RV Parks In Bowie, Texas
33.5590° N, 97.8487° W
Quick Overview
Bowie sits in Montague County in north Texas, right where US-287 and US-81 cross, which makes it an easy, unhurried stop between Fort Worth and Wichita Falls. It's a small ranching and trade-days town, and the camping here splits neatly into two camps: lakeside city sites at the water, and full-hookup private parks strung along the highways. We like Bowie because you can fish a quiet reservoir in the morning and still make a Fort Worth run the same afternoon. For public camping, head about 6 miles south to Selma Park on the west bank of Lake Amon G. Carter. The city runs it, there are around 21 sites with partial hookups (electric and water), a boat ramp, a swimming beach, and a dump station on site. You reserve by calling the park host, and it stays open year-round, which is handy in the shoulder seasons. It's a genuine lake spot without resort pricing. If you want sewer at the pad and a pull-through, the private parks are your answer. Lazy Days RV Park on US-287 North has about 35 full-hookup sites with 20, 30, and 50-amp service, a pool, and free WiFi. Flying Horse RV Park adds a propane filling station, laundry, and a nature trail, and Route 81 RV Park has full hookups and a private fishing pond. All three take direct reservations, and we'd book ahead for the big weekends. The reason a lot of RVers land here is Second Monday Trade Days, one of the oldest and largest flea markets in North Texas, running the weekend before the second Monday of every month since 1890. Add Jim Bowie Days rodeo in June, the fall Heritage Festival, and boating on Lake Amon G. Carter, and there's a reason to visit most months. You can check public lake access on the Texas Parks and Wildlife lake page. Need to empty your tanks? See our guide to RV dump stations in Bowie for the local options and hours.
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Gear for Your Trip to Bowie
All Dump Stations Near Bowie
| Station Name | Distance | Rating | Category | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pelham Park | 1.2 mi | 4.3 | RV Park | Free |
| Bowie Community RV Park | 2.9 mi | 3.7 | Dump Station | Varies |
| The Horse And Carriage RV Park | 3.3 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Cottage Cove RV Park | 5.2 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Campers Paradise RV Park | 5.8 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| The Ooak RV Park And Campground | 6.4 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Summers' Place | 17.0 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| A+ RV Park | 17.4 mi | 4.3 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Alvord Oaks RV Park | 20.3 mi | 3.7 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Stanford Ranch Lakeside RV Resort | 20.5 mi | 4.8 | Dump Station | Varies |
Pelham Park
1.2 miBowie Community RV Park
2.9 miThe Horse And Carriage RV Park
3.3 miCottage Cove RV Park
5.2 miCampers Paradise RV Park
5.8 miThe Ooak RV Park And Campground
6.4 miSummers' Place
17.0 miA+ RV Park
17.4 miAlvord Oaks RV Park
20.3 miStanford Ranch Lakeside RV Resort
20.5 miTraveling to Bowie by RV
Bowie is one of the easier north Texas towns to reach in a big rig because it sits at the junction of two major four-lane highways. US-287 runs southeast to Fort Worth (about 70 miles) and northwest toward the Panhandle, and it's a wide, truck-friendly route the whole way, so pulling a fifth wheel down from Amarillo or up from the metroplex is no drama. US-81 crosses north to south through town, and TX-59 heads west toward Jacksboro. Wichita Falls is about 50 miles west if you need a bigger city for supplies or repairs. The private RV parks line US-287 North, which means easy on-and-off with room to swing a 40-footer and pull-through sites at several of them. Getting to Selma Park you'll drop south of town on the lake roads, which narrow near the water, so take it slow and call the host ahead if you're over 35 feet to be sure of a fit. Downtown Bowie is walkable and the Trade Days grounds have big parking areas. Fuel, groceries, and propane are all easy in town, and Decatur, 30 miles south, has more services and interstate access if you're routing onto US-380 or I-35W.
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Before You Go: RV Trip Essentials
Dump stations are only one piece of the trip puzzle. Before you set out for your trip to Bowie, Texas, it's worth taking thirty minutes to check that the basics are in place — the four areas below are where unprepared RVers most often get stung.
