Tent camping near Southlake, Texas offers diverse experiences across both developed and primitive sites within 40 miles of the city. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 95°F between June and September, making shade and water access critical considerations for campers. The region's mixed terrain of grasslands, lakeshores, and wooded areas provides camping options with varying levels of seclusion and amenities.
What to do
Mountain biking on maintained trails: Erwin Park features approximately 9 miles of trails maintained by DORBA (Dallas Off-Road Bicycle Association). As one visitor notes, "Great easy spot for day camping or easy car camping with family. Good fire pits and great pavilion at the group site if you can get it. Best mountain bike single tracks around with lots of built features." The trails can become crowded on weekends, so weekday visits are recommended for a more relaxed experience.
Fishing from shore or boat: Sycamore Bend Park offers excellent fishing access along Lake Lewisville. According to a reviewer, "The park has a boat launch and a pier to tie off. This park only has primitive camping with several camping sites along the shores of Lake Lewisville." The lake supports various fish species, and camping directly on the shoreline provides convenience for anglers.
Hiking through grasslands: Lyndon B. Johnson National Grassland Dispersed Camping provides free camping with access to hiking trails through native prairie. A camper reports, "Taking the Trinity exit north off the loop around Decatur and using the navigation to the LBJ Grasslands to Park Rd 904 access was easy (& scenic)." The grasslands showcase native Texas ecosystems and wildlife viewing opportunities.
What campers like
Shaded sites during summer heat: Black Creek Lake NF Campground offers crucial shade that makes summer camping more bearable. A visitor shared, "Visited mid-week; hot weather, lake breeze, and shade made it pleasant." The combination of tree cover and lake breezes helps mitigate the intense Texas summer temperatures.
Clean, accessible facilities: Northside RV Resort earns praise for its well-maintained amenities. "Each shower has its own toilet and vanity behind a lockable door," notes one camper. Another mentioned, "The bathrooms as so clean. The park itself is gated and secure." These private bathroom setups offer more comfort than typical campground facilities.
Affordable primitive options: Tadra Point Trailhead & Campground provides basic camping at reasonable rates. A camper explains, "$10 per car fee to be paid at a self serve box." While the sites are basic, the pricing makes it an economical option for weekend getaways within an hour of Southlake.
What you should know
Tent site accessibility varies significantly: Many campgrounds require carrying gear from parking areas. At Sycamore Bend Park, a camper advises, "No access to drive to the actual site so I couldn't use my RTT but it's a short walk from where you park." Always check distance from parking to tent sites when planning.
Seasonal flooding affects availability: After rain, trails and camping areas can become unusable. One visitor at Erwin Park noted, "The trail network is about 9 miles and maintained by DORBA, these trails flood easily after rain so check the DORBA website before making the trip."
Bathroom facilities are limited: Collin Park and similar locations have minimal bathroom facilities. A reviewer observed, "Bathrooms were centrally located but the women's restroom was flooded with an unknown liquid." Always bring sanitation supplies and be prepared for potential facility issues.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Little Elm Park offers amenities that keep children entertained. A camper explains, "Electric hookups for RV generally a small area first come first serve.... 5 dollars per tent....restrooms and park lights.... stores nearby..... no showers." The affordable rate and nearby conveniences make it practical for families.
Safety considerations: At Northside RV Resort, security features provide peace of mind. "The park itself is gated and secure," notes one visitor. The controlled access helps parents worry less about outside traffic or unauthorized visitors.
Educational opportunities: Erwin Park offers nature exploration close to urban areas. A long-time visitor shares, "I grew up going to Erwin Park to camp. It was a well kept secret with spacious tent sites, picnic areas and hiking trails." The park's trail system allows children to learn about local ecosystems through direct observation.
Tips from RVers
Seasonal considerations: Weather patterns significantly impact RV camping comfort. At Black Creek Lake NF Campground, one RVer shared, "small RV park on the lake, quiet and shaded," highlighting the importance of tree cover during hot months.
Site leveling challenges: When camping at dispersed sites in the LBJ National Grassland, a traveler advised, "Once inside you could tell there'd been recent rain but the wet areas were easily avoided. Sites are spacious and we soon found a pretty great vista view." Bringing leveling blocks is essential as many sites are not professionally graded.
Reservation requirements: Meadowmere Park & Campground has specific procedures for late arrivals. A camper noted, "Closes to public after 530 and management made it easy for us to enter the gate upon our late arrival." Always confirm access protocols when arriving after office hours to avoid being locked out.
