Kennedale, Texas sits at an elevation of 604 feet in the Cross Timbers region where eastern forests transition to western prairie grasslands. The area experiences hot summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 95°F and mild winters with occasional freezing nights. Many campgrounds around Kennedale feature electric hookups essential during summer months when shade becomes crucial for comfort.
What to Do
Fishing opportunities: Cedar Hill State Park offers access to Joe Pool Lake where anglers regularly catch bass, crappie, and catfish. "Very clean and picturesque park, would come back for sure," notes Shawn E. about the facilities at Cedar Hill.
Rock climbing adventures: Lake Mineral Wells State Park features unique rock formations at Penitentiary Cove, located about 60 miles west of Kennedale. "Awesome rock formations, crevasses, and little shallow caves. Climbers enjoy this spot too," explains Susan L. who visited the Plateau campground.
Wildlife viewing: Benbrook Lake's Mustang Park provides excellent opportunities for observing local fauna. "Wildlife is abundant. Cabins with RV site. Multiple boat ramps," reports John R., who appreciated the natural setting just 25 miles from Kennedale.
Dinosaur tracks exploration: Drive 50 miles southwest to examine real dinosaur footprints preserved in the riverbed at Dinosaur Valley State Park. "It's fascinating to see multiple dinosaur footprints along the river in this park," shares Moe F. about this unique educational experience.
What Campers Like
Lake access: The ability to camp near water ranks highly among visitors to Pilot Knoll Park on Lake Lewisville. "Each lot has large raised gravel areas set up in place outside the camper doorway. I love this feature because it provides a mud free immediate campsite area," explains Monica C., who stayed in spot #5.
Spacious sites: Holiday Park on Benbrook Lake receives praise for its generously sized campsites. "Large sites is a big plus. Perimeter sites are much better than inner loop sites," notes Roger W., who appreciated the layout and privacy during his stay.
Security features: Northside RV Resort offers gated entry with access codes for added security. "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," reports Iris A.
Clean facilities: Multiple reviewers mention the cleanliness of bathrooms and shower facilities at Loyd Park. "Nice shaded spots available. Usually quiet except on weekends," states Karen B., who has camped at multiple parks in the region.
What You Should Know
Summer heat considerations: When camping between June and September, select sites with adequate shade or ensure your RV has sufficient cooling capacity. "We had ants in our trailer and lots of bites. When it rains stay on the pavement as the mud is nasty and gumbo," warns Tex B. about summer conditions at Northside RV Resort.
Fire ant awareness: Several campgrounds in the area report problems with fire ants during warmer months. "Nice lake but there were fire ants and chiggers all over our campsite!" mentions Jill C. about her experience at Cedar Hill State Park.
Water level fluctuations: Lake levels can vary significantly based on rainfall and drought conditions. "Partially closed due to flooding," reported Mendy S. during her visit to Cedar Hill, illustrating how weather impacts facility availability.
Train noise concerns: Some campgrounds experience noise from nearby train tracks. "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," advises Tex B.
Tips for Camping with Families
Playground access: Loyd Park offers designated play areas for children near the camping areas. "Great place for the family. This park is run by the City Grand Prairie, which provides a lot of safety. Campsites are a little close together nearest the water but probably the best sites in the Park. We spent three days there swimming and hiking around," shares Myc C.
Educational opportunities: Dinosaur Valley State Park provides hands-on learning about prehistoric Texas. "Great camping spot for families. I chose to camp in the north primitive hike-in sites across the river. It was pretty hot but I still had a good time exploring the hiking trails," explains GoWhereYouAreDraw N.
Beach activities: Several parks offer designated swimming areas with beach access. "We had a great time. It was really busy but that's okay, we still enjoyed it," mentions Jessica S. about her family's experience at Cedar Hill.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Children often enjoy spotting deer and other animals at many area parks. "We saw lots of birds and turtels in the lake," reports Marianne M. about her visit to Lake Mineral Wells State Park.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: At Cedar Hill State Park, choose loops away from the main entrance for more privacy. "The park is designed with small loops for 15-20 camp sites in each loop. Very little traffic right by the individual spots. Easy in and out of park," advises Michael C.
Hookup availability: For RVers requiring full hookups, Loyd Park offers some sites with water, electric, and sewer connections. "Five Star Park located just minutes from Dallas Fort Worth. The Park is extremely clean. Campsites are all level and great for the Big Rigs," notes Debbie T.
Off-season advantages: Winter camping provides more site availability and fewer insects. "We stayed overnight here while traveling from Galveston, Tx to Ohio. The employees were friendly and accommodating. Check in was easy and the campsites offered some privacy as they were spaced pretty far apart," reports Cindy M. about Mustang Park.