Check your RV insurance coverage
A standard auto policy rarely covers a Class A, Class C, or travel trailer the way a dedicated RV insurance policy does. If you're financing a motorhome, lenders typically require comprehensive and collision; full-timers should additionally price in vacation liability and personal belongings coverage. Rates vary widely by state and travel pattern — compare quotes from multiple RV-focused carriers before each season.
Know your roadside assistance options
RV-specific roadside plans tow motorhomes and trailers that regular AAA coverage won't touch — flat beds, mobile mechanics, tire service for duallies, and even emergency lockouts at remote campgrounds. Good plans cover your spouse and trailer even if you're driving a separate vehicle, and some include trip interruption reimbursement if a breakdown costs you a reservation.
Decide about an extended warranty early
Original manufacturer warranties on new RVs typically run 12–24 months — shorter than most buyers realize. An extended service contract (essentially a mechanical breakdown policy) covers the appliances, slides, levelling systems, and drivetrain components that can run $3,000–$10,000 to replace. The time to price one is before the factory coverage expires, not after something breaks.
Set up a travel rewards card for fuel and fees
A no-annual-fee travel or gas rewards card pays for itself on a single month of RV travel. Expect to spend $400–$800 per week combined on fuel, campgrounds, and propane — 3–5% cash back on gas alone covers the next oil change. For bigger trips, a sign-up bonus can offset campground fees for the whole season.
RVingLife is supported by advertising. Third-party ads on this page may include insurance quotes, roadside plans, warranty coverage, or financial products relevant to the topics above. We don't endorse any specific provider — compare multiple offers before you commit. Privacy policy.
Dump Station Costs in Bowie
Bowie is a budget-friendly place to camp, especially if you use the city lake. Selma Park's partial-hookup sites on Lake Amon G. Carter are the cheapest option, typically in the low-to-mid teens to low twenties per night for electric and water, paid to the park host. There's no online booking fee, which keeps the total down. The private full-hookup parks cost more but give you sewer at the site and amenities. Expect roughly $30 to $45 a night at Lazy Days RV Park, Flying Horse RV Park, or Route 81 RV Park for a 30 or 50-amp full-hookup site, with monthly rates available if you're staying to work or wait out a season. Those monthly deals are popular with oilfield and travel workers, so long-term sites can be tight. Overall, Bowie runs cheaper than the Fort Worth metro parks an hour southeast, which is a big part of why RVers use it as a quieter, lower-cost base.
Contact station for pricing details.
Prices may vary. Always confirm with the station before visiting.
What RVers Are Saying About Bowie
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Best Time to Visit Bowie by RV
Winter
Nov - Feb
32F - 53F
Crowds: Low
Cold and windy but mild. Private full-hookup parks stay open and quiet; protect hoses in a freeze.
Spring
Mar - May
54F - 74F
Crowds: Medium
Green and wet, peak storm season March into June. Trade Days weekends fill; watch the radar.
Summer
Jun - Aug
74F - 95F
Crowds: High
Hot and muggy. Lake sites and shaded pads go first; book Jim Bowie Days weekend early.
Fall
Sep - Oct
52F - 76F
Crowds: Medium
Best camping weather. Heritage Festival draws crowds; cool nights, easy midweek availability.
Explore the Bowie Area
A few things we've picked up camping around Bowie. The single biggest one: plan around Second Monday Trade Days. The private parks fill up the weekend before the second Monday of each month, and again around Jim Bowie Days in June, so if you're coming for either, book weeks out rather than rolling in and hoping. Outside those weekends, midweek availability is usually wide open. For the lake, Selma Park is the local secret, cheap partial-hookup sites right on Lake Amon G. Carter with a boat ramp and a dump station. Call the park host to lock a site and confirm the fee, since it's not an online booking system. Bring your own drinking water reserve in the hotter months when lake-park water pressure can drop. If you need full hookups with sewer, stick to Lazy Days RV Park, Flying Horse RV Park, or Route 81 RV Park on the highways. Fuel up in Bowie before heading to the lake, and watch the afternoon storms in spring, this stretch of Texas gets serious thunderstorms from March into June.
