It’s that time of year for fall camping in East Texas, especially if you love fall foliage.
Here in Texas, our fall may start later than our northeastern states, but we are so fired up when the cooler side of fall arrives. And when it does, many families are scrambling, trying to find that perfect spot to camp. I’ve scoured the area, and I’ve come up with five breathtaking destinations for fall camping in East Texas. But hurry, camping is on the rise, and I’m posting a tad late. So don’t wait to check out these destinations.
First, what do you think of when someone says, “let’s go camping?” Do you think it’s only about tent camping? Well, let me assure you, it’s not. My way of camping is in a cabin full of amenities. I’ve documented that in my bio!! I’m all about the outdoors and the miles of trails to hike, but when it comes to laying my head down, I want/need something softer than the hard ground. Maybe one day I’ll try tent camping, but for now, I’ll leave that to my son when he camps with the Boy Scouts.
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Related: Fall Camping Checklist & Tips
Why Fall Is The Best Time To Go Camping In East Texas
So, when Labor Day rolls around, out comes the tents and the sleeping bags for inspection. Although this time of the year is the most popular for camping, it’s still in the 100s here in Texas. So we have time to think about where we want to camp. I know the further east you go in Texas or, for that matter – northeast, the better the fall foliage will be. And who doesn’t like the warm autumn colors? I do because it’s my favorite time of year, plus fall produces all my favorite colors. So maybe I’m a little partial. But now is the time to go camping before winter hits – the mosquitos are gone, and crowds are minimal.
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Best Fall Camping Gear For The Family
Before heading out to your campsite, check out these must-haves camping gear for kids and camping gear for adults that you’ll need to get the most from your camping experience. Of course, it’s all optional but fun to have at your side. And, like my son, when he goes camping, I mark everything with custom camp labels, or else it could end up in someone else’s bag.
6 Best Places For Fall Camping In East Texas
From tent camping to camping in an RV park to tiny cabin camping – it’s all here—the piney woods of East Texas! Remember, if camping in Texas state parks, there is a nominal fee to enter.
1. Caddo Lake State Park, Karnack
Caddo Lake State Park offers all kinds of camping, from tent, cabin, RV, and camping under the stars (no tent – nothing!), and you’ll see blankets of gorgeous fall foliage in late October. If time allows, take a guided tour of the bayou to see the Spanish moss hanging from the 100-year-old bald cypress trees.
2. Piney Woods, LaRue
LaRue, TX is a short drive from Dallas on Hwy 175 and is a great place to get away from the rat race. Have you heard of Getaway House? They offer the perfect place and the perfect tiny cabins for cabin camping out in nature. There are 40 tiny cabins situated in the woods, surrounded by pine trees, picnic tables, a fire pit, chairs right outside the cabins. This part of Texas boasts pine needles and pine cones. Bring a bag while hiking to pick up a few cones to take back home for a nice table display along with other fall decor.
3. Daingerfield State Park, Daingerfield
Daingerfield in northeast Texas, but it’s on every list about fall. Why? Because of all the natural beauty of yellow, orange, red, and pink, you’ll see it at Daingerfield State Park. Check out the cabins for rent in the park and all the hiking you could do there—the best time to visit this Texas park for fall colors s in early to mid-November.
4. Lake O’ The Pines
Lake O’ The Pines is a lovely lake that offers all types of camping, including primitive campsites and tent sites, and easy access to the lake. The views of the lake at Johnson Creek Campground are incredible. I don’t think there’s a lousy camping spot in the Pines. And if you get antsy and want to wander around, the small town of Jefferson is only 10 minutes away.
5. Tyler State Park
Each year, the town of Tyler hosts its annual Texas Rose Festival in October. This time of the year would be great to go camping at the state park. Bring a pole if you like fishing because the lake is full of crappie, catfish, and bass. There are screened-in cabins (no air conditioning), tent spots, and other cabins to rent. Hiking is at its best here as well. Tyler State Park has plenty of trails that are easy to hike. If you want something a bit more cozy and fun for the kids, check out Jellystone Park in Tyler. My son went there a couple of years ago with his other family, and they had the best time. The cabins there were very cozy and suitable for bodies of water.
6. Lake Bob Sandlin State Park, Pittsburg
Lake Bob Sandlin State Park is a very nice lakeside park located a little north then east, but all the same, the area is excellent for fall camping, and the fall colors are some of the best in the lone star state!
These are some of the best places to camp in East Texas for families to have fun and enjoy the outdoors.
What about the Hill Country in a RV?