Wichita Falls camping options span the border between Texas and Oklahoma, where the Red River and Wichita River watersheds create diverse landscapes for outdoor recreation. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F from June through September, making spring and fall the most comfortable camping seasons. Most campgrounds in the region offer water and electric hookups to combat the heat, with several properties providing direct water access.
What to do
Hiking trails with water features: Lake Arrowhead State Park Campground offers several flat, mowed grass trails ideal for beginners. "We hiked the Onion Creek Trail which was nearby and afforded us views of the lake and many wildflowers," notes Stephanie T., who visited the park without fishing gear unlike most visitors.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The prairie dog colonies at Lake Arrowhead State Park Campground are a unique attraction. "The park is known for the prairie dog colonies which are fun to watch," shares Ana A., adding that the park is "very clean" with sites that include fire rings and covered picnic tables.
Lake activities without equipment: Visitors can fish, canoe, kayak or paddleboard at several area lakes. For those traveling without gear, rental options are available. "The campground is on the Wichita River, has lots of ducks and geese that like the pond there," reports Jan S. about Wichita Falls RV Park.
Urban exploration via bridge access: The walking bridge at Wichita Bend RV Park connects campers to nearby park areas. "We happened upon this lovely, and convenient park during an emergency situation with our vehicle... step out your door and over to the park - WOW, who knew Wichita Falls was so pretty?" remarks Sallie H.
What campers like
Level concrete pads: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Camp-Resort Wichita Falls provides paved sites with full hookups. "The sites are concrete pads (a little off level) with full hookups and nice grass. Would definitely come back here again," reports Spencer & Jessica S., who stayed for three nights.
Clean family bathrooms: Multiple campgrounds feature updated bathroom facilities. At Jellystone Park, one camper noted, "Family bathrooms are first class!" Another camper, Brooke C., described the experience as "Immaculate" stating, "Everything was very clean and well kept."
Affordable overnight options: Budget-conscious travelers appreciate the economical options. "At the time I stayed full hook ups where $15. Easy check in, just write your info down and out 15 dollars in an envelope. Very quiet and clean park. Great stop for a overnight stay," notes Brandon M. about Hapgood RV Park.
Pet-friendly locations: Wichita Falls RV Park accommodates travelers with dogs. "They are pet friendly with a nice dog walk area. The restrooms are spacious, clean, and have large residential style showers," reports Edward C., who stayed during a softball tournament weekend.
What you should know
Heat management crucial: Temperatures frequently exceed 90°F during summer months, making shade and electric hookups important. "There is little if any shade. Due to it being right off I44, there is road noise," notes Elaine F. about Wichita Bend RV Park.
Varying site conditions: While some campgrounds feature paved sites, others have less developed areas. "The primitive camping sites here had much higher grass and no fire rings or items which could be used for such. In this area of North Texas, the high grasses typically attract snakes, rattlesnakes specifically," warns one reviewer about Lake Arrowhead State Park.
Seasonal facility closures: Some campgrounds have limited facilities during off-season months. At Hapgood RV Park, a visitor noted, "The bathrooms there were closed and only open during the warm weather, so that was a bit deceiving."
Stay limits at certain locations: Rocking A RV Park and other campgrounds have maximum stay durations. At Wichita Bend, "There is a max stay of 72 hours @ $17 a night. Sites have water and electricity. There is also a dump station. There are NO bathrooms or showers."
Tips for camping with families
Water play options: Multiple swimming areas help families cope with summer heat. "The kids loved the playground... 3 pools, an AMAZING splash pad for the kids and plenty of family activities for all ages," shares Brooke C. about Jellystone Park's facilities.
Animal encounters: Several campgrounds offer wildlife viewing opportunities. "We stayed here in June. The grounds were beautiful, there were mature trees... the pond and bridge were a joy for our kids, as well as the geese that were stopping there," writes JJ V. about their family's experience at Wichita Falls RV Park.
Affordable activities: Burkburnett-Wichita Falls KOA offers family amenities. "The pool was amazing and perfect for a cool down on the warm day. KOA usually has this kind of amenity available as well as some outdoor activities you can enjoy like playground or sports courts."
Playground access: Several dog friendly campgrounds near Wichita Falls include play areas. "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 schedules activities like hayrides, bubbles, candy bingo, etc.," explains Brittany J. about Jellystone Park.
Tips from RVers
Shopping convenience: Several RV parks provide easy access to supplies. "This RV park is right off the main thoroughfare, next to the local Walmart. There is even a path to the Walmart parking lot at the edge of the park," notes Rachel H. about Rocking A RV Park.
Concrete vs. gravel sites: Site surfaces vary across pet-friendly campgrounds around Wichita Falls. "We were in back-in site 20, which was level, shaded and plenty wide and long enough for our 35' MH and tow car. The pads are gravel with a paved pad for picnic table," explains Jan S. about Wichita Falls RV Park.
Big rig accessibility: Many area campgrounds accommodate larger RVs. "There are a lot of pull through sites that are plenty long for big rigs and not tight together. They have FHU, great cable and very decent WiFi," notes a reviewer at Wichita Falls RV Park.
Dump station locations: Not all campgrounds with water and electric hookups include sewer connections. "Sites have water and electricity. There is also a dump station," reports Elaine F., providing useful information for RVers planning stays at Wichita Bend RV Park.