The 8 Best Campgrounds Near Dallas, TX
Dallas is known as a growing metro area and a hub for all things urban. However, many might be surprised by the number of outdoor opportunities and campgrounds near Dallas, TX available for the modern traveler.
The city has put more effort into including urban parks and walking trails in the city, but heading outside of city limits treats you to some undeveloped Texas outdoor spots. Head to these best campgrounds near Dallas, TX for some camping adventure.
When to Visit Dallas, Texas
Like any Texas city, spring and fall are the most comfortable seasons to spend time in Dallas. Depending on your reasons for visiting, though, Dallas summers have their own appeal.
While the average summertime high is in the mid-90s, local events are in full swing. Huge events like the State Fair of Texas bring in plenty of summertime tourists, so amenities and unique events are plentiful.
For those wanting to skip the city attractions in favor of hiking and camping, spring and summer are the ideal seasons to check out campgrounds near Dallas, TX. Spring in Texas brings the wildflower blooms, and temperatures are fairly moderate. Fall is quite similar, with the exception of wildflowers. That being said, outside of those wanting to photograph the wildflower bloom, the difference between spring and fall is mostly just personal preference.
Like the rest of the northern half of Texas, winters get deceptively cold. While the average wintertime high is a comfortable 58 degrees, the overnight lows tend to be in the upper 30s. If you’re coming in an RV or staying in a cabin, winter is a good way to beat the crowds and enjoy some peace and quiet while camping near Dallas. Know that amenities are going to be in shorter supply during the winter months, though.
Outdoor Destinations Near Dallas, Texas
The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden
Spreading across 66 acres of east Dallas, the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden allows locals and tourists to enjoy a relaxing urban park.
While you can tour the garden in just a couple of hours and see the highlights, it’s a lot of fun to make a day out of it. Since you’re still in the city, you can enjoy all the nearby restaurants. However, you’re also just a few moments from White Rock Lake, so there’s something for everyone in this section of the city.
The garden offers a wide variety of activities throughout the year, including tours, concerts, and culinary events. It also has several different sections to enjoy, including a children’s garden, a restaurant area, and a Color Garden that lights up with seasonal flowers during the bloom.
Cedar Hill State Park
Covering the better part of 2,000 acres, Cedar Hill State Park doesn’t require a long trek to get to. Just 20 minutes from downtown, Cedar Hill State Park has sat on the banks of Joe Pool Lake since its opening in 1991. Tent campers who don’t need all the creature comforts can have great nature access without leaving the city by spending a night at Cedar Hill State Park.
There are 1,200 acres of multi-use trails for hiking and biking alongside the swimming beach and day-use area. Nearby Joe Pool Lake is also a great place for anglers to cast a few lines in search of largemouth black bass, crappie, and catfish.
Trinity River Audubon Center
The Trinity River Audubon Center is part of one of the larger urban parks in Dallas, the Great Trinity Forest, and is a hub for relaxation as well as special events. As part of the National Audubon Society, the center plays an important role in bird conservation in the area.
Visitors can bird-watch and enjoy the nearby trails, as well as explore the Great Trinity Forest as a whole. Those wanting structured activities can enjoy one of the many workshops or guided hikes provided by the Audubon center.
Best Campgrounds Near Dallas, TX
1. Dallas Shady Oaks RV Park – Dallas, TX
(12 miles from the city center)
Situated in a central location, this RV park gives you great access to anywhere you could want to go in the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) metroplex. This ideal location means you can get anywhere, but you might just want to stay under the shade of the oak trees when the warmer months hit Dallas.
The spacious RV spots are made to fit rigs up to 55 feet in length, meaning all RVs should be able to get in and out of Dallas Shady Oaks RV Park without issue. All the basics are covered with full hookups, wide spaces, and all the shade you could want at your Dallas campground in the hot Texas summers.
Unique Amenity: Internet access
Sites offered here:
- Premium lots
- Standard RV sites
- Standard site (back row)
Book This Comfortable RV Campground
2. Sandy Lake – Carrollton, TX
(15 miles from Dallas)
If you can’t get a spot at Dallas Shady Oaks, Sandy Lake in Carrollton is one of the other best Dallas, Texas campgrounds for a central location.
One of the few proper RV resorts in the DFW metroplex, Sandy Lake has all the luxuries of resort-level camping in the heart of DFW. This spacious park treats you to modernized amenities and activities, including a new dog park and lots of planned activities.
Have you been on the road for a while? Luxuries at this site include a modernized bathhouse and laundry setup alongside a 24/7 fitness center, keeping all the essentials covered when you stay at Sandy Lake. Of course, with an arcade, pool, and playground, Sandy Lake is equal parts relaxation and fun, making it one of the best campgrounds near Dallas, TX.
Unique Amenity: Playground
Sites offered here:
- Cozy full hookup pull-through RV site
- Standard full hookup pull-through RV site
- Standard full hookup RV site
Book This Centrally-located Resort
3. Treetops – Arlington, TX
(20 miles from Dallas)
Plenty of shade is available at Treetops, making it an ideal warm-weather destination when heading to Dallas.
With over 160 sites, you’ll have plenty of space to spread out, and getting a spot is easy at this campground near Dallas, TX. Opt for the premium spots to get a grill alongside the standard full hookups and wide RV pads.
Laundry facilities and bathhouses here are modernized and air conditioned, so you’ll be comfortable at all times. If you’re feeling social, check out the routine planned activities, as Treetops has lots of barbecues, parties, and other communal events to check out.
When you venture out, you’ll be just a short drive from the premiere amusement park in the area, Six Flags Over Texas. If that doesn’t make it one of the best campgrounds near Dallas, TX, we don’t know what will.
