Campgrounds and RV parks near Tatum, TX

Water activities anchor most trips. Martin Creek Lake State Park supports year-round fishing for bass and catfish, paddling, lake swimming, hiking and biking, water-skiing, picnicking, geocaching, and nature photography. Three hiking trails between roughly 1.2 and 1.5 miles each wind through stands of loblolly and hardwood pines, and a footbridge crosses to a small island loop. Families with kids tend to combine short trail hikes with fishing from the pier, kayaking, and swimming at the designated swim area. Nearby Longview, Kilgore, and Henderson add museums, restaurants, and grocery runs within about 20 to 25 miles of most campgrounds, giving RVers a straightforward supply base between lake days.

Spring and fall are the most comfortable windows for RV travel in East Texas. March through May brings mild temperatures and wildflowers, though it is also the wettest stretch of the year, with April typically the rainiest month. Thunderstorms and occasional severe weather move through the region during this period, so travelers should monitor forecasts. Summer runs hot and humid. August brings the highest temperatures, with average highs near 95°F and average lows in the low 70s°F, and shaded lakeside sites fill quickly on weekends. Bookings for holiday weekends and school breaks should be locked in well ahead. Fall cools gradually through September, October, and November, with lower humidity and reduced rainfall. September is typically the driest month. Martin Creek Lake State Park stays open through winter when crowds thin considerably. Winter temperatures are generally mild, with occasional freezes and rare light snow, and most private RV parks in the area operate year-round.

Sites at Martin Creek Lake State Park sit under mature pines with picnic tables, fire rings, lantern posts, and water and 30-amp electric hookups at most developed sites, plus a central dump station. The park gate locks at 10 p.m. and opens at 6 a.m. daily, and the automatic gate requires a four-digit code entered at the keypad before headquarters. Late arrivals should call the park office ahead of time to obtain the code. Two local quirks are worth noting. A coal-fired power plant operates across the lake, creating a constant low hum audible throughout the campground, most noticeable from waterfront sites. The Argentine Ant, an invasive species, has been identified in some campsites; the ants do not sting, but campers should inspect vehicles, RVs, and gear before leaving and notify park staff if they see the ants. Rusk County is also under a quarantine to prevent the spread of the emerald ash borer, so movement of firewood is restricted and campers should buy firewood where they burn it.