We might be heading into the full swing of summer in North Texas, but that’s not a reason to pack away your camping gear until fall. Whether you want a spot to pitch a tent, park your RV or trailer or cozy up in a cabin, there are plenty of campgrounds and resorts within driving distance of the metroplex (and some right here at home!). And even more importantly, our top picks have plenty of water nearby, be it a pool, lake, or river. So, if you’re ready for the great outdoors without having to drive more than five hours, keep reading to see our top picks for camping near Dallas and beyond.
The Vineyards Campground in Grapevine
Camping in DFW? Yup! The Vineyards Campground on Lake Grapevine has cabins and hook-up sites for RVs. Kids can head to the camp store for organized activities like sweet treats on the camp store front porch, t-shirt bingo, pizza night, fresh popcorn, and more. There’s a sandy swimming beach, a covered playground, stand-up paddleboard and kayak rentals, outdoor games, and even laundry facilities.
Online: vineyardscampground.com
Twin Coves Park in Flower Mound
Located on another section of Lake Grapevine is Twin Coves Park. There are 19 furnished cabins, 22 RV slips, and six tent sites. Guests can play volleyball on the grass court, challenge each other to a game of horseshoes or cornhole, throw discs on the modified disc golf course, or hang out in one of the covered pavilions.
Online: flower-mound.com/Twin-Coves-Park-and-Campground
The Range in Bristol
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When you book a stay at the Range, you can rent one of eight separate vintage Airstream trailers, and there are 13 slips for folks to bring their Airstream in for a stay. The 30-acre property has a pool, a bar, a barn restaurant, and plenty of fun add-on perks like a s’mores kit, game night kit, and a fishing kit. Executive chef Keith Browning has all sorts of tempting food offerings, like the picnic boxes offered on Thursday and Fridays, the Tex-Mex Fridays in June and July, and Saturday breakfast, where guests can get their fill of homemade eggs, bacon, hash browns and more.
Online: therangevtr.com
Possum Kingdom State Park in Caddo
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Many of the 116 sites at this popular destination for camping near Dallas are right on the lake and have trees for shade. There’s plenty of outdoor fun to be had, including kayaking, swimming, fishing, hiking, and boating. There’s a sandy beach nearby perfect for daytime water fun and plenty of hiking trails (if you’re willing to brave the heat!).
Online: texasstateparks.reserveamerica.com/possum-kingdom-state-park
Camp Fimfo in New Braunfels and Waco
One of the newest camping spots in Texas, Camp Fimfo opened its Hill Country location in 2021. There are camping spots, RV spots, and cabins on the property, as well as incredible amenities like waterslides, playgrounds, an 18-hole mini golf course, gem mining, river access, on-site dining, golf cart rentals, and a swimming pool. Families won’t be able to fit in all the daily activities available: lawn games, trivia nights, fly fishing workshops, a scavenger hunt, family bingo, and so much more.
The brand-new Camp Fimfo in Waco is opening on July 1, 2022. The Waco site will have over 300 cabins, a water park, bike rentals, and even glamping options, as well as most of the fun and excitement that the New Braunfels location offers. They’re taking reservations now for late summer.
Online: campfimfo.com
North Texas Jellystone
Head to one of the most family friendly spots for camping near Dallas! Kids will spend hours at Pirates’ Cover Water Park, dance the night away during the DJ family dance party, get up close and personal with animals at the Petting Farm, play games, swing from the climbing adventure area, and be creative with themed crafts. There are scavenger hunts, catch and release fishing, and even a lost maze—the list goes on and on. There are one-and two-bedroom cabins, bunkhouses, a farmhouse and plenty of sites for RVs and tents.
Online: northtexasjellystone.com
Tyler State Park in Tyler
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Located about 1.5 hours east of the metroplex, this state park has a combination of 129 RV hookups, primitive camping sites and cabins for rent. There’s a general store to pick up snacks and supplies, hot showers, a boat ramp, a playground, hiking and biking trails, and a lighted fishing pier. An especially cool amenity is the paddle boats and other watercraft for rent.
Online: tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/tyler
Lake Murray State Park – Ardmore, OK
Want to go camping near Dallas but leave Texas? Lake Murray State Park is less than two hours away from DFW and it has over 12k acres to explore. Choose between RV or tent camping, book one of the 56 cabins that line the lake or go for the glamping route at Lake Murray Lodge. There’s an area for water fun that includes giant inflatable obstacle courses, you can rent kayaks, play volleyball, miniature golf, check out the modern nature center, or, if you like thrills, check out the ATV trails. There’s a zero-entry pool if you want to take a break from the lake and the sunsets are legendary.
Online: travelok.com/state-parks/lake-murray
Guadalupe River State Park in Spring Branch
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Hill Country is one of the best places to take a camping vacation! There are 85 water and electric sites and nine walk-in sites to choose from, and many of them have easy access to the four miles of river that winds its way through the park. You can paddle or kayak the river, throw in a tube for the ultimate summer water adventure, ride the 13 miles of bike trails, go geocaching and of course, fishing!
Online: tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/guadalupe-river/campsites
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