Mott
3.7295 reviews957 FM 985, ENNIS, TX, USA
Mott
$5.00 - $80.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Rates vary based on site type: $18/night for standard electric sites, $80/night for group pavilion, and $5/day for picnic areas. Additional fees...
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Standard Site Fee$18.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$80.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$98.00
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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider972-875-5711ceswf-od-br@swf02.usace.army.mil
About this campground
Discover your perfect lakeside retreat at Mott Park, where 33 spacious campsites await on the tranquil western shores of Bardwell Lake. Each site comes equipped with 30-amp electric hookups and fresh water, ensuring comfort meets adventure. Whether you're planning an intimate getaway or a grand gathering of up to 100 people in our group camping area, Mott Park delivers. Launch your boat from our convenient ramp, cast a line from our fishing docks, or take a refreshing dip in our designated swimming area. The park's blend of grassy meadows and shaded forest groves creates an inviting landscape where memories are made beneath Texas skies.
Mott Park offers a mix of camping options, including standard electric sites, group camping facilities, and day-use areas. The park is suitable for both RV and tent camping.
Historical SignificanceNestled within easy reach of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, Mott Park serves as your gateway to both natural beauty and urban exploration. After days spent on the water, venture into these vibrant cities to discover world-class museums, historic districts, and cultural landmarks that tell the story of Texas from frontier days to modern times. Return to your campsite with tales of city adventures to share around the evening campfire.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the best of Texas seasons at Mott Park, where spring and fall paint the perfect backdrop with mild temperatures and crystal-clear skies. Summer brings that authentic Texas heat, making our lake waters all the more inviting for swimmers and water enthusiasts. Winter offers its own quiet charm, with occasional crisp, freezing mornings that give way to peaceful afternoons. While dramatic summer storms occasionally roll across the landscape, they bring a spectacular show of nature's power and leave behind fresh, rain-washed air.
ElevationThe gently rolling terrain of Mott Park offers comfortable camping conditions at the lake level, where the landscape meets the water in perfect harmony.
Natural Features and ScenerySpring transforms Mott Park into a photographer's paradise as brilliant bluebonnets and native wildflowers carpet the lakeshore in waves of color. Throughout the year, the park's thoughtful mix of open meadows and partially forested areas creates diverse habitats where wildlife thrives and campers find both sunny spots and shaded retreats. The jewel of the park remains Bardwell Lake itself, its refreshing blue waters stretching to the horizon, offering endless opportunities for recreation and relaxation under the vast Texas sky.
Geological RegionSet in the heart of north-central Texas, Mott Park showcases the region's characteristic landscape where prairie meets woodland along Bardwell Lake's scenic western shore. This unique positioning creates a diverse ecosystem where grassy expanses blend seamlessly with stands of native trees, offering campers the best of both worlds – wide-open spaces for activities and natural shade for comfort. The gently undulating terrain tells the geological story of ancient seas and rivers that once shaped this land into today's inviting recreational paradise.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityThe park has accessibility features such as paved roads and parking areas, but some users mentioned difficulties related to unlevel sites and lack of shaded areas, which could affect accessibility for individuals with mobility challenges.
Sites SizeCampsites vary in size, with some being large enough to accommodate RVs and others more suitable for standard setups. Group sites can accommodate 100 people and four RVs.
Sites PrivacySites are described as spacious with some privacy, but certain sites are closer together. Specific reviews noted, 'Sites are not too close together,' while others mentioned limited privacy in certain areas.
Total Campsites33 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites closest to the lake (e.g., #3 and #1) provide scenic views but may be uneven. Reviews recommend bringing leveling blocks for trailers.
Best CampsitesUser reviews suggest waterfront sites like #1, #3, and #33 are highly preferred for views and space.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2PM
Check-out
2PM
Stay Limit
14 consecutive nights within a rolling 30-day period.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Per site, limits vary depending on site type.
Groups
The group camping pavilion accommodates up to 100 people and four RVs, with water and 30-amp electric hookups.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground consists of pull-through and back-in sites, arranged in loops primarily near the lake. Several sites are reported as uneven or narrow.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov online or app.
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability is not explicitly detailed; multiple reviews suggest that reservations must be made online.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations made before arrival incur a $10 fee, and late cancellations additionally forfeit the first night's fee.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Flush toilets
Electricity hookups
Water hookups
Activities you can enjoy
Mott Park provides ample opportunities for outdoor activities, including fishing, hunting, boating, hiking, and wildlife observation. The lake is a popular spot for bass, catfish, and crappie fishing. There are designated hunting areas, and additional amenities include a swimming area and boat ramp.
