Best Tent Camping near Arlington, TX
Tent camping options surrounding Arlington, Texas include established campgrounds positioned near lake shores and wooded areas, with several parks offering primitive tent sites. Meadowmere Park & Campground on Lake Grapevine provides 36 tent-only sites with water and electric hookups, while Sycamore Bend Park in Lewisville offers a more rustic experience with lakeside primitive tent camping. Erwin Park in McKinney represents another option for tent campers seeking natural surroundings within driving distance of Arlington.
Most tent sites in the region require advance planning as facilities vary considerably between locations. Sycamore Bend Park features primitive camping with no electricity, water, or showers, though toilets are available. Many campgrounds include fire rings and picnic tables, but facilities are often basic. Erwin Park provides drinking water, electric hookups, and toilets but no shower facilities. Sites typically have dirt or grass surfaces with some offering shade from trees. Several parks charge modest fees ranging from $7-20 per night, and some enforce maximum stay limits of 3 nights.
Tent campers in the Arlington area can expect varying levels of privacy depending on location and timing. De Cordova Bend offers free tent camping with a 10-day maximum stay and provides picnic tables and grills in a setting that attracts wildlife. Little Elm Park features electric hookups with $5 per tent fees and restrooms, though no showers are available. Weekends tend to draw larger crowds, particularly at popular spots like Sycamore Bend Park. A review noted that at Sycamore Bend, "No access to drive to the actual site so I couldn't use my rooftop tent but it's a short walk from where you park. Really nice park right on the lake, but it does get a bit crowded."