The best camping near Purtis Creek State Park

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

100% (6 reviews)
100% (6 reviews)

Hooking a bass is the big draw at this lakeside getaway.  

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Community favorites near Purtis Creek State Park

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Top-rated campgrounds near Purtis Creek State Park

99%
(74)

Texas Safari Camp

54 sites · Lodging, Tents31 acres · Kaufman, TX
Escape the stresses of city living on this wooded & secluded 31 acre wildlife habitat.This magical property is only one hour east of Dallas but it feels like another world.At the end of a one lane road with two ponds,trails & wildlife,it is perfect for tent camping groups & individuals.EVERYONE IS WELCOME.No designated camp sites- camp anywhere except between the green building & front pond. More peaceful than most state parks,it is kid & family friendly-not a get drunk & rowdy place.Loud,vulgar people,radios,generators,fireworks & anything that disrupts the peace & tranquility is not permitted.Car alarms must be disabled.Acoustic music is allowed but there is a 10pm-8am noise curfew.Non aggressive, non barking & leashed dogs are OK.Next to the Texas Zoofari Park with 900 exotic animals,many can be seen from the road(or pay to drive through & feed them).While it adjoins the wildlife park on two sides,Texas Safari Camp is in no way affiliated with Texas Zoofari Park. Enjoy swimming & paddling kayaks & paddleboards in the clean water front pond.Parents must bring life jackets for their non swimming kids & personally supervise them.No swimmers with sun screen or insect repellant allowed.Ponds are stocked with bass, cat, crappie & bluegill.Fishing is catch & release with single barbless hook lures only. The rustic outhouse has lights, composting toilet & sink.There is water & electricity,an open air cold water shower (no privacy),dish sink & counter nearby. You must pack out your garbage.No burning of garbage.I will take your garbage to the dump for $10 per bag (payable in cash).Wagons are provided for hauling your gear back to camp.Wagons must be returned to parking area after unloading. Campfires are in designated fire pits only or bring your own self contained metal fire pits.Split firewood can be purchased for $1 per piece (payable in cash) or collect sticks to burn.No firewood from outside of this property can be burned. All forms of hunting,guns,bow & arrows,bb guns,slingshots & weapons of any kind are forbidden. The tiny Hummingbird Treehouse has leaded glass window,screened operable windows,queen bed,small bed in loft,lights,a fan,outdoor tables & chairs.No AC or heat.Bring your sleeping bags & pillows.No food, smoking or pets allowed in the tree house.
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$25
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96%
(25)

Heavenly Haven & Hideaways

9 sites · RVs, Tents60 acres · Tyler, TX
Besides being surrounded by beautiful scenery, it just feels good being here. Getting out and exploring is a wonderful escape from the everyday grind. We love hosting campers and work toward making sure folks feel welcome and comfortable. We were living in the north Dallas area but always had a desire to buy some land and have a little more 'elbow room'. We were avid RVers for many years, but when that chapter closed, we missed 'glamping'. When we found our property, we knew we wanted to share this beauty, nature, and space with others as a campground. Heavenly Haven & Hideaways has been a God-inspired project, born out of our love for people, adventure, and the outdoors. Our beautiful property has RV and tent camping and we also have 2 cabins for short and mid-term rental. Access pictures and booking for the cabins via our website: heavenlyhavenandhideaways.com There's easy access to our family and pet-friendly campground in Tyler, Texas. We've set up a large communal firepit and fun outdoor games like tether ball, a volleyball net, horseshoes, and more. There's an open field for frisbee or tossing a ball around. We've cut in some trails that you can hike and explore our 60-acre property that includes an always-running creek. We're within a few miles of Tyler State Park which is great for bike riding & swimming in their lake. You can also rent paddle boats there. We're within a few miles of the Tyler Zoo -which is a surprisingly excellent zoo. There are several museums, shopping areas, and great food establishments in and around Tyler. Nearby Lindale also has the Pink Pistol, a Miranda Lambert store, and other neat places. We partner with Camp Right USA for a new level of tent camping. Simply book your spot with us, then if desired, contact Camp Right USA (https://www.camprightusa.com) to have set up and take down done for you! They say "everything will be in place, from your tent to your campfire. When it's time to head home, leave the packing and dismantling to us." Either way, come visit us in east Texas so you can rest, play, hike, explore. https://www.facebook.com/heavenly.haven.and.hideaways
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$25
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100%
(19)

