Tent campsites near Princeton, Texas feature a range of price points with primitive sites at Sycamore Bend Park costing $20 per night and other locations offering more amenities at varying rates. Located in Collin County with elevations ranging from 500-600 feet, this north Texas region experiences hot summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 95°F from June through August and mild winters that rarely drop below freezing.
What to do
Mountain biking on maintained trails: At Erwin Park, cyclists enjoy approximately 9 miles of single-track trails with built features. "Great easy spot for day camping or easy car camping with family. Best mountain bike single tracks around with lots of built features," notes Brian.
Wildlife interaction and feeding: Sleep Under The Pecan Trees allows unique animal encounters on its 100-acre property. "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," reports Mike J.
Fishing in Lake Lewisville: Sycamore Bend Park offers shoreline fishing opportunities directly from campsites. One visitor with children noted, "She caught her 1st bass in the pond as well. The entire property is simply beautiful."
Hiking through wooded areas: Several parks feature established hiking trails through diverse terrain. A reviewer at Erwin Park mentions, "The trail network is about 9 miles and maintained by DORBA, these trails flood easily after rain so check the DORBA website before making the trip."
What campers like
Secluded sites despite proximity to city: Campers appreciate the natural settings close to urban areas. "What a great getaway that feels like you're far from home but only a few min away for us. When you want a spur of the moment trip it's a great place to go," writes Amy L. about Erwin Park.
Well-maintained facilities: Clean restrooms and camping areas receive positive mentions. At Meadowmere Park & Campground, a visitor noted, "Porta potties were incredibly clean and a main bathroom area featured showers and very clean as well."
Lakefront camping options: Sites directly adjacent to water are particularly popular. Hannah F. describes Sycamore Bend Park: "Really nice park right on the lake, but it does get a bit crowded. Really nice, secluded campground for being so close to suburbs. Great for hammocking, kayaking, paddle boarding etc."
Natural sounds and wildlife: The rural soundscape enhances the camping experience for many visitors. "The only sound other than bird song is the occasional moo and some coyote yips in the distance," reports Riley W. about camping near Princeton.
What you should know
Bathroom facilities vary significantly: Some locations lack doors or have basic amenities. Amy L. notes about Erwin Park, "The only thing I would change is the bathroom facilities, there are no doors at all!"
Weekend crowding: Popular sites fill quickly, particularly during peak seasons. "We arrived on a Saturday around noon and took what seemed to be the last spot," reports a camper at Sycamore Bend Park.
Limited amenities at primitive sites: Collin Park offers minimal facilities. According to Aaron C., "Only a few tent areas left since erosion has left several falling into the lake. Bathrooms were centrally located but the women's restroom was flooded with an unknown liquid."
Restrictions on stays: Several parks enforce maximum stay limits. At Sycamore Bend Park, campers can stay a maximum of 3 days according to current regulations.
Seasonal flooding concerns: After heavy rains, some camping areas and trails become unusable. Trails at Erwin Park "flood easily after rain so check the DORBA website before making the trip."
Tips for camping with families
Accessible wildlife viewing: Children particularly enjoy animal encounters. At Sleep Under The Pecan Trees, families report memorable experiences: "Beautiful camping grounds! Took my 6 year old daughter for her first camping trip and she loved it."
Playground equipment: Some parks feature play areas for children. Sycamore Bend has "a good pavilion with a basketball hoop and good playground equipment," according to a reviewer.
Short walking distances: At Erwin Park, "A few of the campsites are drive up but most are park and haul. Each site has a picnic table, fire pit and trash can."
Scout-friendly locations: Sycamore Bend Park frequently hosts youth groups. "This camp site is very popular with the boy and cub scout troops in the North Dallas Metroplex area," mentions Chris K.
Proximity to supplies: Most tent campsites near Princeton, Texas are within a short drive of retail options. Sleep Under The Pecan Trees is "about 12 minutes away from the nearest Walmart, in case you forget some camping supplies."
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup availability: Few campgrounds offer full hookups. At Little Elm Park, Joshua O. notes, "Electric hookups for RV generally a small area first come first serve.... 5 dollars per tent....restrooms and park lights.... stores nearby..... no showers."
Access challenges for larger vehicles: Several parks have limited space for large RVs. One camper mentioned at Sycamore Bend: "No access to drive to the actual site so I couldn't use my RTT but it's a short walk from where you park."
Water access points: RV campers should note which parks have boat ramps. "The park has a boat launch and a pier to tie off," reports a visitor to Sycamore Bend Park.
