Tent camping options near Sherman, Texas primarily center around Lake Texoma, with campsites spread across both Texas and Oklahoma sides of the lake. The region features post oak and blackjack oak forests with elevations ranging from 600 to 800 feet. Summer thunderstorms can develop rapidly between May and September, with lightning risks requiring campers to have weather contingency plans.
What to do
Biking trails access: Erwin Park offers approximately 9 miles of maintained mountain biking trails that attract riders throughout the region. The trails are managed by DORBA (Dallas Off-Road Bicycle Association) and follow a directional system where "runners, hikers, walkers go one direction and bikes go the opposite," according to James_TrueZoneCoaching.
Wildlife observation: Big Mineral Camp at Lake Texoma provides opportunities for spotting native wildlife. The area supports diverse ecosystems where deer populations are common. Hickory Creek in Oklahoma offers more remote wildlife viewing, with one camper noting, "There are large populations of deer and other smaller animals. You will want to watch out for wild hogs which migrate through the area at times."
Night sky viewing: Clear nights at Hickory Creek primitive camping areas offer excellent stargazing opportunities without light pollution interference. A visitor described the experience: "The night skies here are vast on a clear night and you will hear a lot of animals moving around this area."
What campers like
Natural quiet: The relative isolation at some sites provides a break from urban noise. At Erwin Park, a camper noted it's "a ways out of the way of the city noise. The only sound other than bird song is the occasional moo and some coyote yips in the distance."
Site spacing: The arrangement of campsites at several locations offers balance between privacy and community. A reviewer at Erwin Park mentioned, "Campsites are far enough apart that you have privacy yet close enough that you don't feel alone."
Quick accessibility: For urban dwellers seeking convenient nature escapes, some campgrounds provide surprisingly quick access. One camper described Erwin Park as "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."
What you should know
Limited facilities: Most primitive sites require complete self-sufficiency. At Cross Timbers Texoma Hiking Trail, campers must bring all necessary supplies as the area offers fires-allowed camping but no facilities. Even at more developed sites, amenities can be basic with one Erwin Park visitor noting, "The only thing I would change is the bathroom facilities, there are no doors at all!"
Weather preparation: The Sherman area experiences temperature extremes with minimal shelter options at most sites. Flash flooding can affect trails and low-lying areas after rainfall, particularly at primitive sites like Hickory Creek where a camper warned, "This area can get very muddy."
Food storage requirements: Wildlife activity necessitates proper food management. At Hickory Creek, a reviewer advised, "Do not leave food out at your camp because of the amount of wild animals in the area or you will be overrun by morning."
Tips for camping with families
Beginner-friendly options: Willow Springs at Lake Texoma offers family-appropriate camping with one visitor describing it as "a nice rv hook up great family place." This provides an accessible entry point for families new to outdoor recreation.
Sheltered picnic areas: Group facilities at some locations provide weather protection for family gatherings. Erwin Park features "a great pavilion at the group site if you can get it," allowing families to gather regardless of weather conditions.
Safety considerations: Weekend trail congestion requires additional supervision of children at dual-use sites. A regular visitor to Erwin Park cautioned, "It gets pretty busy on the weekends with bikers so if you're on foot keep your eyes and ears open to avoid being in the middle of a pileup."
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup availability: Most sites around Sherman provide minimal RV amenities. At Texoma Marina & Resort, campers should verify hookup availability before arrival as facilities vary seasonally.
Accessibility challenges: Many primitive camping areas require high-clearance vehicles or alternative transportation. At Hickory Creek, a camper suggested, "Consider an ATV, this area can get very muddy and an ATV can be very helpful if you are trying to explore very deep into the area."
Lighting needs: The absence of ambient light at most campgrounds necessitates bringing additional illumination. An experienced camper at Hickory Creek recommended, "Bring a headlamp or lantern because there is no outdoor lighting whatsoever."
