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The best camping near Mission Tejas State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Mission Tejas adventure.

100% (3 reviews)
100% (3 reviews)

Explore the pineywoods of East Texas and a replica of Mission Tejas.  

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Community favorites near Mission Tejas State Park

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Top-rated campgrounds near Mission Tejas State Park

Booked 8 times

The Fabulous Bok Vegas, Texas

67 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. 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
83%
(3)

Texas State Railroad Campground

71 sites ¡ RVs, Tents15 acres ¡ Rusk, TX
The Texas State Railroad Campground is located in the beautiful East Texas town of Rusk and is a great spot for a fun southern escape! We offer campsites with water only, water and electricity or full hookups with 50-amp service and sewer. The Grounds offer picnic tables, grills, fire rings, laundry facility and WiFi! There are separate showers and restrooms onsite, a water splash pad, nature trails and a campground office complete with sundries and firewood for purchase. The 15-acre Cherokee Lake is where fishermen will find a variety fish including crappie, catfish, striped bass, sauger, walleye, smallmouth bass, bluegill and largemouth bass. Whether they are casting, spinning or flying fish, chances of getting a bite are good! Onsite, travelers may look forward to historic sightseeing. For the history buff, there's plenty of other historic sites, a number of green spaces of nature walks and scenic viewing and of course, visitors may expect great local eateries and bars to enjoy. Whether it's for a night or two, we hope to see you soon!
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$25
 / night
90%
(15)

The backwoods of the forest!

8 sites ¡ RVs, Tents11 acres ¡ Kennard, TX
Our property is located in the middle of the Davy Crockett National Forest, and is a part of one of the original homestead properties of the timber boom of the early 1900's. Designated as a "century farm" the original family goes back over 100 years. Beautiful scenery and all the natural forest you can handle! Learn more about this land: Located in Houston County, our campground is just 8 miles from Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area, and the boat ramp at Anderson crossing on the Neches river. Big Slough Wilderness Area is just 2 miles by road, and the 4c hiking trail has 2 trailheads within 2 miles of the camps. Our camp is located smack dab in the middle of the Davy Crockett National Forest, and is perfect for viewing wildlife, nature hikes, biking, horseback riding, and just about any other outdoors activities. Only primitive camping is available at this time.
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$30
 / night
100%
(55)

Secluded Cabins on the Lake

4 sites ¡ Lodging2 acres ¡ Crockett, TX
These cabins are hand built, with families in mind, to share with other families. They are located on Houston County lake. Stewart Cove is perfect for people who are looking to unplug from the outside world and reconnect with their families and nature. The property is perfect for child-friendly adventures or romantic getaways. Enjoy this peaceful lake view surrounded by beautiful pine trees. The Space: - Secluded lake cabins on Houston County Lake. 2-acre property - Panoramic windows of Houston County lake from the living room - Wood floors throughout cabins - Wrap around deck with an incredible view and surrounded by beautiful pine trees - Selfie stick attached to the cabin for the perfect family photo - City water and electric - Fully equipped kitchen: refrigerator, stove, microwave, cooktop, dishwasher, coffee maker, pots, pans, wine opener, and wine glasses. - Each cabin has its own Washer and dryer - All bathrooms come with a combination of tub and shower. - We provide bath towels. - There are 2 bedrooms and a Loft. The master bedroom has 1 queen bed - The guest room has 2 full-size bunk beds - Cabin 1 loft has 2 twin beds and Cabin 2 loft has 1 queen - Wifi is included (runs slow but perfect for unplugging) - TV with Dish in living room Things to do: - We have a Covered Pavilion with a basketball hoop and pickleball court - 60-foot waterside from the large hill into the lake - Swimming in the lake - Fishing in the lake - Bird watching (We have eagles, blue herrings, pelicans, etc.) - Several kayaks with adult and child lifejackets free to use - Cement deck near the lake with cafe lights - BBQ pit, bench swing, and picnic tables - Sandbox for kids - The fire pit is great for smores! Other Things to note: - This is the owner's primary residence. The main house is far from the cabins. Things to Bring: - Sunblock - Bug spray - Outdoor towels - Coffee Sheets, blankets, pillows, and towels are provided for each cabin. You'll need to bring your own outdoor towels for swimming. The last 5 miles of the drive are on a "Red Dirt Road" and it can be bumpy or even slippery if it's rained recently. I've never heard of any issues in any vehicles but it's definitely a county road. You will leave with red dirt on your vehicle but that's part of the appeal, the secluded getaway :) Once you start down the driveway you'll see the lake through the trees, making the rough 5-mile ride worth it.
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$100
 / night
100%
(4)

