Camping options near Plano, Texas extend beyond the major lakes to include smaller parks within a 30-mile radius that provide diverse terrain and wildlife viewing opportunities. The region sits at an elevation of 600-700 feet with predominantly clay soils, making drainage an important consideration during the rainy seasons of spring and fall. Temperatures in winter months (December-February) typically range from 35-60°F, allowing for year-round camping opportunities with proper preparation.
What to do
Wildlife viewing opportunities: East Fork Park Campground offers excellent bird watching, particularly in early morning hours. "We enjoyed a night here. Nice, clean, open RV park on Lake Lavon. It's well established but in good shape. Big level RV sites with grills and covered tables," notes one visitor at East Fork Park Campground.
Mountain biking trails: Erwin Park in McKinney features extensive single-track mountain biking trails approximately 9 miles in length. "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," explains a camper at Erwin Park.
Kayaking and paddleboarding: Multiple lakes offer water sports with rentals available at several locations. "The park offers open activity areas and covered picnic tables by the water. A 3-lane boat ramp to Lewisville Lake, rental paddle boarding, full marina, and swimming area," states a review from Hidden Cove Park & Marina.
What campers like
Wide, spacious sites: Campers frequently mention site spacing as a key factor in satisfaction. "A lot of space between sites, well level and paved, family oriented, very quite, beautiful lake and tree sites, lighted power supply post with all the amps available. Fire pits, bbq, picnic tables and some with gazebo," says a camper at Hickory Creek - Lewisville Lake.
Waterfront camping options: Sites with direct lake access rank consistently high. "Nice wooded lots. Views of lake were great. Not a lot of close access to lake from our camping spot. Bathrooms were clean. Rained a lot so didn't get to explore as much as we would have liked. Did like the lighted power poles!" notes a visitor at Willow Grove Park.
Convenience to urban amenities: Many campgrounds offer a balance between nature and access to services. "We have family in the area, so we visit regularly and every time we stay here the grass is ridiculous otherwise I would give a 5 star!" comments a camper about Lavonia at Lavon Lake, noting the campground's proximity to residential areas.
What you should know
Weather preparedness: The region experiences rapid weather changes, particularly in spring. "Got hit by two really bad lightning and thunderstorms and had to sit in my car for a while during the worst of it (certain parts had tornados and hail)," warns a camper about Willow Grove Park.
Grass maintenance issues: Several campgrounds receive criticism for inadequate mowing. "Great campground, electric and water. Only issue is the grass is always one high so bring a weed whip," notes a camper at Lavonia on Lavon Lake.
Varying bathroom facilities: Quality ranges significantly between parks. "The showers, toilets & sinks all feel disgusting and dirty. Avoid it all costs," states one review about Hidden Cove, while another campground receives praise: "The bathrooms are clean, signal is great for Verizon and T-mobile. There are showers but I wasn't brave enough to try them."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several parks offer playground equipment for children. "There is a park with slides and swings. The lake was warm and there was a little 'beach' for swimming- I would recommend water shoes and floaties!" advises a camper at Willow Grove Park.
Wildlife encounters: Plan for safe wildlife viewing opportunities. "We hopped over for a one night trip and had a blast! Our site was right off the water with a fun view (at night) of the lake Lewisville bridge. Sites were large enough for us (tent campers) without feeling too close to our rv/camper neighbors! Our 5 & 4 year old boys loved running around, throwing rocks in the lake," shares a family at Hickory Creek.
Swimming considerations: Lake conditions vary by location and season. "The day use area is really nice with picnic benches and pavilions. This is a good camp if you care more about amenities then being in the wilderness," explains a camper at Pilot Knoll Park.
Tips from RVers
Hookup locations: Pay attention to utilities placement when selecting sites. "The sites weren't bad and ours was pretty level. The location is nice on the lake with lots of sail boats sailing by. There is plenty of space between sites, but no trees so not a lot of privacy," notes an RV camper at Isle du Bois Campsites.
Water pressure considerations: Some campgrounds have unusually high water pressure. "Lots of shade trees, level sites many right on the water. I found the water pressure too strong for my class b as the pressure caused a link under my sink. Convinced me to purchase my own water pressure resistor gauge," cautions an RVer at Pilot Knoll Park.
Security differences: Gate access varies between parks. "Very Pretty Views. Large Sites with covered Picnic tables. Sites spread nicely with no one on top of you. Great security visible as well as a coded gate after hours," mentions a visitor at The Vineyards Campground & Cabins.
