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Texas is a vast state, but if you need a little recreation, consider Lake Somerville camping in Lake Somerville State Park, located between Houston and Austin.
About Lake Somerville
Lake Somerville is a US Army Corps of Engineers reservoir, about 10 miles northwest of Brenham, Texas. Like most reservoirs, the primary purpose is to provide water for irrigation and city usage, but a side benefit is a gorgeous place for outdoor fun in Central Texas.
With over 11,450 acres of water surface and 85 miles of shoreline, there’s a lot of room to explore via boat, kayak, or canoe. There are two “units” or areas of the Lake Somerville State Park: the Birch Creek Unit and the Nails Creek Unit.
Best Time of Year to Visit Lake Somerville
Texas has notoriously mild winters and sweltering summers, so the best time to visit depends on what you’re trying to enjoy at the time.
Fall yields splendid weather for camping and kayaking. Many days are moderate enough to enjoy a hike or other outdoor activities, and there’s always the lake if it gets too warm. Therefore, late September, October, and early November are the most popular for camping.
Spring is another high-demand time of year for these campsites. The weather is perfectly moderate, and gorgeous wildflowers dot the park, making it ideal for campers more interested in hikes and scenery than water sports.
Hot summer days can be scorching, but the refreshing lake is tantalizing for swimming and water sports. May and June see the highest rainfall, so campers should check the weather before heading out. It’s a more popular time for RV campers who have a roof over their heads and can enjoy air conditioning when it gets too warm.
You can enjoy hiking, shore fishing, and mountain biking in cooler but comfortable temperatures during winter. RVers from colder climates often spend a week or two camping at Lake Somerville for warmer temperatures.
There’s truly something to enjoy all year long at this lake.
Things to Do While RV Camping at Lake Somerville
If you’re staying at the park, it’s easy to use the amenities. There are nearly 40 miles of trails for hiking and biking. You can also rent canoes or kayaks for a fun day on the water.
Anglers can go shore or boat fishing for largemouth bass, white bass, crappie, and catfish. If you don’t have your own fishing gear, you can rent it from either park. Birch Creek has a fishing jetty, and Birch Creek and Nails Creek have boat ramps.
If you’re into horseback riding, check out Lake Somerville Trailway or other trails at Nails Creek that allow horses. You can do RV camping with hookups or set up a tent along the Trailway. There’s also horse camping available if you want to bring your large, four-legged friends from home.
Lake Somerville Camping
Now that you know all there is to do while visiting the area, all you need to know is where to camp!
Nails Creek Unit
6280 FM 180, Ledbetter, TX 78946-7036
There are 20 sites at Nails Creek with electricity for $20 night or $120/week during off-peak season in December through February. There are also 20 sites available for equestrian usage with horse pens for $20/nightly. These have water and electricity, a fire-ring, 30 amp hookups, and nearby restrooms.
Birch Creek Unit
14222 Park Road 57, Somerville, TX 77879-9713
This camping area has 99 sites for $20/per night or $120/week during the off-season from December to February. Each site has electricity and a water spigot. Twenty-one of the sites have 50 amp hookups, and the rest have 30 amp.
The sites have a picnic table and fire ring with grill, plus there are restrooms at the park. There are a few campsites that have paved pathways for access.
There’s also a group campsite in this unit for $200-300/nightly plus daily entrance fees ($4/person), with a climate-controlled dining hall, full kitchen, fireplace, fridge, oven, restrooms, tables and chairs, and 20 campsites: 14/electric and water and 6 with just water. What a fun family or group camp experience!
Big Creek Resort and Marina Campground
End of Park, Rd 4, Somerville, TX 77879
Located in Somerville, this private park offers boat ramps, a fishing dock, and jet ski rentals. Cabins are available for friends without RVs, and campsites are $30/night for the 30 amp sites, $35/night for 50 amps, and for 50 amps with full hookups, it’s $45/night.
Welch Park
1560 Thornberry Dr, Somerville, TX 77879
This county park has 40 sites for dry camping and offers flush toilets and showers, a boat ramp, and fishing. The entry fee is $3 per person, and the park is privately operated and open all year.
Rocky Creek
10550 Rocky Creek Park Rd, Burton, TX 77835
The Army Corps of Engineers operates this campsite, which has 127 campsites with 20, 30, 50 amp service and water, 30 campsites with 20/30 amp and water, and 35 tent sites with 20/30 amp and water.
There are restrooms with showers, a group shelter, a playground, nature trails, and boat ramps. Amps are 20/30/50, with water sites starting at $28/night, and the tent sites are $26/night. Winter rates are $2/less per night.
Reviews mention excellent wildlife viewing (deer and hogs) and spacious sites with lake views.
Yegua Creek
Yegua Creek Park Rd, Somerville, TX 77879
Another Army Corps of Engineers-operated site, Yegua Creek features 82 sites with 20/30/50 amp and water hookups for $28/night during the peak season and $26 October through February. There are restrooms with showers, a playground, boat ramps, and a nature trail. Campers mention gorgeous sunsets and plenty of deer to watch.
Lake Somerville Marina and Campground
505 Marina Rd, Brenham, TX 77833
This private facility has 168 acres to spread out, including 93 campsites with electrical and water and unlimited primitive camping. The developed sites have picnic tables and fire rings, and there are cabins for friends without RVs.
The beach area is fantastic for swimming and fishing, two playgrounds for the littles, and a family pavilion. You can rent 30 amp sites for $30/night, 50 amp for $35/night, and tent sites for $25/night. Cabins are $80/night with two full beds, satellite tv, a fridge, a hotplate, and a bathroom with a shower.
Nearby: Frank and Kev RV Park
105 Lake Forest Ln, Somerville, TX 77879
This small private park is located 1.7 miles from the Birch Creek entrance to Lake Somerville State Park. Offering 13 sites with electric, water, sewer, and free WIFI, they also have laundry, shower facilities, and a free library with books and games for the whole family to enjoy during their stay. Daily rates are $25/night with a two-night minimum and three nights on holidays—weekly rates are $125 and monthly $450.
In conclusion, if a lake trip is on your wish list, Lake Somerville has plenty of options for RV camping! There are many options available, from small private spots with full hookups to tent sites and horse camping.
The Lake itself offers unlimited fun for hiking, fishing, biking, boating, kayaking, and just enjoying wildlife with your friends and family.
Between Austin and Houston, there are plenty of fun small Texas towns to visit if you need supplies, a meal, or some historical exploration. Make Lake Somerville your next Texas vacation destination!
We’ve be camping at lake somerville for over 30 years. Best place to bring your family and enjoy it.