Best Campgrounds near Little Elm, TX

Campgrounds around Little Elm, Texas cluster primarily along the shores of Lewisville Lake and Ray Roberts Lake, providing water recreation access within proximity to Dallas-Fort Worth urban amenities. The area features a mix of established campgrounds like Hidden Cove Park & Marina and Hickory Creek that accommodate both tent and RV camping, with some locations also offering cabin rentals. Most campgrounds in this region maintain developed facilities with water hookups, picnic areas, and restrooms, though amenity levels vary significantly between sites. The lakeside setting creates opportunities for boating, fishing, and swimming as central activities for visitors to these camping areas.

Access to camping facilities remains available year-round at most Little Elm area campgrounds, though summer weekends see significantly higher occupancy rates, particularly at waterfront sites. The region experiences hot, humid summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F between June and September, while winters remain relatively mild. Most established campgrounds require reservations, especially during peak season, with fees typically ranging from $25-50 per night depending on hookup availability and location. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the area due to proximity to urban centers, though some lakeside locations may have spotty coverage. A camper noted, "We go here when we want to stay close to home. We've stayed in the tent area and the RV area. Both are always clean and the staff is always friendly."

Waterfront sites at Lewisville Lake campgrounds consistently receive the highest ratings from visitors, with many highlighting the combination of lake views and recreational opportunities. Camping areas in the region balance natural settings with relatively easy access to urban conveniences, making them popular for weekend getaways rather than remote wilderness experiences. Several campgrounds feature boat ramps and marina facilities, enhancing water access for campers with watercraft. A review mentioned that Hidden Cove Park offers "clean and spacious RV sites in two areas, about 100 total and several with water view. Open and tree covered sites in both." While natural scenery remains a draw, proximity to retail and dining options creates a camping experience that appeals to those seeking outdoor recreation without complete disconnection from conveniences.

Best Camping Sites Near Little Elm, Texas (184)

    1. Hickory Creek - Lewisville Lake

    32 Reviews
    Lake Dallas, TX
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (469) 645-9100

    $14 - $30 / night

    "Location: The location is tucked away in the small lakeside town of Hickory Creek...which is surrounded by Denton to the north and Lewisville/Dallas to the south."

    "The location of this campground feels secluded from the city but close to the highway so you can be in the city within a few minutes drive."

    2. Isle du Bois Campsites — Ray Roberts Lake State Park

    35 Reviews
    Aubrey, TX
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (940) 686-2148

    $15 - $60 / night

    "In the hot month of July 2020 I loaded up Little Red and headed out to spend several days camping at the Isle Du Bois Unit of Ray Roberts Lake."

    "68 year-old solo camper getting ready to travel around the country, car/tent camping primarily."

    3. Hidden Cove Park & Marina

    17 Reviews
    The Colony, TX
    4 miles
    Website

    "Stayed here as a group traveling to the Frisco, Texas area for a college football game. We spent 2 nights in a RV. Was within close distance to where we were attending the football game."

    "Most Sites appear to be good size (at least those near our site). Has store onsite for drinks, snacks, etc. Ability to rent paddle boards and kayaks at the park to enjoy the lake."

    4. Willow Grove Park

    13 Reviews
    Lake Dallas, TX
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (940) 497-2226

    $15 - $25 / night

    "The walk-in to P07 was quite lengthy, but P11 had parking spots right next to camp."

    "The lake was warm and there was a little "beach" for swimming- I would recommend water shoes and floaties! There are picnic tables and benches all over and tons of parking."

    5. Pilot Knoll Park - Lake Lewisville

    10 Reviews
    Corinth, TX
    10 miles
    Website

    $20 - $35 / night

    "It’s close to my home but makes me feel like I’m camping far away from home. Lots of trees, many spots right on the water, great kayak launch, has hiking trails and decent distance between sites."

    "Nice RV sites, close to the water. Campground close to town but away from the noise. Nice boat ramp/dock and day use areas too. Recently renovated bathrooms. Staff friendly."

    6. Lake Park Campground

    9 Reviews
    Lewisville, TX
    9 miles
    Website

    "Awesome park, great lake and a discgolf course within walking distance!!"

    "Family friendly and there is a lake and playground within walking distance. The staff is courteous. We did not use any of the facilities, except dump station."

    7. Shady Creek RV Park and Storage

    4 Reviews
    Savannah, TX
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (972) 347-5384

    $999 / night

    "CrossFit is walking distance (separate business). The pool is nice. You’re right next to Frisco, Prosper, Littlr Elm, Savannah, and Denton."

