Best Tent Camping near Plano, TX
Tent camping options near Plano, Texas include several established campgrounds within a short drive of the city. Erwin Park in McKinney offers tent sites with picnic tables, fire pits and trash cans, while Sycamore Bend Park in Lewisville provides primitive tent camping along Lake Lewisville. Little Elm Park also accommodates tent campers with basic amenities including electric hookups, picnic tables and toilets. These locations provide accessible outdoor experiences without requiring long-distance travel from the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.
Most tent campgrounds in the Plano area feature basic amenities with varying levels of development. Erwin Park provides drinking water, picnic tables, fire pits and trash receptacles at each site, though it lacks shower facilities. Sycamore Bend Park offers truly primitive camping with a $20 per night fee and a maximum 3-night stay limit. Sites typically include fire rings and picnic tables, but no electricity, water hookups or showers. Little Elm Park charges $5 per tent with restrooms available but no shower facilities. Most parks maintain toilet facilities, though cleanliness can vary, especially during busy periods.
Walk-in tent sites are available at several locations, offering a more secluded experience than drive-up camping. Erwin Park features both drive-up sites and walk-in tent areas, with the latter providing more privacy among the trees. Sycamore Bend Park requires campers to park and carry gear to their sites, creating a more primitive camping experience. The park sits directly on Lake Lewisville, making it popular for fishing, kayaking and paddleboarding. Wildlife sightings are common, with waterfowl, deer and woodpeckers frequently observed. A recent review noted that "Sycamore bend is a really nice, secluded campground for being so close to suburbs. Great for hammocking, kayaking, paddle boarding and other lake activities."
