Bardwell Lake forms the centerpiece of camping near Ennis, Texas, situated 30 miles southeast of Dallas. The 3,570-acre reservoir creates numerous camping opportunities along its 25 miles of shoreline. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 95°F from June through September, making water access and shade crucial considerations when selecting dog friendly campgrounds near Ennis.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: The Range Vintage Trailer Resort features a stocked fishing lake perfect for casual anglers. One visitor notes, "We saw one other camper at the lake while we were fishing & he left the next morning."
Kayaking access: Water activities remain popular at Mott Park, where campers report excellent boating conditions. A visitor shared, "Mott park is a fantastic campground for lake activities! At the time of my visit the facilities were clean. The park was well cared for and the sites were all pretty good."
Walking trails: Large grassy areas provide excellent walking opportunities for pets and humans alike. At High View, one camper reported, "Plenty of room to stretch out. Lots of room to walk the dog. Great atmosphere."
Beach activities: Loyd Park offers designated swimming areas with a sandy beach. A camper shared, "They have a big beach, park area to enjoy. Staff is friendly."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Waxahachie Creek Park stands out for its natural setting. One camper noted, "It was so peaceful with quite a bit of bushy vegetation to provide a small measure of privacy between sites. This is as close to nature as one can get in a campground!"
Spacious campsites: Many campers appreciate the generous spacing at Cedar Hill State Park, where "The park is designed with small loops for 15-20 camp sites in each loop. Very little traffic right by the individual spots."
Security patrols: Campers feel safe with regular monitoring. One camper at High View noted, "Local sheriff's dept and park ranger made several trips through the park which made it feel secure."
Lake views: Many sites offer direct water views. At Mott Park, a visitor mentioned, "Our site #29 was nice and shady and panoramic view of lake."
What you should know
Gate closing times: Some campgrounds strictly enforce entry hours. One camper at Highview Park warned, "When we arrived at 11pm the gates were locked with no one in site. Was supposed to be a one night stopover with a morning swim. Ended up at the rest stop instead. Not a single word about late arrivals at the gate or on recreation.gov."
Distance to supplies: Most campgrounds require driving for basic needs. One visitor noted at Highview Park, "Convenience stores, etc 4-6 miles away."
Weather considerations: Summer heat makes shade crucial. A camper at Highview Park mentioned, "Great views, clean sites, however there's very limited shade."
Bathroom conditions: Facilities vary widely between campgrounds. At High View, "Bathroom facilities were clean," while other parks may have limited or seasonal access to showers.
Tips for camping with families
Beach access for kids: Loyd Park provides excellent swimming areas. A camper shared, "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. We spent three days there swimming and hiking around."
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer dedicated play areas. "Beach area and playgrounds are great, although you do have quite a few 'day users,'" reports a regular visitor to Loyd Park.
Rental options: Some parks offer equipment rentals. "There's are rentals like golf carts & kayaks," notes a Loyd Park camper, providing options for family activities without bringing all your gear.
Campsite selection: Weekends get busy at most parks. A camper advised, "Very nice campground. Nice shaded spots available. Usually quiet except on weekends."
Tips from RVers
Site levelness: Many campgrounds feature concrete pads. At American RV Park, a visitor noted, "Hook-ups are in good condition. Site is concrete."
Pull-through availability: Some parks offer easier access sites. A camper at American RV Park shared, "Great pull thru site. Plenty of room to leave hooked up."
Power considerations: Hot Texas summers make electrical capacity important. At Flying Dutchman RV Resort, both 30-amp and 50-amp hookups are available, which is crucial during peak summer months when air conditioning is necessary.
Site spacing: For those seeking less crowded conditions, The Range Vintage Trailer Resort offers premium spacing. A visitor observed, "The first thing we noticed was how far apart the sites are, and they offer plenty of privacy."
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