National Parks Nearby
Frequently Asked Questions About Dump Stations in Bowie
Where can I camp with an RV in Bowie, Texas?
You've got two main choices. For public lakeside camping, Selma Park sits on the west bank of Lake Amon G. Carter about 6 miles south of town, run by the City of Bowie, with roughly 21 partial-hookup sites (electric and water), a boat ramp, and a dump station. For full hookups with sewer, the private parks along the highways are your pick: Lazy Days RV Park and Flying Horse RV Park on US-287 North, and Route 81 RV Park. Between the lake and the highway parks you can find a site in any season, and midweek availability is usually easy outside the big event weekends.
Does Selma Park take reservations?
Selma Park doesn't use an online booking system. Instead, you call the park host to reserve a site, confirm the nightly fee, and arrange payment. The park is city-run and open year-round, with about 21 sites offering partial hookups, meaning electric and water but not sewer at the pad. There's a dump station on site to empty tanks. Because it's host-managed rather than a big reservation portal, it helps to call a day or two ahead, especially for summer weekends and around Second Monday Trade Days when lakeside spots get more interest. Outside those times you can usually just show up and pay the host.
Are there full hookup RV parks in Bowie?
Yes, several private parks offer full hookups with sewer at the site. Lazy Days RV Park on US-287 North has about 35 sites with 20, 30, and 50-amp service, water, sewer, a pool, and free WiFi. Flying Horse RV Park offers full hookups plus a propane filling station, laundry, and a nature trail. Route 81 RV Park has full-hookup sites and a private fishing pond. All three take direct reservations by phone. The city-run Selma Park at the lake, by contrast, has only partial hookups (electric and water) with a dump station, so if sewer at the pad matters to you, choose one of the highway parks.
Can big rigs and 40-foot RVs camp near Bowie?
Yes. The private parks along US-287 North, including Lazy Days RV Park and Flying Horse RV Park, are the most big-rig friendly, with pull-through sites, level pads, and easy highway access to swing a 40-foot coach or fifth wheel. US-287 itself is a wide four-lane route, so getting there is simple. Selma Park at the lake works for larger rigs too, but the roads narrow near the water and the loops are tighter, so call the park host ahead if you're over 35 feet to confirm a good fit. Downtown Bowie and the Trade Days grounds both have generous parking if you're driving in for the day.
What does it cost to camp in Bowie?
Camping here is affordable. Selma Park's partial-hookup sites at the lake are the cheapest, usually in the low-to-mid teens to low twenties per night for electric and water, paid directly to the park host with no online booking fee. The private full-hookup parks run more, roughly $30 to $45 a night for a 30 or 50-amp site with sewer, and most offer monthly rates if you're staying longer. Those monthly deals appeal to travel and oilfield workers, so long-term spots can fill. Overall, Bowie is noticeably cheaper than the Fort Worth metro parks about an hour southeast, which is why many RVers use it as a lower-cost base.
Is there an RV dump station in Bowie?
Yes. Selma Park on Lake Amon G. Carter has a dump station on site for campers, and the private full-hookup parks let you empty tanks right at your pad since they include sewer connections. If you're staying at the lake with only partial hookups, the Selma Park dump station is your on-site option. Passing through and just need to dump? The private parks sometimes allow non-guest dumping for a small fee, but call ahead to confirm. For a full rundown of the local options, hours, and access, see our guide to RV dump stations in Bowie, which covers where to go in and around town.
When is the best time of year to RV in Bowie?
Fall is the sweet spot. September through November brings comfortable days, cool nights, and the Chicken and Bread Days Heritage Festival downtown. Spring is green but stormy, with peak rainfall and serious afternoon thunderstorms from March into June, so keep an eye on the radar. Summer is hot and muggy with highs in the mid-90s, and the shaded private pads and lake sites go first, especially around Jim Bowie Days in June. Winter is cold and windy but mild compared with the northern plains, and the private full-hookup parks stay open and quiet, making it an easy low-crowd season if you don't mind cool nights.
