Eisenhower State Park Best For Dirt Biking
1h 17minutes from Dallas
Just one hour north of Dallas, you can enjoy all sorts of activities along the rocky shores of Lake Texoma. Explore the trails along the high, rocky bluffs overlooking the lake or take a dip in the lakes sandy swimming cove.
The 463-acre park has two fishing piers, including a lighted pier for night fishing. You dont need a fishing license, and the park will lend you all of the fishing gear you need. You can also grab a few snacks and rent a boat at the marina.
Bring along your ATV or dirt bike, and enjoy a ride along the OHV trail through the parks beautiful backcountry woodlands.
There are more than 150 campsites, and be sure to make a reservation. There are restrooms and water spigots throughout the campground and nearly 100 RV campsites with electricity. Camping ranges from $12 for overflow camping to $23 per night for full hookups.
Colorado Bend State Park
A magnificent waterfall, swimming holes, caves, wildlife, fishing, hiking and camping along the bank of the Colorado River. What more could you ask for when camping so close to Dallas? There is enough to do here to keep you busy all weekend. While there is a small convenience store near the park entrance, this place is pretty far from any towns or grocery stores. It is best to pick up supplies before you arrive. Read more about Colorado Bend State Park
Gorman Falls in Colorado Bend State Park
Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge
The Wichita Mountains of southwest Oklahoma exhibit rocky, rugged mountain landscape surrounded by flat plains, deep canyons and bright blue water sources. You might spot some free-range buffalo in the plains if youre lucky! Make a point to drive to the top of Mount Scott 2,464 feet above sea level for a fantastic view of the nature scene below! Overnight camping can be done at the Doris Campground at one of the 47 tent sites, 23 RV sites and 20 sites along a nearby trail. If youre more into backcountry camping, you can do so by permit in the Charons Garden Wilderness Area.
INDIAHOMA, OKLAHOMA | 3.5 HOURS FROM DALLAS | RESERVATIONS
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Palo Pinto Mountains State Park
Only 1h 40minutes from Dallas
Palo Pinto Mountains State Park is set to be located 75 miles of the Dallas/Fort Worth area. Currently, the Palo Pinto Mountains State Park is currently in the developmental stage. Specifically, it is in the planning and design stage of development.
When the park is fully complete, this park will offer many outdoor activities such as hiking, stargazing and camping. In the meantime, avid fishers will be happy to know that they can swim at Tucker Lake. One does not need to have a fishing license in order to fish there.
One can expect to find fish such as catfish, crappie, bluegill and sunfisha at Tucker Lake. As far as wildlife around the area, one can expect to find wild turkey, raccoon, white-tailed deer and a wide array of songbirds. The park is currently seeking volunteers for tasks such as maintenance, plant surveys and animal surveys.
Additional plans for the future include a significant array of trails for those that like hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding.
In addition, the park will have campsites, RV sites and walk-in tent sites. Picnic areas and playgrounds will provide gatherings for groups of all sizes.
Dinosaur Valley State Park Loved By Kids
1hour 25minutes from Dallas
Note: Due to daily capacity limitations you need to make your reservation in advance on
West of Dallas is an area spanning more than 1,524-acres famous for its dinosaur tracks.Before you go, be sure to download one of the parks fossil maps, to help you find the dinosaur tracks throughout the park.
Theres a lot more to do here besides hunt for dinosaur tracks Dinosaur Valley has miles and miles of beautiful nature trails good for hiking and biking.You can also bring your horse to the 100-acre South Primitive Area. The Paluxy River runs through this rocky, wooded area, and while there is no potable water, your horse is free to drink from the river.
Finally, you can swim and fish in the beautiful Paluxy River. Best of all, you can spend the weekend camping at one of the parks 60 sites. Camping fees range from $15 for a primitive site to $25 a night for an RV site with 30-amp service and water.
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Isle Du Bois Unit Ray Roberts Lake State Park
Image from The Dyrt camper Matt S.
Youll find this picturesque and secluded campsite about an hours drive north of downtown Dallas. Those seeking a restful and recuperative vacation will love this spacious and remote campground. Each site has easy access to Lake Ray Roberts, and there are plenty of charming woodland trails nearby.
There are functioning showers and restroom facilities on-site, as well as some play zones for young kids.
Lots of hiking and biking trails, with clean restrooms! Deer will approach your campsite, and youre likely to see all kinds of wildlife.Tony C.
Fox Bottom Primitive Camping Area Granger Lake
45 miles northeastThe San Gabriel River breaks up the flat blackland prairie north of Taylor, and the view from FM 1331 north over the treetops in the valley is one of the loveliest vistas near Austin. The river stays hidden in the woods as it meanders east into Granger Lake. Intended mainly for fishermen, the camp is on the south bank, one lazy curve upstream from the western reaches of the reservoir. Tall trees shade a peaceful grassy grove. Its at its most gorgeous in the spring, and thats also when the crappie fishing is at its best. The fish spawn among the flooded willows that stick out of the shallow water at the upper end of the lake. But whether or not you fish, Fox Bottom makes a delightful base from which to poke around the sylvan river and the expansive lake in your kayak or canoe. Primitive camping
Pro tip: Access to the camp is either by water or on foot via the Comanche Bluff Trail beginning at the Hoxie Bridge from the parking area at the end of CR 496 .
