Best Tent Camping near Rowlett, TX
Lakes and reservoirs surrounding Rowlett, Texas provide several tent camping options within a short drive. Collin Park offers tent-only sites with lake views and basic amenities, while Sycamore Bend Park in Lewisville features primitive tent camping along Lake Lewisville's shoreline. Erwin Park in McKinney provides walk-in tent sites with more developed facilities, including drinking water and picnic tables. Meadowmere Park & Campground maintains 36 tent campsites with both drive-in and walk-in access options. Sleep Under The Pecan Trees, located northeast of Rowlett, offers a unique tent camping experience on a 100-acre property with ponds and wildlife.
Most tent campgrounds in the region provide basic amenities with varying levels of development. Sycamore Bend Park features truly primitive tent camping with a 3-night maximum stay, fire rings, and basic toilets but no water or electricity. Sites at Collin Park include picnic tables, fire pits, and centrally located bathrooms, though erosion has reduced the number of available tent areas. Erwin Park offers a mix of drive-up and park-and-haul tent sites, each equipped with picnic tables, fire pits, and trash cans. Tent campers should check seasonal conditions, as heavy rains can affect site accessibility, particularly at parks near lakes where water levels fluctuate. Prices range from approximately $5-25 per night for tent sites.
The tent camping experience varies significantly across locations. At Erwin Park, campers noted that "sites are far enough apart that you have privacy yet close enough that you don't feel alone," making it suitable for first-time tent campers. The park features a 9-mile trail network popular with mountain bikers. According to reviews, Sycamore Bend Park provides "a secluded campground for being so close to suburbs," though it can get crowded on weekends. Tent campers at Sleep Under The Pecan Trees enjoy unique wildlife encounters, with horses and donkeys that approach campsites. Meadowmere Park offers peaceful, open tent sites with clean facilities, providing a convenient backcountry tent camping feel despite proximity to urban areas. Most parks allow pets and fires in designated rings, enhancing the primitive tent camping experience.