What is there to do around Bowie while camping?
The headliner is Second Monday Trade Days, one of the oldest and largest flea markets in North Texas, running the weekend before the second Monday of every month since 1890, where you can browse antiques, crafts, animals, and food. Lake Amon G. Carter, about 6 miles south, offers fishing, boating, and a swimming beach. In June the town hosts Jim Bowie Days, one of the largest amateur rodeos in Texas, and each fall brings the Chicken and Bread Days Heritage Festival downtown. If you want a bigger city day trip, Fort Worth is about 70 miles southeast with its Stockyards and museums.
How do I get to Bowie with an RV?
Bowie sits at the junction of US-287 and US-81 in north Texas, both wide four-lane highways that make towing easy. From Fort Worth it's about 70 miles northwest on US-287, a truck-friendly route the whole way, and from Wichita Falls it's roughly 50 miles east. US-81 runs north to south through town, and TX-59 heads west to Jacksboro. Decatur, 30 miles south, connects you to US-380 and I-35W if you're routing through the metroplex. Fuel, groceries, and propane are all easy to find in town, and the private RV parks sit right along US-287 North for simple on-and-off access.
Are there public and private campgrounds near Bowie?
Both, which is one of Bowie's strengths. The public option is Selma Park, run by the City of Bowie on Lake Amon G. Carter, with partial-hookup lakeside sites, a boat ramp, and a dump station. On the private side you've got several full-hookup parks: Lazy Days RV Park and Flying Horse RV Park on US-287 North, and Route 81 RV Park, all offering sewer, 30 and 50-amp service, and amenities like pools and laundry. That mix lets you choose cheap lakeside public camping or a full-hookup private pad depending on your rig and how long you're staying.
Does Selma Park have hookups?
Selma Park offers partial hookups, meaning electric and water at the site but not a sewer connection at the individual pad. There are around 21 sites on the west bank of Lake Amon G. Carter, plus a dump station on the grounds so you can empty your tanks before you leave. If you need full hookups with sewer at the site, you'll want one of the private highway parks instead, like Lazy Days RV Park, Flying Horse RV Park, or Route 81 RV Park. Selma Park's draw is the lake access, boat ramp, and low cost, not resort-style amenities, so it's best if you value water access over sewer.
Do the private RV parks in Bowie offer monthly rates?
Yes, the private parks along the highways typically offer monthly rates in addition to nightly stays. Lazy Days RV Park, Flying Horse RV Park, and Route 81 RV Park all cater to longer stays, which is common in this part of Texas where travel workers and oilfield crews base out of town. Because of that demand, long-term full-hookup sites can be tight, so call ahead if you're planning a month or more. Nightly rates run roughly $30 to $45 for a full-hookup site, and the monthly deals bring the per-night cost down significantly if you're settling in for a season of work or slow travel.
Can I camp in Bowie in winter?
Yes, winter camping works well here. North Texas winters are cold and windy but mild compared with the northern plains, with January highs in the low 50s and lows in the low 30s, and only occasional freezes. The private full-hookup parks like Lazy Days RV Park and Flying Horse RV Park stay open year-round and are quiet in the off-season, so you'll have easy availability and low crowds. Selma Park at the lake also stays open all year, though water lines can be a concern in a hard freeze, so keep your hoses protected. Bring a good heater and you'll find winter a pleasant, cheap time to visit.
How far is Lake Amon G. Carter from Bowie?
Lake Amon G. Carter is about 6 miles south of Bowie in Montague County, on Big Sandy Creek. It's actually two reservoirs joined by a tunnel, and it's popular for fishing, boating, and swimming. Selma Park, the city-run campground on the west bank, gives RVers direct lake access with partial-hookup sites, a boat ramp, and a swimming beach. Public access is managed with Texas Parks and Wildlife, so you can check current lake and ramp conditions on their site before you head out. The short drive from town means you can camp at the water and still run into Bowie for supplies, fuel, or Trade Days easily.
