Tent camping options near North Richland Hills, Texas range from primitive sites at the LBJ National Grassland to lake-based campsites within an hour's drive. Summer temperatures often exceed 95°F, making spring and fall the most comfortable camping seasons. Several locations offer fire rings and picnic tables, but restrictions on open flames apply during drought conditions, which typically occur from July through September.
What to do
Paddling on Lake Lewisville: Multiple campgrounds provide direct water access for kayaking and paddle boarding at Sycamore Bend Park. "Really nice park right on the lake, but it does get a bit crowded. We arrived on a Saturday around noon and took what seemed to be the last spot. Really nice, secluded campground for being so close to suburbs. Great for hammocking, kayaking, paddle boarding etc."
Mountain biking on maintained trails: The 9-mile trail network at Erwin Park offers both beginner and intermediate routes. "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."
Rock climbing at Lake Mineral Wells: Multiple climbing routes for various skill levels exist at Primitive Area — Lake Mineral Wells State Park. "LMWSP has tons of activities for the family. You can spend the day exploring and climbing the rock formations, bring climbing gear if you plan to get to the top. You can also spend your day on the water, swimming on the beach, fishing from a pier or exploring the shoreline by kayak."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Campers appreciate the spacing between tent sites at Meadowmere Park. "We really enjoyed this camp space. Peaceful, open, spacious and super nice management and staff. We stayed in spot 23 and although windy, I really enjoyed the scenery and quietness."
Reliable facilities: Despite rustic settings, many campers note the consistent maintenance at Black Creek Lake NF Campground. "This campground has restrooms and a gravel drive to access the grounds. You will find a small playground and picnic tables at this site as well as a public boat launch. A lot of people, depending the on the lakes level will also use this side for swimming."
Escape from urban areas: The relative seclusion at Lyndon B. Johnson National Grassland Dispersed Camping appeals to many tent campers. "They said that they had been coming to this spot for 30+ years and rarely saw anyone else there. So this is my plea- if you come here, be respectful and clean up after yourself."
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Summer heat affects comfort levels at most campgrounds, particularly at exposed sites. "I wasn't a huge fan of the trails in the back section. Very open to the sun."
Wildlife awareness: Multiple campgrounds report regular wildlife encounters that campers should prepare for. "There are birds, squirrels, raccoons and opossums which roam the grounds so I would advise against leaving food within reach at night. During summer rattlesnakes are around in taller grass so avoid unmaintained areas."
Reservation requirements: Most established campgrounds fill quickly during weekends and holidays. "We'd hoped to stay at one of the regular car camping sites in the park, but unfortunately they were all taken by the time we got to the site in the morning."
Bathroom facilities: Availability and quality vary significantly between locations at De Cordova Bend. "Bathrooms are not always very clean. Well lit at night. Nice hiking trail to the bottom of the dam. Far enough away from town to be a peaceful quick getaway."
Tips for camping with families
Pack for water activities: Several of the best tent camping sites near North Richland Hills, Texas are located on lakes with swimming areas. "The lake is awesome and great for fishing and kayaking. We stayed at the Post Oak Campground over Valentine's Weekend 2019. The campsites are really nice and include water, fire ring, picnic table, grill, parking for 2 vehicles, lots of trees."
Consider noise levels: Some campgrounds experience high traffic from day users or scout troops. "The only negative: The Boy Scouts love this campground! Late into our first night, 4 Boy Scout troops rolled in. We were awakened the next morning to lots of kids yelling and 1 even playing a bugle."
Bring cash payment: Many sites operate on honor systems or require exact cash payment. "Bring cash because the kiosk does not accept cards it is a cash only system with no ATM within 10 miles."
Use protective ground coverings: Pack tarps for tent bottoms at grassland sites. "Pack A Tarp. I usually don't endorse needing a tarp to lay below your tent, but during certain times of year small burrs can be out in this area and a tarp can keep these from poking into your tent base."
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions apply: Most tent camping areas near North Richland Hills cannot accommodate large RVs. "I would NOT recommend taking any kind of trailer or motorhome down these roads and to this spot. To give you an idea- 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."
Mid-week visits recommended: RV campers report quieter experiences during weekdays at many locations. "Return early July and find that this is a mid week haven. Scissor-tailed Flaycatchers with dramatic black and white long split tail feathers nest here. The park is busy with boating swimming, fishing, and boating is busy with day use traffic but only 3 or 4 campsites are occupied with tents or rv."
Supply access: Some campgrounds offer convenient proximity to outdoor stores. "Also a semi-pro is that it's located pretty close to a bunch of outdoor sports stores so if you forgot something on your trip - it's pretty easy to pick up."
