Tent camping near Irving, Texas takes place on varied terrain from grasslands to lakeshores, where summer temperatures can exceed 100°F during peak camping months. Most tent campsites sit at elevations between 500-700 feet above sea level, creating moderate hiking conditions for campers exploring trails around lakes and wooded areas. Ranger-maintained sites include varying levels of facilities with some campgrounds implementing reservation systems during high-demand periods.
What to do
Hiking and biking trails: Erwin Park offers approximately 9 miles of maintained trails that accommodate both hikers and cyclists with directional routing. One visitor noted, "The trail network is about 9 miles and maintained by DORBA, these trails flood easily after rain so check the DORBA website before making the trip." The trails follow intermediate difficulty levels with clear markings.
Fishing access: Black Creek Lake NF Campground provides shoreline fishing opportunities with $2 per night primitive campsites. A camper mentioned, "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. The occasional local popping in for fishing or grilling sorta dampens the 'out-in-the-woods' feel but overall quite nice."
Water recreation: Little Elm Park offers tent camping with lake access for $5 per tent. A visitor reported, "Electric hookups for RV generally a small area first come first serve.... 5 dollars per tent....restrooms and park lights.... stores nearby..... no showers." The park provides basic facilities with convenient water access points.
What campers like
Budget-friendly options: Dispersed camping at Lyndon B. Johnson National Grassland offers free camping with spacious sites. A reviewer 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." Local knowledge helps locate the best spots.
Clean facilities: Meadowmere Park & Campground maintains well-kept amenities with 36 tent sites available. A camper appreciated that "Porta potties were incredibly cleab and a main bathroom area featured showers and very clean as well. Closes to public after 530 and management made it easy for us to enter the gate upon our late arrival." The park enforces evening access restrictions.
Quiet weekday camping: Tent campers seeking solitude prefer weekday visits when local parks have fewer visitors. One camper at Erwin Park observed that sites are "far enough apart that you have privacy yet close enough that you don't feel alone." Most tent sites around Irving see significantly increased traffic Friday through Sunday.
What you should know
Payment systems: Many campgrounds around Irving require cash payment through self-registration kiosks. At Black Creek Lake, a visitor advised: "Bring cash because the kiosk does not accept cards it is a cash only system with no ATM within 10 miles." Always bring exact change as park attendants may not be available.
Seasonal challenges: Summer camping near Irving requires preparation for heat and wildlife. One camper at Sycamore Bend Park noted recent price increases: "The price has gone up from $7 to $20, but that's about average it seems now. The restrooms really stink, but are always clean and stocked in my experience." Portable fans and extra water are essential during summer months.
Site accessibility: Many tent camping areas require carrying gear from parking areas to campsites. A visitor to Collin Park reported, "Only a few tent areas left since erosion has left several falling into the lake. Easy access, plenty of tree coverage, and each area has a picnic table, grill, and fire pit." Site conditions change seasonally with weather impacts.
Tips for camping with families
Bathroom considerations: Restroom quality varies significantly across Irving-area campgrounds. One camper at Erwin Park mentioned, "The only thing I would change is the bathroom facilities, there are no doors at all!" Families should consider portable privacy screens or camping near sites with newer restroom facilities.
Playground access: Several parks around Irving include play areas for children. A visitor to Northside RV Resort noted, "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." While primarily an RV park, tent sites accommodate families with amenities nearby.
Safety precautions: Prepare for wildlife encounters during tent camping trips. A reviewer at Black Creek Lake warned, "During summer rattlesnakes are around in taller grass so avoid unmaintained areas. Most areas are well kept however there are outlying areas and some primitive trails which I would avoid during these times." Clear tent pads before setup and inspect surroundings daily.
Tips from RVers
Overnight transit options: RVers passing through the Irving area can find convenient overnight stops. A traveler at LBJ National Grassland shared, "Taking the Trinity exit north off the loop around Decatur and using the navigation to the LBJ Grasslands to Park Rd 904 access was easy (& scenic). Once inside you could tell there'd been recent rain but the wet areas were easily avoided." The grasslands provide spacious pull-offs for self-contained camping.
Weather impacts: RVers note that rain significantly affects camping conditions around Irving. One Black Creek Lake camper suggested, "Pack A Tarp - I usually don't endorse needing a tarp to lay below your tent, but during certain times of year small burrs can be out in this area and a tarp can keep these from poking into your tent base." This applies to tent camping areas near RV sites throughout the region.
