The best camping in Purtis Creek State Park, TX

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Top-rated campgrounds

Heavenly Haven & Hideaways

97%
(52)
40mi from Purtis Creek State Park · 12 sites · Tents, RVs · Tyler, TX
Escape the hustle of everyday life and discover a place where nature, comfort, and community come together. At Heavenly Haven & Hideaways, we’ve created a family- and pet-friendly retreat where guests feel truly welcome—whether you’re camping under the stars, enjoying the trails, or relaxing in a cozy cabin. Our story began in the Dallas area, where we dreamed of having land, space, and the chance to share the great outdoors with others. Former avid RVers, we missed the joy of “glamping” and community life on the road. When we found this property in Tyler, Texas, we knew it was the perfect place to bring that vision to life. What started as a dream has become a God-inspired project fueled by our love for people, adventure, and the beauty of East Texas. Spread across 60 heavily treed acres, our property offers RV and tent camping, as well as two fully furnished cabins available for short- or mid-term rental (see photos and booking at heavenlyhavenandhideaways.com). Guests can gather around the large communal firepit, enjoy games like tetherball, volleyball, and horseshoes, or relax in the open field with a frisbee or a couple portable disc golf baskets. Trails wind throughout the property, including a small creek and endless opportunities to explore. The trailhead is located just south of Site A. We’re conveniently located just a few miles from Tyler State Park, where you can swim, bike, or rent paddleboats, and the Caldwell Zoo, known as one of the best small zoos in Texas. Shopping, museums, and great food are close by, along with unique stops in nearby Lindale—like Miranda Lambert’s Pink Pistol boutique. Whether you’re here to rest, play, hike, or explore, Heavenly Haven & Hideaways offers the perfect mix of peace and adventure. We can’t wait to host you here in East Texas! 👉 facebook.com/heavenly.haven.and.hideaways
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$23
 / night

Texas Safari Camp

99%
(115)
20mi from Purtis Creek State Park · 54 sites · Tents, Lodging · Kaufman, TX
Welcome to Texas Safari Camp Come escape to a heavily wooded 31 acre pristine wildlife habitat. Only one hour east of Dallas but it feels like another world. At the end of a one lane rock road- this is a very secluded property. It is perfect for tent camping groups and individuals, has a very positive vibe and is more peaceful than most state parks. It adjoins a 950 acre wildlife park with 1200 exotic animals. Many can be seen from the road or you can pay to drive through and feed the animals. Your host is Randall Oliver. He has been organizing group campouts for years and enjoys hosting, bringing people together and inspiring a love of nature, camping and paddling. Everyone is welcome and campers are treated like family. He can teach your kids to kayak and build a camp fire. You can fish for largemouth bass, cat, crappy and bluegill in the two ponds and swim, paddle kayaks and paddle boards, hike the jungle trail and socialize around the campfires. There are no designated campsites. You can camp anywhere except between the green building and the front pond. No vehicles are allowed back on the property. Off road wagons are provided to help haul your gear. Front pond camping areas are 30-100 yards from parking area. The rear pond is more secluded but farther from the parking and outhouse. There are four fire pits around the front pond and one next to the rear pond. The tiny handcrafted Hummingbird Tree House is perched on an elevated deck overlooking the front pond. and features a queen bed, a bed in the loft for two small kids, electricity, lights, fan, hummingbird stained glass windows, screened operable windows and a screened, operable porthole window in the kids loft. The deck has lights, tables and chairs and outdoor table and chairs and a thatch covered umbrella. There is no heat or AC in the tree house. You must bring your own sleeping bags, blankets and pillows. No food, smoking or pets allowed in the tree house. There is a rustic outhouse with a modern composting toilet, sink, faucet, lights, soap, etc. and a nearby cold water outdoor shower (no privacy), sink, counter and faucet. Use of firepit and grill, kayaks and paddleboards, rod & reels, hammocks, swinging chair and tire swing is included. Firewood can be purchased $1 per stick
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$25
 / night

