Best Tent Camping near Kennedale, TX
Tent campsites are scattered throughout the region surrounding Kennedale, Texas, with several established options within a short drive. Primitive Area at Lake Mineral Wells State Park offers walk-in tent sites approximately 40 miles west of Kennedale, while Meadowmere Park & Campground provides dedicated tent-only camping with 36 sites along Grapevine Lake to the north. These areas serve as accessible destinations for weekend tent campers seeking alternatives to more developed RV parks in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
Most walk-in tent sites near Kennedale feature basic amenities suited for self-sufficient camping. Sites typically include picnic tables and fire rings with varying levels of shade coverage. Lake Mineral Wells primitive area requires a 2-mile hike to reach the backcountry campsites, with no designated sites but several cleared areas suitable for tents. Vault toilets are available at some locations like Cedar Creek Park Campground, while others like Sycamore Bend Park provide restrooms that reviewers note "really stink, but are always clean and stocked." Many locations enforce short-term stays, with Sycamore Bend limiting camping to 3 nights maximum.
Tent campers frequently mention the solitude and natural surroundings as highlights of these primitive areas. "The lake is awesome and great for fishing and kayaking," noted one visitor about Lake Mineral Wells State Park. Several tent-only areas provide direct water access for swimming and paddling, with Cedar Creek Park Campground offering campsites that back up to the water. Wildlife sightings are common, with reviews mentioning deer, armadillos, and coyotes at various locations. De Cordova Bend provides free tent camping with a 10-day maximum stay and features open areas with limited shade. Early arrival is recommended at most locations, as one camper at Sycamore Bend Park mentioned arriving "on a Saturday around noon and took what seemed to be the last spot" despite being located in a suburban area.