The Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex surrounding Arlington, Texas features a mix of urban-adjacent camping options within a 30-minute drive. Cedar Hill State Park, located about 20 miles southeast of Arlington on Joe Pool Lake, offers over 300 wooded campsites including both developed RV sites with hookups and primitive hike-in tent camping areas. Treetops RV Resort in Arlington provides full-service RV camping with shade trees and urban amenities, while Loyd Park in Grand Prairie accommodates tent campers, RVers, and those seeking cabin rentals. Most campgrounds in the region are situated around lakes, providing water recreation opportunities despite the urban setting.
Reservations are essential at most campgrounds near Arlington, particularly during spring and fall when milder temperatures attract the most visitors. Summer heat regularly exceeds 95°F from June through September, making shade a critical consideration when selecting sites. As one camper noted, "The location feels secluded from the city but close to the highway so you can be in the city within a few minutes drive." Many campgrounds experience ambient noise from nearby highways and the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport. Cell service is generally strong throughout the area, with most campgrounds reporting good connectivity for remote work. Texas State Parks require either a $7 daily entrance fee per person or an annual Texas State Parks Pass ($70), which adds to overall camping costs.
Lakeside sites consistently receive the highest ratings from visitors, with many campers highlighting the contrast between urban proximity and natural settings. Cedar Hill State Park offers what one reviewer called "private and shaded" sites despite being minutes from Dallas, with over 1,200 acres of mountain bike terrain and swimming areas. Hickory Creek on Lewisville Lake provides what campers describe as "a feel of isolation" despite suburban surroundings. Wildlife sightings, particularly deer, are commonly reported even at campgrounds close to the city. Visitors frequently mention the convenience of nearby shopping and restaurants as a significant advantage. Several campgrounds experience issues with ants, particularly during warmer months, and occasional flooding can affect site availability around lake areas.
$25 - $30 / night
"They offer water access, electricity, are near facilities, have tables and fire pits. Many of the sites overlook the lake or have easy access to the lake."
"Lake is nearby, and fishing permits in Tx are cheap and easy to grab online. Fairly quiet, but the sites themselves are private a shaded for the most part."
$17 / night
"Loyd Park is a wonderful destination for anyone looking to escape the city and enjoy the natural beauty of Texas. "
"The park at lakeside had recently flooded but we were not there to go to the water and our site was not effected at all."
"This location has all your needs for as long of a stay you ever need. Propane refill station, fuel station, a store, hair shop, laundry mat, showers and restrooms."
"An exceptional location that offers everything required for a comfortable stay as well as a vibrant flea market! ehallpass"
"My boys jumped in the pool even though it was 55* outside and said it was a fun experience."
"Located in Arlington smack dab in between D/FW. Just down the road from the Cowboys Stadium (if that is your thing LOL). 25 minutes to downtown Dallas and 20 to Fort Worth."
"Came here for a couple weeks till I can get into a location for long term. Very friendly people and felt very safe and secure in the park"
"Pros: Well maintained, great layout, great location, on the water. Cons: My only criticism is that our site positioned the sewer connection uphill from our trailer. A bit tough to use."
"Immediate access to the lake and a beautiful view! A great little escape from the city."
"We are from Houston and I opt to drive 4 hours to this one in burleson. Waller is good fun but that park does not compare to this site."
"We prefer the older part because of the trees that offer shade in the hot Texas sun, but the red carpet sites are so much better for big rigs."
"The park is split into two sections; the side we are in is next to an airfield and the other side is by a small dog run (next time, I'll request this section bc I'm traveling with my dogs)."
$14 - $30 / night
"Location: The location is tucked away in the small lakeside town of Hickory Creek...which is surrounded by Denton to the north and Lewisville/Dallas to the south."
"The location of this campground feels secluded from the city but close to the highway so you can be in the city within a few minutes drive."
GuideNice park. Could use some updates. Especially the shower houses. Park layout and lake access is great. Several sites are water adjacent. Staff is all very friendly and helpful.
ScoutThe site is not easily accessible. Maybe they are doing work in the area???
TravelerLovely campground, not very tight to maneuver around. Mostly seasonal people and you may need to go on a waiting list. The bonus is being able to wash your RV here.
GuideBuckle up for a long review! 😂 I stayed at Hidden Cove Park in February for 1 night with 2 kids; and I’d give it a solid 4/5. I would go back for sure.
Overall, this spot is really nice. The campsites are clean, spacious, and you’ve got plenty to choose from. Being close to the lake is a big plus — you can walk right down and fish along the banks, and the view is just calm and peaceful. Although the strong wind prevented any real fishing.
The setup is convenient too. Water spigot right at the site, table already there, bathrooms close by and decently clean. Trash dumpster is near the bathrooms so you do t have to haul your trash out.
