Bardwell Lake, located 45 miles south of Dallas, offers RV camping options across multiple parks within a 30-mile radius. The lake covers 3,570 acres with 53 miles of shoreline, providing water recreation opportunities year-round. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 95°F from June through September, making spring and fall the most comfortable camping seasons.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Texan RV Park & Campus, visitors can enjoy fishing in the park's two ponds. "There are 2 ponds, cabins, a clubhouse laundry, beautiful showers," notes one reviewer who attended RV training classes at the adjacent school.
Shopping excursions: Traders Village offers a unique shopping experience directly at the campground. "One of the biggest flea markets around and it's 2 days of walking and shopping," reports a camper. The market operates weekends and provides an alternative activity during lake downtime.
Sporting activities: Tennis and pickle ball courts are available for active campers at Bluebonnet Ridge RV Park. "They have tennis/pickle ball court, small fishing lake, laundry, pool and tiny houses," mentions a guest who appreciated the recreational facilities.
What campers like
Security features: Gates and controlled access provide peace of mind at several properties. "The park was very clean with four bathroom/shower rooms and laundry room as well. The park also has a gate with a code needed to enter," reports a November visitor at Northside RV Resort.
Clean facilities: Bathroom and shower cleanliness consistently receives high marks from visitors. "The bathrooms are so clean. Each shower has its own toilet and vanity behind a lockable door," notes a camper who visited Northside RV Resort during November.
Convenient location: Access to urban amenities balances the outdoor experience. "Great location to heading up to Dallas or south to Waco," explains a reviewer. Another camper at American RV Park mentions, "Lots of restaurant locations to choose from within a short drive from the park."
What you should know
Seasonal concerns: Summer heat brings insects, particularly at certain properties. "The bugs are bad here, we had ants in our trailer and lots of bites. When it rains stay on the pavement as the mud is nasty and gumbo," cautions a reviewer about summer conditions.
Highway noise: Proximity to highways affects some campgrounds. "The park is located just off a busy state highway so you do hear traffic, although this didn't bother us too much," notes a visitor at American RV Park.
Reservation practices: Some parks have strict policies about site assignments and availability. One camper at Bluebonnet Ridge RV Park reported a challenging situation: "Called into the office like we have every morning and was told 'sorry you have to leave we reserved your spot.' ON MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND!"
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several RV parks near Bardwell Lake offer children's play areas. "There is a pond with a fountain and a HUGE fireplace (not fire pit) for relaxing," mentions a November visitor to Northside RV Resort, who also noted the property has a playground.
Pool availability: Seasonal swimming options provide heat relief from May through September. "The pool isn't open yet but will be very nice when it is," notes a visitor at Chuck's RV Resort, highlighting the amenity for family campers.
Activity planning: Some properties offer more structured recreation than others. "We have set foot here once and remembers it forever," shares a family visiting Traders Village, referencing the combined camping and shopping experience.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Concrete pads provide stability during wet weather. "Nice hard sites all with 20/30/50a, cable TV, and full hookups," explains a camper at Northside RV Resort, helping RVers understand hookup options.
Leveling considerations: Some sites may appear level but feel different once set up. One camper at Treetops RV Resort noted: "Our spot was 171 and was very well shaded, the only thing is our trailer was level but we felt like we were leaning back."
Pull-through availability: Multiple parks accommodate larger motorhomes with designated pull-through sites. "Great pull thru site. Plenty of room to leave hooked up," shares a visitor at American RV Park, indicating the convenience for overnight travelers.
