RV Camping in East Texas

Is everything really bigger in Texas? The RV camping choices in Texas seem to be bigger, that’s for sure. We’ve already covered RV camping in Central Texas and on the Gulf Coast of Texas. In this article, we will be discussing additional RV camping opportunities in East Texas. Believe it or not, we’ll let you in on the secret of how to ditch the expensive campground fees in lieu of boondocking and national forest locations. Pack your bags, grab your Harvest Hosts membership, and buckle up as we explore the best RV camping in East Texas. 

Sabine National Forest

The Sabine National Forest is located right on the border of Texas and Louisiana, near the Toledo Bend Reservoir. There are many great camping opportunities here.

####Boles Field Campground

While this may not be one of the most secluded campgrounds on our list, it’s more private than a traditional campground and much cheaper. For just $6 per night, RVers can have partial hookups of electric and water, and there are restrooms on site. This is a first come, first-served campground for RVs under twenty-four feet in length.

Ragtown Campground

This lakeside boondocking campground is located right along the Toledo Bend Reservoir. Campers have access to a boat ramp, picnic tables, hiking trails, and restrooms. There is drinking water on site, but not at each campsite. There is also a nearby dump station. This campground costs $5 per night for standard campsites or $8 per night for group sites. This first come, first-served campground is for RVs under twenty-four feet in length.

Davy Crockett National Forest

You don’t have to wear a racoon hat to camp in this national forest: all you need is your RV and a sense of adventure. Please note that parts of the Davy Crockett National Forest become popular hunting locations over the winter months. Therefore, some of these campgrounds can be busy at times.

Neches Bluff Overlook

Neches Bluff Overlook is a semi-popular free campground. While there are no amenities here, aside from hiking and a few fire rings, campers are welcome to choose their own dispersed campsite. RVs of any size are able to stay here and access the campsites.

Raines Morgan Hunting Camp

As the name states, this is a popular hunting camp during the winter months, when deer, ducks, and other animals are in season. This free campground offers dispersed pull-off campsites along a gravel road. RVs up to forty-five feet in length can safely stay here.

Alabama Creek Wildlife Management Area

Within the Davy Crockett National Forest lies the Alabama Creek WMA. This area contains several boondocking campsites that are managed by the Fish and Wildlife Department. All of these campsites are free and are near creeks with fishing opportunities. Some of these campsites may require 4x4 for access, so be advised. 

Sam Houston National Forest

The Sam Houston National Forest is located about an hour outside of Houston itself and is situated between Lake Conroe and Lake Livingston. There are also many excellent campgrounds here.

Kelly’s Pond Campground

This free, dispersed camping area has fire rings, picnic tables, and vault toilets. It is located near the Lone Star Hiking Trail. RVs of most sizes can fit here.

Hunter Camp 217A

This campground can be a popular day use spot during hunting season, but it stays relatively quiet at night. This free campground has a variety of sunny spots and shaded spots to suit RVs of most sizes.

Huntsville State Park

Huntsville State Park is quiet and secluded for a state park campground. The rate is $15-$25 per night, depending on what type of hookups you require. We have an insider tip to bring extra leveling blocks!

Outside of Dallas and Fort Worth

Just because you’re near a city doesn’t mean there aren’t great boondocking opportunities. Most of these locations are about an hour away from Dallas or Fort Worth in East Texas.

Brushie Prairie

This free campground has dispersed camping spots for RVs of most sizes. There are picnic tables, a boat ramp, fire rings, and even some water-side sites.

Rough Creek Park

This free camping location has bathrooms, a boat ramp, fishing areas, grills, picnic tables, and trash bins. RVs up to thirty-five feet in length can stay here.

TX-Ture Farm

This unique Harvest Hosts farm strives to create experiences for all of your senses. They have lavender fields, honey bees, alpacas, gourds, and Christmas trees, and the owners also sell a variety of products made on the farm. They have two reservable, pet-friendly spaces for RVs up to forty-four feet in length.

Barking Rocks

Barking Rocks is a Harvest Hosts winery location that places an emphasis on friendship. They have a variety of wines produced and sold on-site. They have four reservable, pet-friendly spaces for RVs up to twenty-five feet in length.

Armadillo Ale Works

This award-winning craft brewery is a newer Harvest Hosts location, but it is rather popular. They share a parking lot with a Latin restaurant and are within walking distance to several others. They offer two reservable, pet-friendly spaces for RVs up to forty-four feet in length.

Outside of Austin

Visitors come from all over to experience the fun culture that Austin has to offer. RVers will be surprised and excited to find boondocking opportunities just outside an hour from the city.

Iron Bridge

This free campground offers fishing spots, vault toilets, picnic tables, and shady spots. RVs of most sizes can camp here.

Dell’s Favorite Texas Olive Ranch

This unique Harvest Hosts location is home to an olive orchard. RVers should jump at the opportunity to stock up on the freshest olive oil around.  Dell's has two reservable, pet-friendly spaces for RVs up to forty-four feet in length.

290Vinery

290Vinery is a Harvest Hosts winery off of Highway 290. In addition to wine, RVers can also purchase pizza and charcuterie delivered right to their RV’s front door. They offer two reservable, pet-friendly spaces for RVs up to twenty-nine feet in length. They also have Wi-fi and potable water available.

San Gabriel River Brewery

Located near the San Gabriel River, this Harvest Hosts nano-brewery shouldn’t be missed. They serve eleven beers on tap and offer 6-packs and Bomber Bottles to go for future enjoyment in your RV. They have five reservable, pet-friendly spaces for RVs of any size. Who knew there were so many free and low-cost camping opportunities in East Texas? With a trusty Harvest Hosts membership,  you can access even more unique opportunities. Instead of an expensive campground, you can pay for your night’s stay with a 6-pack of beer, produce, or a bottle of wine. This isn’t just in Texas, though. We have locations all across North America and are adding more every day.

Have you taken your RV to East Texas yet? What place sounds like the best to you? Tell us about it in the comments below!