Tara Vineyard & Winery estate

93%
(94)
8.3mi from Purtis Creek State Park · 15 sites · Tents · Athens, TX
Peaceful, quiet, luxurious, historic, wine country experience. Tara Winery offers a unique vineyard and winery resort style experience. Discover Tara and the myths surrounding the secrets of the vines. TARA was named after the sailboat TARA, pierce family started the vineyard in 2006 and opened the winery in 2007. The historic Murchison mansion is an iconic structure in the midst of the vines. Onsite tasting room and restaurant with share plates and full meals. In 2023, we have added a beautiful 50 ft pool with lovely water features, there is an activity fee to use the pool. Please plan to arrive before dark, so you can get settled in the daylight. We do not have 24 hour staff. Learn more about this land: Camping throughout the Tara Vineyard property.  We have primitive sites available in the wooded trail. If you would like a beautiful view of the winery property, ground camping throughout the vineyard is available and most popular ! There is quick access to our winery and food service if you prefer to relax under our covered patio, or pick up a rib eye or filet  from the chef and cook it yourself on your propane grill our our community grill. Enjoy your hand crafted estate wine from TARA winery while camping under the stars. You can be among others or select a remote location. Fires permitted only in designed fire pits. No exceptions. We have 2 bathrooms and a solar heated shower near the trail head, camping also available near vineyard. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. is check-in time.
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$50
 / night

The Dome Home

100%
(1)
38mi from Purtis Creek State Park · 1 site · Lodging · Bullard, TX
Our DOME HOME is anything but ordinary with it's concrete dome construction. Located in a gated community at Lake Palestine in Bullard, Tx. This home features a private on property hot tub for relaxing, outdoor grill for cooking and outdoor fire pit for more outdoor enjoyment. Some come relax and enjoy this unique structure and it's beautiful back yard sunsets. 🛏 2 bedrooms (queen beds) 🛁 2 bath (1 tub/shower combo, 1 shower only) 📌 private on property hot tub 🔥 outdoor fire pit & seating ♠️ large outdoor games (corn hole, washers, large jenga, connect 4, dominos & more 🎣 fishing dock, community picnic area, playground, boat ramp & swimming pool available for guest use (some of these items are seasonal. We do not control the dates or hours) ✨️ Upon request we will accommodate and earlier check in if available to the best of our availability
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$113
 / night

A Little Piece of Paradise

94%
(78)
23mi from Purtis Creek State Park · 85 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Terrell, TX
A Little Piece of Infinity Paradise Come escape to our rustic country retreat — a peaceful place where you can breathe fresh air, listen to the birds sing, and enjoy nature at its finest. Whether you love fishing, hiking through the trees, or simply relaxing outdoors, there’s something here for everyone. Many guests who arrive are truly amazed by the beauty of the house. They often say that photos don’t do it justice because the place is even more stunning in person. The property includes a main house and a cozy cabin, with a swimming pool nestled between them, right next to a small lake. If you book for 3 nights or more, the pool will be exclusively yours during your stay. The cabin can also be rented separately if you need additional space. One of the special features of the main house is a charming atrium inside, where you’ll find a beautiful tree, a relaxing fountain, and some tables perfect for sitting down in the morning to enjoy a peaceful cup of coffee surrounded by nature. Main House Layout: First Floor: There are two bedrooms with king-sized beds. One of these rooms also has a sofa bed. There's also a TV room with another sofa bed. Additionally, two folding beds are available on this floor. Second Floor: There is one bedroom with a queen-sized bed and a pop-up trundle bed (equivalent to two full-size beds). In the living room, there's another sofa bed. The house is set up to comfortably accommodate three couples, each with two children. There’s a gas barbecue grill and outdoor dining tables — perfect for a small family celebration or a quiet evening meal. Some of the most cherished moments at Infinity Paradise happen at night — sitting outside on the deck in the lakeside kiosk (kioske del lago), watching the stars light up the sky or enjoying the glow of a full moon reflected on the water. And in the early morning, nothing beats a peaceful walk while listening to the birds sing — a perfect way to start the day. We're located just outside the city limits, only 15 minutes from Walmart and other conveniences, so you're never far from anything you might need. The land is filled with trees and wildlife. We have friendly, domesticated deer on-site, and you may also spot wild hogs. There’s a seasonal creek, several fishing ponds, and plenty of space for ATV
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$38
 / night