Where can I camp with an RV in Bowie, Texas?
You've got two main choices. For public lakeside camping, Selma Park sits on the west bank of Lake Amon G. Carter about 6 miles south of town, run by the City of Bowie, with roughly 21 partial-hookup sites (electric and water), a boat ramp, and a dump station. For full hookups with sewer, the private parks along the highways are your pick: Lazy Days RV Park and Flying Horse RV Park on US-287 North, and Route 81 RV Park. Between the lake and the highway parks you can find a site in any season, and midweek availability is usually easy outside the big event weekends.
Does Selma Park take reservations?
Selma Park doesn't use an online booking system. Instead, you call the park host to reserve a site, confirm the nightly fee, and arrange payment. The park is city-run and open year-round, with about 21 sites offering partial hookups, meaning electric and water but not sewer at the pad. There's a dump station on site to empty tanks. Because it's host-managed rather than a big reservation portal, it helps to call a day or two ahead, especially for summer weekends and around Second Monday Trade Days when lakeside spots get more interest. Outside those times you can usually just show up and pay the host.
Are there full hookup RV parks in Bowie?
Yes, several private parks offer full hookups with sewer at the site. Lazy Days RV Park on US-287 North has about 35 sites with 20, 30, and 50-amp service, water, sewer, a pool, and free WiFi. Flying Horse RV Park offers full hookups plus a propane filling station, laundry, and a nature trail. Route 81 RV Park has full-hookup sites and a private fishing pond. All three take direct reservations by phone. The city-run Selma Park at the lake, by contrast, has only partial hookups (electric and water) with a dump station, so if sewer at the pad matters to you, choose one of the highway parks.
Can big rigs and 40-foot RVs camp near Bowie?
Yes. The private parks along US-287 North, including Lazy Days RV Park and Flying Horse RV Park, are the most big-rig friendly, with pull-through sites, level pads, and easy highway access to swing a 40-foot coach or fifth wheel. US-287 itself is a wide four-lane route, so getting there is simple. Selma Park at the lake works for larger rigs too, but the roads narrow near the water and the loops are tighter, so call the park host ahead if you're over 35 feet to confirm a good fit. Downtown Bowie and the Trade Days grounds both have generous parking if you're driving in for the day.
What does it cost to camp in Bowie?
Camping here is affordable. Selma Park's partial-hookup sites at the lake are the cheapest, usually in the low-to-mid teens to low twenties per night for electric and water, paid directly to the park host with no online booking fee. The private full-hookup parks run more, roughly $30 to $45 a night for a 30 or 50-amp site with sewer, and most offer monthly rates if you're staying longer. Those monthly deals appeal to travel and oilfield workers, so long-term spots can fill. Overall, Bowie is noticeably cheaper than the Fort Worth metro parks about an hour southeast, which is why many RVers use it as a lower-cost base.
Is there an RV dump station in Bowie?
Yes. Selma Park on Lake Amon G. Carter has a dump station on site for campers, and the private full-hookup parks let you empty tanks right at your pad since they include sewer connections. If you're staying at the lake with only partial hookups, the Selma Park dump station is your on-site option. Passing through and just need to dump? The private parks sometimes allow non-guest dumping for a small fee, but call ahead to confirm. For a full rundown of the local options, hours, and access, see our guide to RV dump stations in Bowie, which covers where to go in and around town.
When is the best time of year to RV in Bowie?
Fall is the sweet spot. September through November brings comfortable days, cool nights, and the Chicken and Bread Days Heritage Festival downtown. Spring is green but stormy, with peak rainfall and serious afternoon thunderstorms from March into June, so keep an eye on the radar. Summer is hot and muggy with highs in the mid-90s, and the shaded private pads and lake sites go first, especially around Jim Bowie Days in June. Winter is cold and windy but mild compared with the northern plains, and the private full-hookup parks stay open and quiet, making it an easy low-crowd season if you don't mind cool nights.