Hiking
While no specific trail details are provided, the park’s grassy and partially forested terrain offers opportunities for hiking.Fishing
Fishing is one of the highlights, with bass, crappie, and catfish commonly found in Bardwell Lake. The marina includes fishing piers, with two enclosed piers available for a small fee.Swimming
A designated swimming area with benches is available, though some users noted overgrown weeds and a lack of sand at the beach.Boating
Boating is supported with a four-lane boat ramp and a courtesy dock. Specific details on boat types or rentals are not mentioned.Wildlife viewing
The area is home to deer, armadillos, rabbits, squirrels, and various bird species, making it ideal for wildlife enthusiasts.Beach activities
Beach activities are possible at the swimming area; however, some users noted limitations due to overgrown vegetation and lack of maintenance.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed within designated rings. Firewood must be sourced locally to prevent invasive pests.
- Quiet hours are 9 PM for day-use areas; gates close at 10 PM.
Hazards
General hazardsReported hazards include ant infestations, snakes in overgrown areas, and poorly leveled sites. "Ant mounds bigger than my dog" were noted in one review, and another described encountering a snake in the bathroom.
Active alertsNo active alerts provided in authoritative sources, though reviews frequently mention issues such as power outages, overgrown grass, and lack of site maintenance.
Weather forecast
68
°F
Nov 25
Tuesday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 64%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 7.5 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
7 day forecast
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Ennis Regional Medical Center (approximately 10 miles away), local police station in Ennis, and Bardwell Lake Ranger Station.
Good to know
Peak season datesJanuary 1st - December 31st (listed as peak season).
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are available, but specific details about their locations or schedules are not provided.
Proximity to water featuresLocated directly on Bardwell Lake, the campground provides lake access for fishing, swimming, and boating.
Common complaintsFrequent complaints include site unlevelness, squatters, grass overgrowth, poor road maintenance, electricity outages, and inadequate management. One review stated, "No sites have been mowed or treated for ants."
HostHosts are described as friendly and helpful in some reviews, though others criticize lack of supervision and availability.
Campground Map
957 FM 985, ENNIS, TX, USA
Driving directionsFrom Ennis, Texas: From Interstate 45, exit onto U.S. Highway 287 Bypass (Exit #247). Travel 4.5 miles and exit at the Bardwell Lake exit sign. Turn left onto Highway 34 and go 3.5 miles southwest. Turn left onto FM 985 and go 1.6 miles southeast to the entrance. The park is located on the left side of the road.
The campground is accessible via paved roads; however, user reviews frequently mention potholes and poorly maintained road conditions. "The roads are so bad you drive over potholes every 2 seconds just trying to get to your campsite," one review stated.Nearby places
Dallas (~45 miles, approximately 1 hour), Fort Worth (~55 miles, approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Ennis, TX (~10 miles away) provides grocery stores, gas stations, and other essential supplies. Larger retail options are available in Dallas (~45 miles).
Camper Reviews
3.7
95 reviews
Mott has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Mott Park are highly polarized, with some praising the park's scenic location and quiet atmosphere, while others cite issues with maintenance, safety, and customer service. Key complaints include unlevel sites, power outages, cleanliness of restrooms, and lack of staff presence.
Review Summaries
Based on 95 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive feedback highlights the park's beautiful lake views, spacious sites, and affordable rates. One user noted, 'The park is clean and not crowded,' while another appreciated the 'beautiful...
Based on 95 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common complaints include unlevel campsites ('sites are mostly unlevel'), overgrown grass ('grass was at least 2 feet tall'), and maintenance issues ('bathrooms are full of spiders,' 'power outages...
Based on 95 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Users advise bringing plenty of leveling blocks due to unlevel sites. Several reviewers recommend avoiding the park during peak summer months due to maintenance issues. One user suggested, 'Bring...
Based on 95 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Reviews indicate that spring is a favorable time to visit due to blooming wildflowers and cooler temperatures. Summer sees more complaints about maintenance and power outages. Fall and winter reviews...
Based on 95 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. 'Beautiful views! Restrooms were clean, will come back again for sure!' (User: Abbey S.)
2. 'The bathrooms outside and inside have tons of bugs and spiders.' (User: Ashley C.)
3. 'Nice shaded...
Based on 95 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site-specific feedback includes:
- Site #1: 'Beautiful view of Lake Bardwell, but overgrown swim area.'
- Site #14: 'Quiet with mild weather, water and 30A power.'
- Site #29: 'Long pull-through, but...
Based on 95 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
Accessibility concerns include uneven terrain and unlevel sites, which could be challenging for individuals with mobility issues. However, some users noted accessibility features like paved roads.
Based on 95 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed at the park, but one reviewer noted issues with unsupervised dogs ('eight dogs got under my trailer').
Based on 95 reviewsLast updated November 24, 2025
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