Lake Whitney serves as the central feature for camping sites near Hillsboro, Texas, created by damming the Brazos River. The reservoir spans approximately 23,500 acres with 225 miles of shoreline, offering camping opportunities at elevations ranging from 520 to 570 feet. Summer temperatures routinely exceed 95°F between June and September, while winter nights can drop to the 30s, making spring and fall the most comfortable camping seasons.
What to do
Fishing access points: Lake Whitney State Park provides numerous fishing opportunities with multiple bank access points. "Great park for fisherman with lots of lake access points and several boat ramps. Tons of camping options, although many are in grassy areas that don't provide much privacy," notes one visitor to Lake Whitney State Park Campground.
Kayaking and boating: Launch from designated areas at most campgrounds around the lake. At Steele Creek Park Campground, one camper reports, "Nice place with pit toilet. No shower. Right on the water. Stayed here a few nights with no problems."
Wildlife observation: Several parks offer opportunities to observe deer and other wildlife in natural settings. A camper at McCown Valley Park notes, "Tent camped at site 60 which was great! Right off the water and super close (but not too close) to the restrooms. Weather for us was rough with high winds the first day but the next two were beautiful! Lots of wildlife, as we were pulling into the park we saw lots of deer..and throughout our stay we were visited by some Canadian Geese."
What campers like
Waterfront camping: Sites along the lake edge provide exceptional views and direct water access. One camper at Lofers Bend West stated, "We stayed at site 63 which is right on lake edge. Amazing sunsets. Across inlet from boat ramp. The sites have covered picnic tables with both fire pits with grates and stand up covered grills."
Variety of accommodation options: From primitive tent sites to full hookup RV pads to cabins. A visitor to Lake Whitney State Park Campground shares, "I stayed at Lake Whitney for a night on my way south from Dallas, so I didn't have much time to spend there. I ended up staying at a screen shelter site with a bunch of trees and a great view of the lake. The site had a picnic table inside the shelter and outside the shelter. It had a water spigot and a fire ring."
Wildlife encounters: Deer frequently visit campgrounds around the lake. At Steele Creek Park, one camper enthused, "My 1st time camping there and I feel in love and will return... The deer coming to ur campsite is amazing and the sunset is breathe taking."
What you should know
Spring and fall are peak seasons: Campgrounds fill quickly from March through May and September through November. A visitor to Lake Whitney State Park notes, "This park is a great go-to if you live in Texas – centrally located and quick to access from most major cities. It can get crowded on high weekends in the spring/fall, but there are ample campsites if you plan ahead a bit."
Wind conditions: Some lakefront sites experience strong winds. One camper at Lake Whitney State Park mentions, "I would not recommend the spots directly on the waterside. Very windy. There are a lot of mosquitos but overall nice people very crowded and very windy."
Varying site privacy: Some campgrounds offer more secluded sites than others. A camper at Cedar Creek Park Campground shares, "We love this spot. Definitely ignore google to get here though… just follow the road to the end (no turning off) there are campsites to your right and left once you reach the water. At least 27 of them. Quiet. Spaced out."
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and swimming areas: Several parks feature designated swimming areas and playground equipment. A visitor to Lake Whitney State Park reports, "Love going here with my kiddo! There's lots of easy access to the water and the trails are nice. We've gone during different times of the year and never had any issues. The staff is always friendly and helpful."
Spring wildflowers: Time your visit to coincide with Texas wildflower season. One camper at Lake Whitney State Park mentions, "I thought the wildflowers were the greatest feature, and then we caught sight of an angelic band of pelicans just overhead on a migratory flight - a very moving sight I will never forget."
Insect preparation: Bring appropriate repellents, especially during summer months. A visitor to Liberty Hill Park Campground warns, "Liberty hill is a very beautiful campground but there is a serious issue with the invasive Argentian ant. This is a great campground to spend a few days or weeks relaxing and catching fish."
Tips from RVers
Loop selection matters: Different loops offer varying experiences and site types. At Thousand Trails Lake Whitney, one RVer advises, "The campground is out a little ways away from the city, but close enough that you can make a day trip to Waco or Fort Worth. The road in and around campsites is in various states of disrepair. Lots of potholes and pavement breaks make it rough hauling an expensive rig in and out of the park."
Consider seasonal placement: Some RV sites lack shade for summer camping. A visitor to Lake Whitney State Park shares, "The layout is weird. No waterfront by the full hookups. All the good sites are standard hookups or no electricity at all. Shade all around but over your camper. So it has a hard time cooling."
Level sites available: Many campgrounds offer concrete pads for easier setup. An RVer at North Crest RV Park notes, "We loved the trees and nice wide slips. Nice not to be within 5 feet from your neighbor. Restrooms nice and clean. Appreciate the friendly management. We felt very welcome."
