camping awards

North Texas park wins 2025 award for best quiet American getaways

Lake Bonham Recreation Area is one of the best campgrounds for a quiet getaway in 2025.

Photo courtesy of Campspot

Camping season has begun in the Lone Star State, and Lake Bonham Recreation Area in North Texas has earned new recognition as a must-visit destination in the just-released 2025 Campspot Awards.

Award-winning parks are chosen based on campground search platform Campspot's "comprehensive evaluation" to determine the best parks that offer the most memorable experiences.

Five Texas parks earned accolades this year, with Lake Bonham Recreation Area earning an award in the category for "Top Quiet Getaways in the USA."

The park is located about 80 miles northeast of downtown Dallas on 1,200 acres of land in Fannin County, which is just south of the Texas-Oklahoma border. The park has a volleyball court, lots of water access, a recreational pavilion, and more.

"There is a double wide launch ramp for boats, enclosed heated/cooled event center, an open pavilion for parties, a public beach for swimming, a dock for fishing, a playground for the kids, and many lovely camping spots," the park's profile says.

Campspot says there are 76 available camping sites at Lake Bonham, from tent and RV sites to a pet-friendly screened shelter. The park has many amenities for campers, including showers, bathrooms, dump stations, garbage containers, and more.

The park has 4.7 stars across 269 reviews, with most reviews praising Lake Bonham's peaceful atmosphere, its bountiful fishing opportunities, and its overall cleanliness.

"Took granddaughter and she enjoyed the playground and getting to see the ducks," one reviewer wrote. "We also enjoyed the decorations and the area was well kept."

Buffalo Springs Lake Campground in Lubbock, about 330 miles west of Dallas, topped the list as the No. 1 quiet getaway in the country. Campspot calls Buffalo Springs an oasis "for all sports recreation and fun at the lake."

"They offer RV and tent camping, as well as their Buffalo Bay Marina with lakeside rentals and two incredible beaches," the park's profiile says. "Whether you choose to enjoy the water by boat, jet ski, canoe, or kayak, they have you covered! Also onsite you will have access to ATV trails, nature trails, concerts, fishing and more!"

Buffalo Springs Lake Campground is the No. 1 best camping spot for quiet getaways in the nation.Photo courtesy of Campspot

The three other Texas parks that won awards include:

Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park, Fredericksburg (Top Campground in the USA and Top RV Campground)
Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park, Guadalupe River (Top Glamping Campground)
Hidden Valley RV Park, Von Ormy (Top Mid-Size Campground)

"The Campspot Awards aim to recognize those parks that are delivering outstanding guest experiences and embodying the spirit of modern camping," said Campspot CMO Erin Stender in a press release. "This year’s winners represent the variety and depth of camping in North America. From peaceful retreats where you can disconnect to adrenaline-pumping destinations perfect for families, we’re thrilled to showcase parks that are truly exceptional. Every campground on this list provides a unique experience for campers, and they’ve earned their place as the best in the business."

camping vacations spring break awards

Exploring Texas

Texas' new Palo Pinto State Park opens just a 2-hour drive from Dallas

Photo courtesy of Texas Parks and Wildlife Department

Palo Pinto Mountains State Park opens March 1

Texans will be able to hike, fish, camp, and explore a brand-new state park — the first new Texas state park in 25 years — starting on Sunday, March 1.

Palo Pinto Mountains State Park, located at 100 Park Road 77 in Strawn, spans 4,871 acres of former ranchland between Abilene and the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex (about a two-hour drive west from downtown Dallas).

According to a press release, the land was originally purchased by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) in 2011 and the park was expected to open three years ago, but construction delays impeded the opening. Funding for the park was provided by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation (TPWF), the Texas Legislature, the Sporting Goods Sales Tax, the federal government, and $10 million was raised by TPWF through private donations.

The park offers more than 16 miles of trails for hikers, bikers, and horseback riding, and the park's website states 1.25 miles are ADA compliant, and all-terrain wheelchairs are available for some non-accessible trails. Campers and overnight guests also have three campsites to choose from, including RV sites, walk-in tent spots, and primitive camping areas.

Visitors are also welcome to swim, fish, and boat (note: motorboats are not allowed) in the 68-acre Tucker Lake using the park's accessible kayak/canoe launch, fishing pier, and fish cleaning station. Visitors don't need a license to fish at Palo Pinto Mountains State Park, and the park will loan fishing gear upon request.

Tucker Lake at Palo Pinto Mountains State Park Visitors are welcome to kayak and canoe at Tucker Lake, but motorboats are not allowed.Photo courtesy of Texas Parks and Wildlife Department

Birding enthusiasts might spot golden-cheeked warblers during their visit, as the endangered species take residence in the park's oak and Ashe juniper trees in the spring and summer months. Many other migratory birds can be seen at the park throughout the year.

Palo Pinto Mountains State Park is anticipating high visitation in March with the spring season's temperate weather and Texas schools' spring breaks. TPWD strongly encouraged visitors to reserve day passes in advance to avoid being turned away if the park has reached its capacity limit.

"This is a tremendous moment for Texas State Parks and the state of Texas," Texas State Parks director Rodney Franklin in the release. "Opening Palo Pinto Mountains State Park represents the culmination of collaborative efforts that includes our Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation as well as private donors. I am proud of the dedication of our TPWD team but also the unwavering support of the Texas Legislature and the voters of Texas that have brought us to this moment. State park staff stand ready to welcome families far and wide to begin making memories at Texas’ newest state park."

Day passes are available up to one month in advance, are non-transferrable to another person or park, and are valid all-day until 10 pm unless the park closes earlier. Day passes can be reserved online or by calling TPWD's Customer Service Center during regular business hours at (512) 389-8900. Entrance fees are $7 daily for adults and children aged 13 and older, and admission is free for children 12-years-old and younger.

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