Arlington's camping options range from urban-adjacent parks to lakeside retreats with elevations between 500-700 feet. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F from June through August, making water access and shade critical considerations. Most campsites near Arlington, Texas operate year-round due to the mild winter climate, though many restrict fire usage during drought conditions.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Loyd Park on Joe Pool Lake, campers can enjoy bank fishing within walking distance of their sites. One visitor noted, "We stayed in site 115, great spot close to the water," making it convenient for anglers wanting quick access to fishing spots.
Mountain biking trails: North Texas Jellystone offers activities beyond traditional camping. According to a reviewer, "Bring bikes!" as the park features interconnected trails suitable for family rides. The paved paths accommodate riders of various skill levels.
Water recreation: The Vineyards Campground & Cabins provides multiple water access options on Grapevine Lake. A camper shared, "We boated, kayaked, rented a golf cart and more. The gold sites are worth it! All concrete sites on the water and stone encased cooking areas." The park maintains a dedicated swimming area with marked boundaries.
Playground exploration: The Vineyards features exceptionally well-maintained play areas. A visitor mentioned, "A cute little campstore, an amazing playground for our kids, a beach, golf cart rentals, cabins, and you can easily pull in a giant RV." The playground includes equipment suitable for various age groups.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Hickory Creek - Lewisville Lake offers campsites with ample room between neighbors. A camper described, "A lot of space between sites, well level and paved, family oriented, very quite, beautiful lake and tree sites, lighted power supply post with all the amps available."
Accessibility to amenities: Dallas/Arlington KOA Holiday provides convenience while maintaining a natural setting. A visitor explained, "Tucked away nicely. Very nice place. Quiet and clean. After hours check in was very fast and easy. Lots of trees. Good place to stay in a big city."
Clean facilities: Cedar Hill State Park maintains high standards for bathhouses and common areas. According to one camper, "I love camping at cedar Hill State Park it's always clean quiet the customer service you received is very good restrooms are always need and clean."
Loop design: Cedar Hill State Park Campground features a layout that minimizes traffic near individual sites. A visitor observed, "The park is designed with small loops for 15-20 camp sites in each loop. Very little traffic right by the individual spots. Easy in and out of park."
What you should know
Weather impacts: Cedar Hill State Park occasionally closes sections due to flooding. One camper noted, "Partially closed due to flooding," highlighting the need to check conditions before arrival, especially after heavy rains.
Pest management: Multiple campgrounds report issues with insects. A camper at Cedar Hill stated, "Nice lake but there were fire ants and chiggers all over our campsite!" Bringing appropriate repellents and checking sites before setup is recommended.
Traffic noise: Hickory Creek - Lewisville Lake experiences some airport noise disturbance. A reviewer mentioned, "The only downside is the overall air traffic that you hear and see over the park from the Dallas-Fort Worth airport (it's cool initially but after a few nights it does get old)."
Reservation requirements: Most Arlington-area campsites require advance booking, particularly for weekend stays. Loyd Park fills quickly for waterfront sites, with one camper sharing, "We stayed in site 190. It's at end of road with privacy." Sites along the water typically book 2-3 months in advance.
Tips for camping with families
Beach access: Loyd Park provides dedicated swimming areas suitable for children. A visitor described, "Great times! This park is run by the City Grand Prairie, which provides a lot of safety. Campsites are a little close together nearest the water but probably the best sites in the Park."
Scheduled activities: North Texas Jellystone coordinates regular events for children. A camper shared, "We went in October and they had some fun Halloween activities. Site was pull through but pretty tight and close to neighbor. Probably worth paying for premium."
Safety considerations: Campgrounds with gated access provide additional security. A visitor to The Vineyards noted, "Very Pretty Views. Large Sites with covered Picnic tables. Sites spread nicely with no one on top of you. Great security visible as well as a coded gate after hours."
Playground options: Look for campgrounds with dedicated play areas. At Hickory Creek, a visitor mentioned, "We hopped over for a one night trip and had a blast! Our site was right off the water with a fun view (at night) of the lake Lewisville bridge. Sites were large enough for us (tent campers) without feeling too close to our rv/camper neighbors!"
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Treetops RV Resort provides numerous shaded sites. A visitor explained, "This place is one of our favorite in the Metroplex. We have stayed here off and on over the last 3 years. The park is very clean, having done lots of updates. All of the amenities you would want in a park, plus lots and lots of trees."
Leveling considerations: Some sites require additional adjustment. At Hickory Creek, an RVer noted, "Water pressure was good and there was lots of shade and ample privacy between sites in this section. Sites on the point have few trees and wide open spaces, but the lake view is expansive."
Dump station access: Not all parks offer full hookups at each site. A camper at Hickory Creek shared, "The only 'negative' I found is that the sewage hook up is not at the actual site. There are dump stations in different places." First-time RVers should ask for instructions if needed.
Tree clearance: Treetops RV Resort accommodates larger rigs with proper overhead clearance. A visitor mentioned, "The staff was very friendly and helped us back in as we are still newbies. Our spot was 171 and was very well shaded, the only thing is our trailer was level but we felt like we were leaning back."
