Texas has preserved so many great land areas over the years to provide people with an opportunity to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city–and the result is plenty of amazing destinations for camping near Dallas.
What were once cattle trails and open fields have been transformed into animal sanctuaries and conservation efforts. Whether you’re looking for a more traditional camping experience or some fun glamping near Dallas, there is a site for you!
RV parks, primitive grounds, and fully hooked up campsites can be found in all corners of Texas.
Here’s where to head for the best camping near Dallas, TX!
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Camping Under an Hour from Dallas
Cedar Hill State Park
Cedar Hill is a great natural area to explore near Dallas with hundreds of acres of open land and trails to explore.
The park is very popular for bird watching and fishing. Luckily, Texas state parks allow free fishing (meaning fishing without a license front the shore or pier) in lakes enclosed within the park.
Additionally, the Dallas Off-Road Bicycle Association (DORBA) has a 12-mile off-road biking trail for those interested in mountain biking their way through the park.
In addition to great trails and hiking, there is access to Joe Pool Lake (one of the best lakes near Dallas!) which features water skiing and boating for all the water bugs in your life. The variety of options is great to satisfy everyone’s ideal camping trip near Dallas.
There is a variety of camping accommodations available. Whether you’re looking for a primitive set up or a campsite with full hookups, there is accommodation for you.
Primitive setups accommodate up to 4 people and campsites with electricity accommodate up to 8 people. Choosing a campsite with electricity is a great way to try out camping near Dallas without losing too many comforts from home!
Driving Distance from Dallas
20 miles, 25-minutes.
Reserve your campsite today!
The Vineyards Campgrounds and Cabins
Grapevine Lake is a popular destination for fireworks spectators during the 4th of July. However, there is also a cozy lakeside resort which consists of cabins and RV sites for folks to enjoy the lake year-round.
This area is different from other campsites near Dallas in the sense that it isn’t completely removed from the city, which is great for those who are new to camping or nervous about making the trek out to a state park. There are onsite washers and dryers along with fully furnished cabins.
There is a private hiking trail along with access to kayak or bicycle rentals. This area is kid-friendly with a playground and outdoor activities available.
If you forget anything, there is a camp store on the premises just in case!
This is a great way for bigger groups with varying comfort levels to enjoy the outdoors, as there are facilities and amenities for every age group.
Driving Distance from Dallas
24 miles, 30 minutes.
Make reservations at The Vineyards today!
Willow Grove Park
Willow Grove Park offers both RV and primitive campsites near Dallas on the shores of Lewisville Lake.
Campers can stay up to two weeks within a 30-day period. Primitive camping sites are first-come, first-served, and therefore you may want to get there earlier in the day if possible, to get to the prime spot.
RV reservations can be made online and a placard will be placed on your site prior to arrival, and are perfect for a romantic RV getaway for two.
If you make the reservation on short notice be prepared to provide email confirmation of your reservation just in case. Tents are allowed at the RV sites, at the RV rate.
This lake is massive and has a variety of activities around the perimeter. There is a 1-mile trail for walking or jogging, and there are also sand volleyball courts and a fishing pier on the premises. This area is very kid-friendly with a playground and a sandbox for younger kids to play in.
There are discounts available for local residents to the area, and boat passes and other amenities are very reasonable and can be found online.
The park accepts cash but does not have change so be sure to bring change with you upon your arrival, as they do not reimburse overpayment.
Driving Distance from Dallas
32 miles, 40 minutes.
Reserve your campsite at Willow Grove Park today!
Twin Coves Campground
If you’re looking for a primitive campground within the same area of Grapevine Lake, look no further than Twin Coves Campground.
There are primitive sites available for rental as well as fully furnished cabins and RV sites. The site includes 19 furnished cabins and 22 RV sites, so the spots go fast near the holidays! The cabins include linens and dinnerware.
This area has great outdoor activities available such as disc golf or horseshoe. Single or tandem kayaks are also available for water activities.
With a plethora of activities, no one will ever be left wondering what to do with their time! There are equestrian trails nearby, and additionally, there are 20+ miles of natural surface hiking trails nearby. It is the perfect way to be able to be active and relax at the same time.
Depending on the hookups necessary for RVs the pricings will vary, however, the park makes it very easy to book online! There are also discounts available for active military and seniors!
Driving Distance from Dallas
30 miles, 40-minutes.
Make reservations at Twin Coves Campground now!
Best Camping Near Dallas Within a 2 Hour Drive
Ray Roberts Lake State Park
Driving just over an hour out of Dallas can transport you to a whole different world. Oftentimes in central Dallas, it can feel like pockets of green space are difficult to find. There are a few great green spaces around but there is nothing like being completely enveloped in nature.
Ray Roberts Lake State Park is a great way to get out of the major city and let the sounds of traffic and commotion fade in the background.
