Camp Tonkawa Springs RV Park and Campground

💎 **Introduction / Overview**

For Texans seeking a genuine retreat into nature without sacrificing modern comforts, **Camp Tonkawa Springs RV Park and Campground** is truly an East Texas "hidden gem." Tucked away in the tranquil **Piney Woods of Garrison, Texas**, this park offers a unique and refreshing experience centered around its spectacular, historic **spring-fed pond**. The crystal-clear, cool water, fed constantly by a natural spring, provides an unparalleled escape from the Texas heat and has been drawing visitors for well over a century. In fact, the camp's name, "Tonkawa," appropriately means **"They all stay together"** in the native language, reflecting the family-friendly and welcoming environment found here.

Originally serving as a Boy Scout Camp in the 1930s (with structures built by the Civilian Conservation Corps) and even leased by the Ozarka Water Company for its pristine water, Camp Tonkawa Springs has a rich, colorful history. It was officially reopened as an RV park and campground in 2001, providing modern facilities while preserving the natural beauty that makes it so special. Today, the park is a favored destination for solo travelers, families, and RV clubs alike, all seeking the quiet, shaded sanctuary under the lush canopy of Texas pine and hardwood trees. Guests frequently praise the blend of excellent staff accommodation, meticulously clean facilities, and the surprising abundance of wildlife, including the deer that often wander right into the campsites, creating unforgettable moments.

The entire atmosphere is one of relaxation and simplicity. Whether you are passing through Nacogdoches County or looking for a destination to spend a week or more, Camp Tonkawa Springs offers a unique natural feature—the spring-fed swimming pond with its white, soft-sand bottom—that truly sets it apart from typical Texas RV parks or lake-based campgrounds.

📍 **Location and Accessibility**

Camp Tonkawa Springs RV Park and Campground is ideally situated in the serene countryside of Nacogdoches County, located at **4675 Co Rd 153, Garrison, TX 75946, USA**. This address places the park deep enough within the **Piney Woods** to ensure a tranquil atmosphere, yet conveniently accessible from regional hubs.

The campground is strategically located:

• Approximately **14 miles north of Nacogdoches**, the "Oldest Town in Texas," offering excellent opportunities for history buffs, antique hunting, dining, and sightseeing.
• Roughly **20 miles from Henderson**, providing another nearby hub for supplies and services.
• Just a manageable drive from larger metropolitan areas, including about an hour from **Tyler** and **Longview**, making it an easy weekend getaway for many East Texas residents.

To reach the camp, travelers typically take U.S. Highway 259 before turning onto County Road 153. While the park is "off the beaten path," the directions are clear, and the reward is a quiet setting that feels miles away from the noise of the highway. Travelers should note that while the secluded location contributes to the peaceful ambiance, cell service can sometimes be spotty, which many Texans appreciate as an incentive to truly **unplug** and embrace the natural surroundings.

🛠️ **Services Offered**

Camp Tonkawa Springs provides a comprehensive array of services and amenities designed to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay for both short-term visitors and extended guests:

• **Full Hookup RV Sites:** Offers a large number of sites (approximately 72 full hookups out of 90 total sites) equipped with **water, sewer, and electricity** (available in **20, 30, and 50 amp** services).
• **Tent Camping:** Features dedicated **tent sites** for those preferring a more traditional camping experience, with some offering electric and water hookups.
• **Sanitation and Comfort:** Provides well-maintained and highly praised **hot-water bathhouses** and **flush toilets** that guests consistently describe as clean and well-kept.
• **Group Facilities:** Includes a **covered group pavilion** and **recreation halls** that are suitable for rallies, family reunions, parties, and RV clubs.
• **On-site Convenience:** Offers services such as a **sanitary dump station** for RVs, **firewood** available for purchase, and **trash collection**.
• **Connectivity:** Provides **Wi-Fi service**, although its strength can vary due to the remote, wooded location, making it ideal for checking emails but perhaps less so for heavy streaming.
• **Membership Discounts:** Accepts discounts from major organizations including **Good Sam, Escapees, and Passport America**.

🌟 **Features / Highlights**

Camp Tonkawa Springs is distinguished by its truly unique natural features and its commitment to a relaxing, family-friendly environment. These highlights are what make it a must-visit spot for Texas campers:

• **The Spring-Fed Swimming Pond:** The **main attraction** is the crystal-clear, rock-lined pond with a **soft, white sand bottom**. Fed by a constant, cool spring, the water is refreshing (around 68 degrees), offering a non-chlorinated, natural swimming experience beloved by Texans seeking relief from summer heat.
• **Abundant Wildlife:** Guests frequently experience up-close encounters with **Fallow Deer, guinea fowl, and peacocks** that roam the 55-acre property, often feeding right out of campers' hands. This feature is consistently noted as a favorite highlight in reviews.
• **Shaded, Wooded Sites:** The campsites are situated under a lush canopy of tall pines and hardwoods, providing **ample shade** that is essential for comfortable camping during the Texas summer months.
• **Recreational Amenities:** Offers classic outdoor fun, including areas for **sand volleyball** and **horseshoes**. Guests can also enjoy **hiking/biking trails** throughout the 55 acres of property.
• **Historic Significance:** The spring-fed pond features rock sides built by the **Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC)** in the 1930s when the site was Camp Tonkawa, providing a unique historical context to the natural environment.
• **Peaceful Ambiance:** The overall environment is described as **very quiet and peaceful**, with sites often well-spaced apart to offer a sense of privacy and seclusion.

☎️ **Contact Information**

For reservations, current rates, event booking, or specific inquiries about **Camp Tonkawa Springs RV Park and Campground** in Garrison, Texas, please use the following contact details:

• **Address:** 4675 Co Rd 153, Garrison, TX 75946, USA
• **Phone Number:** (936) 564-8888
• **Email:** camptonkawasprings@gmail.com (as verified by public sources)

We recommend contacting the park directly to check on seasonal operating hours for the spring-fed pond access and to inquire about group rates or specific amenity availability.

✔️ **What is Worth Choosing**

For Texans seeking a truly unique and restorative camping experience, **Camp Tonkawa Springs RV Park and Campground** is worth choosing for one definitive reason: its **natural spring-fed swimming hole**. This single feature transforms a standard East Texas camping trip into a treasured, memory-making destination. On a sweltering summer day, the constant flow of **cool, crystal-clear, non-chlorinated water** with a **soft sand bottom** is an unbeatable, highly-valued amenity that few other Texas RV parks can offer.

Beyond the incredible swimming pond, the park excels by pairing this natural beauty with high standards of comfort. You get the convenience of **level, full-hookup RV sites** under a gorgeous **pine-shaded canopy** and the reassurance of **spotlessly clean facilities**. Furthermore, the unique opportunity to interact with the **free-roaming deer and other wildlife** right outside your door provides a magical, immersive natural experience, as noted by countless satisfied customers. The friendly, accommodating staff, often praised for their helpfulness and warmth, ensures your stay is hassle-free from check-in to departure. Choosing Camp Tonkawa Springs is choosing a blend of history, nature, and modern camping comfort—a true slice of Texas paradise.