Tent camping opportunities around Arlington, Texas span across several nearby counties. Most campgrounds in the region operate year-round, though summer temperatures regularly exceed 95°F from June through September. Spring and fall camping seasons offer milder conditions with average temperatures between 60-85°F. Many sites feature flat terrain with mixed shade coverage depending on the specific park location.
What to do
Mountain biking trails: Erwin Park in McKinney offers approximately 9 miles of dedicated trails maintained by DORBA. These trails accommodate both bikers and hikers on separate directional paths. "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," notes Brian.
Lake activities: At De Cordova Bend, campers can enjoy fishing, swimming and boating with convenient access to a public boat launch. The park sits directly on the Brazos River with fishing opportunities throughout the year. "Nice hiking trail to the bottom of the dam. Far enough away from town to be a peaceful quick getaway," reports Alejandro G.
Wildlife viewing: Several parks feature diverse animal sightings. De Cordova Bend attracts deer that frequent the camping areas, especially at dawn and dusk. "It was very clean and there were many deer in the area all night," mentions Jason. Erwin Park offers birdwatching opportunities with occasional coyote sounds at night. "The only sound other than bird song is the occasional moo and some coyote yips in the distance," notes Riley W.
What campers like
Secure environments: Northside RV Resort provides gated entry with keycode access for added security. "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," shares Iris A.
Quiet weekday camping: Most tent campsites near Arlington experience significantly lower occupancy Monday through Thursday, offering more privacy and site selection. De Cordova Bend becomes noticeably less crowded midweek. One camper observed, "This is a mid week haven. Scissor-tailed Flycatchers with dramatic black and white long split tail feathers nest here."
Clean facilities: Meadowmere Park & Campground maintains portable toilets and shower facilities with regular cleaning schedules. "Porta potties were incredibly clean and a main bathroom area featured showers and very clean as well. Closes to public after 530 and management made it easy for us to enter the gate upon our late arrival," notes Melanie G.
What you should know
Reservation and fee structures: Tent campsites vary considerably in cost. Little Elm Park charges $5 per tent with electric hookups available. "Electric hookups for RV generally a small area first come first serve.... 5 dollars per tent....restrooms and park lights.... stores nearby..... no showers," explains Joshua O.
Site access limitations: Some parks restrict vehicle access to actual tent sites. At Sycamore Bend Park, campers must park and carry gear to their sites. "The price has gone up from $7 to $20, but that's about average it seems now. The restrooms really stink, but are always clean and stocked in my experience. Max 3 night stay, no electricity, water, or showers," reports Taylin B.
Facility conditions: Bathroom quality varies significantly between parks. Erwin Park lacks certain amenities: "The only thing I would change is the bathroom facilities, there are no doors at all!" notes Amy L. Collin Park has been reported to have maintenance issues: "Bathrooms were centrally located but the women's restroom was flooded with an unknown liquid," shares Aaron C.
Tips for camping with families
Easy access options: Several sites cater to families with young children. "Erwin Park is a great place to visit if you're looking to spend a few days running or biking trails. Campsites are far enough apart that you have privacy yet close enough that you don't feel alone," says James.
Kid-friendly amenities: Look for parks with dedicated play areas. Northside RV Resort includes "a playground" and "dog parks" according to reviews, making it suitable for families with both children and pets.
Timing considerations: Weekend crowding affects the camping experience at many parks near Arlington. At Sycamore Bend Park, "it does get a bit crowded. We arrived on a Saturday around noon and took what seemed to be the last spot," cautions a camper. Plan to arrive Thursday or Friday morning for better site selection during peak seasons.
Tips from RVers
Site access challenges: Collin Park has limited space for larger rigs. "Only a few tent areas left since erosion has left several falling into the lake. Easy access, plenty of tree coverage, and each area has a picnic table, grill, and fire pit," explains Aaron C.
Hookup availability: Electrical connections are limited at many parks. At Northside RV Resort, "Nice hard sites all with 20/30/50a, cable TV, and full hookups" are available, though note that "while we were there the internet and water was off a lot," according to Tex B.
Weather considerations: The region's clay soil becomes problematic after rain. "When it rains stay on the pavement as the mud is nasty and gumbo," warns a reviewer about Northside RV Resort. This condition affects most parks in the region, potentially limiting RV access during wet periods.