    "We traveled from West Texas, stayed 4 nights, had rain almost every day. The park is well laid out, small clean well maintained yards."

    8. The Vineyards Campground & Cabins

    18 Reviews
    Grapevine, TX
    18 miles
    Website

    "Pros: Well maintained, great layout, great location, on the water. Cons: My only criticism is that our site positioned the sewer connection uphill from our trailer. A bit tough to use."

    "Immediate access to the lake and a beautiful view! A great little escape from the city."

    9. Johnson Branch Campsites — Ray Roberts Lake State Park

    16 Reviews
    Valley View, TX
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (940) 637-2294

    $15 - $60 / night

    "One of the more expensive Texas state parks. Standard electric at 25/night. Large bathrooms and lots of trash bins. Actual pay phones (who knew those still existed?)"

    "Couldn't see the parking lot due to brush, but it was a very short walk and that was nice."

    10. Pilot Knoll Park Campground

    3 Reviews
    Corinth, TX
    10 miles
    Website

    "This just may become our home away from home. I absolutely love this little park. We stayed in spot#5 right at the end of the cove."

    "Many spots are have direct access to the lake to launch a kayak or SUP, boat launch in the day use area."

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Recent Reviews near Little Elm, TX

562 Reviews of 184 Little Elm Campgrounds


  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 19, 2025

    Cedar Hill State Park Campground

    Not too impressed

    We arrived after hours after calling and instructed to just go to our campsite. The park had absolutely no signs indicating where the campground is. We were surprised to find a very sloping site with the cement bumpers missing rebar and very unsafe. No after hours phone number and no campground host. Is this any way to run a campground? We flagged down another camper who indicated that three sites were available when he checked in a couple of hours earlier. This is the first time that we encountered something like this in our years of camping. No one here to answer questions….sites in terrible disrepair still being represented as safe.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 8, 2025

    The Vineyards

    A must stay!!!

    In a very nice campground with spacious FHU sites that are concrete pads and level. Great views of the lake. A well equipped campground store with lots of items. Clean large bathrooms and showers as well as a laundry room. Have events throughout the week for social activities for adults and kids. Great hosts and a very well kept campground. Definitely a place to stay overnight or a week.

  • Cyn T.
    Aug. 5, 2025

    Lake Park Campground

    Quiet and Peaceful

    Check in was simple. Kasey and Shane are wonderful. Convenient to the lake. Easy access to stores and I 35. There is a parking lot for your boat or jet skis within the campground. The sites for 30 amp and smaller campers are closer to the water. 50 amp and larger campers are in the shade. I am not certain of fees for park entry. Website says that day use area is included in the amenities, but had to pay the entry fee yesterday.

  • Bobbie S.
    Jul. 31, 2025

    Patriot RV Park

    Comfortable stay

    Stayed for two months for my husband's work. Park manager, Becky, was helpful and nice. They have a saltwater pool, dog park, laundry room, shower/bathrooms, trees/landscaping and access to a boat ramp. Some sites are a bit tight. We were in the top part of the campground and had no issues with it being real wet. Have heard that the lower area does have pooling of water with heavy rain. It does go away quickly, but should be aware of this if you have lots of outside things or a pet. Would stay here again.

  • Dan W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 16, 2025

    The Vineyards Campground & Cabins

    Beautiful & well maintained

    Great place to spend the week. Swim beach, playground, everything you could need. Cleanest bathrooms and showers.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 8, 2025

    Lyndon B. Johnson National Grassland Dispersed Camping

    Worked Well for Overnight

    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. 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 (& scenic). 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. Will make a note to use this stop en route out of the central part of the state going west for future trips.

  • mThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 5, 2025

    Pilot Knoll Park Campground

    Lake Front Camping close to Dallas

    Lots of large back in spots with 50/30 amp plugs, water hook ups, fire pit and picnic table. Many spots are have direct access to the lake to launch a kayak or SUP, boat launch in the day use area. Clean, online reservations takes a little bit of navigating, I had to sign up for an account. Lloyd of tall trees provide shade. Paid $30 per night for mid week in June.

