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Day-to-day life on the job can be a real grind. Once the weekend rolls around, you want to escape to nature—but that doesn’t mean you have to drive hours and hours from Dallas. Whether your family prefers RV vacationing, tenting or cabins, you’ll find plenty of campgrounds nearby, which we’ve gathered in this list. We expected to find several beautiful lakefront campsites but were pleasantly surprised by the breadth of outdoor activities that the Dallas area has to offer, from hiking to fishing, swimming to rock climbing, and fossil hunting to geocaching.
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NORTH TEXAS
Lake Mineral Wells State Park: Mineral Wells, TX
Image by Jennifer M. Ramos
Rock climbers have named this park one of the best sites in Texas. It spans 3,010 acres and is highlighted by sheer rock cliffs. We recommend bringing your fishing poles and checking out one of the six fishing piers on the lake, where catfish, crappie, sunfish and largemouth bass are in abundance. There is also an extensive list of ranger programs at the park including kids’ wilderness survival, cowboy history through music and poetry, astronomy and wildflower walks.
Recent campers say: “Clean bathrooms are near all the shelters.” “Short camping trip ended up in several life long memories.” “The park kept us entertained.”
Bonham State Park has an unrivaled family atmosphere. You can find families socializing, fishing, canoeing and picnicking year-round. There are extensive trails in the park for hiking or mountain biking, a beach for swimming and even ranger expeditions exclusively for the kids. You can also rent paddle boats and let the kids expend their energy by giving us a free tour around the lake. The lone downside to this cozy park is that it only contains 12 RV hook-ups.
Recent campers say: “Such a beautiful place.” “The sites were very well kept.” “Amazing, clean bathrooms and trails exceptional.”
If you like a campground that resembles a resort, The Vineyards is for you. This nationally acclaimed campground is well known for its lakefront views and peaceful setting. Campsites lie on the shores of Grapevine Lake, under an hour’s drive from Dallas. Designed for RVs, the Vineyard includes a camp store, and several different amenities including bicycle and kayak rentals, a swim beach, basketball and volleyball courts, Wi-Fi and complimentary coffee.
Recent campers say: “Check-in staff was extremely polite.” “So well maintained and managed.” “Very nice campground.”
1501 N. Dooley Street
Grapevine, TX 76051
For reservations, please visit the website
Meadowmere Park: Grapevine, TX
Image by Rob Moors
Meadowmere Park is home to 50 beautiful lakeside tent campsites on the southwestern shores of Lake Grapevine. The campground offers a bathhouse with toilets and showers and each campsite comes with a picnic table and fire ring. In addition to barbecue grills and kayak rentals, the campground contains a stunning beach and swim area, a playground for the kids and massive amounts of open space for hiking and exploring. The one drawback is that there are not a lot of trees for shade.
Recent campers say: “My family had a great time.” “I love camping at this park.” “Easy access to the water.”
Meadowmere Park
3000 Meadowmere Ln.
Grapevine, TX 76051
For reservations, please visit the website
Murrell Park: Flower Mound, TX
Image by Steven Baumgartner
Opposite Meadowmere Park on the north shore of Lake Grapevine lies Murrell Park. If you’re accustomed to roughing it, this may be the place for you. Known for its beautiful lakeside hiking and biking trails, the park also includes a bargain campsite for tent campers. While the only amenities are picnic tables and fire pits, the surrounding trails contain some of our favorite nature spots on the list.
Recent campers say: “A must visit.” “Had a wonderful time camping and hiking here.” “Plenty of space to explore.”
Murrell Park
880 Simmons Rd.
Flower Mound, TX 75022
For reservations, please visit the website
Treetops Carefree RV Resort: Arlington, TX
Image by Peter Woodward
Park your RV in the shade of 2,000 oak trees at Treetop RV Resort. Its 169 spacious sites feature concrete patios and full-hookups. You’ll also find a library, bathhouse, pool and laundry facilities on premises. Treetop has a real focus on family fun, hosting weekly game nights, frequent potlucks, parties and BBQs.
Recent campers say: “It was a great, clean, super-friendly place to stay.” “The lots were small.” “Restrooms were clean and spacious.”
Known for clean and well-kept RV resorts, Destiny’s Dallas location does not disappoint. Destiny Dallas has 172 spacious sites all nestled in a lushly wooded park surrounded by large shade trees. The resort even provides propane, laundry facilities, a recreation hall, pool, convention center and an RV, truck and car wash.
Recent campers say: “Lovely park.” “Bathrooms are very clean.” “Super nice people, nice shower-houses.”
