Interested in going camping with your motorhome but not sure where to go first? Before heading out, it may seem daunting figuring out where you should go camping and how long you want to stay. Many websites have different definitions of the word “campground” so to save you the trouble of searching we are providing camping guides by state- starting with Texas! 

For this post we will focus on campgrounds and parks in the East Texas area. 

In East Texas, the piney woods have rolling terrain covered with pines and oaks, and rich bottomlands with tall hardwoods. This region is known for the beautiful woods, plains, and lakes. 

State Parks and Campgrounds within 90 miles of Nacogdoches 

Lufkin KOA Journey, 250 FM 2021, Lufkin, TX 75901 Koa.com/campgrounds/lufkin/ 

Take a dip in the pool, check out the fishing pond or learn to toss horseshoes like a real cowpoke and enjoy the wildlife. Also, check out the Texas forestry museum! 

Rusk KOA Holiday, 745 FM 343 East, Rusk, TX 75785 Koa.com/campgrounds/rusk/ 

While you’re here enjoy a ride on the Texas State Railroad's steam train, visit a drive-through safari park, or visit the area's wineries, antique shops, restaurants and more. You should take advantage of the campground's long Pull-Thru RV Sites. After a busy day, relax and cool off in the refreshing saltwater pool. 

Image via Texas State Parks and Wildlife

Mission Tejas State Park, 120 Park Rd 44, Grapeland, TX 75844 https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/mission-tejas 

Whether you want to rest or play, you’ll be glad you came! You can hike, fish, camp and nature watch. Enjoy the peace and quiet of the piney woods. 

Image via Texas State Parks and Wildlife

Martin Creek Lake State Park, 9515 Co Rd 2181D, Tatum, TX 75691 https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/martin-creek-lake 

They offer year-round fishing, camping, paddling, lake swimming, hiking and biking, waterskiing, picnicking, geocaching and nature photography. 

Image via Texas State Parks and Wildlife

Martin Dies Jr. State Park, 634 Park Road 48 South, Jasper, TX 75951 https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/martin-dies-jr 

Paddle the waters of the Neches and Angelina rivers or walk or bike one of the trails. You can also swim and go fishing in B.A. Steinhagen Reservoir. 

Image via Texas State Parks and Wildlife

Tyler State Park, 789 Park Rd 16, Tyler, TX 75706 https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/tyler 

Tyler State Park features a cool, 64-acre spring-fed lake, 100-foot tall trees, and historic structures. Play at the lake, wet a hook, wander through the woods, or relax with your binoculars. You will love this peaceful get-away in Northeast Texas! 

Image via Texas State Parks and Wildlife

Lake Livingston State Park, 300 State Park Rd 65, Livingston, TX 77351 https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/lake-livingston 

Fish one of the largest lakes in the state, hike quiet trails through the forest, or camp under the trees. This refreshing retreat from city life is just an hour north of Houston. At Lake Livingston State Park, you can swim, fish, boat, hike, birdwatch, camp, picnic, mountain bike, geocache and study nature. 

Image via Trip Advisor

Camp Tonkawa Springs RV Park, 4675 Co Rd 153, Garrison, TX 75946 http://www.camptonkawa.com/

Recreation or relaxation: it’s completely up to you. Whether your perfect afternoon is a nap in the shade, a deep forest walk, or a rejuvenating swim, you’ll find it here. And don’t be surprised to find an impromptu game of volleyball or a rousing horseshoe match going on. 

Plan Ahead

With any State Park or camping grounds you plan to visit we highly advise you check the website and call before you start your travels for any park closure alerts, as well as inquire about camping fees and availability or any needed reservations or permits you may need to prepare for in advance. We hope you enjoyed our first camping guide! Please tag us on twitter, Facebook, and Instagram on your travels! Please let us know if you have a state you’d like us to cover next, Happy travels!