Tent camping near Krugerville, Texas offers access to primitive and established sites within a 30-mile radius. The North Texas landscape features mixed grasslands and oak woodlands, with elevations ranging from 500-700 feet. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F, while spring brings unpredictable storms, making early fall (September-October) the most moderate camping season with daytime highs in the 80s.
What to do
Mountain biking trails: Erwin Park in McKinney features approximately 9 miles of well-maintained single-track trails. One visitor noted, "Great easy spot for day camping or easy car camping with family. Best mountain bike single tracks around with lots of built features." The DORBA-maintained trail network accommodates both cyclists and hikers on designated directional paths.
Paddling and fishing: Little Elm Park provides electric hookups for RVs and tent camping access for $5 per tent. According to one camper, "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 lake access makes it ideal for kayaks and fishing.
Horseback riding: Tadra Point Trailhead & Campground offers equestrian-friendly camping with dedicated facilities. A visitor observed, "Plenty of poles for tying horses and there is water trofts for them but the water looked pretty disgusting. May want to think about bringing several gallons of water." The $10 per vehicle fee gives access to miles of horse-friendly trails.
What campers like
Secluded waterfront spots: Sycamore Bend Park offers walk-in tent sites requiring a short hike from parking areas. One camper shared, "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. Really nice park right on the lake, but it does get a bit crowded." Rates have increased from $7 to $20 per night with a maximum 3-night stay.
Suburban accessibility: Campers appreciate how quickly they can reach nature from urban areas. An Erwin Park visitor mentioned, "What a great getaway that feels like you're far from home but only a few min away for us. When you want a spur of the moment trip it's a great place to go." However, growing popularity means increased trail traffic, especially from mountain bikers.
Wildlife viewing: Meadowmere Park & Campground provides nature observation opportunities with quiet, open spaces. A recent visitor noted, "We really enjoyed this camp space. Peaceful, open, spacious and super nice management and staff." The park closes to the public after 5:30 pm, creating a quieter evening environment for wildlife watching.
What you should know
Bathroom conditions vary widely: Facility maintenance differs significantly between sites. At Collin Park, a camper reported, "Bathrooms were centrally located but the women's restroom was flooded with an unknown liquid." Meanwhile at Meadowmere, "Porta potties were incredibly cleab and a main bathroom area featured showers and very clean as well."
Fire restrictions and rings: While most established sites allow fires in designated rings, regulations vary seasonally. At Erwin Park, "Good fire pits and great pavilion at the group site if you can get it." However, during drought periods, county-wide burn bans may be implemented with little notice.
Local visitor patterns: Many sites see regular local traffic, which affects the wilderness experience. At Black Creek Lake NF Campground, a visitor mentioned, "The occasional local popping in for fishing or grilling sorta dampens the 'out-in-the-woods' feel but overall quite nice." Weekends typically see higher local usage than weekdays.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several camping areas feature play equipment for children. At Sycamore Bend Park, "The park has a good pavilion with a basketball hoop and good playground equipment." These facilities provide entertainment options when kids need a break from nature exploration.
Spacing considerations: Erwin Park offers good separation between sites for family privacy. According to a visitor, "Campsites are far enough apart that you have privacy yet close enough that you don't feel alone." This balance makes it ideal for families wanting some separation without isolation.
Watch for wildlife: While wildlife viewing is a highlight, parents should monitor children around potential hazards. In LBJ National Grassland, campers mention seeing diverse wildlife including deer, armadillos, and birds, but also note potential encounters with snakes during warmer months.
Tips from RVers
Access limitations: Many primitive sites have restricted RV access due to road conditions. A visitor to LBJ National Grassland cautioned, "I would NOT recommend taking any kind of trailer or motorhome down these forest service roads and to this spot." Sites like Little Elm Park offer limited electric hookups but no water or sewer connections.
Overnight transit stops: The grasslands provide convenient overnight parking for travelers. One RVer noted about LBJ National Grassland, "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. Sites are spacious and we soon found a pretty great vista view."
Supply restocking: Proximity to suburban areas means easy access to supplies. Cedar Ridge Mobile Home & RV Park's location "is pretty close to a bunch of outdoor sports stores so if you forgot something on your trip - it's pretty easy to pick up." This makes tent camping near Krugerville convenient for those who need to restock during longer stays.
