Primitive camping at Grapevine Lake offers alternatives to developed sites for those seeking more rustic experiences. The 8,000-acre reservoir sits at approximately 435 feet above sea level and maintains a relatively constant water level due to flood control management. Water temperatures range from 45°F in winter to 85°F in summer, affecting camping comfort throughout the seasons.
What to do
Mountain biking access: Twin Coves Park features extensive trail systems suitable for various skill levels. "What a beautiful park. Lake front, kayak rentals with a great cove to paddle around in. Walking trails galore," notes one visitor to Twin Coves Park.
Fishing opportunities: Prime spots include bass, crappie, and catfish locations around Murrell Park's coves. "My boys caught a 12 lb and 20 lb catfish right off the fishing dock," according to a camper at The Vineyards Campground & Cabins.
Water recreation: Boat rentals and launches available at multiple locations, with Hidden Cove offering comprehensive options. "The park offers open activity areas and covered picnic tables by the water. A 3-lane boat ramp to Lewisville Lake, rental paddle boarding, full marina, and swimming area," explains a reviewer at Hidden Cove Park & Marina.
What campers like
Lakefront privacy: Sites at Pilot Knoll Park offer water access with sufficient spacing. "We stayed in spot#5 right at the end of the cove. Calm water, large lot land area and clean, easy access to walk right into the lake to swim, and space to dock your boat make the cove side of the park an excellent score," writes a camper at Pilot Knoll Park Campground.
Well-maintained facilities: Willow Grove earns praise for clean bathrooms and modern amenities. "Super beautiful, clean, modern campsite. The wifi is not very reliable. The bathrooms and showers work, and are clean (other than the bugs obviously)," mentions one reviewer of Willow Grove Park.
Site features: Many locations offer concrete pads and covered areas. "A lot of space between sites, well level and paved, family oriented, very quite, beautiful lake and tree sites, lighted power supply post with all the amps available. Fire pits, bbq, picnic tables and some with gazebo," notes a camper at Hickory Creek - Lewisville Lake.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Book well in advance during peak season (April-October), as sites fill quickly. "Reservations is done by calling the park, no online," explains a Lake Park Campground reviewer.
Site selection factors: Water-front sites offer views but less shade. "The campsites near the water have absolutely no trees. I feel very exposed in those sites. They have a few wooded sites near the office but they accommodate only small rigs," advises a Twin Coves camper.
Security considerations: Variable enforcement of quiet hours and access restrictions exists between parks. "They are strict about parking; I got woken up around 1:30am by local police because I parked in an area I wasn't allowed to and also forgot to print a permit to put on my dash," warns a Willow Grove Park visitor.
Wildlife encounters: Prepare for local fauna including snakes. "Plenty of ducks to feed, but they were not interested or just didn't like the boat. To our surprise, there was also plenty of snakes! We crossed one on the road as we drove in and saw several swimming in the lake," cautions a Lake Park Campground reviewer.
Tips for camping with families
Best playground access: Twin Coves features exceptional play areas for children. "Very clean, family friendly, well maintained. Verizon reception was not great. Will certainly come back to this park. Highly recommended," notes a visitor.
Swimming conditions: Designated swim areas vary in quality and safety features. "There is a park with slides and swings. The lake was warm and there was a little 'beach' for swimming- I would recommend water shoes and floaties!" advises a Willow Grove Park visitor.
Group camping layouts: Some areas better accommodate multiple families camping together. "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. Sites were large enough for us (tent campers) without feeling too close to our rv/camper neighbors! Our 5 & 4 year old boys loved running around, throwing rocks in the lake," shares a Hickory Creek visitor.
Tips from RVers
Hookup considerations: Water pressure can vary significantly between sites. "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," shares a Pilot Knoll Park visitor.
Dump station locations: Not all parks have on-site dump stations. "The sewage hook up is not at the actual site. There are dump stations in different places. It was a bit nerve wrecking to use the dump station while people waited behind me and it is my very first time doing this," explains a Hickory Creek visitor.
Entry and exit logistics: Some parks have challenging access points. "Road into park is a narrow residential street. Entry gate is narrow. Single loop road allows for fairly easy backing into sites," notes a Willow Grove Park reviewer.