Glamp like a Champ

3 sites · Lodging, Tents106 acres · Lone Oak, TX
Make memories on our Family farm offering a “room with a view”. Experience a glamping tent that overlooks a 8 acre fully stocked lake (catch and release only) Recharge, re-energize your mind, body and spirit in this tranquil, private setting. Watch the wildlife including deer, hogs, geese, ducks and an occasional Bald Eagle. The sunsets are truly magnificent, stars are bright (no city lights). Fire pit is provided (wood available for purchase or bring your own) Kitchen has bbq grill and Blackstone grill (we provide the propane and cooking utensils. Things to consider: 1)Tent has a vanity and sink for hand washing and teeth brushing 2)fishing is catch and release only 3)bathroom is a Porta Potty, 4)shower is private outdoor (seasonal dependent on freezing temps) 5)Firepit can be communal if more than one site is booked 6)Farm animals make noise (roosters crowing, goats bleat, cows moo and coyotes howl. 7) Buy our Almost world famous Dill Pickles. Made with farm grown Armenian cucumbers. A real hit with our hipcampers. 8) Buy some farm fresh eggs. Our free range chickens work hard for our hip campers.
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$45
 / night
89%
(14)

The Fabulous Bok Vegas, Texas

51 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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$5
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100%
(8)

Coyote Campground

6 sites · Lodging, Tents14 acres · Lindale, TX
I4 acres with spring-fed creek, just a few minutes from Lindale restaurants and supplies. For more info about the tiny house or yurt rentals, please inquire. It has extended acreage with multiple ecosystems. I just found a spring and will be doing livestock. I just built an outdoor kitchen area and camp shower (need propane tank). There is an RV plug, electricity (extra fee), and a water hose. There is a garage on the property that should remain locked; if you have an ATV or something you want to lock up, we can discuss garage access if need be (for a fee). The lower parts of the property require 4-wheel drive, but the top has water and electricity, so any car is fine. As this is an outdoor area, there are bugs and critters. I have never had a problem, but this is notice that you agree to assume all liability and responsibility for your party by camping at this property. NEW: Starlink Satellite Internet!
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$14.70
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92%
(91)

Tara Vineyard & Winery estate

22 sites · Tents50 acres · Athens, TX
Peaceful, quiet, luxurious, historic, wine country experience. Tara Winery offers a unique vineyard and winery resort style experience. Discover Tara and the myths surrounding the secrets of the vines. TARA was named after the sailboat TARA, pierce family started the vineyard in 2006 and opened the winery in 2007. The historic Murchison mansion is an iconic structure in the midst of the vines. Onsite tasting room and restaurant with share plates and full meals. In 2023, we have added a beautiful 50 ft pool with lovely water features, there is an activity fee to use the pool. Please plan to arrive before dark, so you can get settled in the daylight. We do not have 24 hour staff. Learn more about this land: Camping throughout the Tara Vineyard property.  We have primitive sites available in the wooded trail. If you would like a beautiful view of the winery property, ground camping throughout the vineyard is available and most popular ! There is quick access to our winery and food service if you prefer to relax under our covered patio, or pick up a rib eye or filet  from the chef and cook it yourself on your propane grill our our community grill. Enjoy your hand crafted estate wine from TARA winery while camping under the stars. You can be among others or select a remote location. Fires permitted only in designed fire pits. No exceptions.
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$50
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The best camping near Purtis Creek State Park guide

Overview

About

The 355-acre lake at Purtis Creek State Park is a fishing paradise. Whether you cast a line from one of the many fishing piers or BYOB (bring your own boat) to cruise around the lake, there’s every chance to catch and release a largemouth bass, or snag a catfish or crappie for your lakeside picnic. If fishing’s not your bag, five walking and biking trails are suitable for the whole family, and swimming is always a good time. At Purtis Creek Campground, campers can choose from walk-in, primitive sites on the north shore of the lake, water-only sites to the south, or RV camping at the main campground. 

Tips for snagging a campsite

  1. You can reserve one of the park’s 59 campsites in advance via the Texas State Parks website. Weekly rates are available in the low season (December through February).
  2. Campsite reservations open five months in advance. 
  3. Campsites book up fast for summer and holiday weekends—book as early as possible, especially if you have a particular site in mind (such as campsites #21-#23, right by the water).

When to go

Purtis Creek State Park is open year-round, but the most popular time to visit is from late spring through early autumn. With average daytime temperatures reaching over 90°F in summer, it’s the ideal time for swimming and cruising the lake. Late summer also reportedly has the highest catch rates for largemouth bass, so take note if you want to hook a big one.

Know before you go

  • Purtis Creek State Park is located 62 miles southeast of Dallas or about a 1-hour drive away.
  • Park entrance fees are required in addition to camping fees, and general entrance reservations can be made up to one month in advance.
  • Facilities in the park include restrooms, picnic benches, fish washing stations, and a park store selling outdoor equipment, fishing supplies, and ice. You can purchase groceries and fuel in Eustace, a 5-minute drive away.
  • You can bring your own boat or watercraft to Purtis Creek State Park. There is a limit of 50 no-wake motorized boats on the lake at any time. 
  • Fishing tackle is available to rent, and no fishing license is required. There is a catch-and-release policy on bass fishing, plus daily limits of five catfish and 25 crappies per person.
  • Purtis Creek Campground includes wheelchair-accessible campsites and restrooms
100%
6 ratings · 2 reviews

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