Tent campsites near Grapevine, Texas feature varying terrain with elevations ranging from 500-700 feet above sea level around the area's lakes and grasslands. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F between June and September, making spring and fall the most comfortable camping seasons. Winter camping is possible with temperatures rarely dropping below freezing for extended periods.
What to do
Mountain biking trails: Erwin Park in McKinney offers excellent singletrack trails for riders of all skill levels. According to one visitor, the park has "great easy spot for day camping or easy car camping with family. Good fire pits and great pavilion at the group site if you can get it. Best mountain bike single tracks around with lots of built features."
Kayaking and paddleboarding: Little Elm Park provides direct lake access with electric hookups for tent campers at $5 per site. "Electric hookups for RV generally a small area first come first serve.... 5 dollars per tent....restrooms and park lights.... stores nearby..... no showers," notes one camper.
Fishing opportunities: The west side of Black Creek Lake NF Campground caters to anglers with shore access. A camper mentioned, "The occasional local popping in for fishing or grilling sorta dampens the 'out-in-the-woods' feel but overall quite nice." The campground charges $2 per night with 14 official sites, each including a fire ring and picnic table.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate the spacing at Erwin Park, where "campsites are far enough apart that you have privacy yet close enough that you don't feel alone. The park has several covered pavilions as well as restrooms but lacks shower facilities."
Proximity to urban areas: Sycamore Bend Park offers a natural setting despite being close to suburban areas. One camper noted, "Great for hammocking, kayaking, paddle boarding etc." The park charges $20 per night with a maximum 3-day stay.
Clean facilities: Meadowmere Park & Campground receives praise for its maintenance. One visitor shared, "We really enjoyed this camp space. Peaceful, open, spacious and super nice management and staff. Porta potties were incredibly clean and a main bathroom area featured showers and very clean as well."
What you should know
Access limitations: Many tent sites require a short walk from parking areas. At Sycamore Bend Park, there's "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."
Wildlife awareness: Rattlesnakes may be present in tall grass areas during summer months. As one reviewer at Black Creek Lake advised, "During summer rattlesnakes are around in taller grass so avoid unmaintained areas."
Reservation systems: Lyndon B. Johnson National Grassland offers free dispersed camping without reservations. A camper shared their experience: "We stumbled upon this dispersed camping area after driving forest service roads for a while. I would NOT recommend taking any kind of trailer or motorhome down these roads and to this spot."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature play areas for children. Collin Park offers "Easy access, plenty of tree coverage, and each area has a picnic table, grill, and fire pit. Bathrooms were centrally located."
Bathroom facilities: Check bathroom conditions before arrival. At Collin Park, one camper reported, "the women's restroom was flooded with an unknown liquid (it didn't smell, but one of the toilets was badly clogged and we haven't had that much rain lately)."
Security considerations: Northside RV Resort offers a gated camping experience. "The park was very clean with four bathroom/shower rooms and laundry room as well. We visited in November and it was quiet with a nice view of the water. The park also has a gate with a code needed to enter."
Tips from RVers
Weather preparation: Summer heat can be intense at tent camping spots around Grapevine. A Black Creek Lake camper noted, "Last time I went was mid-week. The temperature was soaring but a nice breeze off the lake coupled with the shady trees made for a very nice experience."
Site selection: When staying at grassland dispersed sites, be cautious about conditions. As one LBJ National Grassland camper advised, "We drove a Toyota 4Runner and a small utility trailer with a roof top tent on it. Though this is some room down there, if someone else is there, I would move on."
Cash requirements: Most primitive tent camping in the area requires cash payment. Black Creek Lake uses "a cash only system with no ATM within 10 miles." Prepare accordingly and bring exact amounts for site fees.
