Best Cabin Camping near McKinney, TX

This was one of the more interesting spots we've stayed at. We stayed in one of the tiny cabins, which had very nice amenities, cold AC, and a retro modern vibe. However, the cabins are all very close to each other and you can see inside each of the cabins. We ended up pulling the black out curtains closed for almost our entire visit because our neighbors kept (accidentally, probably) looking in our windows.

The tiny cabin village and RV areas are nicely developed, and everything is lit up at night for easy navigation. The neighbors were all chill. Fire pits and grills at each site. Bathhouse was clean and stocked.

The weird part was that the primitive campsites, the chapel, and beach access weren't kept up. The views were gorgeous, but if you don't have a boat, it's not really enjoyable.  The beach isn't one you can sit on and play with kids. The chapel had a creepy, overgrown vibe. You can hike down to the cove by the chapel, and then you're greeted by the beach access you want at the campsites across the water.

Campground review

Paradise on Lake Texoma is on the Big Mineral Arm of the lake, on the Texas side and only a short 90 minute drive from Dallas. This proximity makes it a great spot for a quick weekend getaway. Texas and Oklahoma’s border share the 89,000 surface area of Lake Texoma which just happens to be the 12th largest Corps of Engineers lake in the U.S. Lake Texoma is home to great fishing for Striper, Catfish, Black Bass and Crappie. Because of heavy rains in the Dallas area the boat ramp was closed. The area has cruise activities if you don’t have your own boat, and for those who prefer, kayaking is also available, or simply swimming. Believe it or not, Lake Texoma has sandy beaches!

The people at Paradise campground were amazing. We got a call the afternoon of our reservation to confirm that we would arrive before closing time and if not, they would give us after hours information. We did arrive in time and our hostess was pleasant and provided us with all the information we needed. We reserved a primitive campsite and were the only tent campers in the campground (it was a Monday night though). The primitive campsite is just a vacant lot on the waterfront across from a bathroom/shower area. Parking in the bathroom lot, you take a very short walk to the primitive site and pitch your tent in any spot you choose. The lot had been mowed and our only issue was mounds of fire ants which are rampant everywhere in Texas.

The bathrooms had not been cleaned and the recent users had left a bit of a mess. The bathrooms did have all the supplies we needed and we always welcome flush toilets and hot and cold running water. 

Being a primitive site, there was no picnic table so we drove over to an empty spot to prepare and eat our dinner. A staff member came by to check our credentials and while we weren’t really supposed to be using that area/spot, he let us since the campground had plenty of room/spots. He was so friendly, he gave us lots of information about the lake and the campground. The RV sites and also lakefront and very roomy. The campground also has the cutest glamping tiny cabins and other regular size cabins to rent. There is a nice hammock garden which we took advantage of. Cell service was strong, no issues and the only noise we dealt with was the sound of the lake and the birds and critters.

We want to encourage our family to come to Paradise on Lake Texoma for a fun family weekend, we will definitely return.

Product Review

As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I get products to test from time to time, today I am testing Wenzel’s Double Never Flat Fabric Air Pad. My husband and I had individual sleeping air pads, but were looking for something that wasn’t so slippery and would allow us to cuddle, this Air pad fit the bill, it was exactly what we wanted. It was very comfortable and roomy. We were able to use an existing pump for inflation which was great as I wasn’t sure about the specs for the pump. Deflating the air pad was easy and great news it fit back in the carry bag easily!  

Www.wenzelco.com

We really enjoyed this park. It’s very clean and quiet. The trees are beautiful and add great shade. Most of spaces are pull through and very easy to setup at. We had a fire pit and picnic table. The bath houses are nice and private. We used the laundry services and everything worked properly. The staff is very friendly and easy to access in case you need something. Fitness room is little but updated and clean. My boys jumped in the pool even though it was 55* outside and said it was a fun experience. Easy access to Target just around the corner, Parks mall is close by and Arlington Highlands shopping is really nice! The road into the park is only 2 lanes with no shoulder, but as a Michigander I’m finding Texas roads to be interesting 😅 WiFi worked for my family of 5 the majority of the time for simple things. Hubby works remotely and went to Panera for stronger/faster service.

We did stay in 2 spaces as we extended our stay and someone had previously booked our space.

Clean and spacious RV sites in two areas, about 100 total and several with water view. Open and tree covered sites in both. Cabins also available, again several with water views. Two designated tent camping areas separate from RVs. Dry storage and dump station on property as well. The park offers open activity areas and covered picnic tables by the water. A 3-lane boat ramp to Lewisville Lake, rental paddle boarding, full marina, and swimming area. Seasonal restaurant with indoor & outdoor eating areas. Privately owned so there is an entry fee, but 2 or 3 levels of yearly membership passes available saves a lot! Currently upgrading to full hookup for all RV sites and wifi.

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?) the trails are for DORBA (Dallas Off Road Bicycle Association) so maybe that explains the horrible lack of signage. Bicycle fix it station.

Great security. I was with my 3 year old after dark, maybe 8PM at the playground on the water. No lights so I used our lamplight. I noticed a truck in the parking lot with its lights on. We were there maybe 90 minutes and the truck kept moving. When we left, they left. I spotted it down the road and saw they were camp rangers. Bodes well that they were keeping tabs on the facilities even if it was just a mom and kid.

Very clean and moist spots are secluded. Lots of REALLY great primitive spots if that's your thing.

PROS

 Good Sam discount 

Well maintained park 

Security gate closed at 6pm with code for entry 

Sites nicely spaced from next campsite 

Site 4 level concrete pad 

Very nice camp store 

Climate controlled toilet/shower facility in very clean condition 

Firewood vending machine 

Metal picnic table and fire ring with cooking grate 

Easy access check-in and roadways 

Free Sunday morning donuts 

Easy drive to George W. Bush Presidential Library

3 bars TMobile 

CONs 

Non-stop aircraft noise from DFW International 

Site 4 minimal shade 

After rain, our concrete parking site had retained water about 3 inches deep 

Utility pedestal had a huge dusk to dawn light that could not be switched off 

Dogs running throughout campground 

Campers left their dogs outside all night, barking 

Picnic table chained to concrete 

WIFI slow and not compatible with streaming

I've been camping here plenty of times as a kid growing up in Cedar Hill, TX. My family and I would camp in the spring, early/late summer, and fall months. Plenty of sites have a campfire grill and picnic table along with electrical outlets. Good camping sites for "glampers" who have to have Internet access and electronic use. Finding/reserving a campsite is super easy at the welcome center where you pay an entrance fee to the park. Plenty of lake to share with other people at this state park. My brother would go fishing at the smaller ponds here. At some campsites, you can here the traffic passing by on FM 1382, but if you can sleep through that noise, you'll be fine. Plenty of hiking/biking trails as well. Great to bring pets. Bathrooms are available as well near many of the campgrounds.