Camping on Lake Palestine

Boat, fish, jet ski, and camp at this Texas Piney Woods lake.

94% (1292 reviews)
94% (1292 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Lake Palestine

Under $50

Dog-friendly getaways

12 top campgrounds in Lake Palestine

98%
(60)

Texas Safari Camp

54 sites · Lodging, Tents31 acres · Kaufman, TX
Welcome to Texas Safari Camp Escape the stresses of city living on this heavily wooded 31 acre pristine wildlife habitat. Relax your body, refresh your mind, heart and spirit. Only one hour east of Dallas but it feels like another world. This piece of east Texas paradise is 20 minutes from Buccee's, restaurants, grocery stores and about 25 minutes from Canton First Monday. We offer a much more personal experience than any State Park. Your host is Randall Oliver, a woodworking artist whose energy, creative vision and love of the outdoors have transformed this property into the jewel that it is. He has been organizing group campouts for 30 years and enjoys hosting, bringing people together and inspiring a passion for the outdoors. Everyone is welcomed regardless of race, religion, color, creed or sexual orientation. Randall enjoys sitting around the campfire with his guests, sharing stories, laughter and good will. He can teach your kids how to build a campfire and paddle a kayak. This property is his back yard and the people who camp here are treated like family. At the end of a one lane rock road- this is a very secluded, QUIET and safe property. It is perfect for tent campers with abundant clean, flat tent sites. positive vibe attracts good people (including a lot of first time campers) and is more peaceful and relaxing than most state parks. It is next to a 950 acre wildlife park. The Texas Zoofari Park has 900 exotic animals, many can be seen from the road (or you can pay to drive through). This can make for some interesting wildlife noises while sitting around a campfire. While it adjoins the wildlife park on two sides, Texas Safari Camp is in no way affiliated with Texas Zoofari Park. The only clearing has been done around the ponds. No hunting is allowed. It has never been in ag use and all of the native brush and cover has been left to benefit the wildlife. Imagine two ponds in the middle of a forest. Enjoy swimming and kayaking in the clear water front pond. Kayaks and paddleboards are available on request. Both ponds are stocked with bass, cat, crappie and bluegill. There is plenty of room for camping around the front pond and four established communal fire pits. You can camp on the front berm for an elevated view of the property. The back pond has a camping area with a firepit. Deep in the jungle, it offers a higher degree of seclusion but it is farther from the parking areas and outhouses. There are no preassigned campsites- it is first come first serve. Camping is $22 per person per night. Kids 12 and under are $12.00 per kid per night. Friendly, non barking and leashed dogs are welcome. People who bring big, aggressive dogs or dogs that bark constantly will be asked to leave and given a refund. Most people camp around the front pond but you can camp anywhere. Campfires are restricted to the existing fire rings. There is a rustic outhouse with a modern, ventilated composting toilet and sink and a hummingbird window touch of class. Water and electricity is available behind my home as well as an open air cold water shower. The tiny Hummingbird Treehouse overlooks the front pond. It is has leaded glass windows, screened operable windows and a small loft sleeping area with an operable porthole window, a full size bed, lights, a fan and outdoor tables and chairs. It is not air conditioned. Bring your own sleeping bags and pillows to enjoy this comfortable and classy alternative to tent camping. It rents for $80 per night for two people. No food, smoking or pets are allowed in the tree house. Texas Safari Camp Rules Hip Camp policy is that you must pack out all of your garbage. Pease put it in your car and take it home. No burning of garbage. If you leave trash on the ground, in the fire pits or put it in my trash cans you will be charged extra. There are no specific site reservations so it’s first come, first served. Tent camping only- no vehicles allowed on the property. Off road wagons are provided for hauling your gear back to camp. Front pond camping areas are 30-100 yards from the two parking areas. Wagons must be returned to parking area after being unloaded. Careful, humane catch and release fishing only in the two ponds and only single, barbless hooks are allowed. There is split firewood and you can gather and burn sticks off the ground. No chainsaws, no cutting, carving or harvesting wood from trees. Parents of non swimming children must provide a personal flotation device (PFD / life jacket) and personally supervise their swimming. No sun block or insect repellent can be used by swimmers. Kids and adults must have headlights and appropriate footwear. This is a jungle, not somewhere you should walk around at night without a flashlight and sandals. All forms of hunting, guns, bow and arrows, bb guns, slingshots and weapons of any kind are forbidden. No electronic music is allowed (without ear buds), acoustic music is allowed but there is a 10pm to 8am curfew for noise. Campers must be respectful of the property and other campers. Auto alarms must be disabled. Loud, vulgar and drunken behavior, fireworks, generators or anything that disrupts the peace and tranquility of the property is forbidden. Property has minimal cellular service.
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$22
 / night
95%
(22)

