Tent campsites near Carrollton, Texas offer access to North Texas terrain characterized by rolling hills, open grasslands, and lake shorelines. Most camping sites sit at elevations between 500-700 feet above sea level, with mild winters and hot summers reaching 95-100°F from June through August. Campsites throughout the region typically remain open year-round, though availability can be limited during summer holiday weekends.
What to do
Mountain biking on maintained trails: Erwin Park in McKinney features approximately 9 miles of single-track trails managed by DORBA (Dallas Off-Road Bicycle Association). "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 reviewer Brian at Erwin Park.
Paddle sports on Lake Lewisville: Sycamore Bend Park provides direct lake access for kayaking and paddleboarding. "Really nice park right on the lake, but it does get a bit crowded. We arrived on a Saturday around noon and took what seemed to be the last spot. Really nice, secluded campground for being so close to suburbs. Great for hammocking, kayaking, paddle boarding etc," explains Hannah F. at Sycamore Bend Park.
Wildlife observation: Black Creek Lake offers opportunities to spot local animals in their natural habitat. "There are birds, squirrels, raccoons and opossums which roam the grounds so I would advise against leaving food within reach at night," states Crystal C. from her camping experience.
What campers like
Convenient urban escapes: Meadowmere Park provides camping without long drives. "Close to Dallas, very clean and organized camp area," says Narly I. about Meadowmere Park & Campground. Another camper adds, "We really enjoyed this camp space. Peaceful, open, spacious and super nice management and staff."
Clean facilities: Northside RV Resort maintains well-kept bathroom and shower facilities. "The bathrooms are so clean. Each shower has its own toilet and vanity behind a lockable door," reports Angela R., who stayed in November.
Secluded spots with natural boundaries: Many campers appreciate the tree cover at Black Creek Lake NF Campground. "The temperature was soaring but a nice breeze off the lake coupled with the shady trees made for a very nice experience," writes Alan H. Another camper mentioned the "small RV park on the lake, quiet and shaded."
What you should know
Toilet facility conditions vary widely: At Collin Park, a reviewer noted, "Bathrooms were centrally located but the women's restroom was flooded with an unknown liquid." Meanwhile, at Sycamore Bend, "The restrooms really stink, but are always clean and stocked in my experience."
Site accessibility limitations: Many campsites near Carrollton require carrying gear from parking areas. "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," explains Hannah F. about Sycamore Bend Park.
Weekend crowding at popular spots: Lyndon B. Johnson National Grassland offers free dispersed camping approximately 50 miles northwest of Carrollton. Local visitors noted, "They had been coming to this spot for 30+ years and rarely saw anyone else there," according to Michelle T., suggesting quieter alternatives to crowded established campgrounds.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Little Elm Park offers both camping and play structures. "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 spacing for privacy: Meadowmere Park provides well-separated camping areas. "We stayed in spot 23 and although windy, I really enjoyed the scenery and quietness," reports Melanie G., who appreciated the "peaceful, open, spacious" layout.
Bug preparation essential: Insect repellent is crucial for camping with children. Crystal C. advises, "Bug Spray is a must!! For some reason there are HUGE mosquitos so make sure to remember your spray otherwise you will be itching all night."
Tips from RVers
Check on recent rainfall: Access roads to camping areas can become difficult after rain. At Little Elm Park, vehicles with lower clearance may struggle after wet weather. "When it rains stay on the pavement as the mud is nasty and gumbo," explains Tex B. from their RV experience.
Noise considerations: Some camping areas near Carrollton have noise from nearby roads or urban areas. "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," advises Tex B.
Reserve early for electric hookups: RV sites with electricity fill quickly, especially during peak seasons. Northside RV Resort offers "Nice hard sites all with 20/30/50a, cable TV, and full hookups," though Tex B. notes that "$55-65 a night was pretty high considering there is zero to do here, no pool, no meeting rooms, no grass to walk on."
