Lakeside camping in Texas means you’re going to have an amazing adventure exploring the best natural spots this state has to offer. If you like, you can go traditional tent camping or RV camping, Texas has camping lakes for this.
And in most of these Texas lake camping spots, you can go swimming, paddleboarding, water skiing, and other fun water activities all through the year. But with so many camping spots, how do you know the best ones to explore? This guide contains a list of the 10 best spots for lakeside camping in 2025, just for you to explore.
10 Best Lakes To Camp In Texas in 2025
1. Lake Texoma
If you love fishing, then a visit to this Texas lake camping ground should be on your to-do list. Lake Texoma is known as “the Striper Capital of the World”, so during your camping trip here, be prepared to catch stripers, bass, crappie, catfish, and more.
But Lake Texoma isn’t just about fishing, this massive outdoor playground offers more fun than you can think of, including hiking, wildlife watching, boating, and kayaking. With over 800 campsites, including RV camping, you’ll have plenty of options to pitch your tent in this campground.
You can hike through the Cross Timbers hiking trail or ride horses through the equestrian trails to get wonderful views of nature. And if you have time, you can also explore the nearby Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge and Eisenhower State Park.
2. Lake Corpus Christi State Park
One of the best camping lakes in Texas can be found in Lake Corpus Christi Park. This lake park is the perfect spot for a family camping trip, offering so many fun outdoor adventures and family-friendly facilities.
With about 108 roomy campsites, you can RV camp here or go full traditional tent camping. And if you prefer a softer style, you can rent any of the 9 cabins available at this campground. This lake park has WiFi, flush toilets, hot showers, a camp store, and ranger programs to keep the whole family entertained and informed.
With so many fun activities to do on both land and water, you can decide to go boating, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, swimming, paddleboarding, and water skiing. Then on land, you can go hiking, biking, or have a picnic at any of the shaded areas. If you have the time, you can also explore the nearby Goose Island and even the Mustang Island State Park.
3. Ray Roberts Lake State Park
If you want to go camping in Texas near water but you don’t want to drive halfway across Texas, then head to Ray Roberts Lake State Park. This park feels like a different world, and it’s a place where you can relax, swim, hike, fish, camp, and reconnect with nature.
Ray Robert has picnic pavilions, group campsites, meeting spaces, playgrounds, and nine unique park units. So when you come, you can reserve a tent or RV spot, or even get a room at the Lone Star Lodge and Marina.
You can’t ever get bored here, cos you can go paddleboarding, fishing, hiking, biking, and strolling. Or you can have an adults-only picnic while the kids go on ranger-led hikes and outdoor skill classes held at the Junior Ranger programs. You can also take a family trip to nearby towns like Denton and Gainesville to eat local food and explore the towns.
4. Caddo Lake State Park
Some of the best lakes to camp at in Texas are hidden gems, just like Caddo Lake State Park. But here, you can get a total escape from people and just quietly connect with yourself and nature. This park is the kind of place where life slows down.
Camping here is an experience all on its own. From the ancient cypress trees to the serene atmosphere, you’re likely to feel like you’re in a fairytale. With about 46 campsites and 10 historic cabins, you can come here for any type of camping you want, including tent camping and RV camping.
And since this park is nature’s paradise, you won’t get tired of exploring. You can paddle, boat, or kayak through Hell’s Half Acre to the Saw Mill Pond and Big Cypress Bayou. On this journey, you can even see turtles, herons, fish, and even a gator. But if you want to explore on land, you can go through the Caddo Forest trail, where you’ll see deer, raccoons, owls, and songbirds.
5. Inks Lake State Park
This Texas lake camping spot is a mix of natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and relaxation. And with its calm, consistent lake levels, sparkling blue waters, and amazing sunsets, this is a camping spot where you can enjoy fun water activities and truly relax with your friends and family.
This park has about 200 campsites and 22 cabins, so you can even go lakeside camping to get wonderful views of the water. Some cabins and sites are for families, so they come with playgrounds to keep the kids busy. At the same time, some campsites are meant for group booking and will need to be reserved in advance.
