Tent campsites near Allen, Texas provide outdoor access within driving distance of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. Located in Collin County at approximately 659 feet elevation, this area features rolling blackland prairie terrain with scattered woodland areas and several nearby lakes. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 95°F between June and September, making spring and fall the most comfortable camping seasons.
What to do
Mountain biking trails: At Erwin Park in McKinney, campers can access approximately 9 miles of maintained bike trails. One reviewer notes, "Great easy spot for day camping or easy car camping with family. Good fire pits and great pavilion at the group site if you can get it. Best mountain bike single tracks around with lots of built features."
Fishing opportunities: The shoreline at Sycamore Bend Park offers easy access to Lake Lewisville. "Great for hammocking, kayaking, paddle boarding etc.," says one visitor. Each campsite includes a fire ring and flag pole for evening relaxation after a day of fishing.
Wildlife viewing: Tent camping at Sleep Under The Pecan Trees puts you in direct contact with friendly animals. A camper describes the experience: "Wild, yet docile horses will approach you. You can pet them and feed them by hand. Tall trees and gorgeous campsites. Donkeys hee-hawing, birds singing, and fire flies glowing. Scattered ponds throughout this 100 acre plot."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: At Erwin Park, campers appreciate the layout and separation between sites. One reviewer mentioned, "Campsites are far enough apart that you have privacy yet close enough that you don't feel alone." This makes it ideal for groups wanting their own space while still camping together.
Clean facilities: Meadowmere Park & Campground receives high marks for cleanliness. "The park was very clean with four bathroom/shower rooms and laundry room as well. We visited in November and it was quiet with a nice view of the water. The park also has a gate with a code needed to enter."
Lakeside camping: Tent sites at Sycamore Bend Park let campers stay right on the water. "No access to drive to the actual site so I couldn't use my RTT but it's a short walk from where you park. Really nice park right on the lake, but it does get a bit crowded," notes one camper who visited during peak season.
What you should know
Site accessibility varies: Many tent campsites in the area require carrying gear from parking areas. At Erwin Park, "A few of the campsites are drive up but most are park and haul. Each site has a picnic table, fire pit and trash can and some of the sites are more shaded than others."
Weekend crowds: Mountain biking trails at Erwin Park become busy on weekends. One reviewer cautions: "It has become a popular spot with mountain bikers. That can create issues on the weekend when the trails are teeming with cyclists. It just gets crowded and parking can be a challenge."
Bathroom conditions: While facilities at Collin Park are centrally located, they might have maintenance issues. A camper reported, "The women's restroom was flooded with an unknown liquid (it didn't smell, but one of the toilets was badly clogged and we haven't had that much rain lately)."
Tips for camping with families
Animal encounters: Sleep Under The Pecan Trees offers unique experiences for children. "Took my 6 year old daughter for her first camping trip and she loved it. The horses came into our camp and she was mesmerized by their size and beauty. Most amazing experience. She caught her 1st bass in the pond as well."
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds feature play areas for children. Meadowmere Park has facilities that earned this review: "We really enjoyed this camp space. Peaceful, open, spacious and super nice management and staff."
Campsite selection: When camping with kids, choose sites based on proximity to restrooms. At Erwin Park, a reviewer noted, "The park has several covered pavilions as well as restrooms but lacks shower facilities. A few of the campsites are drive up but most are park and haul."
Tips from RVers
Reservations recommended: For tent sites at Northside RV Resort, book ahead during peak seasons. "We stayed in the month of November. It was cold and rainy but the park did not disappoint. The bathrooms are so clean. The park itself is gated and secure."
Weather considerations: Spring camping brings more insects. An RVer at Northside mentioned, "The bugs are bad here, we had ants in our trailer and lots of bites. When it rains stay on the pavement as the mud is nasty and gumbo."
Noise factors: Consider site placement relative to roads. According to one camper, "The road is very loud and there are train tracks with train horns blaring all night long - make sure your bedroom faces away from the road for the best sleep."
