Camping near Midlothian, Texas offers a mix of urban proximity and outdoor recreation options in north central Texas. Most campgrounds in the region remain accessible year-round, with temperatures regularly dropping to the 40s in winter months and climbing above 95°F during summer. Several camping areas require insect protection during warmer seasons, with fire ants and chiggers presenting challenges at certain locations.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Cedar Hill State Park's location on Joe Pool Lake provides multiple fishing spots. "Very clean and picturesque park, would come back for sure," notes one visitor who appreciated the well-maintained facilities.
Biking trails: Several parks offer cycling options, particularly Loyd Park which features trails suitable for various skill levels. "This park is run by the City Grand Prairie, which provides a lot of safety. Campsites are a little close together nearest the water but probably the best sites in the Park. We spent three days there swimming and hiking around," one camper shared about their active experience.
Winter hiking: The trails remain accessible during cooler months with proper preparation. A visitor to Cedar Hill observed, "Last there in Dec 2019 and the area was very barren. The hiking trails were very nice though and had a lot of variation. They were being used mainly as mountain bike trails but were still plenty fun for hiking and taking in the rest of the views."
Shopping excursions: Traders Village combines camping with one of the region's largest flea markets. "Our 2nd visit and it is great, everything you need to live here on site. Good wifi for TV and in town for cell service. Not to mention, one of the biggest flee markets around and it's 2 days of walking and shopping," explains one enthusiastic reviewer.
What campers like
Secluded feeling near urban areas: Despite their proximity to Dallas-Fort Worth, many campgrounds maintain a natural atmosphere. "Maybe the Best in DFW... plus lots and lots of trees. Everything is clean," says one camper about Treetops RV Resort.
Clean facilities: Multiple campers highlight the well-maintained restrooms and showers. "The park was very clean with four bathroom/shower rooms and laundry room as well. We visited in November and it was quiet with a nice view of the water. The park also has a gate with a code needed to enter," notes a visitor to Northside RV Resort.
Varied campsite layouts: Many parks feature loop designs that minimize through traffic. One camper observed about Cedar Hill State Park: "The park is designed with small loops for 15-20 camp sites in each loop. Very little traffic right by the individual spots. Easy in and out of park."
Winter camping options: The Midlothian area remains viable for cool-weather camping. "We stayed in the month of November. It was cold and rainy but the park did not disappoint. The bathrooms are so clean. The park itself is gated and secure," reports a Northside RV Resort visitor.
What you should know
Insect challenges: Several campgrounds report issues with fire ants and other pests, particularly during warm months. One Cedar Hill State Park camper noted, "Nice lake but there were fire ants and chiggers all over our campsite!"
Flooding concerns: Some parks experience periodic closures due to high water levels. A Cedar Hill visitor reported, "Partially closed due to flooding," highlighting the need to check conditions before visiting.
Mud after rain: The clay-based soil in some areas creates challenging conditions following precipitation. A review of Loyd Park mentioned, "Our only complaint on this site is when it rains, water pours into site and erodes area quickly and will fill your mat etc with orange clay."
Weekend crowds: Many campgrounds become significantly busier on weekends. "We had a great time. It was really busy but that's okay, we still enjoyed it," shared one Cedar Hill visitor, suggesting weekday visits for those seeking quieter experiences.
Tips for camping with families
Water activities for summer heat: Several parks offer swimming options to combat the Texas heat. "We spent three days there swimming and hiking around. Great times!" notes one family about their Loyd Park experience.
Kid-focused amenities: North Texas Jellystone provides numerous activities designed specifically for children. "This is literally the best campground for families. There are tons of activities, games, crafts, pools, petting zoo, water park, and more. We love it here," states one family's review.
Halloween festivities: Some parks offer seasonal activities during fall months. "This typically isn't our type of park but the kids enjoyed it. We went in October and they had some fun Halloween activities," mentions a Jellystone visitor.
Budget planning: Activities at themed campgrounds can increase costs. A North Texas Jellystone visitor warns, "We love this Jellystone! We are full time travelers with young kids and they love this RV park. There are sooo many fun activities (be warned, the cost can add up)."
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategies: Some parks have notable differences between camping areas. "We prefer the older part because of the trees that offer shade in the hot Texas sun, but the red carpet sites are so much better for big rigs. We've stayed in both and would probably choose the red carpet sites for our 44' rig," advises one RVer about North Texas Jellystone.
Winter hookups: Most parks maintain full services year-round, with some offering specific winter amenities. "Tested out our new camper for the first time - loved this campground, even in the winter! Front office has an extensive selection of grocery goods, supplies, firewood, etc.," reports a Loyd Park visitor.
Cell coverage for remote work: Many campgrounds offer reliable connectivity. "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," notes a visitor to Treetops RV Resort.
Easy access locations: Several RV parks provide convenient entry points to major thoroughfares. "The location of this park feels secluded from the city but close to the highway so you can be in the city within a few minutes drive," mentions one camper about their experience.
