The best camping near Mission Tejas State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Mission Tejas State Park adventure.

100% (3 reviews)
100% (3 reviews)

Explore the pineywoods of East Texas and a replica of Mission Tejas.  

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Top-rated campgrounds near Mission Tejas State Park

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Secluded Cabins on the Lake

4 sites · Lodging2 acres · Crockett, TX
These three cabins are hand-built, with families in mind, to share with other families. They are located on Houston County Lake. Stewart Cove is perfect for people who are looking to unplug from the outside world and reconnect with their families and nature. The property is perfect for child-friendly adventures or romantic getaways. Enjoy this peaceful lake view surrounded by beautiful pine trees. The Property: - Secluded lake cabins on Houston County Lake. 2-acre property - Panoramic windows of Houston County Lake from the living room - Deck with an incredible view and surrounded by beautiful pine trees - City water and electric Things to do: - We have a Covered Pavilion with a basketball hoop and pickleball court - 60-foot waterside from the large hill into the lake (Weather permitting) - Swimming in the lake - Fishing in the lake - Bird watching (We have eagles, blue herrings, pelicans, etc.) - Several kayaks with adult and child lifejackets free to use - Cement deck near the lake with cafe lights - BBQ pit, bench swing, and picnic tables - Sandbox for kids - The fire pit is great for smores - You can pull your boat right up to the shore Other Things to note: - The owner's primary residence is two lots over and private. Things to Bring: - Sunblock - Bug spray - Outdoor towels - Coffee Sheets, blankets, pillows, and towels are provided for each cabin. You'll need to bring your outdoor towels for swimming. The last 5 miles of the drive are on a "Red Dirt Road" and it can be bumpy or even slippery if it's rained recently. I've never heard of any issues in any vehicles but it's a county road. You will leave with red dirt on your vehicle but that's part of the appeal, the secluded getaway :) Once you start down the driveway you'll see the lake through the trees, making the rough 5-mile ride worth it.
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$100
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75%
(4)

Texas State Railroad Campground

71 sites · RVs, Tents15 acres · Rusk, TX
The Texas State Railroad Campground is located in the beautiful East Texas town of Rusk and is a great spot for a fun southern escape! We offer campsites with water only, water and electricity or full hookups with 50-amp service and sewer. The Grounds offer picnic tables, grills, fire rings, laundry facility and WiFi! There are separate showers and restrooms onsite, a water splash pad, nature trails and a campground office complete with sundries and firewood for purchase. The 15-acre Cherokee Lake is where fishermen will find a variety fish including crappie, catfish, striped bass, sauger, walleye, smallmouth bass, bluegill and largemouth bass. Whether they are casting, spinning or flying fish, chances of getting a bite are good! Onsite, travelers may look forward to historic sightseeing. For the history buff, there's plenty of other historic sites, a number of green spaces of nature walks and scenic viewing and of course, visitors may expect great local eateries and bars to enjoy. Whether it's for a night or two, we hope to see you soon!
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$25
 / night
92%
(13)

The Fabulous Bok Vegas, Texas

50 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents25 acres · Palestine, TX
If you're yearning for a day filled with laughter, learning, and heartwarming encounters, the Fabulous Bok Vegas Petting Zoo (open by appointment - under construction), RV Park and Campground is a destination you shouldn't miss. Farm Day Passes are also available. Whether you're a local looking for a peaceful escape or a traveler seeking unique experiences, this charming sanctuary promises an unforgettable adventure. You can enjoy hiking, wildlife, interacting with farm animals at the Fabulous Bok Vegas Interactive Petting Zoo, tours, educational presentations, archery and more. The farm is close to fishing at Lake Palestine, First Monday in Canton and shopping in historical Palestine and Athens town squares. We are a family owned and operated 25-acre farm. We log and mill our own wood for construction projects, so expect to see stacks of limbs here and there as we continue to expand, especially during a burn ban.
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$10
 / night
100%
(2)