Now Here’s the reason I gave it 4 stars instead of 5…
Privacy is the biggest downside. Campsites are pretty close together, so you’re definitely gonna see and hear your neighbors. I had some loud neighbors and had to ask them to turn the music down. Then at 12:01 AM… same folks fired up an electric saw to cut firewood which for sure messed up my rest. 🤦🏾♂️
Not really the park’s fault, but the layout doesn’t give you much separation, so your experience kinda depends on who’s around you. Just hope you get quiet neighbors.
I gotta mention the price for those wondering. It’s $25/night (which is actually good for the amenities you’re getting), but parking is an additional $20. I don’t understand that but OK. With all the fees, my total was $70. Plus $5-6 firewood. Just an FYI.
Another thing — since the parking lot is close, you’ll see headlights shining through at night when cars pass. Not a dealbreaker, just something to know.
On the flip side, the closeness to the parking lot is actually clutch. I could literally see my car through the trees, and it was only like a 2–3 minute walk. Made it super easy to haul stuff. I even blew up my air mattresses at the car and just carried them over.
I also liked the concrete driveway and sidewalks — my daughter was out there skating, which was a cool unexpected bonus.
No bugs at all while I was there, which was a win. It was too windy to fish, but the kids still had a great time. They’ve got a basketball court, volleyball area, and a hiking trail (didn’t hit it this time).
The restaurant was closed — not a big deal, but would’ve been nice. They do sell firewood at the front for a good price though, which is convenient.
And honestly, one of the best parts… it’s only like 15 minutes from home, but it feels like a world away. That alone makes it a great little reset spot.
This is a GREAT place for first-time campers, and families, or even solo trips if you just want to get away for a bit.
LegendStayed in the Lakeside Loop. Very private patio areas. Large park. Pay close attention to site lengths. No margin for error. Swim beach, multiple boat ramps, perch pond and lots of day sites.
GuideI stayed at Wild Plum campsite #124 at Isle du Bois and honestly… 5/5. I’d definitely go back.
The overall vibe was solid. The campsite itself was clean, spacious, and felt semi-private. You can see and hear neighbors a bit, but it’s not crowded or on top of each other. Just know it’s not fully secluded. The lake view was really nice, and there are several little fishing spots around the Wild Plum area. Plus, plenty of trails nearby if you want to get out and walk.
Each site out there has its own little vibe depending on where it sits, but they’re all pretty roomy and well laid out.
A couple things to be aware of…
The walk from the parking lot to the campsite is no joke. It’s gravel, rocks, and some incline. If you’re bringing a lot of gear, you’ll definitely want a cart. I didn’t expect that part.
The toilet situation… yeah, I didn’t use it. It’s a primitive setup with no plumbing, and it was pretty rough. That said, it’s expected for this type of campsite. If you need a better option, you can go up to the pier — those bathrooms have actual plumbing and are way cleaner.
No showers or water at the site either. There is a water spigot near the pier if you need to refill, and you’ll have to drive your trash up to the dumpsters.
Weather-wise, it was super windy when I went (early March), and campsites closer to the water definitely catch that wind. Also, not a lot of shade since the trees didn’t have leaves yet, so keep that in mind depending on the time of year.
On the positive side, I saw a lot of deer in the mornings, which was a really nice touch. No bugs during my stay (I did use a fogger), and the overall environment was peaceful. The park staff was also super duper friendly and helpful, which always makes the experience better.
Also worth noting — there are stores not too far from the park (like Dollar General), which came in clutch. I actually had to grab some super glue to fix a hole in my air mattress, so it’s good knowing you’re not too far from supplies if something goes wrong.
I went solo, and it was honestly the perfect little reset—quiet, scenic, and just enough nature without being too rough.
Good for solo campers, couples, or even families if you’re cool with primitive camping.
TravelerNice campground. Gravel sites. My site 28 was level. No Verizon cell coverage.
ScoutGreat sites close to the water.
Scoutso close to everything stayed a month manger so helpful covered spots family friendly
Arlington's camping options range from urban-adjacent parks to lakeside retreats with elevations between 500-700 feet. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F from June through August, making water access and shade critical considerations. Most campsites near Arlington, Texas operate year-round due to the mild winter climate, though many restrict fire usage during drought conditions.
Fishing opportunities: At Loyd Park on Joe Pool Lake, campers can enjoy bank fishing within walking distance of their sites. One visitor noted, "We stayed in site 115, great spot close to the water," making it convenient for anglers wanting quick access to fishing spots.
Mountain biking trails: North Texas Jellystone offers activities beyond traditional camping. According to a reviewer, "Bring bikes!" as the park features interconnected trails suitable for family rides. The paved paths accommodate riders of various skill levels.