Heavenly Haven & Hideaways

7 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 spots, and tent camping ready now and we're currently building 2 cabins that should be available soon. 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 a lot of hiking 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." 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
 / 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%
(6)

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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$9.90
 / night
99%
(99)

Bruce’s Land

5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents12 acres · Hawkins, TX
Our homestead is a few acres in East Texas, near Hawkins. The land has been untouched for about 30 years, maybe last used for cattle grazing. We're keeping the property as natural as possible, we live here off-grid and off-pipe. There’s a 17 acre lake that we share with neighbors. It’s full of bass, bluegill, crappie and catfish, we encourage catch and keep fishing since the lake could use a little fishing pressure. We also have a beaver pond, and resident beaver. Some of the wildlife we see regularly: fireflies, turtles, cardinals, bluejays, hummingbirds, kite birds, frogs, opossums, armadillos, beaver, river otter, road runners and rabbits. These plants live here too: Beautyberry, Dewberry, Pokeberry, Sparkleberry, Dogfennel, Dogwood, Yaupon Holly, Holly, Wax Myrtle, Sassafras , Lyreleaf Sage, Carolina Crane’s bill, Coral Honeysuckle, Western White Honeysuckle, Smooth Cat’s Ear, Daisy Fleabane, Prairie Onion, Mullein, Summer Grape, Water Lily. The entire water lily plant is edible, did you know? Swim, hang out, cool down on the small swimming dock. Canoe and kayak included! Based on shared availability, we have 1 two person canoe, and 3 kayaks for use on our lake free of charge. There are smaller size adult life jackets and oars/paddles. Bring your own life jackets for kids. Contrary to local rumor lol, we are not a “nudist resort”. But it is true that one of our campsites is very private, so one could dress any way they wanted while at that campsite. About the Bees Please do not bring or use any insect killer or insect repellent other than what you apply to your own body. We have several honey bee colonies living here and our neighbor keeps bees as well. For the safety and health of our bees, the use of man made insect killers or repellents on the ground, in the air or on the foliage is absolutely not allowed. One natural remedy is diatomaceous earth. Sprinkled on the ground, it does a good job at keeping ants and crawling creatures away. Brookshire's in Hawkins less than 4 miles away if you need supplies. Verizon, ATT users have cell coverage here, no signal for T-Mobile users. LGBTQ+ friendly.
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$45
 / night

Star Hosts in Lake Palestine

Available this weekend

Value Prop
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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Camping on Lake Palestine guide

Overview

Whether you’re fishing for bass and crappie in a quiet wooded cove, watching the sunset from a secluded fishing pier, or exploring the vast expanse of blue waters by boat, kayak, or jet ski—Lake Palestine has everything you need to get on the water. On the western cusp of the Texas Piney Woods and just a 1.5-hour drive from Dallas, this lakeside retreat has five public access marinas and more than a dozen campgrounds, RV parks, and resorts to choose from. Camping is enjoyable year-round, so come in summer to cool off from the Texan sun or in winter for the best fishing. 

Where to go

North Shore

The small town of Chandler is the gateway to Lake Palestine’s north shore, where you can paddle or fish along the Neches River. There’s a small boat ramp at Chandler River Park, but for larger boats, you’ll need to head to Westberry Landing or Kickapoo. As for camping, you’ll find at least three RV parks close to the north shore, with full hookups available.

West Shore

Boat launches, marinas, and campgrounds pepper the lake’s west shore, where popular activities include kayaking, jet skiing, and water skiing. Take your pick of tent and RV campsites, some with direct access to the lake, or dine with a lake view at a shoreside restaurant. 

South Shore

The scenic southern shore of Lake Palestine curls around Blackburn Bay, a popular spot for houseboaters and fishing. Camping options are limited around these parts, so rent a lakefront cabin instead or anchor your boat in a secluded cove. 

East Shore

Glorious lake views, family-friendly RV resorts, and plenty of lake activities can be found along the east shore. Snag a lakeside campsite around lively Sabine Bay, play a game of golf at the Emerald Bay or Eagle’s Bluff country clubs, or launch your boat from the Village Marina, where you’ll also find a water park and kayak rentals.

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