But one thing everyone agrees on is that Inks Lake has the most beautiful, clear, and clean waters in this region. So you’ll have fun paddleboarding, canoeing, kayaking, scuba diving, waterskiing, swimming, and fishing. There are no lifeguards here, so be careful, and if you’re with kids, always watch out for them.
6. Lake Livingston State Park
Lake Livingston State Park is one of the best Texas lake camping spots. Here you can escape into nature and spend your days swimming, fishing, and boating on one of the largest lakes you can find in this state.
You can come here for a primitive camping experience or just to camp with your family. This park has all the necessary amenities, including showers, picnic tables, fire rings, and even a park store, to make your stay comfortable.
If you want to go hiking and explore nature, you can decide to go solo or go on the ranger-led guided hikes, where you’ll also learn about the animals you see. Camping in this lakeside park is fun, but just remember to watch out for alligators and other wildlife.
7. Lake Minerals Well State Park
If you want to go camping in Texas near water, then you need a spot like Lake Mineral Wells State Park. This park is the perfect blend of history, nature, and culture. Here you can swim, fish, kayak, paddleboard, and hike all day long.
This park has different types of camping styles for all types of outdoor explorers, so you can camp in a simple tent shelter, a screened shelter, or an equestrian campsite for your horse. And with so many facilities and amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and restrooms, you’ll be comfortable all through your trip.
This park is surrounded by so many challenging trails, including the 20-mile Cross Timbers trails, which you can explore for hours. And if you want to test your rock climbing skills, you can climb the Penitentiary Hollow to get beautiful views of the lake and the park in general.
8. The Boulders at Lake Tyler
If you want a camping lake in Texas but with modern comforts and natural beauty, then head to The Boulders at Lake Tyler. This campground and RV park is the perfect blend of nature and luxury. The cabins and glamping are designed stylishly to give you a perfect relaxing camping trip.
If you love fishing, then you’ll especially love this place cos you can spend your days trying to reel in catfish, bass, or crappie. And even if you forgot your fishing gear, that shouldn’t be a problem. Just head to the nearby tackle shop and get both bait and gear at affordable prices.
But camping here is not just about fishing, it’s also about the peaceful and quiet way of exploring life. And when you want a bit of excitement, you can go hiking on any of the trails or swimming in the crystal clear lake. And if you have more energy, you can go paddleboarding or boating around the park.
9. Lake Nocona
Known as one of the most beautiful lakes in Texas, this lakeside camping spot is the best place to relax and still have fun during your camping trip. You can go fishing, boating, swimming, or just spend your day peacefully on the lake.
Even the campgrounds and RV parks are just by the water, so you can wake up to the beautiful sunrise shining on the lake in amazing colors. This is the point where you’ll need to take an Insta-worthy picture.
But camping at Lake Nocona isn’t all relaxing in the water. You can also stretch your legs by hiking through the Blue Mound Fitness and Walking Trails. This will take you to one of the highest points in North Montague County and a national historic spot. But if you’re with kids, it will be better to visit Mary Beckman Davis Park or Enid Justin Park cos of the many playgrounds.
10. Lake Tawakoni State Park
Lake Tawakoni State Park is one of the best lakes to camp at in Texas. This camping spot offers relaxation, adventure, and peace of mind for every camper. You can go paddleboarding and kayaking, and even the kids can try to fish without any special fishing license needed.
If you’re tired of the water, you can go hiking, mountain biking, and wildlife spotting. In short, the possibilities of fun activities to keep you occupied here are endless. And since you’re camping here, you can even come with your RV or head to the primitive campsite for a primitive camping experience.
Most of the campsites at this lakeside campground have so many amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, outdoor grills, restrooms, and showers to make sure you’re comfortable during your trip. But since this park is one of the best spots for lakeside camping in Texas, you’ll need to reserve your spot before heading there.
Conclusion
Camping in Texas near water is another adventurous way to explore this state. Most of the camping lakes in Texas have unique features and facilities that will make your camping experience more fun and comfortable.
You can go on a quiet, peaceful camping trip at Caddo Lake State Park, or you can go on a fishing camping trip at Lake Texoma. What all these lakeside camping spots have in common is unlimited fun water activities. So what are you waiting for? Plan your camping trip to these Texas lake camping spots today.
