Tent camping near Garland, Texas ranges from lake-oriented sites with varying restrictions to wooded parkland with family-friendly features. Most campgrounds sit between 400-600 feet in elevation with terrain transitioning from prairie to post oak woodlands. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F from June through September, making spring and fall the preferred camping seasons for most visitors.
What to do
Mountain biking trails: Erwin Park offers extensive single-track trails popular with cyclists. One visitor noted, "Great easy spot for day camping or easy car camping with family. Best mountain bike single tracks around with lots of built features." The 9-mile trail network is maintained by DORBA but floods easily after rain.
Fishing opportunities: Several campgrounds provide lake access for anglers. At Sleep Under The Pecan Trees, campers report good catches: "She caught her 1st bass in the pond as well." Bring your own gear and check Texas fishing regulations before your trip.
Swimming and water activities: Shoreline access at lake-based camps allows for cooling off during hot months. At Meadowmere Park & Campground, the open waterfront provides space for multiple water activities with minimal crowds on weekdays.
What campers like
Horse encounters: Unique wildlife interactions distinguish some sites from others. At Sleep Under The Pecan Trees, campers enjoy: "Wild, yet docile horses will approach you. You can pet them and feed them by hand." The 100-acre property also features "donkeys hee-hawing, birds singing, and fire flies glowing."
Wooded shelter: Tree cover provides essential shade during hot Texas days. Sycamore Bend Park offers shoreline sites with natural canopy. A reviewer mentions, "Nice fire rings, flag pole, and calm park" despite the primitive nature of the facilities.
Security features: Some campsites provide enhanced security measures. One camper at Northside RV Resort highlighted: "The park was very clean with four bathroom/shower rooms and laundry room as well. The park also has a gate with a code needed to enter."
What you should know
Access restrictions: Many tent sites require gear transport from parking areas. At 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."
Fee structures: Campground rates have increased at many locations. Sycamore Bend Park now charges "$20, but that's about average it seems now" compared to previous $7 rates, with a three-night maximum stay.
Bathroom conditions: Facilities vary significantly between parks. One camper at Erwin Park mentioned, "The only thing I would change is the bathroom facilities, there are no doors at all!" Always bring hand sanitizer and toilet paper as backup.
Weather impacts: Summer heat affects comfort levels significantly. Primitive sites like those at Sycamore Bend lack electrical hookups for fans or cooling. Most experienced campers recommend spring or fall visits for more moderate temperatures.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly wildlife viewing: Little Elm Park offers accessible tent sites with amenities. A camper notes, "Electric hookups for RV generally a small area first come first serve.... 5 dollars per tent....restrooms and park lights.... stores nearby."
Activity planning: Schedule morning activities before afternoon heat becomes intense. At Sleep Under The Pecan Trees, families can "explore the nature or just chill at your campsite" with minimal mosquitoes reported.
Supply proximity: Most campgrounds sit within 15 minutes of stores. One camper at Sleep Under The Pecan Trees mentioned being "about 12 minutes away from the nearest Walmart, in case you forget some camping supplies."
Playground access: Several parks include play equipment near camping areas. Meadowmere Park has been described as "Peaceful, open, spacious and super nice management and staff" with clean facilities that appeal to families with children.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup options: Most tent-focused areas offer minimal RV facilities. For electric access, Little Elm Park provides "Electric hookups for RV generally a small area first come first serve."
Site leveling challenges: Many tent-designated areas aren't designed for larger vehicles. At Northside RV Resort, one camper reported, "Nice hard sites all with 20/30/50a, cable TV, and full hookups" but warned about seasonal challenges: "When it rains stay on the pavement as the mud is nasty and gumbo."
Noise considerations: Traffic and trains impact some camping areas. At Northside RV Resort, "The road is very loud and there are train tracks with train horns blaring all night long - make sure your bedroom faces away from the road for the best sleep."
