It’s easy to fall into the lure of a grand adventure. Planning a camping trip brings with it some of that excitement. A camping trip might conjure up thoughts of ascending an arduous mountain to a stunning vista or a thrilling rush down a flowing river. But sometimes, a much simpler calling takes us — slow days spent in the midst of a beautiful place, fishing in the still waters of a serene lake, waking early, and glimpsing the sun rising through the trees. 

While it does have its share of thrills, Tyler State Park seems perfectly suited for a slow, lackadaisical camping style. If you’re interested in this kind of decompressing, restorative experience, read on for everything you’ll need to know. This is our ultimate guide to RV camping near Tyler State Park!

Tyler State Park Facts 

Before you hit the road, get up to speed with a few Tyler State Park facts. You’ll get a taste of the park’s history and what makes this such a peaceful destination.

• Tyler State Park is a small national park just north of Tyler, Texas. 
• A big, 64-acre lake is one of the major draws of the park. It’s a great spot for fishing, boating, and swimming.
• The park is known for its towering pines surrounding the park. Some of these tall trees reach as high as 100 feet tall.
• It’s believed that the first humans to inhabit the park were there as early as 10,000 years ago. They were likely drawn to Texas’ abundant resources. 
• The region was once the hunting grounds of indigenous peoples who hunted large mammals, now long extinct.
• Along the way, the grounds were the home of Spanish missionaries, French fur traders, and Native American tribes. 

Explore all the natural history Tyler State Park has to offer as you enjoy RV camping in one of its many campgrounds. 

Best Tyler State Park RV Parks and Campgrounds 

Let’s check out some places to stay next. We’ve curated this handy list of the best Tyler State Park RV Parks and Campgrounds to get you settled. 

Lakeview Campground

Amenities: For the best view among RV sites in Tyler State Park, grab a spot at Lakeview Campground. All 18 sites are nestled right next to the water for an amazing view from morning ‘till night. You’ve got full hookups everywhere and restrooms with showers nearby. This is the most central location in the park and gives you easy access to trails and the lake. Just don’t forget to bring some RV jack pads for hookups!

Capacity: 18 sites

More information: Lakeview Campground

Big Pine Campground

Amenities: For an alternative to the popular Lakeview Campground, check out Big Pine. These are for RV campers only with the same great amenities as Lakeview. Hookups are available at all sites, and restrooms with showers are nearby. You’ll have your own picnic table and fire pit for nights of swapping stories and toasting marshmallows. You won’t be able to see the lake directly, but you’ll be a short walk away in a less populated area. 

Capacity: 39 sites

More information: Big Pine Campground

Cedar Point Campground

Amenities: Cedar Point campground is one more popular option for RV sites in Tyler State Park. This campground is a bit east of the lake but still close enough to stroll to. Electric and water hookups are available with RV jack pads. Each site is spacious with a picnic table and fire pit. You’ll find restrooms with showers a few strides away too.

Capacity: 20 sites

More information: Cedar Point Campground

Tyler Oaks RV Resort

Amenities: Tyler Oaks is a big RV campground near Tyler State Park if you’re looking for a healthier amenities list. Their large campgrounds have full hookups at all sites, free WiFi, a laundry room, a workout room, and more! This is a great option for a family trip with a ton of activities like a pool, game room, and catch-and-release fish ponds right on the grounds.  

Capacity: 117 sites

More information: Tyler Oaks RV Resort

Hidden Lake RV Park

Amenities: Looking for some peace and quiet in an RV site near Tyler State Park? Check out Hidden Lake RV Park. This private campground is set next to its own lake in a serene location just outside of Tyler. You’re free to fish in the water if you’re not having luck in the park properly. The park offers free WiFi, full hookups, bathrooms and showers, a laundry room, and satellite TV. 

Capacity: 30 sites

More information: Hidden Lake RV Park

Best Time to Visit Tyler State Park 

Next up is our seasonal guide to the park. Read up on the features of each season to choose the best time to visit Tyler State Park for you.

