Best Campgrounds near Whitney, TX
Lake Whitney serves as the centerpiece for camping options near Whitney, Texas, approximately 80 miles southwest of Dallas. The area features a mix of Texas State Park facilities and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) campgrounds along the shoreline. Lake Whitney State Park offers year-round camping with full hookup sites, screened shelters, and tent camping areas within shaded elm groves. Nearby McCown Valley Park provides both tent and RV sites with electric hookups, while Lofers Bend East and West campgrounds operate seasonally from April through September. Several campgrounds accommodate various camping styles, from primitive tent sites to full-service RV pads with 30/50-amp connections. Free camping can be found at Steel Creek Park, which provides basic amenities without hookups but allows both tent and RV camping.
Reservations are essential for most established campgrounds, particularly during spring and fall weekends when sites fill quickly. Many campers report making reservations 90+ days in advance for holiday weekends. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F, making lakefront sites highly desirable for swimming access. As one visitor noted, "Tent sites are tucked in the back of the park away from foot traffic and most vehicles. Lake front sites are perfectly located with access to the lake but not too far from hard stand bathrooms and showers." Gate closures are common at many parks from 10pm until 6am, restricting late-night entry. Cell service varies significantly between providers, with Verizon generally offering better coverage than AT&T or T-Mobile throughout the area. During heavy rain periods, lake levels can rise rapidly, occasionally flooding lower campsites.
Lakefront access consistently ranks as the primary draw for campers visiting Whitney. The clear blue water supports fishing, swimming, and boating activities, with many campgrounds providing boat ramps and designated swimming areas. Wildlife viewing opportunities include deer and squirrels, which frequently approach campsites, especially at Cedron Creek where campers report deer "come in and feed." Shaded sites are abundant but vary in privacy levels. According to frequent visitors, "Sites 39-46 in the Horseshoe Loop are ideal for quiet spots away from people, but if you want space along the water, Lakeview and Sunset Ridge are the best picks." Several campgrounds feature unique amenities like screened shelters with electricity that provide weather protection while maintaining lake views. Dark sky conditions allow for excellent stargazing when neighboring campers minimize exterior lighting. Weekends typically see higher occupancy rates and increased boat traffic compared to midweek periods.