Sojourn Lodge

1 site ¡ Lodging78 acres ¡ Rusk, TX
Located on 78+ acres of hardwood timberland, we invite you to “sojourn in this land” and be blessed with peace of mind and tranquility.Learn more about this land:“Sojourn in this land, and I will be with thee, and will bless thee…” Genesis 26:3Technology has changed all aspects of American life. Advancements created to help us to be more efficient have in fact caused stress and discord as a result of being “tethered”. Sojourn Lodge was created as a place to step away from the busyness of life. Located on 78+ acres of hardwood timberland, we invite you to “sojourn in this land” and be blessed with peace of mind and tranquility.
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$65
 / night
100%
(3)

M Rockin C Ranch

21 sites ¡ RVs, Tents95 acres ¡ Grapeland, TX
M-Rockin-C Ranch, owned and operated by retired US veteran, is raising egg laying chickens, pastured boiler chickens and has grass-fed beef (Brangus, Angus and American Wagyu) for sale. We are currently expanding our operations to include rabbits, turkeys, hogs, goats, and bees for local harvested honey in Houston County, Texas. All my poultry and livestock are free ranged and live on pasture supplemented with non-GMO feeds using no antibiotics or hormones. My goal is growing all the livestock in an environment outside where they can live normal lives eating bugs and grass, enjoying the sun and rain and through holistic management creating more sustainable pastureland for the future. Our main rule is please observe the ranch life. Do not harass the animals. We live in the country please do not be loud or cross outside of the ranch boundaries. My neighbors have lived here or moved here for their own peace and solitude as well be respectful of that and enjoy a brief stay in the country. The ranch is located in the Piney Woods of eastern Texas and consists of 95.26 acres mostly in open grazing land with dispersed pine and oak trees in small groupings and along the fence lines. The ranch has nearly a 1/2-acre upper pond and an elongated narrower close too 1 and a 1/2-acre pond below the upper pond to the west. There is a fenced in just over 1/2 acre area just north of the upper pond. The ponds gain water from natural spring flow and rainwater. Cook Creek runs through the entrance area off of FM 2022 on the northwest side of the property. The creek is year-round but normally is only a few inches deep but does have a few deeper pools of water. The ranch has about 65+ acres of gentle rolling hills of open pasture. The pastures consist of bahia, maxio and angusta ryegrasses, with mostly coastal grasses with some red and white clover mixed with natives. The ranch also has a diverse group of wildlife including but not limited to coyotes, white tail deer, roadrunners, racoons, possoms, wild pigs and hawks of different species. Several migratory birds and waterfowl also traverse the ranch during their travels north and south through the area. The night sky is amazing! If nothing else brings you here. You must come enjoy the view of the milky way and thousands of stars visible in our south-east Texas night sky. Photos of the night sky have been added to the listing... do not miss them! I really enjoy just leaning back in a zero-gravity chair and getting to view the sky when not looking through my 8in Meade Coma-Free Smith-Cassegrain telescope. I often have the scope setup and visitors are more than welcome to come view the wonders that our night sky has to offer on most clear nights.
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$25
 / night
100%
(2)

Hassell Cattle Farm

2 sites ¡ RVs1000 acres ¡ Rusk, TX
This is part of the Hassell Cattle Company farm. This campground is used in the fall for our hunters. We'd love to share with our property with campers during the hunting off season! We are eight miles from Rusk TX. Rusk has the Texas State Railroad also the longest foot bridge. Many area lakes to fish.Learn more about this land:We have a wooded private area that is perfect for an RV camping trip. We have full hookups, water, electric and sewer. Our sites are gravel for easy access. Come and enjoy beautiful East Texas! 
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$40
 / night

The Ranch at Walston Springs

1 site ¡ RV20 acres ¡ Elkhart, TX
The Ranch at Walston Springs is a unique, rustic retreat located in the beautiful east Texas piney woods, but just 3 miles south of Palestine, TX. We offer a large, open parking area for RV's, 3 beautifully rustic Bed and Breakfast rooms, and cabins. Our 23 acres offers a place to just relax and getaway. Guests will have access to restrooms and coin operated laundry room. We have a small gift shop area where we sell our home made jams, jellies, seasonal produce, lotions, soaps and more.
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$20
 / night

