Camping options near River Oaks, Texas span from basic RV sites to lakefront campgrounds with premium amenities. Located in Tarrant County at an elevation of around 750 feet, River Oaks experiences wide temperature fluctuations between seasons, with summer highs averaging 96°F in July and August. Most campgrounds in the region require advance booking during spring and fall weekends when temperatures moderate to 70-85°F.
What to do
Water activities on Joe Pool Lake: Loyd Park provides direct access to Joe Pool Lake for swimming, fishing, and boating. "We stayed in site 115 great spot close to the water," notes Tammie L. The park features a dedicated beach area and boat ramps for easy water access.
Mountain biking at Cedar Hill: Cedar Hill State Park Campground offers varied terrain for mountain biking enthusiasts. "The hiking trails were very nice though and had a lot of variation. They were being used mainly as mountain bike trails but were still plenty fun for hiking and taking in the rest of the views," shares Price T. The park maintains several miles of trails with different difficulty levels.
Wildlife viewing: Multiple campgrounds offer opportunities to observe local wildlife. At Holiday Park Campground, campers report regular deer sightings. "Lots of families enjoying the nice weather the weekend we were there," observes Roger W., who stayed at Holiday Park. Early morning and dusk provide optimal wildlife viewing times.
What campers like
Spacious, shaded sites: Campers consistently praise the generous spacing between sites at Treetops RV Resort. "Beautiful tree filled park. Super well maintained with a mix of pull through and back in sites. There is a ton of shade," reports Stacey. The resort features mature trees throughout the property, providing natural cooling during hot summer days.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathhouses and common areas receive frequent positive mentions. "Very clean and picturesque park, would come back for sure," notes Shawn E. about Cedar Hill State Park. Similarly, at The Vineyards Campground & Cabins, a camper praises the "Cleanest bathrooms and showers."
Proximity to urban amenities: Many campers value the balance between natural settings and nearby services. "The location of the campground feels secluded from the city but close to the highway so you can be in the city within a few minutes drive," notes a Treetops RV Resort guest. This campground is minutes from shopping centers and restaurants in Arlington.
What you should know
Insect management: Fire ants and other insects can be problematic at certain times of year. "Nice lake but there were fire ants and chiggers all over our campsite!" reports Jill C. about Cedar Hill State Park. Bringing appropriate insect repellent and checking tent sites carefully before setup is recommended.
Reservation planning: Peak seasons require advance planning. At North Texas Jellystone, a popular family destination, bookings fill quickly for holiday weekends and summer breaks. "It was expensive, but we definitely got what we paid for," notes Shane M., suggesting the value despite higher costs than state parks.
Airport noise: Some campgrounds experience overhead aircraft traffic due to proximity to DFW International Airport. At Settlers Haven, a reviewer notes: "Near Lockheed Airforce Base so planes flying over." Light sleepers may want to consider this factor when selecting a campground location.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Burgers Lake offers a natural spring-fed swimming area with lifeguards, diving boards, and water slides that families appreciate. With picnic tables available and bathroom facilities, it makes for a convenient day trip option for campers staying at nearby locations.
Playground options: Several campgrounds feature playgrounds and recreational areas. At The Vineyards, one camper mentions "an amazing playground for our kids, a beach, golf cart rentals, cabins, and you can easily pull in a giant RV." These amenities keep children engaged throughout the day.
Educational opportunities: Cedar Hill State Park offers junior ranger programs and nature walks that teach children about local ecosystems. The park's Penn Farm Agricultural History Center provides hands-on learning about early Texas farming practices, making for an educational family outing.
Tips from RVers
Level sites: RV campers frequently note the quality of parking surfaces. At Cowtown RV Park, "Level concrete camp spots" are highlighted by Patrice S., who adds that "the host bends over backwards to make your stay pleasurable." This park offers pull-through sites accommodating larger rigs.
Hookup variations: Not all campgrounds offer full hookups, and amperage varies. At Holiday Park, a reviewer notes: "Perimeter sites are much better than inner loop sites - our site is along a lakeshore more than lakeshore." Electric service ranges from 30-50 amp depending on the specific site.
Weather considerations: Texas heat requires preparation for RVers. "We were in site #05. This site had 50 amp electric and water. Park was very well kept, grass mowed and cover over picnic table. This site had little to no shade, ac had to work very hard. Would not recommend this site in summer time," advises Arvis C. about Holiday Park Campground. Selecting shaded sites or planning non-summer visits can reduce air conditioning demands.
