wichita Falls typically offer minimal natural shade, with summer temperatures regularly reaching above 100°F during peak season.
What to do
Prairie dog watching at Lake Arrowhead: The eastern section of Lake Arrowhead State Park Campground hosts a thriving prairie dog colony that's easily accessible from the beach area. "Prairie dogs inhabit the eastern half of the campground. Awesome creatures to watch for hours," notes one visitor. Wildlife viewing opportunities extend beyond these social creatures, with another camper reporting: "Wildlife observed; prairie dogs, western diamond back, owls, rabbits, coyote, deer."
Disc golf on flat terrain: Lake Arrowhead offers a full disc golf course that runs alongside both the Onion Creek and Dragonfly Trails. The course features mowed grass paths rather than rugged hiking trails. "Hiking is probably not a real description of this. Walking on grass trails that are flat and mowed is more like it. They have a very nice disc golf course and the 'trails' are part of that system," explains a day visitor.
Water recreation: With multiple lakes in the area, water activities remain popular despite the Texas heat. Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Camp-Resort Wichita Falls offers "3 pools, an AMAZING splash pad for the kids" according to one family. The resort also features "a water course on the lake" among its extensive recreational options.
What campers like
Concrete pads with covered shelters: Many campsites in the region feature improved amenities to combat the hot Texas climate. "This park has made pull through sites for big rigs. Very quiet and no artificial lights, great place to star gaze. Love the little circles the water/electricity sites are located. Every site has a covered shelter," reports a visitor to Lake Arrowhead State Park Campground.
Kitschy park decorations: Wichita Falls RV Park receives praise for its unique atmosphere. "The park is on the Wichita River, has lots of ducks and geese that like the pond there and there are lots of kitschy things around the park," notes one reviewer. Another visitor elaborates: "This is a very nice campground. Sites are large and even. Each site has a concrete pad and picnic table. The campground is decorated with plants and vintage memorabilia."
Walking bridge access to parks: Wichita Bend RV Park offers direct access to adjacent park areas. "Connected by walking bridge to great park area with waterfall," explains one camper. Another adds: "Step out your door and over to the park - WOW, who knew Wichita Falls was so pretty? We were stranded for two days (weekend) but this park made the delay completely enjoyable."
What you should know
Limited shade availability: Many campgrounds lack sufficient tree cover, making summer visits challenging. "No trees, sites are very close together," notes a visitor to Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park. For Lake Arrowhead, campers should be aware that "there is one pump jack (diesel powered oil pump). The two camp circles closest to will hear it constantly."
Honor system payments: Several smaller camping areas operate with minimal staff. At Hapgood RV Park, "Easy check in, just write your info down and put 15 dollars in an envelope. Very quiet and clean park. Great stop for a overnight stay." Another visitor confirms: "We pulled in at 10:30 pm but very easy to park in pull through spot. Clean, flat, gravel spots with electric and water. Put $15 in an envelope as required."
Leaky shelters: While the covered picnic areas provide relief from sun, they don't always protect from rain. At Lake Arrowhead, "Picnic table shelters have been rebuilt at some point. The roof for most was recycled back onto the shelter. So, when it rains the roofs leak. Making it a challenge to cook and eat."
Tips for camping with families
Budget-friendly activities: Burkburnett-Wichita Falls KOA offers family amenities at moderate prices. "A nice KOA right off I-44. Its far enough from the highway to not be bothered by the noise. Nice salt water pool and a little store with sundries. The cabins look very nice as well. Playground for the kids and dog park for your pup," reports one visitor. Expect to pay about $45 a night for an RV site.
Activity-packed resorts: Jellystone Park offers scheduled activities beyond swimming. "The good: This park has a lot to offer. Multiple pools (including a nice splash pad type area for the little kids), jumping pillows, maze, nice playground, animals, blow up obstacle course, and scheduled activities like hayrides, bubbles, candy bingo, etc.," explains one family. Another visitor adds, "We think the camping price is very reasonable for all of the included activities."
Pond attractions: Several campgrounds feature ponds with resident wildlife. At Wichita Falls RV Park, "The grounds were beautiful, there were mature trees. Bathrooms and swimming pool very clean, and the pond and bridge were a joy for our kids, as well as the geese that were stopping there."
Tips from RVers
Budget overnight options: For those passing through, several parks offer economical options. Wichita Bend RV Park provides "only $17 a night for water and 30 amp hookups. No internet, and close to the highway so expect traffic noise. Verizon has decent coverage." Another affordable option is Hapgood RV Park where "At the time I stayed full hook ups where $15."
Long-term sections: Some parks segregate long-term and overnight guests. "The fulltime and long-term folks are over in a different section," notes a visitor to Wichita Falls RV Park. At Burkburnett KOA, campers observed that "there were several what looked to be long term campers there in RVs... They were not over by the cabins and tents however so it wasn't that off-putting."
Limited restroom access: Facilities vary widely between parks. "The bathrooms there were closed and only open during the warm weather," reports a visitor to Hapgood RV Park. At Wichita Bend RV Park, "There are NO bathrooms or showers. The Wichita Falls area does have enough sights to fill 3 days if you wanted to stay that long."