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Texas Camping Guide Offers Guide For Both Novice And Veteran Campers
The Best in Tent Camping: Texas is a new book by Dallas author and Dallas Sierra Club Chair Wendel Withrow.
If youre part of the green movement and youve lived in Dallas for any length of time, youve probably heard of Wendel Withrow, a lawyer who chairs the Dallas Sierra Club. Withrows new book, Best in Tent Camping: Texas, offers a rare glimpse at the softer side of this hard-charging environmental advocate.
Best in Tent Camping: Texas is a self-described guide for car campers who hate RVs, concrete slabs and loud portable stereos. While not the most avid camper, after reading through Withrows book I have been tempted to become one.
I was hooked from page two of the preface, where Withrow describes the camping experience in terms both sensual and spiritual: It may be a spectacular vista, a fiery sunset, a single flower bloom, or even the intoxicating smell of a campfire, but we all sense it as soon as we arrive. As you visit the places described in this simple book, I can only hope that you will have the same sense of wonder and receive the gifts of peace only the natural world can bring.
As a mother of two spirited children, such peace sounds enticing. Despite my proclivity toward staying comfortable in the great indoors, I can still admit that I feel better when I allow nature to rejuvenate me. Best in Tent Camping: Texas, makes it clear that Texass natural settings offer abundant and diverse means of escape.
And where is the best tent camping in Texas?
Primrose At Wildflower Yurts
Why you should stay: Comfortable yurt for a romantic getaway not far from Dallas.
- Nearest town: Emory
- Minimum stay: 1 night
- Rates from: $131/night
With a comfy, spacious interior, Primrose at Wildflower Yurts is the perfect place for a couples retreat. While here, you can cuddle up with your special someone in the hammock under trees or you can get cozy by the fire pit . While you have a bathroom within the yurt itself, theres also a private outdoor shower to spice things up.
Theres nothing like a Texas sunrise or sunset, and this stay offers the perfect place to catch one. Dont forget to say hi to the horses and llamas while youre here, too.
If you do happen to be traveling with more than one other person, you can look into booking the two other yurts on the property. This Dallas glamping spot is just east of the city, conveniently between Lake Tawakoni and Lake Fork. So if youre looking for places to paddle, birdwatch, or fish, you wont have to drive very far.
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What People Are Saying About Sandy Lake Mh & Rv Resort
Park is always full. Theres a waiting list. Theres always someone from the office driving around making sure everything is going OK. The doggy park is a great place for your furry babies to make friends and exercise. The spaces are narrow, but neighbors are great. Ended up not minding it! I enjoy staying here. Areli, Google Review
Location
- Dump Station
Country Woods Inn Glen Rose
About an hours drive southwest of Fort Worth is a unique and unusual way to spend a family getaway in the woods. Whether you call it camping or glamping, I call it unusual. Country Woods Inn calls it adventure camping and offers a few ways to enjoy the sounds of nature. Choose to stay in a renovated Santa Fe boxcar nestled in the woods with a log cabin look that includes a full kitchen, sitting area, an old clawfoot tub, and a unique playground for the kids. Or rent the vintage Airstream that will allow you and your family to hang out outdoors. If you prefer, enjoy family time inside at the half-circle sitting area with air conditioning and heat and more amenities that will suit your fancy.
Either way, youll be surrounded by forty acres of wide-open spaces in the woods on the Paluxy River with places to swim available. You also wont be far from the historic downtown square of Glen Rose and will be minutes away from the awesome Dinosaur Valley State Park.
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Goose Island State Park
Goose Island State Park offers some of the best camping in Texas. Its home to one of the largest live oak trees in Texas. Goose Island State Park is located in between the St. Charles and Aransas bays.
Enjoy, fishing, swimming, and boating during the warmer months. Visit in winter to see endangered whooping cranes at the Aransas Wildlife Refuge.
Most of the sites that have water and electric hookups are located on the waterfront. They have nearby restrooms, picnic tables, and outdoor grills.
Lake Tawakoni State Park
This is a nice park for a day trip or overnight camping. The park has fishing gear for you to borrow, and the lake is home to many species of fish, including stripped bass. If you like to fish, you may do so without a fishing license within the borders of any Texas state park! Forested hiking and mountain bike trails offer decent shade on hot summer days.