What is there to do around Bowie while camping?
The headliner is Second Monday Trade Days, one of the oldest and largest flea markets in North Texas, running the weekend before the second Monday of every month since 1890, where you can browse antiques, crafts, animals, and food. Lake Amon G. Carter, about 6 miles south, offers fishing, boating, and a swimming beach. In June the town hosts Jim Bowie Days, one of the largest amateur rodeos in Texas, and each fall brings the Chicken and Bread Days Heritage Festival downtown. If you want a bigger city day trip, Fort Worth is about 70 miles southeast with its Stockyards and museums.
How do I get to Bowie with an RV?
Bowie sits at the junction of US-287 and US-81 in north Texas, both wide four-lane highways that make towing easy. From Fort Worth it's about 70 miles northwest on US-287, a truck-friendly route the whole way, and from Wichita Falls it's roughly 50 miles east. US-81 runs north to south through town, and TX-59 heads west to Jacksboro. Decatur, 30 miles south, connects you to US-380 and I-35W if you're routing through the metroplex. Fuel, groceries, and propane are all easy to find in town, and the private RV parks sit right along US-287 North for simple on-and-off access.
Are there public and private campgrounds near Bowie?
Both, which is one of Bowie's strengths. The public option is Selma Park, run by the City of Bowie on Lake Amon G. Carter, with partial-hookup lakeside sites, a boat ramp, and a dump station. On the private side you've got several full-hookup parks: Lazy Days RV Park and Flying Horse RV Park on US-287 North, and Route 81 RV Park, all offering sewer, 30 and 50-amp service, and amenities like pools and laundry. That mix lets you choose cheap lakeside public camping or a full-hookup private pad depending on your rig and how long you're staying.
Does Selma Park have hookups?
Selma Park offers partial hookups, meaning electric and water at the site but not a sewer connection at the individual pad. There are around 21 sites on the west bank of Lake Amon G. Carter, plus a dump station on the grounds so you can empty your tanks before you leave. If you need full hookups with sewer at the site, you'll want one of the private highway parks instead, like Lazy Days RV Park, Flying Horse RV Park, or Route 81 RV Park. Selma Park's draw is the lake access, boat ramp, and low cost, not resort-style amenities, so it's best if you value water access over sewer.
Do the private RV parks in Bowie offer monthly rates?
Yes, the private parks along the highways typically offer monthly rates in addition to nightly stays. Lazy Days RV Park, Flying Horse RV Park, and Route 81 RV Park all cater to longer stays, which is common in this part of Texas where travel workers and oilfield crews base out of town. Because of that demand, long-term full-hookup sites can be tight, so call ahead if you're planning a month or more. Nightly rates run roughly $30 to $45 for a full-hookup site, and the monthly deals bring the per-night cost down significantly if you're settling in for a season of work or slow travel.
Can I camp in Bowie in winter?
Yes, winter camping works well here. North Texas winters are cold and windy but mild compared with the northern plains, with January highs in the low 50s and lows in the low 30s, and only occasional freezes. The private full-hookup parks like Lazy Days RV Park and Flying Horse RV Park stay open year-round and are quiet in the off-season, so you'll have easy availability and low crowds. Selma Park at the lake also stays open all year, though water lines can be a concern in a hard freeze, so keep your hoses protected. Bring a good heater and you'll find winter a pleasant, cheap time to visit.
How far is Lake Amon G. Carter from Bowie?
Lake Amon G. Carter is about 6 miles south of Bowie in Montague County, on Big Sandy Creek. It's actually two reservoirs joined by a tunnel, and it's popular for fishing, boating, and swimming. Selma Park, the city-run campground on the west bank, gives RVers direct lake access with partial-hookup sites, a boat ramp, and a swimming beach. Public access is managed with Texas Parks and Wildlife, so you can check current lake and ramp conditions on their site before you head out. The short drive from town means you can camp at the water and still run into Bowie for supplies, fuel, or Trade Days easily.
Are there free dump stations in Bowie?
Yes — there are free RV waste disposal options available near Bowie.
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