Recommendations for Texas state parks?
We have recently acquired a TT and are looking forward to using it for weekend trips. Would like to hear recommendations for state parks and/or other camping sites in the north Texas area that we mig...
Forum Discussion
All the COE parks around Texoma are 'closed' for the winter - Oct 1 - Mar 31. There are some sites open and available at the bigger parks, but most will be closed off. The restrooms will be closed and no water except at one frost free faucet at each park. (Texoma is in the Tulsa Ranger District) Some FW district parks are open at every lake with W/E, restrooms, etc.
If you or the DW is over 62 - the Senior Pass makes COE camping very affordable.
-------------------------------------------------------------
The very first thing you need to do when you get to Bonham - buy the Texas State Parks Pass.
Texas charges a daily entrance fee. If you do not have the pass, you have to pay between $3 and $7 per person per day in addition to camping fees.
You also get 'camping coupons' with the State Parks Pass - that is four times per year, you get half off a second day camping fee if you camp over two days. Use it when you want. The four coupons almost pay for the $70 pass ($95 for two persons at the same address). The pass is valid one year from date of issue. We do not renew ours when it expires, but only do so on our first camping trip to a state park after it has expired.
You also get a small discount on some items at some stores in the state parks.
My favorite TX State Parks are:
Inks Lake - near Burnett in the hill country. Great sites, great wifi access, fantastic showers/ toilets. The lake is a flow-thru lake so the water level is near constant year round - unlike all the other near empty lakes in Texas.
Dinosaur Valley - near Glen Rose - easy drive from the DFW area. 30 Amp only and watch for overhanging trees at some sites if you have a tall rig
Mineral Wells - has 30A and 50A loops
Bonham - upgraded from 30A to 50A a couple years ago. A favorite spring break location with the grandkids. Can be tight, but I see 35-40 footers in there all the time. Do stop and take a look before trying to get your rig in.
Caprock Canyons - beautiful - but very remote. Stock up before your get there. Two years ago there were still no merchants in town who could take a debit card. Wanted a check.
Garner - north of Uvalde - well worth the trip. The 'old Garner' is higher priced and more crowded, but next to the swimming hole. The Rio Frio lives up to its name. Newer sections have better room, and 50A.
Mustang Island - Corpus Christi - much like Galveston but I like it better. Be aware this is 'parking lot' style camping at the W/E sites, and a somewhat short walk to the ocean. Or you can take your chances with 1.5 miles of open beach. Drive down the beach and dry camp. I've seen 35 foot motorhomes and 40 ft 5th wheels on the beach. But talk to the rangers first, and unhook / test drive the beach before trying to get a rig down there.
Texas really has a good state park system - something for everyone.
Note to out-of-state visitors - the Texas State Parks Pass is available to everyone, not just Texas residents. Just the daily use fees saved alone can pay for the pass in a 10 days for a couple.
I should add that Cedar Hill and Cleburne are the two most expensive state parks in Texas at $30 for a 50A/W/S site (2013 rates). The two parks at Ray Roberts Lake are also expensive at $26 for 50A/W and $25 for 30A/W sites.
Unlike several states - Texas parks are priced apparently according to demand / what the traffic will bear. Many states like Arkansas have a set price for a certain type site statewide.
If you or the DW is over 62 - the Senior Pass makes COE camping very affordable.
-------------------------------------------------------------
The very first thing you need to do when you get to Bonham - buy the Texas State Parks Pass.
Texas charges a daily entrance fee. If you do not have the pass, you have to pay between $3 and $7 per person per day in addition to camping fees.
You also get 'camping coupons' with the State Parks Pass - that is four times per year, you get half off a second day camping fee if you camp over two days. Use it when you want. The four coupons almost pay for the $70 pass ($95 for two persons at the same address). The pass is valid one year from date of issue. We do not renew ours when it expires, but only do so on our first camping trip to a state park after it has expired.
You also get a small discount on some items at some stores in the state parks.
My favorite TX State Parks are:
Inks Lake - near Burnett in the hill country. Great sites, great wifi access, fantastic showers/ toilets. The lake is a flow-thru lake so the water level is near constant year round - unlike all the other near empty lakes in Texas.
Dinosaur Valley - near Glen Rose - easy drive from the DFW area. 30 Amp only and watch for overhanging trees at some sites if you have a tall rig
Mineral Wells - has 30A and 50A loops
Bonham - upgraded from 30A to 50A a couple years ago. A favorite spring break location with the grandkids. Can be tight, but I see 35-40 footers in there all the time. Do stop and take a look before trying to get your rig in.
Caprock Canyons - beautiful - but very remote. Stock up before your get there. Two years ago there were still no merchants in town who could take a debit card. Wanted a check.
Garner - north of Uvalde - well worth the trip. The 'old Garner' is higher priced and more crowded, but next to the swimming hole. The Rio Frio lives up to its name. Newer sections have better room, and 50A.
Mustang Island - Corpus Christi - much like Galveston but I like it better. Be aware this is 'parking lot' style camping at the W/E sites, and a somewhat short walk to the ocean. Or you can take your chances with 1.5 miles of open beach. Drive down the beach and dry camp. I've seen 35 foot motorhomes and 40 ft 5th wheels on the beach. But talk to the rangers first, and unhook / test drive the beach before trying to get a rig down there.
Texas really has a good state park system - something for everyone.
Note to out-of-state visitors - the Texas State Parks Pass is available to everyone, not just Texas residents. Just the daily use fees saved alone can pay for the pass in a 10 days for a couple.
I should add that Cedar Hill and Cleburne are the two most expensive state parks in Texas at $30 for a 50A/W/S site (2013 rates). The two parks at Ray Roberts Lake are also expensive at $26 for 50A/W and $25 for 30A/W sites.
Unlike several states - Texas parks are priced apparently according to demand / what the traffic will bear. Many states like Arkansas have a set price for a certain type site statewide.
