Big Pine Camping Area

For Texans who love to explore the great outdoors with the comfort and convenience of their RV, the Big Pine Camping Area within Daingerfield State Park offers an exceptional experience. Nestled among the towering pines, oaks, and dogwoods of East Texas, this dedicated RV-only camping area provides a serene and well-equipped base for your adventures. Whether you're planning a weekend fishing trip, a week-long hiking excursion, or simply a peaceful retreat into nature, Big Pine Camping Area combines the beauty of a state park with the amenities that RVers truly appreciate.

This article will guide you through the many reasons why Big Pine Camping Area is a premier choice for RV camping in the Lone Star State. We'll cover its exact location, the full range of services tailored for RVers, the unique features that make it stand out, and why it's consistently praised by those who visit. Discover how this picturesque spot in Daingerfield State Park can become your favorite go-to destination for comfortable and immersive outdoor living in Texas.

Big Pine Camping Area, as an integral part of the highly-rated Daingerfield State Park, consistently receives glowing feedback from RVers who have experienced its offerings. While individual reviews specifically naming "Big Pine Camping Area" are integrated into broader park reviews, the sentiment is overwhelmingly positive for this specific loop. One RVer highlighted their experience, noting, "We stayed in the Big Pine area in site number 7. We like site number 7 because it has full hookups, the site is pull-through and level, and we have access to the lake for launching our kayaks." This emphasizes the practical advantages of the Big Pine area. Another reviewer from RVweekends.com admired the "magnificent pine trees and shimmering lake," commenting that the park "is the most charming of all of the Texas State Parks. It is a small park, but there are many things to do." The fact that Big Pine offers 39 full hookup sites (water, electric, sewer), with some being pull-through, makes it a highly desirable location for RV enthusiasts. Visitors consistently praise the cleanliness of the park, including its well-maintained restrooms and showers, and the peaceful, quiet atmosphere, all of which contribute to an overall excellent RV camping experience.

The Big Pine Camping Area is precisely located within Daingerfield State Park, at 455 Park Road 17, Daingerfield, TX 75638, USA. This places it deep within the heart of the scenic East Texas Piney Woods, in Morris County. The park itself is celebrated as the "Cathedral of Trees" due to its stunning mature forests of pines, oaks, and dogwoods that offer abundant shade and a true sense of natural immersion.

Accessibility to Big Pine Camping Area is notably convenient for RVers traveling from various points across Texas. The park is situated just a few miles east of the town of Daingerfield. For those coming from Dallas, the route typically involves I-30 East towards Mt. Pleasant, then taking SH 49 East to Daingerfield. From there, a left onto SH 11 and then approximately 3 miles east on Park Road 17 will lead you directly to the park entrance. Similarly, from Longview, take SH 259 North to Daingerfield, then turn right on SH 11. Clear signage guides visitors along the well-maintained state park roads, ensuring easy navigation for even the largest RVs.

The park's gate hours are from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, with the park headquarters and store open from 8:15 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. This allows for flexible arrival times, though for late arrivals after 10 p.m., it's advisable to call the park office before 5 p.m. for a gate code. While Big Pine Camping Area offers a tranquil retreat into nature, it is not isolated. The nearby town of Daingerfield provides essential services such as grocery stores, fuel, and local dining options. Moreover, being inside Daingerfield State Park grants immediate access to the 80-acre Little Pine Lake, offering fishing, paddling, and swimming, all just a short walk or drive from your campsite. This strategic location makes Big Pine Camping Area an ideal and highly accessible hub for exploring the natural wonders of Northeast Texas.

Big Pine Camping Area, as a dedicated RV-only loop within Daingerfield State Park, is specifically designed to provide a comprehensive suite of services catering to the needs of recreational vehicle campers.

• Full Hookup RV Sites: The most significant service offered is its 39 dedicated full hookup campsites. Each site provides essential connections for water, electricity (both 30-amp and 50-amp service available), and sewer, ensuring maximum convenience for RVers. This means you won't need to rely on external dump stations during your stay.

• Individual Site Amenities: Every campsite within the Big Pine loop is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring that includes a grill. These amenities are perfect for outdoor cooking, enjoying meals in nature, and having traditional campfires.

• Paved Pull-Through and Back-In Driveways: The Big Pine Camping Area features both pull-through and back-in sites with paved driveways, accommodating a variety of RV lengths and making setup easier. Some sites, like site #7, are noted for being pull-through and level.

• Clean Restrooms and Showers Nearby: While the sites offer full hookups, centrally located restrooms with hot showers are conveniently situated within 200-400 feet walking distance from the campsites. These facilities are consistently praised for their cleanliness and modern condition, providing an added comfort for all campers.

• Pet-Friendly Environment: Pets are welcome at Big Pine Camping Area and throughout Daingerfield State Park, allowing Texans to bring their beloved companions along for the adventure, provided they are kept on a leash and owners clean up after them.

• Dump Station: In addition to individual sewer hookups, a general dump station is available within the park for added convenience, particularly for those transitioning from other areas of the park or for last-minute needs before departure.

• Park Store: A well-stocked park store at the headquarters offers various necessities, including snacks, drinks, fishing supplies, basic camping gear, and souvenirs. It also facilitates boat rentals, making it easy to enjoy the lake.

The Big Pine Camping Area, as a prime component of Daingerfield State Park, offers numerous features and highlights that create a rich and memorable outdoor experience for RVers in Texas.

• "Cathedral of Trees" Setting: The campground is nestled within a magnificent forest of mature pines, oaks, and dogwoods, earning Daingerfield State Park its nickname. This provides abundant natural shade, a serene ambiance, and a truly immersive East Texas forest experience. The stunning fall foliage is particularly a highlight.