Unique Amenity: Sports field
Sites offered here:
- 1 bedroom park model
- Standard full hookup pull-through RV site
- Standard full hookup RV site
- Super full hookup pull-through RV site
Book This Luxurious Resort Stay
4. The Vineyards Campground & Cabins – Grapevine, TX
(20 miles from Dallas)
There are fewer places more relaxing in the state of Texas than the Vineyards Campground & Cabins.
Known throughout the country as one of the most luxurious campground stays in the Lone Star State, the wide open skies and waterfront views here are in a league of their own.
The phrase “everything is bigger in Texas” more than applies to the Vineyards Campground. The largest available spots here fit vehicles up to 125 feet long! Even the largest of class A rigs are going to be swimming in space when they pull in.
Once you’ve parked, head straight to the water or, for weekend travelers, head to the Grapevine Station to take in weekend events. This is truly one of the best campgrounds near Dallas, TX, so don’t sleep on this luxury stay.
Unique Amenity: Canoeing/kayaking
Sites offered here:
- Deluxe 1 bedroom cabin
- Deluxe 2 bedroom cabin
- Efficiency cabin
- Premium 2 bedroom cabin
- Standard 2 bedroom cabin
- Standard cabin
- Deluxe 1 bedroom cabin
- Standard cabin
- Deluxe back-in RV site
- Deluxe pull-through RV site
- Deluxe waterfront back-in RV site
- Deluxe waterfront pull-through RV site
- Premium pull-through RV site
- Premium waterfront back-in RV site
- Premium waterfront pull-through RV site
- Standard full hookup RV site
5. Northside RV Resort – Waxahachie, TX
(22 miles from Dallas)
Just a mile from Interstate 35, Northside RV Resort gives you quick access to everything you could want in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Want to get to downtown Dallas? No problem. Want to spend a quiet evening relaxing? Northside has that too.
While proximity to the interstate is a key detail for many travelers, the resort area itself is an ideal place to enjoy a quiet evening. With rows of trees surrounding this Dallas campground, you’re sure to feel like you’re in paradise come sunset.
The views here are otherworldly for being as close to the city as it is. Of course, with the state-of-the-art tech upgrades the resort has, there are always ways to make your stay even more luxurious.
Unique Amenity: Dog park
Sites offered here:
- Premium RV sites
- Premium plus RV sites
6. Dallas Rockwall RV Park – Wylie, TX
(22 miles from Dallas)
This small park is for those wanting more of a getaway and less of a city-centric resort experience. Though just over 20 miles out of downtown Dallas, this section of Wylie, Texas, doesn’t feel anything like the city.
The park itself is quite cozy—though only 13 spaces are offered, so be sure to book ahead of time.
A lovely waterfront and lush greenery make this one of the best campgrounds near Dallas, Texas, to park your RV for a warm summer evening by the water. Though the park is small, there are plenty of security measures and safety protocols in place that match up to the level of larger campgrounds.
Unique Amenity: Waterfront
Sites offered here:
- Premium (pond sites)
- Standard RV sites (20×60)
7. Sundowner RV Park – Princeton, TX
(27 miles from Dallas)
Sundowner RV Park brings larger park amenities in a smaller, secluded space outside of Princeton, Texas.
Since the park is located on the banks of Lake Lavon, you’ll be steps from the water and all the warm weather relaxation you’re looking for. When you’re ready to stretch your legs, the Texas campground has four acres of wooded area filled with trails and outdoor seating areas.
When you arrive, you’ll find a security gate that requires a unique gate code as well as plenty of security cameras so all travelers can feel at ease. Should you need anything, the on-site manager is always nearby to assist.
Other than that, relax and enjoy the dense trees in the area, or stay connected by using the provided internet access.
Unique Amenity: Snack stand
Sites offered here:
- Deluxe RV site
- Premium RV site
- Standard RV site
8. Blue Sky at Cedar Creek Lake RV Park – Seven Points, TX
(46 miles from Dallas)
While it’s a bit of a drive from Dallas, this newly-minted RV park is worth the commute. Just minutes from beautiful Cedar Creek Lake, travelers can enjoy the warm weather via their favorite watersports or just sitting on the banks.
If you want to maximize comfort levels, consider getting a cabin with a screened in porch or rent a buddy site so the whole party can stay together.
Expect resort-style amenities and all the modern conveniences at this Texas campground. Since it’s a new park, everything is modernized and up to date, including the clubhouse and laundry facilities. If you’re looking for a way to spend your evenings, be sure to check out the park’s pool and outdoor theater! Camping near Dallas, Texas, has never been so nice.
Unique Amenity: Outdoor theater
Sites offered here:
- Buddy sites
- Cozy cabin (no screened porch)
- Cozy cabin (with screened porch)
- Pull-thru concrete RV site
- Gravel pull-thru RV site
- Premium RV site
Dallas is one of the largest and most vibrant cities in the United States, but you don’t have to head into the city to enjoy the best of the area. With green trees and wide open spaces, camping near Dallas is a fantastic idea for those looking to explore and enjoy the Texas area.
Joe Coleman is a freelance travel and outdoor writer based in East Texas. His love for the outdoors started when living near Olympic National Park and has stayed with him ever since. Taking a respite from social media, you can reach him exclusively at joecolemanfreelance@gmail.com.
Image Credit: Dallas Shady Oaks RV Park, Sandy Lake, Treetops, The Vineyards Campground & Cabins, Northside RV Resort, Dallas Rockwall RV Park, Sundowner RV Park, Blue Sky at Cedar Creek Lake RV Park