  • Christina H.
    May. 11, 2025

    The Retreat at Shady Creek

    Awesome RV resort in town

    We normally don't do RV resorts, but this one is awesome. The sites are fairly spacious, especially compared to other RV resorts. Big rig friendly with many different style spots to choose from. We always choose the fence line back in sites, and they always come with plenty of grass to walk the dogs. The fence backs up to residential, but that doesn't bother us. Even the back in sites are plenty spacious for a big rig and your tow vehicle and another vehicle. The park is very roomy and easy to navigate and park.

    The staff are always so nice and they make late check in a breeze, which we appreciate after a long, tiring day of towing. This RV resort is the only place we've ever stayed in that allows RV washing! For full-time RVers, that's pretty huge. They also have a mail room if you need to receive a package on the road.

    The resort is split up into two areas by the road, the Retreat area is more resort like and caters to short term stays, while the other half has long term stays. They both look nice and are clean and beautiful. We will continue to visit every time we pass through the area.

  • Brandon C.
    May. 8, 2025

    Lake Life Rv Resort

    Clean, only seven spots with the swimming pool

    Great spot conveniently located walking distance is from Eagle Eagle Mountian Lake. Across the street from a convenience store with food kitchen.

    It only has seven spots so it's very quiet and well kept. Enjoy the swimming pool on a hot day.


Guide to Little Elm

Camping options surrounding Little Elm, Texas provide direct access to both Lewisville Lake and Ray Roberts Lake while remaining within 30 miles of Dallas-Fort Worth. The region maintains a humid subtropical climate with summer highs frequently reaching the mid-90s from June through September, and mild winters with occasional freezing temperatures. Primitive camping areas at several parks offer more seclusion than the developed sites, though they typically require short walks from parking areas.

What to do

Kayaking and paddleboarding access: Hidden Cove Park & Marina offers equipment rentals for water recreation directly from the campground. "A 3-lane boat ramp to Lewisville Lake, rental paddle boarding, full marina, and swimming area" are available according to Richard M., who visited in 2020.

Fishing from shoreline campsites: At Ray Roberts Lake State Park - Isle du Bois, lakefront sites provide excellent fishing access. Christopher L. notes that at the primitive camping area, "Sites 119-122 (maybe 123) are right on the lake so you can see ducks and do some bank fishing without needing to go anywhere."

Hiking trails with wildlife viewing: The trails at Ray Roberts Lake State Park offer opportunities to spot local wildlife. Tony C. reports, "Deer will approach your campsite and you're likely to see all kinds of wildlife. A gem of a getaway!"

Swimming beaches: Several parks maintain designated swimming areas with sandy beaches. At Willow Grove Park, Summer A. found "a little 'beach' for swimming" and recommends "water shoes and floaties" for comfort and safety.

What campers like

Spacious sites with privacy: Hickory Creek - Lewisville Lake receives high marks for site layout. Reynolds O. observed "a lot of space between sites, well level and paved, family oriented, very quite, beautiful lake and tree sites, lighted power supply post with all the amps available."

Proximity to urban amenities: Campers appreciate the balance between nature and convenience. Susan L. notes about Hickory Creek, "I like this COE campground because conveniently located near where I live, and if I'm lucky I can snag a site with trees and lake access. But the tradeoff for convenience is proximity to civilization."

Clean facilities: The Vineyards Campground & Cabins maintains high standards for facilities. Dan W. found "cleanest bathrooms and showers" and mentions the campground has "everything you could need."

Lakefront views: Many sites offer direct water access. Andrew B. appreciated The Vineyards for its "Very Pretty Views. Large Sites with covered Picnic tables. Sites spread nicely with no one on top of you."

What you should know

Reservation requirements: Popular sites fill quickly, especially waterfront locations. At Lake Park Campground, Robert G. advises, "Online won't let you reserve next day. Call for availability."

Security considerations: Some campgrounds implement security measures. Andrew B. notes The Vineyards has "Great security visible as well as a coded gate after hours," while Scott K. mentions at Lake Park Campground, "Front gate get locked at 11pm. If you don't make it, you have to park outside and walk in."

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Little Elm, TX?

According to TheDyrt.com, Little Elm, TX offers a wide range of camping options, with 184 campgrounds and RV parks near Little Elm, TX and 5 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Little Elm, TX?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Little Elm, TX is Hickory Creek - Lewisville Lake with a 4.5-star rating from 32 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Little Elm, TX?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 free dispersed camping spots near Little Elm, TX.

What parks are near Little Elm, TX?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 19 parks near Little Elm, TX that allow camping, notably Lewisville Lake and Grapevine Lake.