There are group campsites and more primitive campsites available depending on the needs of your party.
A cool aspect of the park is that there are equestrian campsites available for folks with horses near the equestrian trails.
For those interested in water activities, Ray Roberts Lake is 29,000 acres of open water. The marina is full-service and has accommodations for boat repair and charging for batteries for non-stop fun!
The shores of the lake are very “beach-like” with areas to play in the sand or have a picnic. It has the benefits of greenery and water all in one!
Driving Distance from Dallas
60 miles, 1 hour and 10 minutes.
Reserve your campsite today!
Bonham State Park
Bonham State Park is a smaller state park in north Texas, but it is great for a short weekend getaway.
The men of the Civilian Conservation Corps have built accommodations within this park since 1933. There are various bridges, dams, and other additions throughout the park.
There are 9 miles of trails for hiking and biking. Additionally, there is a 65-acre lake with a fishing pier for a quiet spot to fish canoe.
Paddle Boats, kayaks, and canoes are available for rental.
All of the campsites at this location are equipped with electricity, there are no primitive setups. Additionally, this park has a range of tent-only sites all the way up to full hookups. There is also one area for a group campsite, it can accommodate up to 50 people.
Driving Distance from Dallas
75 miles, 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Reserve your campsite today!
Lake Mineral Wells State Park
Typically, a major stopping point for visitors to the DFW area is the Fort Worth Stockyards. However, you keep driving through Fort Worth for roughly 45 minutes, you’ll come upon this great state park that is home to some of the best camping near Dallas.
Seated right on the edges of Lake Mineral Wells, this park offers the benefits of hilly climbs as well as beach vibes from the lake.
This spot is great for those who love rock climbing or rappelling. There are specific route maps for climbers that are available on the park’s website.
A fun, kid-friendly activity is to explore the fossil beds near the water. It is said that there are remnants of life from thousands of years ago still present in the beds there.
The park offers campsites, screened shelters, and equestrian campsites. Primitive campsites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis while all other sites with electrical hookups can be reserved online.
Driving Distance from Dallas
78 miles, 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Reserve your campsite today!
Eisenhower State Park
Denison, Texas is home to Eisenhower State Park. This extremely popular state park is right near the border of Texas and Oklahoma, on the shores of Lake Texoma.
There are roughly 4.5 miles of trails and, additionally, there is a private yacht club on the premises.
There is a unique opportunity for ATV usage within the park. You will need an Off-Highway Vehicle permit in order to use your vehicle throughout the park, however, it is a great way to explore the backcountry woodlands.
Another aspect that makes this area so popular is bird watching. There is a full printout available on the park’s website of all of the different types of birds in the park sorted by abundance and seasons of migration. Nearby, the Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge offers a great spot to extend the day’s bird watching activities!
The park’s camping offerings suit several different needs for visitors. It offers primitive camping sites, as well as pull-through sites for RVs. There are also screened shelters and a cabin available for rental.
Rental prices and requirements will vary depending on peak time so be sure to book in advance if you would like a spot during a major holiday.
Driving Distance from Dallas
80 miles, 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Reserve your campsite today!
Dinosaur Valley State Park
On the banks of the Paluxy River, you can not only find some of the best camping near Dallas, you can walk in dinosaur tracks left behind by some of the first sauropods to walk the earth! This state park near Fort Worth encompasses 20 miles worth of trails and has a laundry list of activities throughout the area.
The unique aspect of this park is that the river has preserved dinosaur tracks and they were some of the first trackways to be discovered.
The river also is used by avid kayakers, there is a rental facility on-site if you’re not able to bring your own.
There are primitive campsites as well as electric areas available.
While horseback riding itself is allowed within the park, equestrian camping sites are not available.
Driving Distance from Dallas
80 miles, 1.5 hours.
Reserve your campsite today!
Campsites More Than 2 Hours from Dallas
Colorado Bend State Park
Colorado Bend State Park is one of the most scenic parks in all of Texas and home to some of the most phenomenal camping within driving distance of Dallas.
This 5,300-acre park has an abundance of activities throughout. There are caves to explore, 35 miles of trails to explore, and a river to swim in. Reservations are required for cave tours, and you will get dirty, so I recommend planning in advance for that!
There are lovely natural pools in Spicewood Springs for a cool dip in the hot summer weather. The Gorman Falls Hike is also extremely popular for park-goers. It is a 3-mile hike around the 70-foot waterfall.
The water activities get better with kayaking and paddle boating in the river. If aquatic activities are not for you, there is an enormous population of birds in the park, and it is currently reported that there are over 155 different species to observe. The park’s website has a fun checklist to check off while you hike.
There are hike-in, drive-in, and walk-up primitive campsites available throughout the park. There are also several group sites available for larger parties.
Driving Distance from Dallas
190 miles, 3.5 hours.
Reserve your campsite today!