Country Estates RV Park

41 sites ¡ RVsRusk, TX
We have a RV Park with a Country atmosphere located in the small town of Rusk TX. We have a lot too do within a short distance from the park. There is fishing bike riding trails and other interesting things to see,  with a Walmart near by, and shopping in the area. We have the Texas State Rail Road with scenic  rides between Rusk TX. And Palestine TX. We brag om having a quiet park here to kick back and enjoy the visit.Learn more about this land:We have shady spaces, large  lots, wooded areas for tent camping, fire rings and firewood. We have a rec room with shower, and laundry mat. We have a paved road throughout the park. Some spaces have concrete pads. It is a quiet park with privacy.
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$35
 / night

Boones’ Farm

10 sites ¡ RVs, Tents6 acres ¡ Rusk, TX
Welcome to Boones’ Farm- a quaint and quiet six acre piece of paradise in the middle of nowhere, perfect for the camping enthusiast trying to get away and enjoy the nighttime stars. Pond on site allows for fishing and you are sure to find and hear plenty of wildlife during your stay. Pitch a tent and enjoy the great outdoors!
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$50.25
 / night
100%
(2)

HFR Campsites & Retreats

40 sites ¡ Tents50 acres ¡ Pennington, TX
Welcome to HFR Campsites & Retreats! This is our family Ranch we have raised cattle and enjoyed nature for over a 100 years! We have over 50 acres of land and beautiful trails for you to enjoy. We are located right next to the Davey Crockett National Forest. On our property you will enjoy nature at it's finest.Learn more about this land:Pitch your tent on our beautiful property! That is surrounded by the Davey Crockett National Forest with tall pine trees. We also have trails that are great for walking and hiking. You will have privacy and also near by at Radcliff lake you can enjoy fishing and boating. You will have access to hunting nearby at the Davey Crockett Forest.
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$20
 / night
100%
(7)

Caddo Springs Farm

7 sites ¡ RVs, Tents75 acres ¡ Frankston, TX
72+/- acre HUNTER'S/FISHER's PARADISE- lodge and acreage on Caddo Creek, East of Athens. This property is the perfect combination of pasture and woods, loaded with beautiful mature trees, and has a large pond away from the highway for quiet and solitude. Activities: Pick pecans, watch the wildlife, pet the sheep, go fishing...plenty of space for all your camping activities. We have 1 electrical hook up or spend the night under the stars near the pond in a tent. This is a disabled/veteran owned working sheep farm. Perfect place to see the ring of fire in April (eclipse)!!
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$15
 / night

The best camping near Mission Tejas State Park guide

Overview

About

Texas’ first Spanish mission—Mission San Francisco de los Tejas—was built in 1690 and summarily abandoned and burned down just three years later. Today, a replica built by the US Civilian Conservation Corps is the centerpiece of Mission Tejas State Park. About two and a half hours from both Dallas and Houston, the park is nestled in the pineywoods section of East Texas, characterized by rolling hills and soaring pine trees. Over eight miles of trail meander through the dogwood forest and historic sites, while fishing is popular at the pond. Mission Tejas Campground is the park’s only campground.

Tips for snagging a campsite

  • Mission Tejas Campground is small, with just 15 developed campsites and five primitive hike-in sites. Booking ahead is key to securing a spot. 
  • The 15 developed campsites sites are reservable up to five months in advance. Reservations can be made online or by calling (512) 389-8900.
  • The five primitive sites are walk-in only (no reservations available). 
  • For same-day reservations, available campsites are listed on a whiteboard at the headquarters building.

When to go

Mission Tejas State Park is open year-round. In late March, the pink and white dogwood blooms make the area sing with color. Summers run hot—from June to September, the average high is 90°F or above. (The closest swimming hole is 12 miles away at the Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area.) For peak fall foliage colors, come in November. Winters are mild with highs in the 60s and lows in the 40s.

Know before you go

  • Mission Tejas State Park is in the northern section of the Davy Crockett National Forest. If you can’t get a reservation, the national forest has many excellent camping options, including the nearby Neches Bluff Campground.
  • The closest towns for food and gas are Crockett and Alto. 
  • Mission Tejas’ developed campsites feature picnic tables, fire rings, and grills, plus access to hot showers, restrooms, and a dump station. Ten RV-friendly sites include electric hookups.
  • The park’s restored mission is reservable as a wedding venue.
  • Before Europeans arrived, the Caddo Indians lived in this area. Three of their earthen mounds dot the landscape at the Caddo Mounds State Historic Site, just 10 minutes away.

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