Tent camping near Lewisville, Texas offers accessible outdoor recreation within 30 minutes of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, with elevations ranging from 500-700 feet above sea level. The region experiences hot summers with temperatures often exceeding 95°F in July and August, making spring and fall the most comfortable camping seasons. Winter camping is possible with temperatures rarely dropping below freezing for extended periods.
What to do
Mountain biking on established trails: Erwin Park in McKinney features approximately 9 miles of maintained trails with varying difficulty levels. As one visitor notes, it has "great bike trails with lots of built features" and is popular among local cyclists, though "it gets pretty busy on the weekends with bikers so if you're on foot keep your eyes & ears open to avoid being in the middle of a pileup."
Fishing opportunities: Black Creek Lake NF Campground provides access to fishing spots with minimal crowds during weekdays. "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," reports one camper. The campground includes a public boat launch suitable for small john boats.
Water recreation: Sycamore Bend Park offers direct lake access for paddling activities. A visitor mentioned it's "right on the lake" and "great for hammocking, kayaking, paddle boarding etc." The park features a boat launch and pier, making it convenient for water-based activities.
What campers like
Proximity to urban areas with natural setting: Meadowmere Park & Campground offers 36 tent sites with electric hookups while maintaining a natural environment. A camper described it as a "Hidden Gem! Peaceful, open, spacious and super nice management and staff." Another visitor appreciated it as a "City escape" that's "close to Dallas, very clean and organized camp area."
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain well-kept bathrooms and common areas. At Northside RV Resort, "each shower has its own toilet and vanity behind a lockable door" and "the bathrooms are so clean." Meadowmere Park received praise for "porta potties [that] were incredibly clean and a main bathroom area featured showers and very clean as well."
Shaded campsites: Tree coverage provides relief during hot Texas summers at many tent campsites near Lewisville, Texas. At Erwin Park, campers appreciate that "sites are far enough apart that you have privacy yet close enough that you don't feel alone" and some sites offer more shade than others.
What you should know
Reservation requirements vary: Some campgrounds require advance booking while others operate on a first-come basis. At Meadowmere Park, management "made it easy for us to enter the gate upon our late arrival" for those with reservations. For dispersed camping in Lyndon B. Johnson National Grassland, no reservations are needed, but visitors should arrive early on weekends.
Weather considerations: Summer heat can be intense, with one visitor at Black Creek Lake noting, "The temperature was soaring but a nice breeze off the lake coupled with the shady trees made for a very nice experience." During winter months, temperatures typically range from 35-60°F.
Access limitations: Some camping areas require walking gear in from parking areas. At Sycamore Bend Park, there's "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," according to one visitor. For those seeking drive-up tent sites, Little Elm Park provides some options.
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and kid-friendly amenities: Several campgrounds feature recreational facilities for children. Black Creek Lake includes "a small playground" near the tent camping areas. At Northside RV Resort, families can find "two dog parks and one small play ground for kids."
Safety considerations: Little Elm Park provides "restrooms and park lights" which enhance security for families with young children. The park also has "electric hookups for RV generally a small area first come first serve.... 5 dollars per tent" making it affordable for family outings.
Weekend crowds: Popular tent campsites near Lewisville see increased visitation Friday through Sunday. One camper at Sycamore Bend Park noted, "We arrived on a Saturday around noon and took what seemed to be the last spot." Arriving early or mid-week provides better site selection for families.
Tips from RVers
Site access challenges: Some campgrounds have limited access for larger vehicles. At Erwin Park, "campsites are far enough apart that you have privacy" but some sites require you to "park and haul" gear rather than pull up directly to your site.
Hookup options: Electric and water connections vary across campgrounds. For RVers seeking full hookups, Northside RV Resort offers "hard sites all with 20/30/50a, cable TV, and full hookups" though it's on the pricier side at "$55-65 a night."
Weather preparedness: The Texas climate demands climate control in RVs. One visitor to Lyndon B. Johnson National Grassland warned, "I would NOT recommend taking any kind of trailer or motorhome down these roads and to this spot" due to rough terrain that may become impassable after rain.
