RV campgrounds near Garland, Texas are predominantly located along the eastern edges of the Dallas metropolitan area, with several options clustered around Lake Lavon and Lake Ray Hubbard. The region experiences hot summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 95°F from June through September, making water access and shade important considerations. Winter overnight temperatures can drop below freezing during December through February, requiring adequate heating systems for RV campers.
What to do
Fishing access: Several RV parks near Garland provide proximity to fishing opportunities, particularly on Lake Lavon. Lafon's RV Park in Princeton offers convenient water access. "We needed to do some repairs to our truck after a hell storm, we need to be around the Dallas, Garland, McKinney area, and this is a perfect location, quiet, but yet close to everything we needed," notes one visitor.
Flea market shopping: The weekend markets at Traders Village offer extensive shopping options. "This location has all your needs for as long of a stay you ever need. Propane refill station, fuel station, a store, hair shop, laundry mat, showers and restrooms. Not to mention, one of the biggest flee markets around and it's 2 days of walking and shopping," writes a camper.
Swimming facilities: During summer months, pool access becomes essential at Garland-area RV parks. "The basketball/tennis courts had just been resurfaced. Anytime someone left, or a spot was empty, new gravel was being dumped and leveled. Even though closed for Covid, the pool was cleaned daily," reports a visitor about Bluebonnet Ridge RV Park.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Campground cleanliness ranks high in positive reviews of RV parks near Garland. "Great experience so far. The laundry room is nice, I really like the app that lets you pay so you don't need coins but also tells you how much time you have remaining or if there are machines available," notes one guest at Shady Creek RV Park.
Pet accommodations: Dog-friendly amenities are frequently mentioned in favorable reviews. "There's a small dog park area. Doggie bags were provided in multiple places, and ample trash cans in which to drop them," reports a camper at Bluebonnet Ridge RV Park, while also noting "LOTS of room to walk the dog!"
Maintenance standards: Regular upkeep of facilities appears consistently in positive feedback. "Very clean and well kept RV park. Close to town, but feels secluded enough. Great experience for long-term camping," writes a guest at Shady Creek RV Park, while another notes the park is "well laid out, small clean well maintained yards."
What you should know
Bathroom availability varies: Not all RV parks in Garland provide shower or bathroom facilities. "WARNING: NO BATHROOMS, NO SHOWERS. Quiet park with easy access to Dallas. Nice dog walking area and dog park. Full hookups. I get that RVs have bathrooms and most have showers, but never in all my years have I been to a park with no bathrooms or showers," reports a visitor at Plantation Place RV Park.
Highway noise concerns: Proximity to highways affects sound levels at some campgrounds. "You're really close to I-20, you will hear the road noise. Only trucks are loud. (We did hear a blowout, scared me to death!)," notes a camper at Bluebonnet Ridge RV Park.
Internet connectivity limitations: While cellular coverage is typically adequate, wifi performance varies significantly. "The WiFi, while available, is really slow. When you connect, they track usage by hardware MAC address. Use too much, you get blocked and have to ask to be allowed back on," explains a visitor to Bluebonnet Ridge RV Park.
Tips for camping with families
Pool availability: For summer camping with children, verify pool access before booking. "The pool is nice. You're right next to Frisco, Prosper, Little Elm, Savannah, and Denton," mentions a visitor at Shady Creek RV Park.
Weather considerations: Prepare for potentially muddy conditions during rainy periods. "We traveled from West Texas, stayed 4 nights, had rain almost every day. The paved road was beginning to break up from all the rain with pot holes and new ones beginning to pop up," notes a camper at Shady Creek RV Park.
Pet monitoring: Keep close watch on pets when camping at RV parks near Garland. "Pet friendly, keep an eye on your pooch as one morning a large dog broke his/her leash one morning and attacked a lady's dog and knocked her down. She was not injured and her doggie is ok," cautions a visitor at Shady Creek RV Park.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Check site grading before selecting spots at RV campgrounds around Garland. "The site was level, but muddy, and they were very close together," notes a camper at Bluebonnet Ridge RV Park, while another visitor mentions, "Have about 10 concrete pads, the rest are level gravel."
Extended stay amenities: For longer visits, look for campgrounds with mail service. "Each visitor, even short term like us, gets a mailbox. You can go in 24/7 and check it. There's a 'swap area' where people leave magazines, etc. (Near the mailboxes)," notes a visitor at Bluebonnet Ridge RV Park.
Advance booking required: Reserve spots well ahead, particularly at Patriot RV Park. "This place is close to anywhere you need to go. The price is the best in the area and they give free high speed internet. They have a nice laundry room and mailboxes on site. They offer short or long term living," explains a reviewer.