Destiny Dallas RV Resort
7100 S I-35 E
Denton, TX 76210
For reservations, please visit the website
Texan RV Ranch: Denton, TX
Image by Preston Zuckerman
Only a 20-minute drive from Cowboys stadium, Globe Life Park and Six Flags, Texan RV Ranch boasts a country setting with city convenience. With its friendly staff and well-kept public areas, you can’t go wrong. The park has a fully stocked store, laundry facilities and bathhouse. Whether you’re in the Dallas area for a short stay or a long vacation, the practicality of the Texan RV Ranch is hard to ignore.
Recent campers say: “Convenient location and clean park.” “Staff is very friendly and helpful.”
Texan RV Ranch
1961 Lone Star Rd.
Mansfield, TX 76063
For reservations, please visit the website
Traders Village RV Park: Grand Prairie, TX
Image by Margot Brandt
If you’re looking for convenience you have to consider Traders Village RV Park. Only a 25-minute drive from the city center district, Traders Village Park has the short commute and essential amenities that RV campers are looking for. Park amenities even include a Dog Park and Sunday church service. As an added bonus it’s adjacent to the Traders Village weekend Flea Market, known for its festivals and special events.
Recent campers say: “The staff is very friendly.” “Not a new place, but they upkeep it rather well.” “Very clean and great customer service.”
Located midway between Fort Worth and Dallas, Sandy Lake RV resort combine a family atmosphere with a convenient location. Sandy Lake guests enjoy taking a dip in the swimming pool or relaxing on a picturesque patio. It includes a dog park, pancake breakfasts, crafts, and religious services.
Recent campers say: “It’s quiet and safe.” “Lack of shade.” “Spots are packed in next to each other.”
Northlake Village is a great place to get away from the congestion of the city. Located between Denton and Fort Worth, it possesses large RV camping sites with full hook-ups, including free Wi-Fi, an on-site laundry facility, a fitness center and a bathhouse with private showers. It’s located between the Fort Worth Cabela’s and the Grapevine Bass Pro Shop. Outdoorsy families rejoice! But if you’re looking to camp in April or November, be aware that it’s the closest RV Park to NASCAR’s Texas Motor Speedway and race weekends can get hectic.
Recent campers say: “The staff was helpful and kind.” “Expensive,” “Beautiful campground! Nice dog park.”
Shady Creek RV Park recently changed management and has since been revamped into one of the most customer-friendly parks in the area. Located just off of HWY 380 but just far enough to be nice and quiet, it’s difficult to do better than Shady Creek. It contains all the amenities your family needs, and while it’s not located on a lake, its beautiful camping lots do not disappoint. The pool doesn’t hurt either.
Recent campers say: “Very quiet RV park.” “It has many amenities.” “Very happy with our experience.”
Branded a crown jewel in the RV world, Bluebonnet Ridge is the most consistently high-rated park on our list. Its whole team works to spoil guests in every way possible, from well-kept grounds to prompt service requests. It’s located only a half-hour from Canton, only 40 miles from Dallas, and everything is close enough to be convenient yet far enough away to be comfortable in a sweet country setting. It also has a fishing pond which separates it from the pack.
Recent campers say: “We really enjoyed our stay.” “Friendly staff, clean park, great amenities.” “Bathrooms are clean and well-kept.”
On the west shore of Joe Pool Lake, Loyd Park covers about 791 acres of native Texas landscape. Individual campsite sizes are large (averaging 1000 square feet) and each one has a picnic table and pavilion, grill and fire ring. Boat owners can request access to the four-lane boat ramp, and canoe and kayak rentals are available as well.
Recent campers say: “Beautiful campsite, spacious, well-kept, huge peaceful, wooded campground.” “I absolutely love camping at Loyd Park.” “The park is fabulous.”
Loyd Park
3401 Ragland Rd
Grand Prairie, TX 75052
For reservations, please visit the website
Dinosaur Valley State Park: Glen Rose, TX
Image by Texas Parks & Wildlife
Located just outside of Glen Rose, Dinosaur Valley State Park is perfect for younger families. It encourages its visitors to walk where the dinosaurs walked millions of years ago. Kids can explore fossils, dinosaur tracks and more. There are forty-six campsites with electric and water hook-ups. If your kid is a dino fanatic, this is a must-do.
Recent campers say: “Parks was beautiful! Lots of trails.” “The tracks were spectacular to look at.” “A must go.”
Located across from Lloyd Park, this is a great site for tent campers. Situated in beautiful natural surroundings southwest of downtown Dallas and adjacent to Joe Pool Lake, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better place for families that love the outdoors. Cedar Hill State Park offers mountain biking, boating, bird watching, camping, fishing and hiking trails. The campsite is nothing to scoff at either. Facilities include running water, electricity, restrooms, showers, picnic tables, fire rings and a grocery store. Wi-Fi is also included.
