Campsites near Grapevine, Texas offer diverse terrain options from lake views to wooded areas, with elevations ranging from 400 to 600 feet above sea level. The region experiences hot summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 95°F from June through September, while spring and fall provide milder conditions for tent camping. Most campgrounds in this area remain open year-round due to the moderate North Texas climate.
What to do
Kayaking and paddleboarding: Twin Coves Park offers kayak rentals and a protected cove perfect for beginners. "There's a nice kayak launch and kayak rentals with a great cove to paddle around in. Walking trails galore," notes Susan T.
Mountain biking access: Pilot Knoll Park provides direct trail connections to lakeside paths. "You don't feel like you are less than a mile from a busy shopping center. The camping area has lots of shade, and many spots are very close to the water," says Jessica H.
Beach swimming: Loyd Park features a dedicated swimming beach area with gradual entry points. "Beach is great," states John B., while another camper mentions "We spent three days there swimming and hiking around. Great times!"
Fishing opportunities: Multiple fishing docks and coves allow for shore fishing without a boat. "My boys caught a 12 lb and 20 lb catfish right off the fishing dock," reports Natalie S. at The Vineyards Campground & Cabins.
What campers like
Spacious sites: The Vineyards Campground & Cabins offers larger camping areas with amenities. "Large Sites with covered Picnic tables. Sites spread nicely with no one on top of you," according to Andrew B.
Lakefront views: Hickory Creek provides waterfront sites with direct lake access. "We hopped over for a one night trip and had a blast! Our site was right off the water with a fun view (at night) of the lake Lewisville bridge," shares Joshua M.
Clean facilities: Many campers note the well-maintained bathrooms and showers. "Cleanest bathrooms and showers," reports Dan W. about The Vineyards, while another camper mentions "Bathrooms are clean. Easy dump station. And great hookups."
Urban convenience with nature feel: Proximity to shopping and restaurants while maintaining natural setting. "Location: The location is tucked away in the small lakeside town of Hickory Creek...which is surrounded by Denton to the north and Lewisville/Dallas to the south. Even though it's in a highly populated area, it feels very remote when you get into the park," writes Matt S.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most lakeside sites require booking 3-6 months in advance for summer weekends. "Reservations is done by calling the park, no online," notes Sybel P. about Lake Park Campground.
Gate restrictions: Several parks lock entrance gates after hours. "Front gate get locked at 11pm. If you don't make it, you have to park outside and walk in," warns Scott K.
Park entrance fees: Some locations charge daily use fees beyond camping costs. "You have to pay a daily park entrance fee of $10 on top of the $30-35 a day for non-resident campsites," reports a reviewer about Pilot Knoll.
Wildlife considerations: Hidden Cove Park has resident wildlife you should prepare for. "Family of turkey's hangs out at the campgrounds. I get it is nature, but with little kids or dogs it is not the safest," shares Mary Elisabeth D.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Select sites near play structures for convenient supervision. "Check-in was very easy, sites were very clean and well maintained, playground was amazing with an awesome 'roller-coaster' swing that the teenagers even loved," mentions Joie S. about The Vineyards.
Safety considerations: Some campgrounds offer better security than others. "Great security visible as well as a coded gate after hours," notes Andrew B.
Water safety: Dedicated swimming areas with gradual entries work best for younger children. "The lake is a pretty view, but that is about it," warns one camper about Hidden Cove, suggesting researching specific swimming areas beforehand.
Activity options: Cedar Hill State Park offers diverse recreation for different age groups. "The hiking trails were very nice though and had a lot of variation. They were being used mainly as mountain bike trails but were still plenty fun for hiking and taking in the rest of the views," notes Price T.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: For summer camping, prioritize shade over water views. "The 50 amp and larger campers are in the shade," notes Cyn T. about Lake Park Campground.
Hookup locations: Be prepared with extension cords at some parks. "Connections for water and electric aren't in best spots but able to reach. They offer extension cords," advises Mo L.
Dump station access: Not all campgrounds have sewer at individual sites. "The only 'negative' I found is that the sewage hook up is not at the actual site. There are dump stations in different places," explains Luis about Hickory Creek.
Water pressure issues: Some campgrounds have unusually high water pressure. "I found the water pressure too strong for my class b as the pressure caused a link under my sink. Convinced me to purchase my own water pressure resistor gauge," advises Chris P.
