Best Tent Camping near Watauga, TX

Public lands surrounding Watauga, Texas offer several tent-only camping options within a 30-mile radius. Meadowmere Park & Campground provides 36 tent campsites with full amenities, while Sycamore Bend Park on Lake Lewisville offers primitive tent camping along the shoreline. Black Creek Lake NF Campground near Decatur provides walk-in tent sites in a more secluded setting. Little Elm Park maintains tent-only areas with basic facilities, and the Primitive Area at Lake Mineral Wells State Park, though farther west, offers backcountry tent camping accessed via hiking trails.

Most tent campgrounds in the region feature dirt or gravel pads with minimal site preparation. Sycamore Bend Park enforces a 3-night maximum stay limit and charges $20 per night for primitive tent camping with no electricity or water hookups. Black Creek Lake operates on a self-pay honor system at $2 per night, providing fire rings and picnic tables at 14 official tent sites. During summer months, rattlesnakes may be present in taller grass areas, requiring caution when selecting tent placement. Campers should bring cash for payment at sites with self-registration kiosks, as ATMs are often miles away. Bug spray is essential, particularly for mosquitoes which can be numerous during warmer months.

In early fall, tent campers find more availability and cooler temperatures at most sites. According to reviews, Meadowmere Park provides "peaceful, open, spacious" tent camping with clean facilities, though it closes to the public after 5:30 pm. At Sycamore Bend Park, one camper noted that while restrooms "really stink," they are "always clean and stocked" with a "calm park" atmosphere. The primitive sites at Lake Mineral Wells State Park require a 2.5-mile hike with "a steep downhill grade the first quarter mile," but reward tent campers with wildlife sightings including deer, armadillos, and rabbits. Weekday visits typically offer more solitude than weekends when many sites fill quickly with day-use visitors and campers.

Best Tent Sites Near Watauga, Texas (14)

    1. Meadowmere Park & Campground

    2 Reviews
    Southlake, TX
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (817) 410-3939

    $35 / night

    "We really enjoyed this camp space. Peaceful, open, spacious and super nice management and staff. We stayed in spot 23 and although windy, I really enjoyed the scenery and quietness."

    "Close to Dallas, very clean and organized camp area."

    2. Sycamore Bend Park

    3 Reviews
    Lake Dallas, TX
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (469) 645-9100

    $20 / night

    "The restrooms really stink, but are always clean and stocked in my experience. Max 3 night stay, no electricity, water, or showers. Nice fire rings, flag pole, and calm park."

    "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. Really nice park right on the lake, but it does get a bit crowded."

    3. Little Elm Park

    1 Review
    Little Elm, TX
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (972) 731-3296

    "Electric hookups for RV generally a small area first come first serve.... 5 dollars per tent....restrooms and park lights.... stores nearby..... no showers"

    4. Northside RV Resort

    9 Reviews
    Waxahachie, TX
    38 miles
    Website
    +1 (972) 908-0040

    $50 - $60 / night

    "Level pads. Quiet. Dog park. Play ground. Wifi. Cable. Lake."

    "Each shower has its own toilet and vanity behind a lockable door. Our campsite (532) was a little awkward to get in because of the corner and the speed bumps, but not impossible."

    5. Cedar Ridge Mobile Home & RV Park

    1 Review
    Lancaster, TX
    31 miles
    +1 (214) 371-9818

    "Stayed there during our trip to Texas, after visiting Big Bend. Overall, pretty good spot for RVing."

    6. Black Creek Lake NF Campground

    6 Reviews
    Alvord, TX
    38 miles
    Website
    +1 (940) 627-5475

    "This campground has restrooms and a gravel drive to access the grounds. You will find a small playground and picnic tables at this site as well as a public boat launch."

    "Visited mid-week; hot weather, lake breeze, and shade made it pleasant. Locals fishing or grilling slightly diminished the wilderness vibe."

    7. Primitive Area — Lake Mineral Wells State Park

    9 Reviews
    Mineral Wells, TX
    44 miles
    Website
    +1 (940) 328-1171

    $10 / night

    "The lake is awesome and great for fishing and kayaking.  We stayed at the Post Oak Campground over Valentine's Weekend 2019. "

    "I saw some wildlife- deer, an armadillo, and a rabbit. I was carrying a 50 lb pack and stopped often for pics, so it took me about an hour and a half to reach the primitive camping area."

    8. Lyndon B. Johnson National Grassland Dispersed Camping

    3 Reviews
    Alvord, TX
    37 miles
    Website

    "We stumbled upon this dispersed camping area after driving forest service roads for a while. I would NOT recommend taking any kind of trailer or motorhome down these roads and to this spot. "

    "Was transiting between central Texas toward Colorado in an off-grid TT and didn’t want to venture far off 287 for a comfortable, quiet & safe place to stay for the night."

    10. Erwin Park

    8 Reviews
    McKinney, TX
    44 miles
    Website
    +1 (972) 547-2690

    "Erwin Park is a great place to visit if you're looking to spend a few days running or biking trails. Campsites are far enough apart that you have privacy yet close enough that you don't feel alone."

    "I’ve had many great experiences at this park 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"

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Tent Camping Reviews near Watauga, TX

503 Reviews of 14 Watauga Campgrounds



Guide to Watauga

Tent camping near Watauga, Texas offers a variety of scenic spots where nature lovers can unwind and enjoy the great outdoors. With options ranging from primitive sites to well-equipped campgrounds, there's something for every type of camper.

Tips for tent camping near Watauga

  • Sycamore Bend Park provides a primitive camping experience with fire rings and picnic tables, perfect for those looking to connect with nature without modern distractions.
  • Meadowmere Park & Campground is a highly rated option that features drinking water and electric hookups, making it ideal for campers who appreciate a few comforts while still enjoying the outdoors.
  • Little Elm Park offers affordable tent camping with nearby stores and restrooms, ensuring convenience for those who want to explore the area without sacrificing basic amenities.

Tent campers should check out these activities

  • At Sycamore Bend Park, campers can enjoy kayaking and paddle boarding on Lake Lewisville, making it a great spot for water enthusiasts.
  • Black Creek Lake NF Campground is perfect for fishing and swimming, providing a peaceful setting for those looking to relax by the water.
  • De Cordova Bend features hiking trails and a public boat ramp, allowing campers to explore the natural beauty of the area while enjoying various outdoor activities.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

  • Meadowmere Park & Campground stands out with its clean facilities, including showers and toilets, ensuring a comfortable stay for all visitors.
  • Northside RV Resort offers well-maintained restrooms and laundry facilities, making it a convenient choice for families and longer stays.
  • Tadra Point Trailhead & Campground provides picnic tables and toilets, catering to campers who value basic comforts while enjoying a more rustic experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Watauga, TX?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Watauga, TX is Meadowmere Park & Campground with a 5-star rating from 2 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Watauga, TX?

TheDyrt.com has all 14 tent camping locations near Watauga, TX, with real photos and reviews from campers.