Lake Mineral Wells State Park Campground

Stayed in a shelter site #3 but slept in outfitted Jeep. Shelter was very clean and locked. I was here in December 2022. Temps were around 55-70. I wish I could stay longer. My site had beautiful boulders and very nice campfire set up. If you are planning to have a large tent outside, this site is not the most level. Of course if you are setting up inside it’s great. There is an inside light, and an outside light. There is inside and outside 110 plugs. Fire ring, camp grill, water, and a beautiful boulder/rock seating area around a rock table next to a rock campfire site. It is on an overlook over the lake and a short walk down to lake for fishing. It is near the road over the spillway, so if road noise bothers you, you might pick a different spot. Doesn’t bother me. This was the last night before park closes for permit hunts. I’m not a rock climber, but, if you are, this is a great spot.

Similar to other Texas State campgrounds. 2 loops have water and electric which was a plus in 100 degree weather. We were expecting a campsite by the lake or in view of the lake but found out very few sites have those features. Check in was rushed as we came in 1/2 hour before closing. Expect to pay the 50a rate even if you only need 30a. If the pedestal has both you pay the higher rate. Lots of spaces for TT and Class A and 5th wheels up to 30-35’. Dump station is well placed on your way out. Several deer walking about in the late evenings and early morning. A swim area is nearby and many people fishing. A small camp store is on site.

This is the second time we've stayed at Lake Mineral Wells. We have family in Mineral Wells and stay at the park. If you've never been here, once you check in the drive to the campgrounds is a little intimidating. You take a sharp left turn and go down and cross below the spill way of the lake. In fact, water is spilling over the top and across the road. This is normal. Our campsite was actually on the water but it was not very level. I had to raise the passenger side of the trailer about 4" it also sloped down in the back towards the lake. I had 1 bar on ATT and we got the PBS channel over our antennae television.

Lake Mineral Wells State Park is a typical CCC-era park, is well-maintained, and the Rangers are all wonderful folks. My suspicion is that this park is a magnet for mosquitoes in warmer weather, as the edge of the lake is marshland. I stayed here in winter, so my visit was quiet, relaxing, and the night sky - the park being well-removed from any city lights - was spectacular. If I ever stay over in Summer, I’ll update this review regarding my suspicions...

First, let me make this very clear. Whoever quoted the price of $12 must have been drunk. The price is $24 but you have to add to that $7 per person state fee. The total for one night was $38. If it wasn’t for the per person state free, I would have given this campground five stars because it is very peaceful, very quiet and clean. A very busy state park and we lucked out with getting one of two available sites without making a reservation. If we made the reservation online, there probably would have been a reservation fee on top of the $38.

We reserved a site in the equestrian area, which is legit, as that was all that was open through the weekend. Worked out well for our set-up. Each site has water and large pullout for parking. Bathrooms and showers were very good. The Cross Timbers trail system was fun to explore and we did a couple days of rock climbing in the Penitentiary Hollow area. This little state park has a lot to offer.