Camping near Southlake, Texas ranges from primitive tent sites to RV parks with full hookups, with most locations situated around Lake Lewisville and Joe Pool Lake. The region experiences hot summers with temperatures frequently exceeding 95°F from June through September, making spring and fall the most comfortable camping seasons. Winter camping is viable with temperatures generally mild, though occasional cold fronts can bring temperatures below freezing.
What to do
Water activities at Hickory Creek Park: Located on the shores of Lake Lewisville, this park offers excellent swimming and fishing opportunities. "We hopped over for a one night trip and had a blast! Our site was right off the water with a fun view (at night) of the lake Lewisville bridge," notes Hickory Creek visitor Joshua M.
Hiking and biking: Many campgrounds feature walking paths and biking trails suitable for various skill levels. At Loyd Park, one camper mentioned, "Great bike trails. Friendly staff and lovely sites, each pretty secluded from each other." The trails connect various sections of the park and provide access to Joe Pool Lake.
Wildlife viewing: The lake areas attract numerous bird species and small wildlife, especially during morning and evening hours. "The lake is pretty and it is surrounded by huge homes built all around the lake," says Matt S. about Pilot Knoll Park. Many campers report seeing ducks, geese, and cranes, particularly during migration seasons.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Several dog friendly campgrounds near Southlake feature well-spaced campsites. A camper at Pilot Knoll Park notes, "Good space between sites. Bathrooms were clean." This spacing is particularly valuable for those camping with pets.
Convenient location: Many campers appreciate the proximity to urban amenities while still feeling removed from city life. "Location: The location is tucked away in the small lakeside town of Hickory Creek...which is surrounded by Denton to the north and Lewisville/Dallas to the south. Even though it's in a highly populated area, it feels very remote when you get into the park," explains Matt S. about Hickory Creek.
Waterfront camping: Lakeside sites are among the most sought-after at these campgrounds. "We stayed in site 115 great spot close to the water," reports a Loyd Park visitor. Many waterfront sites require booking 2-3 months in advance, especially for weekend stays during peak season.
What you should know
Gate access and security: Some campgrounds have varying levels of security which can affect your experience. At Willow Grove Park, one camper noted, "This park would be great if they had someone working the gate. So much traffic and it felt like it went way later than 10 pm." Consider this when selecting pet-friendly campgrounds near the Southlake area.
Seasonal considerations: Summer heat can be extreme, with temperatures regularly exceeding 100°F in July and August. "We spent three days there swimming and hiking around. Great times!" reports a Loyd Park visitor. Swimming access becomes particularly important during summer months.
Urban proximity effects: While convenient, the location near the DFW metroplex means some campgrounds experience noise from nearby roads or air traffic. "It's located adjacent to I-35, just west of the Lake Lewisville bridge, so there's traffic noise depending on how close you're camped to the road," explains Susan L. about Hickory Creek.
Tips for camping with families
Beach access: Several pet-accommodating campgrounds offer sandy beach areas ideal for children. At Meadowmere Park, "We really enjoyed this camp space. Peaceful, open, spacious and super nice management and staff," reports Melanie G. The park offers 36 tent sites with electric hookups.
Playground availability: When camping with children, look for parks with playground equipment. "The car camp sites are ideal for families with playgrounds easy to access and well maintained," notes a reviewer about Hickory Creek. Check campground maps or call ahead as playground equipment varies significantly between parks.
Wildlife interactions: Kids often enjoy wildlife spotting opportunities, but be aware of potential wildlife encounters. "Plenty of ducks to feed, but they were not interested or just didn't like the boat. To our surprise, there was also plenty of snakes! We crossed one on the road as we drove in and saw several swimming in the lake," cautions Monica C. about her experience at Hickory Creek.
Tips from RVers
Site surfaces and levelness: Most campgrounds offer paved or gravel pads, though quality varies. At Cedar Hill State Park, "The park is designed with small loops for 15-20 camp sites in each loop. Very little traffic right by the individual spots. Easy in and out of park," reports Michael C. This layout makes maneuvering larger rigs less challenging.
Hookup reliability: Water pressure and electrical service quality differ between campgrounds. "Lighted power supply post with all the amps available. Fire pits, bbq, picnic tables and some with gazebo," notes a visitor to Hickory Creek, highlighting the quality infrastructure available at some parks.
Dump station logistics: Not all campgrounds offer sewer hookups at individual sites. "The only 'negative' I found is that the sewage hook up is not at the actual site. There are dump stations in different places," shares Luis from Hickory Creek, important information for longer-term RV stays at pet-friendly campgrounds in the Southlake region.
Ranger