The Fabulous Bok Vegas, Texas

92%
(18)
32mi from Purtis Creek State Park · 58 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · 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. Farm Day Passes are also available. 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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$5
 / night

Lindale, Coyote Camping/Yurt/Tiny

100%
(12)
38mi from Purtis Creek State Park · 8 sites · Tents, Lodging · Lindale, TX
I4 acres with spring-fed creek, just a few minutes from Lindale restaurants and supplies. For more info about the tiny house or yurt rentals, please inquire. It has extended acreage with multiple ecosystems. I just found a spring and will be doing livestock. There is yurt and tiny house for rent. There is an RV plug, electricity (extra fee), and a water hose. The site is close to downtown Lindale (5 minutes) restaurants and shopping. 15 minutes from tyler. It is country living but still close to city action. The lower parts of the property require 4-wheel drive, but the top has water and electricity, so any car is fine. As this is an outdoor area, there are bugs and critters. I have never had a problem, but this is notice that you agree to assume all liability and responsibility for your party by camping at this property. NEW: Starlink Satellite Internet! Unleased Pets are added fee. If they are in a structure other than your own, they must be in a crate, or we have a fenced dog park area.
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$16
 / night

Other options near Purtis Creek State Park

The best camping in Purtis Creek State Park, TX guide

Overview

About

The 355-acre lake at Purtis Creek State Park is a fishing paradise. Whether you cast a line from one of the many fishing piers or BYOB (bring your own boat) to cruise around the lake, there’s every chance to catch and release a largemouth bass, or snag a catfish or crappie for your lakeside picnic. If fishing’s not your bag, five walking and biking trails are suitable for the whole family, and swimming is always a good time. At Purtis Creek Campground, campers can choose from walk-in, primitive sites on the north shore of the lake, water-only sites to the south, or RV camping at the main campground. 

Tips for snagging a campsite

  1. You can reserve one of the park’s 59 campsites in advance via the Texas State Parks website. Weekly rates are available in the low season (December through February).
  2. Campsite reservations open five months in advance. 
  3. Campsites book up fast for summer and holiday weekends—book as early as possible, especially if you have a particular site in mind (such as campsites #21-#23, right by the water).

When to go

Purtis Creek State Park is open year-round, but the most popular time to visit is from late spring through early autumn. With average daytime temperatures reaching over 90°F in summer, it’s the ideal time for swimming and cruising the lake. Late summer also reportedly has the highest catch rates for largemouth bass, so take note if you want to hook a big one.

Know before you go

  • Purtis Creek State Park is located 62 miles southeast of Dallas or about a 1-hour drive away.
  • Park entrance fees are required in addition to camping fees, and general entrance reservations can be made up to one month in advance.
  • Facilities in the park include restrooms, picnic benches, fish washing stations, and a park store selling outdoor equipment, fishing supplies, and ice. You can purchase groceries and fuel in Eustace, a 5-minute drive away.
  • You can bring your own boat or watercraft to Purtis Creek State Park. There is a limit of 50 no-wake motorized boats on the lake at any time. 
  • Fishing tackle is available to rent, and no fishing license is required. There is a catch-and-release policy on bass fishing, plus daily limits of five catfish and 25 crappies per person.
  • Purtis Creek Campground includes wheelchair-accessible campsites and restrooms
100%
6 ratings · 2 reviews