Camping near Dallas, TX, offers a great escape from the city while still being close enough for a quick getaway. With a variety of campgrounds to choose from, you can find the perfect spot for your next adventure.
What to do:
- Hiking and Nature Trails: Many campgrounds, like Cedar Hill State Park Campground, have extensive trails. One visitor mentioned, "A very big old park...has a fish pond, wonderful beach and day sites."
- Fishing: If you enjoy fishing, Lake Tawakoni State Park Campground is a great spot. A camper noted, "Nice, large park with large RV sites and good privacy...there is a really nice, large picnic area for day pass folks, and a nice big sandy swimming beach."
- Wildlife Watching: Campgrounds like Isle du Bois — Ray Roberts Lake State Park offer opportunities to see deer and other wildlife. One camper shared, "I saw lots of deer - with some of them even wandering into my campsite."
What campers like:
- Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review for Hickory Creek - Lewisville Lake stated, "Restroom facilities are clean. My one complaint is there's a playground on their map but no actual playground that we could find."
- Friendly Staff: Many visitors mention the helpfulness of campground staff. A camper at Cleburne State Park Campground said, "The park rangers were efficient and helpful as most tend to be."
- Spacious Sites: Campers enjoy having enough space between sites. A review for The Vineyards Campground & Cabins noted, "The sites were large and clean. Nice views of the lake...quiet and peaceful."
What you should know:
- Reservations Recommended: Many campgrounds can fill up quickly, especially on weekends. A visitor at Johnson Branch — Ray Roberts Lake State Park mentioned, "We camped here with some friends and had a nice experience overall."
- Limited Cell Service: Some areas have spotty cell coverage. A camper at Hidden Cove Park & Marina said, "It's a good camp ground. However for T-Mobile service is not good enough for work or streaming."
- Weather Considerations: Be prepared for changing weather conditions. A visitor at Lake Tawakoni State Park Campground noted, "It had been raining a lot, so things were pretty muddy."
Tips for camping with families:
- Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds or swimming areas. A review for Hickory Creek - Lewisville Lake highlighted, "The campground is beautiful, clean and well spaced out."
- Pack Light for Walk-Ins: Some sites require a bit of a trek to reach. A camper at Purtis Creek State Park Campground mentioned, "The only negatives are the bathrooms are a 5 min drive away and the campsite ground was very rocky."
- Bring Entertainment: Make sure to have games or activities for downtime. A visitor at Cedar Hill State Park Campground noted, "The park is pretty big and there was a nice fire pit and picnic table we could use."
Tips from RVers:
- Check Hookups: Ensure your site has the necessary hookups for your RV. A review for Cleburne State Park Campground mentioned, "Poplar Point Loop has full hookups with some having lake front access."
- Plan for Dump Stations: Some campgrounds have dump stations that are not located at the sites. A camper at Hickory Creek - Lewisville Lake said, "The only 'negative' I found is that the sewage hook up is not at the actual site."
- Bring Extra Cords: If your RV has a rear electrical connection, you might need a longer cord. A visitor at Cedar Hill State Park Campground noted, "Water pressure was 50 psi, sewer hookup was close, but electrical box was in the front and most modern RV's electrical connection in the back."
Camping close to Dallas, TX, offers a variety of experiences for everyone. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a peaceful retreat, there's something for you in the area.