The Rock Pit

10 sites · RVs, Tents100 acres · Groveton, TX
Learn more about this land:The Rock Pit is a 5 acre swimming hole located in Trinity County that has been there over 50 years. Long ago they had dug out an area on a hill for rock on the dirt roads, and hit and underground water table. There are no fish in the Rock Pit, as the pH is 4.5, so no fish will live in it. I recall swimming there as a small boy, and wanted to share my memories with others. Depth ranges all over, but the deep end is around 15 feet. I have 2 kayaks currently, but bring yours if you have them, along with your vests.There is fishing in Lake Livingston, my place is north of it. There is access to Lake Livingston via White Rock Creek. A public boat ramp in on Highway 94, just outside Trinity. Or you can go back towards Trinity, to highway 357 and go to a ramp closer to the big lake.Tall pine tress, a few Oaks, and maple trees surround the place. Bring your mosquito repellant, as you are in the country!The place is raw right now, but I am planning improvements such as a few A frame cabins, a showering area and so on. So many things to do!
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$25
 / night
Saved 1 time

Country Chic RV, Campsites & Cabins

5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents9 acres · Huntsville, TX
Are you looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city? Come stay at our Retreat property with over 8 acres. We have cabins, tents and a few RV / Camper spots with hookups for our guests to enjoy, unwind and relax. Experience the Gift of Time at our Lakefront Campsite where the fishing is great. You'll discover we also have a Community Fire Pit, Volleyball, Tether Ball, Outdoor Ping Pong/Table Tennis, a nice Picnic area and more! Our campsite is Holy Unique offering our guests a chance to not only camp but immerse in our Tabernacle in The Wilderness. We are the first and only retreat center in our local community to offer our guests an intimate and private wilderness sabbatical retreat that includes an opportunity to have an immersive experiential tour of topnotch MUSEUM QUALITY, FULL SIZE REPRODUCTIONS OF THE TABERNACLE FURNITURE, CLOTHING AND BIBLICAL ARTIFACTS. We have one of the BEST Tabernacle Collections in the WORLD.   Retreat with us! Stop by our Tent of Meeting and you’ll see for yourself that The Tabernacle was a very functional facility! Come, Draw Near!
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$40
 / night

The best camping near Mission Tejas State Park guide

Overview

About

Texas’ first Spanish mission—Mission San Francisco de los Tejas—was built in 1690 and summarily abandoned and burned down just three years later. Today, a replica built by the US Civilian Conservation Corps is the centerpiece of Mission Tejas State Park. About two and a half hours from both Dallas and Houston, the park is nestled in the pineywoods section of East Texas, characterized by rolling hills and soaring pine trees. Over eight miles of trail meander through the dogwood forest and historic sites, while fishing is popular at the pond. Mission Tejas Campground is the park’s only campground.

Tips for snagging a campsite

  • Mission Tejas Campground is small, with just 15 developed campsites and five primitive hike-in sites. Booking ahead is key to securing a spot. 
  • The 15 developed campsites sites are reservable up to five months in advance. Reservations can be made online or by calling (512) 389-8900.
  • The five primitive sites are walk-in only (no reservations available). 
  • For same-day reservations, available campsites are listed on a whiteboard at the headquarters building.

When to go

Mission Tejas State Park is open year-round. In late March, the pink and white dogwood blooms make the area sing with color. Summers run hot—from June to September, the average high is 90°F or above. (The closest swimming hole is 12 miles away at the Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area.) For peak fall foliage colors, come in November. Winters are mild with highs in the 60s and lows in the 40s.

Know before you go

  • Mission Tejas State Park is in the northern section of the Davy Crockett National Forest. If you can’t get a reservation, the national forest has many excellent camping options, including the nearby Neches Bluff Campground.
  • The closest towns for food and gas are Crockett and Alto. 
  • Mission Tejas’ developed campsites feature picnic tables, fire rings, and grills, plus access to hot showers, restrooms, and a dump station. Ten RV-friendly sites include electric hookups.
  • The park’s restored mission is reservable as a wedding venue.
  • Before Europeans arrived, the Caddo Indians lived in this area. Three of their earthen mounds dot the landscape at the Caddo Mounds State Historic Site, just 10 minutes away.

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