Tent campsites near Plano, Texas offer diverse camping environments within a 30-minute drive radius of the Dallas suburb. The region features modest elevation changes ranging from 500-700 feet and experiences hot summers with temperatures often exceeding 90°F from June through September. Fall and spring provide milder conditions for camping with highs in the 70-80°F range, making these the preferred seasons for outdoor recreation in North Texas.
What to do
Mountain biking trails: Erwin Park in McKinney offers over 9 miles of maintained trails that accommodate different skill levels. One visitor notes, "Great hiking and mountain biking trails. Woods, water, and good campsites. All campsites can see a road, but this is still one of the best options in the area." The trails are maintained by DORBA (Dallas Off-Road Bicycle Association) but can flood easily after rain.
Horseback encounters: At Sleep Under The Pecan Trees, campers can interact with horses that roam the 100-acre property. "Wild, yet docile horses will approach you. You can pet them and feed them by hand," shares one camper who recommends bringing carrots for feeding. The property also features scattered ponds for fishing.
Lake activities: Campgrounds on Lake Lewisville provide opportunities for water recreation. A visitor at Sycamore Bend Park shares: "Right on the lake... 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. Great for hammocking, kayaking, paddle boarding etc."
What campers like
Natural setting close to urban areas: Many campers appreciate finding secluded camping so close to suburban development. A reviewer at Erwin Park commented, "Been many times. Its great. I've had many great experiences at this park it's a ways out of the way of the city noise. The only sound other than bird song is the occasional moo and some coyote yips in the distance."
Wildlife viewing: The region offers opportunities to observe local fauna. At Sycamore Bend Park, campers report seeing "a lot of wildlife from water fowl, deer and woodpeckers." The relative quiet and proximity to water bodies enhance wildlife spotting opportunities.
Clean facilities: Meadowmere Park & Campground receives positive feedback for its maintenance. "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."
What you should know
Bathroom conditions vary significantly: Facilities range from well-maintained to problematic. At Collin Park, a camper reported: "Bathrooms were centrally located but the women's restroom was flooded with an unknown liquid (it didn't smell, but one of the toilets was badly clogged and we haven't had that much rain lately)."
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis, particularly during weekends. Sycamore Bend Park charges $20 per night with a maximum 3-night stay. A reviewer noted, "The price has gone up from $7 to $20, but that's about average it seems now."
Trail traffic concerns: Popular parks experience heavy weekend use. At Erwin Park, a visitor observed: "It gets pretty busy on the weekends with bikers so if you're on foot keep your eyes & ears open to avoid being in the middle of a pileup."
Tips for camping with families
Fishing opportunities: Sleep Under The Pecan Trees offers family-friendly fishing. A father shared, "Took my 6 year old daughter for her first camping trip and she loved it. The horses came into our camp and she was mesmerized by their size and beauty. Most amazing experience. She caught her 1st bass in the pond as well."
Playground access: Northside RV Resort provides amenities for children despite its RV focus. A reviewer mentioned: "Gated. Level pads. Quiet. Dog park. Play ground. Wifi. Cable. Lake." This makes it suitable for families seeking a more developed camping experience.
Site selection: When camping with children, consider noise levels and distance to facilities. At Erwin Park, sites vary in exposure: "Each site has a picnic table, fire pit and trash can and some of the sites are more shaded than others."
Tips from RVers
Limited services at primitive sites: Most tent-focused campgrounds near Plano lack RV hookups. At Northside RV Resort, full hookups are available, but a visitor noted potential drawbacks: "The internet and water was off a lot. Management is not on site and so lots of things were going on at night. No security or patrols."
Weather considerations: Spring camping can mean mud issues. An RVer at Northside advised: "When it rains stay on the pavement as the mud is nasty and gumbo. The road is very loud and there are train tracks with train horns blaring all night long - make sure your bedroom faces away from the road for the best sleep."
Space and layout: Site dimensions matter for larger rigs. At Meadowmere Park, a camper shared: "The sites are large and easy to pull in and out. They don't have any extras like clubhouses so you can tell they don't cater to snowbirds. But it is convenient to heading up to Dallas or south to Waco."