Recent campers say: “The spot we had and the facilities available were perfect.” “Nice park, well kept; friendly office staff.” “This park was very nice and well maintained.”
Located on the scenic southern shores of Lake Texoma on the border of Texas and Oklahoma, Eisenhower State Park is a great place to get away from the bright lights of the city. There are so many things to do within the park, you may not fit it all in with just one weekend. The 423-acre park offers camping, biking, boating, swimming, fishing and waterskiing. If you want a break from activities, take a 20-minute drive south to see President Eisenhower’s Historic Birth Site.
Recent campers say: “Nicely maintained park, lots of camping sites.” “The swimming area is a beautiful cove.” “Absolutely loved this place.”
Ray Roberts Lake is a local favorite for Dallas and Fort Worth residents. The lake is large, the water clear, and the surrounding hills and foliage make for a beautiful landscape. There are plenty of fishing piers and picnic areas and it’s not uncommon to see horses walking the surrounding trails. You can park your car with a nice view of the lake and watch the windsurfers. This is a great place to take the family for a weekend trip—just be sure to get there early.
Recent campers say: “One of the best state parks I have seen.” “Showers and bathrooms are extremely clean as well.” “We love it!”
Regardless of whether you have a passion for locomotives, the Texas State Railroad is worth the trip. Deep in the piney woods southeast of Dallas lies the original Texas railway where you can hop on and enjoy a vintage steam or diesel train ride through dense Texas pine forests on a train manufactured in the 1920s. The neighboring Rusk Depot campground features 71 camping sites with full-hookups and numerous activities.
Recent campers say: “Incredible experience, to say the least.” “What a great place to stay.” “We enjoyed our ride.”
The wildlife at Lake Bob Sandlin State Park is second to none. For the fisherman, Lake Bob is a great spot for largemouth bass, spotted bass and bluegills. If you go during cooler months, there are trout stocked in the trout pond. But above all else, come to this state park in search of bald eagles. The chance to view our country’s national bird in its natural habitat does not come around often. You may just come across a nest full of hatchlings! Set up a tent amongst the tall pines and take in the serenity.
Recent campers say: “Excellent place to camp.” “The site was large, shaded and secluded.” “Well maintained.”
Tucked away in Texas Hills Country, Inks Lake State Park has everything the family could wish for. You may come for the lake but you’ll end up amazed at the variety of dry land activities. Campers can start their morning by hiking any of the 7.5 miles of hiking trails then kayak, canoe, water ski or scuba dive to cool down. Stay at one of nearly 200 campsites or 22 cabins, most of which offer easy access to the lake.
Recent campers say: “Dog friendly.” “Gorgeous park.” “We like the hiking trails here.”
3630 Park Rd. 4 West
Burnet, TX 78611
$11-$23 per night
Lake Whitney State Park: Whitney, TX
Image by Texas Parks & Wildlife
Most people come to Lake Whitney to fish for stripers or smallmouth bass, but there are numerous other activities to do in and around the lake. Your child may even become a Junior Park Ranger by following an activity book with specific guidelines and activities your child must accomplish. Upon completion, you can accompany them to the Ranger Station where they will be sworn-in while standing under the American flag.
Recent campers say: “Had such an amazing time camping with family here.” “Quiet and clean park.” “Great park and well maintained.”
This Park is our hidden gem. There are only about 30 RV sites, but they’re rarely full. The park rangers are extremely helpful, and the park’s lack of acclaim makes it strikingly peaceful. Whether fishing or hiking, this small park has a lot to offer in terms of beauty. If you find yourself traveling to Dallas from Austin take a detour to Fort Parker, this is worth an overnight stop.
Recent campers say: “Camped here several times now and are never disappointed.” “Beautiful lake views.” “The lake is huge.”
When newcomers think of Texas’ nature destinations they usually think of Big Bend National Park, but natives know Colorado Bend State Park is the real treasure. The most popular aspect of the park is Gorman Falls, a 65-foot waterfall that runs year-round in the park. Explore a bit and you’ll find several miles of swimming holes, hardcore mountain biking and wild cave tours that include rappelling. This is a State Park with a National Park feel—even the most experienced hikers will not be let down.
Recent campers say: “It is a beautiful park full of hikes.” “Staff is very helpful.” “Love this park.”
Why is there no map option for viewing these “25 sites near Dallas”? Do the website developers think we are unable to read a map? Do they think a list is more useful than a map? Have they ever spent the night outdoors and I’m not talking about “clubbing” in Dallas!
Why are there pictures of places no where near Texas suggesting that these are the locations of the referenced camping sites? WTH?
Why is there no map option for viewing these “25 sites near Dallas”? Do the website developers think we are unable to read a map? Do they think a list is more useful than a map? Have they ever spent the night outdoors and I’m not talking about “clubbing” in Dallas!