Best Tent Camping near Princeton, TX
Tent camping options near Princeton, Texas offer a mix of established campgrounds and more primitive setups within a 30-mile radius. Erwin Park in McKinney provides several tent campsites with picnic tables and fire pits, while Sleep Under The Pecan Trees offers a more rustic experience on a 100-acre property with opportunities to interact with wildlife. Collin Park on Lake Lavon provides lakeside tent camping with basic amenities for those seeking water access.
Most tent campgrounds in the Princeton area provide fire rings and picnic tables, though facilities vary significantly between locations. Erwin Park features drinking water and electric hookups at select sites, while more primitive areas like Sycamore Bend Park ($20 per night) offer no electricity, water, or showers. Many sites require short walks from parking areas to reach the actual tent camping spots. Several campgrounds enforce maximum stay limits, typically 3 days at parks like Sycamore Bend. Toilet facilities range from well-maintained restrooms at Meadowmere Park to more basic options at other locations.
The tent camping experience around Princeton offers varying levels of seclusion and natural settings. Sleep Under The Pecan Trees provides a unique wildlife experience where horses may approach campsites. According to one visitor, "Wild, yet docile horses will approach you. You can pet them and feed them by hand. Tall trees and gorgeous campsites." Erwin Park features approximately 9 miles of trails, making it popular with mountain bikers and hikers seeking active outdoor experiences from their tent camping base. Sites at Sycamore Bend Park sit directly on Lake Lewisville, offering good opportunities for paddling and fishing. During peak seasons, especially weekends, campers should arrive early to secure sites at the more popular parks, as one reviewer noted, "We arrived on a Saturday around noon and took what seemed to be the last spot."
