Near Lavon Lake and Joe Pool Lake, the Rowlett area offers multiple camping options within 30 minutes of the city. Most campgrounds sit between 400-600 feet elevation with humid subtropical climate patterns, making spring and fall the most comfortable seasons for outdoor activities. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F from June through September.
What to do
Hiking trails: Cedar Hill State Park Campground offers 12 miles of mountain biking and hiking trails, with most providing moderate terrain suitable for various skill levels. According to Brody R., the park has a "good trail system" that showcases "Texas wildlife and a good spot for family camping."
Boating: COE Lavon Lake Lavonia provides direct access to Lavon Lake with boat ramps for day use. The campground has "full hookups and the sites are extremely distanced from one another which is great. The main thing to do here is to boat or fish," notes reviewer Cheryl D.
Shoreline fishing: Fishing opportunities abound at Hickory Creek - Lewisville Lake where campsites border the water. Monica C. mentions "plenty of ducks to feed" along the shoreline, though she cautions they "were not interested or just didn't like the boat."
What campers like
Spacious sites: East Fork Park Campground features well-spaced camping areas with electric and water hookups. Gary W. notes "there was plenty of space between sites" and the campground has "lots of space to walk the dog, the sites are spread out, the lake is RIGHT THERE."
Clean facilities: Hickory Creek - Lewisville Lake maintains clean bathrooms and shower facilities. Lanette L. found it "Beautiful & Relaxing" with "spacious, close & convenient to any service, delivery services available also. Affordable, quiet & relaxing."
Lake views: Many campers appreciate waterfront views at various pet-friendly campgrounds near Rowlett. At Plantation Place, Candy A. mentioned the park "has a nice pond and pet friendly" during their month-long stay.
What you should know
Maintenance varies: East Fork Park Campground receives mixed reviews regarding upkeep. Dennis G. found it "run down" noting "bad roads into and thru the park, grass in bad need of cutting." Similarly, Suzann E. mentioned "the grass is always one high so bring a weed whip."
Limited shade: Several campgrounds lack significant tree cover. At Cedar Hill State Park Campground, Christina H. observed "there weren't a whole lot of trees and none over the RV pads, so keep that in mind as far as the sun beating down on the camper."
Insects present: Fire ants and other insects can be problematic in warmer months. Jill C. warns about Cedar Hill State Park having "fire ants and chiggers all over our campsite!" Another review mentioned similar concerns, requiring proper preparation during summer visits.
Bathroom facilities vary: While some campgrounds offer complete facilities, others have limitations. Jackie E. discovered at Plantation Place: "WARNING: NO BATHROOMS, NO SHOWERS. Quiet park with easy access to Dallas. Nice dog walking area and dog park. Full hookups."
Tips for camping with families
Best family loops: At Cedar Hill State Park, the most family-friendly camping areas feature moderate spacing between sites. Shawn E. found it a "very clean and picturesque park" making it suitable for families seeking dog-friendly campgrounds near Rowlett.
Swimming options: Clear Lake Park provides water access for cooling off during hot Texas summers. Sammie F. describes it as a "nice quiet park" with "bathrooms [that] are very clean," making it suitable for family outings.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Multiple campgrounds offer opportunities to observe local wildlife. At Hickory Creek, Joshua M. reported "our 5 & 4 year old boys loved running around, throwing rocks in the lake, and the park host dropped by and gave them a frisbee to play with!"
Tips from RVers
Hookup quality: Lavon Oaks RV Park provides full hookups for RV campers with both 30 and 50-amp service available. The park received positive reviews for its pet-friendly policies and cabin options for those traveling with animals.
Site levelness: Many RV sites require leveling equipment. At East Fork Park Campground, Melanie and Doug G. noted "the pad has definitely broken up over time and isn't level" suggesting campers bring appropriate blocks or levelers.
Seasonal considerations: RVers should book well in advance during peak seasons. Reynolds O. found Hickory Creek "very nice" with "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."
Access roads: Several campgrounds have deteriorating interior roads. Ray & Terri F. found that at East Fork Park "the roads are in need of repair, with numerous potholes, some very large, but the attendant did say that the park was on the CoEs list for repairs."