• Proximity to Little Pine Lake: Campers at Big Pine have direct and easy access to the 80-acre spring-fed Little Pine Lake. This clear, calm lake is ideal for fishing (no license needed from shore or boat within the park), paddling (canoes, kayaks, paddleboards available for rent), and swimming in a designated unsupervised area with a swim platform.

• Extensive Trail System: The park boasts over three miles of scenic hiking trails. The 2.4-mile Rustling Leaves Trail circles the lake, offering an easy, picturesque walk, while the 1.2-mile Mountain View Trail provides a more challenging ascent to one of the highest points in the park, rewarding hikers with panoramic views.

• Excellent Fishing Opportunities: Little Pine Lake is well-stocked with crappie, bass, catfish, perch, and chain pickerel. The park offers a convenient fishing pier and a fish-cleaning station near the Little Pine Interpretive Center, catering to anglers.

• Quiet and Peaceful Atmosphere: Visitors consistently praise the tranquil environment of Daingerfield State Park. The Big Pine Camping Area offers a calm setting, perfect for relaxation, stargazing, and escaping the noise of daily life.

• Spacious, Level RV Sites: With 39 full hookup sites, many being pull-through and generally level, the Big Pine Area ensures easy setup and comfortable living for RVs of various sizes. Reviewers highlight the spaciousness and privacy of the sites, particularly those set back from the lake.

• Park Activities and Programs: The park regularly hosts ranger-led programs, including hikes, nature programs, and sometimes even live music events in the day-use pavilion (seasonal), adding educational and entertainment value to your stay.

As a Texas State Park campground, Big Pine Camping Area operates under the pricing and promotional guidelines of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD). While traditional "promotions" like those found at private businesses are not common, there are several ways Texans can maximize value and enjoy discounts at Big Pine Camping Area and other state parks.

• Texas State Parks Pass: This is the most significant "deal" for frequent park visitors. For an annual fee (currently $70), the Texas State Parks Pass provides unlimited free entry to all Texas State Parks for the pass holder and their guests for one year, waiving the daily entrance fees (which are $4 per adult at Daingerfield State Park). This can lead to substantial savings over multiple visits.

• Advance Reservations: While not a discount, the ability to reserve specific campsites (including those in Big Pine) up to five months in advance via the TPWD online system or phone is a valuable service. It ensures you get your preferred full hookup site, especially during peak seasons and holidays when popular spots fill quickly.

• Youth and Child Entry Fees: Children 12 years and under are admitted free to all Texas State Parks, making visits more affordable for families with young children.

• Senior and Disabled Veteran Discounts: Texas State Parks often offer discounts on camping fees for Texas residents who are seniors (65+) or disabled veterans. It's advisable to inquire about these specific discounts when making a reservation or checking in.

• Volunteer Program: While not a direct discount, active volunteers with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department may receive certain benefits or incentives. This could be an option for dedicated park enthusiasts looking to contribute and potentially gain perks.

• Educational and Ranger Programs: The park regularly offers free or low-cost ranger-led programs, including nature hikes, educational sessions, and interpretive events. These add significant value to your camping experience without additional charges.

For the most accurate and current information on camping fees, daily entrance fees, and any applicable discounts, it is always best to consult the official Texas Parks and Wildlife Department website or contact Daingerfield State Park directly.

Ready to experience the comfortable RV camping and natural beauty of the Big Pine Camping Area within Daingerfield State Park? Here’s how you can get in touch for reservations and inquiries:

Park Address: 455 Park Road 17, Daingerfield, TX 75638, USA

Park Phone: (903) 645-2921

State Park Reservations Line: (512) 389-8900 (for general camping reservations across Texas State Parks)

Email: DaingerfieldSP@tpwd.texas.gov

For specific questions regarding the Big Pine Camping Area, site availability, or details about park rules, calling Daingerfield State Park directly at (903) 645-2921 is recommended. To make reservations, the most efficient method is to use the statewide reservation line or visit the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department website (texasstateparks.org/reservations). When booking, be sure to specify "Big Pine" to ensure you reserve a full hookup RV site in this popular loop.

For Texans, the Big Pine Camping Area within Daingerfield State Park is an exceptionally suitable and highly desirable destination, particularly for RV enthusiasts. Its prime location in the heart of East Texas's Piney Woods offers a convenient and accessible escape, allowing locals to immerse themselves in nature without extensive travel. This makes it perfect for weekend getaways, longer family vacations, or simply a refreshing break from the daily grind.

The key suitability factor for Texans is the Big Pine Camping Area's focus on providing full hookup RV sites. This means campers can enjoy the natural beauty of a state park with the utmost comfort and convenience, having direct access to water, electricity, and sewer connections. This level of amenity is highly valued by RV owners, ensuring a hassle-free and enjoyable stay. The consistently praised cleanliness of the park's facilities, including restrooms and showers, further enhances the experience, providing a reliable and pleasant environment that Texans expect from their state parks.

Beyond the practical amenities, the park's natural features are a huge draw. The "Cathedral of Trees" setting provides ample shade and a picturesque backdrop, while the accessibility to Little Pine Lake offers endless opportunities for fishing, paddling, and swimming. The extensive hiking trails cater to all levels of outdoor enthusiasts, ensuring there's always an adventure waiting just outside your RV door. For those seeking a peaceful retreat, the quiet atmosphere allows for deep relaxation and stargazing. Big Pine Camping Area provides a quintessential Texas State Park experience tailored for RVers, blending comfort, natural beauty, and recreational opportunities into an ideal local escape. It truly embodies the spirit of comfortable outdoor living in the Lone Star State.