Tent camping near Commerce, Texas offers primitive and established options within 45 miles of the city. The northeast Texas region sits in the Post Oak Savannah ecological zone, characterized by gently rolling terrain with mixed hardwood forests and open grasslands. Several campgrounds operate year-round, though summer temperatures regularly exceed 95°F with high humidity from June through September.
What to do
Mountain biking trails: Erwin Park features approximately 9 miles of maintained singletrack trails with varying difficulty levels. The trail system includes built features for more advanced riders. "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 one Erwin Park visitor.
Fishing opportunities: Lake Winnsboro Park provides bank fishing access with multiple species including bass. "This was a great little spot! Free, quiet & clean. There were very clean portopottys for use as well," reports a Lake Winnsboro Park camper. The small lake supports catch-and-release fishing without requiring a separate lake permit.
Wildlife observation: The private lands at Sleep Under The Pecan Trees enable unique animal encounters across their 100-acre property. "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," explains one visitor.
What campers like
Natural separation: Tent sites at Erwin Park provide adequate space between camping areas. "Campsites are far enough apart that you have privacy yet close enough that you don't feel alone. The park has several covered pavilions as well as restrooms but lacks shower facilities," writes a reviewer from Erwin Park.
Family-friendly animal encounters: The domesticated wildlife at certain properties creates memorable experiences for younger campers. One Sleep Under The Pecan Trees visitor shared, "Beautiful camping grounds!! 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."
Weekend accessibility: Several campgrounds provide camping options close enough to urban areas for spontaneous trips. A camper at Erwin Park noted, "What a great getaway that feels like you're far from home but only a few min away for us. When you want a spur of the moment trip it's a great place to go."
What you should know
Bathroom limitations: Facility quality varies significantly between campgrounds. At Collin Park, "Bathrooms were centrally located but the women's restroom was flooded with an unknown liquid. Also, each bathroom had a shower," according to one Collin Park visitor who still rated their stay positively despite the issues.
Seasonal insect conditions: Mosquito activity peaks from April through October but varies by location. A Sleep Under The Pecan Trees camper noted, "There are minimal mosquitoes, so that was certainly a relief."
Weekend crowds: Certain locations experience significant visitor traffic, particularly those with trail systems. One Erwin Park reviewer cautioned, "It gets pretty busy on the weekends with bikers so if you're on foot keep your eyes & ears open to avoid being in the middle of a pileup."
Tips for camping with families
Bring animal treats: When camping at properties with livestock, carrots and apples are appropriate feeding options. "We had to go there to buy more carrots for the horses (40 pounds of carrots)," mentioned one Rockin Bar B Ranch visitor about their preparations for animal encounters.
Pack fishing gear: Several properties offer pond fishing suitable for beginners. A Sleep Under The Pecan Trees camper shared, "She caught her 1st bass in the pond as well. The entire property is simply beautiful and I'd strongly recommend Dads to bring their girls and boys out to enjoy this amazing display of nature and wildlife."
Select shaded sites: Summer temperatures routinely reach the mid-90s, making tree cover essential. "The only sound other than bird song is the occasional moo and some coyote yips in the distance," notes an Erwin Park visitor about their experience in the wooded sites.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup options: Most tent-focused campgrounds near Commerce offer minimal or no hookups for RVs. One visitor mentioned, "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."
Supply access: Commerce provides limited camping supplies, but larger towns within driving distance offer comprehensive options. "You will be about 12 minutes away from the nearest Walmart, in case you forget some camping supplies," notes a Sleep Under The Pecan Trees camper about provisioning opportunities.
