Escape the stresses of city living on this heavily wooded 31 acre pristine wildlife habitat. Relax your body, refresh your mind, heart and spirit. Only one hour east of Dallas but it feels like another world. This piece of east Texas paradise is 20 minutes from Buccee's, restaurants, grocery stores and about 25 minutes from Canton First Monday.
We offer a much more personal experience than any State Park. Your host is Randall Oliver, a woodworking artist whose energy, creative vision and love of the outdoors have transformed this property into the jewel that it is. He has been organizing group campouts for 30 years and enjoys hosting, bringing people together and inspiring a passion for the outdoors. Everyone is welcomed regardless of race, religion, color, creed or sexual orientation. Randall enjoys sitting around the campfire with his guests, sharing stories, laughter and good will. He can teach your kids how to build a campfire and paddle a kayak. This property is his back yard and the people who camp here are treated like family.
At the end of a one lane rock road- this is a very secluded, QUIET and safe property. It is perfect for tent campers with abundant clean, flat tent sites. It's positive vibe attracts good people (including a lot of first time campers) and is more peaceful and relaxing than most state parks. No RV's or other vehicles are allowed back on the property. Roof top tents are allowed but only in the two front parking areas.
It is next to a 950 acre wildlife park. The Texas Zoofari Park has 900 exotic animals, many can be seen from the road (or you can pay to drive through). This can make for some interesting wildlife noises while sitting around a campfire. While it adjoins the wildlife park on two sides, Texas Safari Camp is in no way affiliated with Texas Zoofari Park.
The only clearing has been done around the ponds. No hunting is allowed. It has never been in ag use and all of the native brush and cover has been left to benefit the wildlife.
Imagine two ponds in the middle of a forest. Enjoy swimming and kayaking in the clear water front pond. Kayaks and paddleboards are available on request. Both ponds are stocked with bass, cat, crappie and bluegill.
There is plenty of room for camping around the front pond and four established communal fire pits. You can camp on the front berm for an elevated view of the property. The back pond has a camping area with a firepit. Deep in the jungle, it offers a higher degree of seclusion but it is farther from the parking areas and outhouses.
There are no preassigned campsites- it is first come first serve. Camping is $25 per person per night. Kids 12 and under are $12.00 per kid per night. Friendly, non barking and leashed dogs are welcome. People who bring big, aggressive dogs or dogs that bark constantly will be asked to leave. Most people camp around the front pond but you can camp anywhere.
Campfires are restricted to the existing fire rings. Split oak firewood is available for $1 per piece, payable in cash before you leave, There is a metal collection box on the table behind my house. You can also gather and burn sticks off the ground. No chainsaws, no cutting, carving or harvesting wood from trees.
There is a rustic outhouse with a modern, ventilated composting toilet and sink and a hummingbird window touch of class. Water and electricity is available behind my home as well as an open air cold water shower.
The tiny Hummingbird Treehouse overlooks the front pond. It has a queen size bed, leaded glass window, screened operable windows and a small loft sleeping area with an operable porthole window, lights, a fan and a large deck with tables and chairs . No heat or air conditioned. Bring your own sleeping bags, blankets and pillows to enjoy this comfortable and classy alternative to tent camping. It rents for $90 per night for two people. No food, smoking or pets are allowed in the tree house.
Texas Safari Camp Rules
You must pack out all of your garbage. No burning of garbage. If you leave trash on the ground, in the fire pits or put it in my trash cans you will be charged extra. I will take your garbage to the dump for $10 per bag.
There are no specific site reservations so it’s first come, first served. Tent camping only- no vehicles allowed on the property. Off road wagons are provided for hauling your gear back to camp. Front pond camping areas are 30-100 yards from the two parking areas. Wagons must be returned to parking area after being unloaded.
Careful, humane catch and release fishing only in the two ponds and only single, barbless hooks are allowed.
Parents of non swimming children must provide a personal flotation device (PFD / life jacket) and personally supervise their swimming. No sun block or insect repellent can be used by swimmers. Kids and adults must have headlights and appropriate footwear. This is a jungle, not somewhere you should walk around at night without a flashlight and sandals.
All forms of hunting, guns, bow and arrows, bb guns, slingshots and weapons of any kind are forbidden.
No electronic music is allowed (without ear buds), acoustic music is allowed but there is a 10pm to 8am curfew for noise.
Campers must be respectful of the property and other campers. Auto alarms must be disabled. Loud, vulgar and drunken behavior, fireworks, generators or anything that disrupts the peace and tranquility of the property is forbidden. Property has minimal cellular service.
