Tent camping near Lake Dallas, Texas features seasonal considerations that differ significantly between spring/fall and summer months. Summer temperatures often exceed 95°F with minimal shade at many sites, while spring brings moderate temperatures but frequent thunderstorms and occasional flooding at low-lying campsites. Winter camping remains popular due to mild daytime temperatures in the 50-70°F range, though nights can drop below freezing from December through February.
What to do
Hike through grasslands: At Lyndon B. Johnson National Grassland Dispersed Camping, you can explore extensive trail systems through native prairie ecosystems. "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," notes Michelle T.
Mountain biking on singletrack: Erwin Park offers excellent mountain biking opportunities with trails maintained by Dallas Off-Road Bicycle Association. A reviewer mentions, "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."
Equestrian activities: Tadra Point Trailhead & Campground provides facilities specifically for horse riders with designated trails and amenities. "There are plenty of poles for tying horses and there is water troughs for them but the water looked pretty disgusting. May want to think about bringing several gallons of water," notes Mesha P.
Fishing at multiple lakes: The area features various fishing spots including Lake Lewisville and Lavon Lake. At Black Creek Lake, locals frequent the shoreline for fishing. A camper observed, "The occasional local popping in for fishing or grilling sorta dampens the 'out-in-the-woods' feel but overall quite nice."
What campers like
Proximity to urban areas: Meadowmere Park & Campground offers convenience while maintaining natural surroundings. One camper stated, "Close to Dallas, very clean and organized camp area," while another noted they "really enjoyed this camp space. Peaceful, open, spacious and super nice management and staff."
Unique sunset views: LBJ Grasslands provides exceptional sunset viewing opportunities. "Once inside you could tell there'd been recent rain but the wet areas were easily avoided. Sites are spacious and we soon found a pretty great vista view from which the spectacular sunset was just a great bonus," shared Michele A.
Accessibility for short stays: Several campgrounds accommodate quick weekend getaways within 30-60 minutes of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. A visitor to Erwin Park commented, "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."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The area supports diverse wildlife populations including deer, various bird species, and small mammals. At Erwin Park, campers report hearing coyotes: "I've had many great experiences at this park it's a ways out of the way of the city noise. The only sound other than bird song is the occasional moo and some coyote yips in the distance."
What you should know
Bathroom facilities vary widely: Cleanliness and availability of toilets differs significantly between campgrounds. At Black Creek Lake NF Campground, facilities are basic but functional, though one camper warned about Erwin Park: "The only thing I would change is the bathroom facilities, there are no doors at all!"
Seasonal hazards: During summer months, campers should watch for wildlife, particularly snakes in taller grass areas. The LBJ Grasslands area requires particular caution during peak heat months.
Park accessibility timing: Some parks have specific entrance and exit policies. At Meadowmere Park, a visitor noted it "closes to public after 5:30 and management made it easy for us to enter the gate upon our late arrival."
Campsite availability fluctuates: Many campgrounds fill quickly during peak times. Arrive early to secure preferred sites, especially at popular locations.
Cash payment required: Some facilities only accept cash with no nearby ATM access. Black Creek Lake operates on a cash-only honor system kiosk with no ATM within 10 miles.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature playgrounds for children. Black Creek Lake offers a small playground area along with picnic tables, making it suitable for families with younger children.
Site selection for shade: Tadra Point Trailhead & Campground has limited shade in some areas. "Not a lot of area to get privacy from other campers as the area is pretty open," notes a reviewer. For summer camping with children, prioritize sites with adequate tree cover.
Water safety considerations: Lakes in the region have varying shoreline conditions. Some feature gradual entry points suitable for younger swimmers while others have steeper drop-offs.
Cell coverage for emergencies: Cell service varies significantly across camping areas. At Tadra Point, a camper reported, "Our hot spot on our cell phone was slow since we only had a couple bars, but we were able to get our work done."
Pack for temperature swings: The North Texas climate features significant temperature variations between day and night, particularly in spring and fall. Pack appropriate layers for children to adjust to changing conditions.
Tips from RVers
Access road conditions: Many dispersed camping areas have unpaved or minimally maintained access roads. At LBJ Grassland, one visitor warns: "I would NOT recommend taking any kind of trailer or motorhome down these roads and to this spot."
Limited hookup options: Most tent camping sites near Lake Dallas offer minimal to no RV hookups. At Little Elm Park, "Electric hookups for RV generally a small area first come first serve.... 5 dollars per tent....restrooms and park lights.... stores nearby..... no showers."
Erosion impacts: Water level changes affect site availability and quality. At Collin Park, a camper reported "Only a few tent areas left since erosion has left several falling into the lake."
Overnight transit options: For those traveling through the region, LBJ Grasslands provides convenient overnight stops. "Was transiting between central Texas toward Colorado in an off-grid TT and didn't want to venture far off 287 for a comfortable, quiet & safe place to stay for the night," shared one traveler.
