Located in the North Central Plains of Texas, Dublin sits at an elevation of 1,493 feet with a humid subtropical climate that creates distinct camping seasons. The area around Dublin features rolling hills transitioning from prairies to more rugged terrain, with limestone outcroppings and scattered oak trees providing natural shade at many campsites. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 95°F, making spring and fall the most comfortable seasons for tent camping and glamping near Dublin.
What to do
Explore dinosaur tracks: At Dinosaur Valley State Park Campground, visitors can view actual dinosaur footprints preserved in the riverbed. "This place is awesome. One of the best natural swimming holes I've found near DFW. There are dinosaur fossils everywhere. Hiking is great, and even on a hot summer day you can go swim in the river or the blue hole," notes Julie W.
Fish at Proctor Lake: Copperas Creek at Proctor Lake offers excellent fishing opportunities with dedicated fishing piers. One visitor reports, "Fishing is great off the nearby fishing dock and a lot of people came with boats. Sites 11-14 are in the shade and right on the water!"
Hike varied terrain: The trails at Meridian State Park Campground range from easy to moderate difficulty with unique geological features. "It has some nice views. The Bee Ledge was kind of cool. People indigenous to the area used to use it as a shelter and has some cave like features," shares Madison L.
Visit nearby attractions: The Dublin area offers several interesting side trips. "Downtown Comanche nearby has some neat places to stop (sorrells farm, stone eagle beer garden, brennan vineyards, soda shop, & farmers market) Dublin nearby has Dublin bottling works, Lucky Vines Vineyard & Veldhuizen Cheese," recommends a Copperas Creek camper.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Lake Brownwood State Park Campground features well-spaced camping areas with shade. "Each cabin is rustic and unique. There are tons of easy trails and shore access. It has great fishing areas, bridges, and stone structures to explore as well," says Ashley S.
Swimming options: Natural water features provide relief from Texas heat. "The lake is a 72 acre one and it is a no wake lake. Wonderful fishing dock, great facilities, excellent place for kids! We stay at the screened shelters that are RIGHT by the water!" explains Janice S. at Meridian State Park.
Historic structures: Several parks feature Depression-era Civilian Conservation Corps buildings. "It is well worth the time to visit the beautiful and elegant CCC Lodge," suggests Larry D. about Lake Brownwood State Park.
Family facilities: Oakdale RV Resort & Motorcoach includes amenities specifically designed for families. "This is a large RV Park with campsites and cabins. There's a huge pool with lifeguards and a big playground with updated equipment. My boys loved this place!! The restrooms/showers were spotless!!" reports Paula M.
What you should know
Water conditions vary: River and lake levels change seasonally, affecting access to some areas. At Dinosaur Valley, "Most of the trails, and primitive camp sites, are accessed by fording the river. This can be impossible depending on recent rain," cautions Caleb H.
Connectivity limitations: Cell service varies significantly between parks. At Copperas Creek, campers report "Absolutely NO Verizon but three bars AT&T," which affects planning for remote workers or emergency communications.
Park facilities: Bathroom and shower quality differs between parks. A Lake Brownwood visitor notes, "Showers old but but great hot water. Flush toilets, walking trail along lake, cabins also near lake."
Reservation timing: Lost Creek RV Park accommodates last-minute stays better than state parks. "Last minute reservations made and they were very nice," shares Charley K., while state parks often require booking months in advance, especially for glamping options and cabins.
Tips for camping with families
Pack for insects: The Dublin area has seasonal bug issues requiring preparation. "Pretty buggy (gnats/flies--did not see mosquitos)," reports a Lake Brownwood camper, while another notes, "Black ants rule the park. Plan accordingly."
Consider screened shelters: For glamping near Dublin with young children, screened accommodations provide comfort with nature access. "We camped at site 31 which is a primitive tent only site. The sites are HUGE!!! Tons of space between you and the next site," explains Heather P. at Meridian State Park.
Check swimming areas: Different parks offer various water features. "Our sites were good size and perfect for us. We stayed in 17 and 15. 17 was very large but the table was way away from the pad and people were always walking thru because it was the start of a trail," reports Tiffany H. about swimming access at Dinosaur Valley.
Explore educational opportunities: Parks offer natural learning experiences. "If you go hiking, take a map and of course extra water. My map came in handy a couple of times as I was hiking as the actual trails led me off track a few times," advises a Dinosaur Valley camper.
Tips from RVers
Site selection matters: At Cedar Ridge RV Park, long-term residents occupy many spaces. "It's basically a long term full time residential park," notes Jeff P., suggesting travelers request sites away from permanent residents.
Leveling requirements: Some parks have uneven terrain. "Site 69 not level (68 looked better). Both are on green space facing the lake," explains Mark M. about Lake Brownwood.
Amenities vary widely: RV parks offer different hookups and facilities. Lost Creek RV Park provides "Nicely maintained RV spots and cabins. Good WiFi!" according to Pamela B.
Consider site privacy: Layout affects experience at each park. "Our RV site was pull through and easy enough to get in and out of," notes Jay P. at Meridian State Park, while another camper mentions, "Site consist of sandy gravel which high winds created a dust storm making a gritty mess of everything inside and out" at another location.
