McDowell Campground, near Lake McClellan in Texas, is a straightforward spot for those looking to unwind by the water. It offers a mix of tent and RV sites, with some located right on the lake's edge, providing lovely views and a peaceful atmosphere.

The campground is pretty basic but has essential amenities like drinking water and vault toilets. Visitors have mentioned that the sites are spacious, though some can be a bit unlevel and come with a few stickers, so watch your step if you have pets. As one camper noted, “Beautiful view of the plateau from Site 3,” which highlights the scenic backdrop you can enjoy while camping.

If you're planning to stay for a while, the campground allows for extended visits, making it a great choice for a longer retreat. While there are no showers or electric hookups, the tranquility and natural beauty of the area make up for it. Plus, the nearby Lake McClellan Campground offers additional facilities if you need them. 

Getting here can be a bit tricky since signage is limited, but once you find your way, you'll appreciate the quiet and the chance to connect with nature. Whether you're just passing through or settling in for a few days, McDowell Campground is a solid pick for a low-key camping experience.

Campground has pullouts for campers. Opportunities include day use and overnight camping.

McDowell Campground

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McDowell Campground is a pleasant little campground on the shore of Lake McClellan right in the middle of the Texas panhandle. Signs on the interstate direct you to the exit for the recreation area, but after that don't expect any other signage to help you find the campground, the only other sign you will get is the National Grasslands sign when you reach the area. Use your GPS or Google Maps to find you way and you will not have any trouble. After entering the Grassland do not take the first entrance you see on the left(dirt road leading to East Bluff#1 campground), but take the second paved entrance. Neither have a sign. The road is paved all the way to the campground. Once you turn off the main road their will be a road to the right which leads to the dump station. Just past this is a fork in the road with a sign for Lake McClellan. Take the road to the left for McDowell Campground, going to the right will take you to Lake McClellan Campground. Pay station will be on your right as you drive in.

  

This is a nice pleasant quiet campground next to the lake. A few campsites sit on the shore of Lake McClellan. Very nice wooded sites through out the campground. The campground has hook up sites with electric and water($15), and non-hookup sites($10). Two vault toilets serve the campground, located on each end. Each site has a picnic table and metal fire ring, some sites also include pedestal grills as well. All sites are nice and level. This is a very pleasant campground and located away from the ATV trails so should be quieter that the near by Lake McClellan Campground. If you want a hot shower then head over to Lake McClellan Campground. Only a few other campers were here mid week in October. In true Texas still a working oil well can be seen right at the edge of the campground.

Pleasant quiet campground on Lake McClellan

Quiet campsites with a view of the lake. Bathrooms are currently closed. Campsites offer little privacy. Fire ring, charcoal grill and picnic tables at each site.

Quiet, pretty lake, little privacy

$10 with senior national parks pass. Very quiet. Stayed Dec 29,2020. Bathrooms closed. 4 other campers. No signage driving in but follow the previous guys review and you will be fine with directions. Stayed one nite.

Can't beat the price

Would stay here again. Discovered the lakeside sites after setting up camp. 

Lake Campground in Grasslands

Had a great time here would definitely camp here again 

We  were here mid June  2021. On Wednesday the  campground was  almost  empty . Very  peaceful place . It was  100 degrees  but  always  breezy 

We are on our way to Las Vegas and needed a place to overnight. This place is ideal not just for one night but 14 days. $15 a day rv sites with 50/30amp power and water at each rv site.  Dump station by the entrance.  Showers and toilets available.

Awesome lake view

Beautiful view of the plateau from Site 3. Windy and lots of flies.
Very basic sites, some are primitive but have water hydrants nearby. Gravel and fairly unlevel but not too terrible. Good amount of space between campsites but be careful for stickers, especially if you have pets. 
There's no attendant or camp host at this campground and to pay, you have to go to the McClellan Campground area for an envelope. 

Photos of McDowell Campground

Real photos from real campers