Winter

Cold weather RV camping in Tyler State Park is not too harsh at all. Texan winters are mild and short. Temperatures hover around 50 degrees Fahrenheit through the whole season in the daytime and drop just shy of freezing at night. If you’re lucky, you might get to see the park glazed over in white snow, making the park even prettier.

Spring

Spring RV camping in Tyler State Park comes with plenty of perks. You’ve got wildflowers blooming on trails in the form of yucca, purple coneflower, and standing cypress. Then there’s the balmy weather ripe for swimming as early as late April when temperatures rise to around 80 degrees. Spring is a nice alternative to avoid summer crowds while still enjoying the lake. 

Summer

Summer RV camping in Tyler State Park brings the high season with it. Expect the biggest crowds from June to August; all gathered to enjoy a refreshing dip in the lake. Summer temperatures range from the mid-90s in the day to the low 70s at night. The park campground rates stay the same, but you may need to plan a bit farther in advance for a summer visit. We suggest booking at least three months in advance. 

Fall

If you’re less interested in lake activities and more into a scenic retreat, fall RV camping in Tyler State Park is the choice for you. Autumn foliage begins to change around mid to late October. The trails are bathed in red, orange, and hues. The lake’s reflection is a panorama of vibrant color from the treeline beyond. Pack some layers since night can dip into the 40s and 50s.

Things to Do in Tyler State Park 

With all the planning in place, it’s on to the fun! This list of things to do in Tyler State Park will get your trip started right.

• Catch some fish. The park has three fishing piers and a ramp into the lake. Bring your own boat and gear or rent everything you’ll need in the park. The lake is home to catfish, black crappie, perch, and bass. The best part? No fishing license is required on the park grounds. Catch anything you keep and enjoy a fresh meal over the fire at night.
• Hike the trails. Tyler State Park is home to over 13 miles of trails. Check out the Tyler State Park Loop for a whole day of hiking. It boasts over eight miles of forested trails with plenty of activities along the way. Or, try the B Loop Trail for a shorter trek through diverse forest types.
• Mountain bike the trails. The trails are all accessible by mountain bike too. Don’t forget yours if you’d like a thrilling run down some fast hills with varied terrain. Most of the trails are rated at an intermediate difficulty since the elevation shifts aren’t too drastic. Or, check out the “EZ Loop” for a short beginner’s course.
• Enjoy the park lakeside. The big lake gives you plenty of ways to have some fun in Tyler State Park. Take a dip in the swimming area, walk along the floating dock for some nice views or just admire the water lakeside with a nice book.
• Go birdwatching. Tyler is a great spot for birdwatchers too. The park is home to a huge variety of species. Pack some binoculars for a chance to spot cardinals, robins, blackbirds, warblers, finches, and dozens more!

There’s more than enough fun to be had at Tyler State Park, and you won’t want to miss out! 

Tips on Visiting Tyler State Park 

We’re sure you can’t wait to hit the road, but check out these final tips on visiting Tyler State Park to ensure a smooth journey.

• Motors are allowed on the water. Remember to be mindful of the five miles per hour speed limit when boating in the park. Wakes can disturb others or tip unexpecting smaller craft.
• Keep a close eye on swimming kids. Drowning is the second most frequent cause of accidental death for children. It doesn’t take long for a mistake to turn into a disaster. 
• The park's rivers and lakes are natural bodies of water. That means being aware of your surroundings is critical. Hidden rocks, sudden drops, and other hazards may be lurking beneath the surface.
• Don’t go unprepared — bring a trail map! You can download the Tyler State Park Trails Map or even load the GPS data into your device for an easy way to navigate.

It’s time to book your trip and hit the road! Use our handy guide to create the best vacation for you and your family. 

RV Rental for Tyler State Park 

Well, that just about does it for our ultimate guide to this lovely national park. And if you’re looking for the ultimate wheels to get you there, a Cruise America RV rental for Tyler State Park is just the ticket. Cruise America’s fleet of RVs has a perfect option for any party size or budget. Each one comes decked out with features like a working kitchen, bathroom and shower, and living space to make any campsite a comfort.

Make the journey as joyous as the destination. Reserve an RV rental for Tyler State Park now!