64 sites ¡ Lodging, Tents31 acres ¡ Kaufman, TXWelcome to Texas Safari Camp
Escape the stresses of city living on this heavily wooded 31 acre pristine wildlife habitat. Relax your body, refresh your mind, heart and spirit. Only one hour east of Dallas but it feels like another world. This piece of east Texas paradise is 20 minutes from Buc-ee's, restaurants, grocery stores and about 25 minutes from Canton First Monday.
We offer a much more personal experience than any State Park. Your host is Randall Oliver, a woodworking artist. His energy, creative vision and love of the outdoors have transformed this property into the jewel that it is. He has been organizing group campouts for 30 years and enjoys hosting, bringing people together, inspiring a passion for the outdoors and sincerely welcomes everyone, regardless of race, religion, color, creed or sexual orientation. He looks forward to sitting around the campfire with his guests, sharing stories, laughter and good will. He can teach your kids how to build a campfire and paddle a kayak. This property is his back yard and the people who camp here feel like family.
At the end of a one lane rock road- this is a very secluded, QUIET and safe property. It is perfect for tent campers (sorry no RV's) with abundant clean, flat tent sites. It's positive vibe attracts good people (including a lot of first time campers) and is more peaceful and relaxing than most state parks. It is next to a 950 acre wildlife park. The Texas Zoofari Park has 900 exotic animals, many can be seen from the road (or you can pay to drive through). This can make for some interesting wildlife noises while sitting around a campfire. While it adjoins the wildlife park on two sides, Texas Safari Camp is in no way affiliated with Texas Zoofari Park.
This is an environmentally important property. It is part of the largest old growth hardwood creek bottom in Kaufman county. The only clearing has been done around the ponds. No hunting is allowed. It has never been in ag use and all of the native brush and cover has been left to benefit the wildlife.
Imagine two ponds in the middle of a forest. Enjoy swimming and kayaking in the clear water front pond. Two kayaks and two paddleboards are provided. Both ponds are stocked with bass, cat, crappie and bluegill. You can hike the jungle trail back to a peaceful, secluded seating area we call Heaven.
There are three camping areas with fire pits overlooking the front pond- the Smokey Hollow, the Waterfront and the Little Forest areas. There are no preassigned campsites- it is first come first serve. Camping is $22 per person per night. Kids 12 and under are $12.00 per kid per night. Day visits are $12 each for kids and adults, payable in cash upon arrival. Friendly, non barking and leashed dogs are allowed for free. Most people camp around the front pond but you can camp anywhere except right behind my home. Campfires are restricted to the existing fire rings.
There is a rustic outhouse with a modern, ventilated composting toilet and sink and a hummingbird window touch of class. Water and electricity is available behind my home as well as an open air cold water shower.
The hand crafted Hummingbird Treehouse has leaded glass windows, screened operable windows and a loft sleeping area with an operable porthole window. It overlooks the front pond and features a full size bed, lights and outdoor tables and chairs. Bring your own sleeping bags to enjoy this comfortable and classy alternative to tent camping. It rents for $80 per night for two people. No food, smoking or pets are allowed in the tree house.
Texas Safari Camp Rules
There are no specific site reservations so itâs first come, first served. Tent camping only- no vehicles allowed on the property. Off road wagons are provided for hauling your gear back to camp. Front pond camping areas are 30-100 yards from the two parking areas. Wagons must be returned to parking area after being unloaded.
Careful, humane catch and release fishing only in the two ponds and only single, barbless hooks are allowed.
You can gather and burn sticks off the ground and split oak firewood can be purchased. No chainsaws, no cutting, carving or harvesting wood from trees. All garbage (including food scraps) must be packed out. No burning of garbage.
Parents of non swimming children must provide a personal flotation device (PFD / life jacket) and personally supervise their swimming. No sun block or insect repellent can be used by swimmers.
All forms of hunting, guns, bow and arrows, bb guns, slingshots and weapons of any kind are forbidden.
No electronic music is allowed (without ear buds), acoustic music is allowed but there is a 10pm to 9am curfew for noise.
Campers must be respectful of the property and other campers. Auto alarms must be disabled. Loud, vulgar and drunken behavior, fireworks, generators or anything that disrupts the peace and tranquility of the property is forbidden. Property has minimal cellular service.