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Silver Spur Resort Canton
For a fun experience, opt to glamp in a Conestoga Wagon, where you can be a pioneer for the weekend. Silver Spur Resort is a luxury resort for RVers, campers, and glampers located an hour east of Dallas and minutes away from Cantons First Monday Trade Days, a monthly flea market. The Conestoga wagons are climate-controlled and include a luxury king-size bed, bunk beds, and a small table. Its the perfect size for a family of four to sleep comfortably at night. There are stairs to climb to get inside the wagons, and the restrooms and showers are a few steps away and are only available to Conestoga guests. Each site has an outdoor grill, and theres a common area to roast hot dogs and smores. For those nights you dont feel like grilling, there is a smokehouse-style restaurant onsite.
A Conestoga Wagon experience is not for everyone, but if youre up for it, its a fun experience for the whole family. Once youre at the resort, you and your family have access to many outdoor activities, such as swimming, fishing in the pond, paddle boats, playing human foosball, a playground, and many more fun things to do. Its a true outdoor experience. My grandson and his friend had a blast here, and they were thrilled when they each caught a perch by its tail!
Pro Tips: Bring a flashlight for those late-night trips to the restroom. No pets are allowed in the wagons.
Dinosaur Valley State Park Dallas
One of the most popular camping destinations near Dallas, Dinosaur Valley State Park is perfect for an adventurous as well as historical experience. There are primitive, group as well as fully-equipped campsites near the river. Depending on the type of campsite, there might be lantern posts, picnic tables, water sources, fire rings, electric hookups, showers and restrooms.
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Traders Village Rv Park
Traders Village RV Park is yet another campground near Dallas, TX, with unique surroundings and outstanding amenities. This RV park is conveniently located in Grand Prairie and offers easy incoming and outgoing. It features spacious campsites that are all concrete patios, perfectly level, and can accommodate big rigs.
The area offers a wealth of outdoor activities and nearby attractions so that you can enjoy your stay to the fullest. The park also indulges in amenities to make your stay a comfortable and memorable experience. You can camp with your entire family and bring your pets along as well.
Some of its major amenities include modern laundry facilities, convenience stores, recreation hall, dog parks, propane, and more.
The Flea market is located within walking distance, and you will be able to catch festivals and other special events. The rates of this RV park are also unbeatable. It is a safe and beautiful campground in Dallas, TX, to camp with your family and enjoy your vacation.
All of its campsites also have picnic tables, campfires, and grills, so that you can enjoy barbecuing. Moreover, the camp also features an ATM, mailing center, swimming pool, and a playground. The free Wifi at the campground in Dallas, TX, will keep you connected all the time.
Traders Village RV Park Facilities
- Spacious full hookup sites.
- Ripleys Believe It or Not!
Traders Village RV Park Reviews
Great Camping Spots To Scope Out In The Texas Hill Country
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Camping is the best way to experience the beauty of the Texas Hill Country. The air is cooler, water clearer, and you can spend all night gazing at the endless starry sky. Weve compiled a list of our favorite spots to pitch a tent in the Hill Country. These primo campgrounds offer opportunities to go fishing, swimming, hiking, kayaking, bike riding, rock climbing and just about anything else you can do outdoors. Is there anything better than friends firing up their propane smokers and enjoying a tasty meal while camping?
Of course, you should do a little research before you pack your tent and go. Be sure to check weather and water conditions, research the best tent for heavy rain, and dont forget to inquire about campground pet policies. Also be aware of the difference between primitive and improved campgrounds, so you can be prepared. Here are our 10 best camping spots in the Hill Country. Additionally, one resource for learning more about RVs and motorhomes is outingxpert.
1. Garner State Park Concan, TX
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Cleburne State Park Dallas
Situated southwest of Dallas, Cleburne State Park is a popular camping destination owing to its many facilities that include different campsites, screened shelters as well as cabins. Lodging at the park is quite convenient because it provides electricity, restrooms, showers, picnic tables, fire rings, sewer hookups, picnic tables are other such services.
Family Fun Places To Camp In Texas
At Texas Children in Nature we emphasize the benefits of a daily connection with nature for kids and families. But there is something extra special about a family campout during the summer in Texas. For some, that might sound like a hot, buggy proposition. Being prepared can mitigate the heat and the pests so you can focus on the fun. Knowing where to go to maximize your family fun time is also important. Weve compiled a list of 15 great places to camp with the family during the summer.
East Texas:
Tyler State Park: At Tyler SP you can boat, fish, swim, camp, picnic, have a reunion, or take a nature walk. Set in the towering pines of east Texas, this park offers 13 miles of hiking and biking trails, plus a large lake for water activities. There are limited use cabins, screen shelters, RV and tent sites for camping.
Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area: Set in the Davy Crocket National Forest, this park was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1936. There is a large lake for swimming and fishing, RV and tent camping, 20 miles of hiking trails and a small playground for the little ones. The shade of the towering pines make it pleasant for camping in the summer.
North Texas:
Central Texas:
Coastal Region Texas:
Mustang Island State Park:Nothing beats the white sandy beaches of the Texas Gulf Coast. Mustang Island offers families RV and tent camping, paddling, beach access, fishing in both the gulf and the lagoon, bird watching and ranger programs.
West Texas:
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