Tent camping near Farmersville, Texas offers opportunities for lakeside recreation at sites situated in the blackland prairie ecosystem of North Texas. The rolling terrain features limestone outcroppings and oak mottes scattered throughout the region. Summer humidity often exceeds 80%, making spring and fall camping more comfortable with average temperatures ranging from 50-75°F during these seasons.
What to do
Mountain biking on maintained trails: Erwin Park in McKinney has around 9 miles of trails maintained by DORBA (Dallas Off-Road Bicycle Association). As one visitor notes, the park offers "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."
Fishing in stocked ponds: Sleep Under The Pecan Trees offers fishing in their ponds where families can catch bass. One father 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."
Horseback riding: Some campgrounds in the area permit horseback riding or have nearby equestrian trails. Brockdale Park has "a large Equestrian trail" according to campers, though camping options are limited at this particular location.
Wildlife viewing: The area around Farmersville offers opportunities to observe local wildlife. Campsites often feature deer, waterfowl, and various bird species. At Sycamore Bend Park, campers report seeing "a lot of wildlife from water fowl, deer and woodpeckers."
What campers like
Interaction with farm animals: At Sleep Under The Pecan Trees, campers enjoy unique interactions with horses. According to reviews, "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."
Secluded spots despite suburban proximity: Campers appreciate finding natural settings close to urban areas. One reviewer noted about Sycamore Bend Park, "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. Really nice park right on the lake, but it does get a bit crowded."
Night sounds: The natural soundscape is frequently mentioned in reviews. At Erwin Park, campers enjoy peaceful nights with distinctive sounds of the countryside.
Lakefront access: Multiple campgrounds offer direct lake access. Meadowmere Park & Campground receives positive reviews for its lakefront location, with campers describing it as a "Hidden Gem" that's "Peaceful, open, spacious and super nice management and staff."
What you should know
Bathroom facilities vary widely: Toilet conditions can be inconsistent across campgrounds. At Collin Park, one camper reported: "Bathrooms were centrally located but the women's restroom was flooded with an unknown liquid (it didn't smell, but one of the toilets was badly clogged and we haven't had that much rain lately)."
Reservation requirements: Some parks require reservations while others operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Little Elm Park charges approximately $5 per tent with electric hookups available for RVs, but spaces are limited.
Site accessibility: Many tent sites require carrying gear from parking areas. Sycamore Bend Park has increased rates to $20 per night from previous years, and sites cannot be driven to directly.
Stay limits: Most campgrounds restrict consecutive nights. Sycamore Bend Park enforces a "Max 3 night stay, no electricity, water, or showers," according to recent visitors.
Tips for camping with families
Scout-friendly locations: Several parks cater to scout troops with appropriate facilities. Sycamore Bend Park is "very popular with the boy and cub scout troops in the North Dallas Metroplex area," making it ideal for youth group outings.
Playground access: Some parks feature playground equipment for children. East Lake Crockett Recreation Area offers day use facilities that complement nearby camping options, with one visitor noting it's a "Nice place to launch your boat for a day of fishing."
Wildlife education opportunities: The diverse ecosystem provides learning experiences for children. At Sleep Under The Pecan Trees, children can interact with horses and farm animals safely under supervision.
Pack extra supplies: With stores like Walmart typically within 10-15 minutes of most campgrounds, forgotten supplies are easily obtained. Campers at Sycamore Bend Park mention "the closest Walmart is 2 miles away at the intersection of I-35E and Teasley Dr."
Tips from RVers
Electric hookups: While tent camping dominates in the area, some parks accommodate small RVs. Little Elm Park offers "Electric hookups for RV generally a small area first come first serve.... 5 dollars per tent....restrooms and park lights.... stores nearby..... no showers."
Wind considerations: Lakefront sites often experience stronger winds. At Meadowmere Park, a camper in spot 23 mentioned, "although windy, I really enjoyed the scenery and quietness."
Gate access after hours: Some parks close to day visitors in the evening. Meadowmere Park "Closes to public after 530 and management made it easy for us to enter the gate upon our late arrival."
