Cedar Hill State Park offers tent and RV camping 20 miles southwest of Fort Worth with sites surrounded by post oak trees native to the Cross Timbers ecological region. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 95°F from June through September, making shade and water access critical considerations. Lake access varies by water level, which fluctuates seasonally at many campgrounds near Fort Worth.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Cedar Hill State Park provides bank fishing along Joe Pool Lake where visitors frequently catch catfish and bass. Multiple reviewers note the active fish population, with one camper observing "every couple of minutes there was a 'plop' from another fish popping out of the water."
Cycling routes: The paved roads at Loyd Park create an excellent network for family cycling. "Great bike trails," notes one visitor, while another mentions the park's popularity with cyclists: "We saw dozens riding the streets."
Wildlife viewing: Deer sightings are common throughout many Fort Worth area campgrounds. At Holiday Park Campground, campers report encounters with "dozens of deer out of all sizes" in different areas of the park. Morning and evening hours provide best viewing opportunities when deer are most active.
Water activities: Hickory Creek - Lewisville Lake offers multiple water access points with dedicated swimming areas. "Our site was right off the water with a fun view (at night) of the Lake Lewisville bridge," reports one camper. The park includes a beach area that's particularly popular during summer months.
What campers like
Shaded campsites: Many Fort Worth area campgrounds feature tree cover that provides crucial relief during hot Texas summers. At Treetops RV Resort, campers appreciate that "the trees are beautiful and add great shade" with one reviewer noting it has "lots and lots of trees" making it "one of our favorite in the Metroplex."
Well-spaced sites: Campers consistently mention appreciating the generous spacing between sites at Hickory Creek. "A lot of space between sites, well level and paved, family oriented, very quiet," notes one reviewer. Sites on the point have "wide open spaces" with "expansive lake views."
Dog park facilities: Pet owners appreciate the dedicated off-leash areas at Dallas/Arlington KOA Holiday with one reviewer specifically mentioning, "Dog park is nice, staff is friendly. We'll definitely be staying here in the future!" The park maintains these areas separately from main camping loops.
Bathroom cleanliness: Multiple campgrounds receive positive feedback about their restroom facilities. At Holiday Park, reviewers note the "bathroom/shower combo rooms are very clean and nice." Treetops RV Resort similarly earns praise for "bath houses are nice and private."
What you should know
Fire ant precautions: Several campgrounds in the Fort Worth area have fire ant issues, particularly during warm weather. At Cedar Hill State Park, two different campers reported "Fire ants and chiggers all over our campsite!" Bring ant treatments and inspect your site upon arrival.
Flooding impacts: Water levels affect campground availability and access at several locations. One Cedar Hill State Park visitor noted it was "partially closed due to flooding." Check with park offices about current conditions before making reservations.
Road noise considerations: Hickory Creek - Lewisville Lake campground is situated near I-35, resulting in traffic noise for some sites. As one camper explains: "It's located adjacent to I-35, just west of the Lake Lewisville bridge, so there's traffic noise depending on how close you're camped to the road."
Reservation demand: Popular dog-friendly campgrounds near Fort Worth fill quickly, especially for weekend dates and sites with shade or water views. Loyd Park sites are particularly sought after, with lakefront sites booking months in advance during peak season.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: When camping with children, select sites near play areas. North Texas Jellystone offers extensive children's facilities with "several playgrounds, maze, volleyball, basketball, pond, and activities." One visitor calls it "literally the best campground for families."
Beach swimming: Loyd Park provides a designated swimming beach that's ideal for families with children of various ages. "Beach area and playgrounds are great," notes one camper. The beach has gradual entry points suitable for younger children.
Wildlife education: Use deer sightings at Holiday Park Campground as learning opportunities for children. "We came across 5 different groups of them as I was driving around," reports one visitor. Morning drives around park roads often yield multiple sightings.
Activity scheduling: Schedule around organized events at North Texas Jellystone where "there were scheduled activities all day long." Parents appreciate that "there are tons of activities, games, crafts, pools, petting zoo, water park, and more."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: At Cowtown RV Park, experienced RVers recommend selecting "pull through cement locations" which are noted for being level and easy to set up. "Level concrete camp spots. The FHUs were in good working order," reports one visitor.
Shade considerations: When temperatures exceed 100°F, select sites with adequate tree cover at Treetops RV Resort. "Plenty of shade to help with the 100+ degree days!" notes one camper. Sites without shade can make air conditioning units work significantly harder.
Utility reliability: Hickory Creek campground offers newly upgraded electrical service. "The electric was recently upgraded after the flooding this year. So there's 50 amp available now too," shares one RVer, noting that "water pressure was good" as well.
Check-in efficiency: RVers appreciate parks with streamlined arrival procedures. At Cowtown RV Park, staff "escort you to your camp spot" and at Dallas/Arlington KOA, "after hours check in was very fast and easy" according to visitors who arrived outside office hours.