Water recreation: The Vineyards Campground & Cabins provides multiple water access options on Grapevine Lake. A camper shared, "We boated, kayaked, rented a golf cart and more. The gold sites are worth it! All concrete sites on the water and stone encased cooking areas." The park maintains a dedicated swimming area with marked boundaries.
Playground exploration: The Vineyards features exceptionally well-maintained play areas. A visitor mentioned, "A cute little campstore, an amazing playground for our kids, a beach, golf cart rentals, cabins, and you can easily pull in a giant RV." The playground includes equipment suitable for various age groups.
Spacious sites: Hickory Creek - Lewisville Lake offers campsites with ample room between neighbors. A camper described, "A lot of space between sites, well level and paved, family oriented, very quite, beautiful lake and tree sites, lighted power supply post with all the amps available."
Accessibility to amenities: Dallas/Arlington KOA Holiday provides convenience while maintaining a natural setting. A visitor explained, "Tucked away nicely. Very nice place. Quiet and clean. After hours check in was very fast and easy. Lots of trees. Good place to stay in a big city."
Clean facilities: Cedar Hill State Park maintains high standards for bathhouses and common areas. According to one camper, "I love camping at cedar Hill State Park it's always clean quiet the customer service you received is very good restrooms are always need and clean."
Loop design: Cedar Hill State Park Campground features a layout that minimizes traffic near individual sites. A visitor observed, "The park is designed with small loops for 15-20 camp sites in each loop. Very little traffic right by the individual spots. Easy in and out of park."
Weather impacts: Cedar Hill State Park occasionally closes sections due to flooding. One camper noted, "Partially closed due to flooding," highlighting the need to check conditions before arrival, especially after heavy rains.
Pest management: Multiple campgrounds report issues with insects. A camper at Cedar Hill stated, "Nice lake but there were fire ants and chiggers all over our campsite!" Bringing appropriate repellents and checking sites before setup is recommended.
Traffic noise: Hickory Creek - Lewisville Lake experiences some airport noise disturbance. A reviewer mentioned, "The only downside is the overall air traffic that you hear and see over the park from the Dallas-Fort Worth airport (it's cool initially but after a few nights it does get old)."
Reservation requirements: Most Arlington-area campsites require advance booking, particularly for weekend stays. Loyd Park fills quickly for waterfront sites, with one camper sharing, "We stayed in site 190. It's at end of road with privacy." Sites along the water typically book 2-3 months in advance.
Beach access: Loyd Park provides dedicated swimming areas suitable for children. A visitor described, "Great times! This park is run by the City Grand Prairie, which provides a lot of safety. Campsites are a little close together nearest the water but probably the best sites in the Park."
Scheduled activities: North Texas Jellystone coordinates regular events for children. A camper shared, "We went in October and they had some fun Halloween activities. Site was pull through but pretty tight and close to neighbor. Probably worth paying for premium."
Safety considerations: Campgrounds with gated access provide additional security. A visitor to The Vineyards noted, "Very Pretty Views. Large Sites with covered Picnic tables. Sites spread nicely with no one on top of you. Great security visible as well as a coded gate after hours."
Playground options: Look for campgrounds with dedicated play areas. At Hickory Creek, a visitor mentioned, "We hopped over for a one night trip and had a blast! Our site was right off the water with a fun view (at night) of the lake Lewisville bridge. Sites were large enough for us (tent campers) without feeling too close to our rv/camper neighbors!"
Site selection: Treetops RV Resort provides numerous shaded sites. A visitor explained, "This place is one of our favorite in the Metroplex. We have stayed here off and on over the last 3 years. The park is very clean, having done lots of updates. All of the amenities you would want in a park, plus lots and lots of trees."
Leveling considerations: Some sites require additional adjustment. At Hickory Creek, an RVer noted, "Water pressure was good and there was lots of shade and ample privacy between sites in this section. Sites on the point have few trees and wide open spaces, but the lake view is expansive."
Dump station access: Not all parks offer full hookups at each site. A camper at Hickory Creek shared, "The only 'negative' I found is that the sewage hook up is not at the actual site. There are dump stations in different places." First-time RVers should ask for instructions if needed.
Tree clearance: Treetops RV Resort accommodates larger rigs with proper overhead clearance. A visitor mentioned, "The staff was very friendly and helped us back in as we are still newbies. Our spot was 171 and was very well shaded, the only thing is our trailer was level but we felt like we were leaning back."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Arlington, TX?
According to TheDyrt.com, Arlington, TX offers a wide range of camping options, with 188 campgrounds and RV parks near Arlington, TX and 2 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Arlington, TX?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Arlington, TX is Cedar Hill State Park Campground with a 3.8-star rating from 64 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Arlington, TX?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near Arlington, TX.
What parks are near Arlington, TX?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 21 parks near Arlington, TX that allow camping, notably Grapevine Lake and Benbrook Lake.
Keep Exploring
