Campgrounds near Garland, Texas provide varied camping experiences around nearby lakes like Lake Lavon and Lewisville Lake. Notable options include East Fork Park Campground on Lake Lavon offering RV and tent sites with electric hookups and water access, and Cedar Hill State Park approximately 30 miles southwest featuring cabins, RV sites, and tent camping. Most developed campgrounds in the region cater primarily to RV campers with full or partial hookups, though tent camping areas are available at several locations including Collin Park and Hickory Creek. The Garland area offers a mix of waterfront campsites that are ideal for weekend getaways, with several locations providing direct lake access for fishing and swimming activities.
Access to many campgrounds requires planning ahead, particularly for the more popular sites during summer months. East Fork Park features paved RV pads that have deteriorated over time, with several visitors noting significant pothole issues on access roads. Most campgrounds maintain bathroom facilities, though quality and cleanliness vary considerably between locations. Weather conditions in this region can be extreme during summer with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F, making shade a valuable commodity at exposed lakeside camping areas. "Very hot and not heavily wooded or shaded. Sites are basic but fine. Bathrooms were nice and clean. Area is pretty and some sites have view of the lake," noted one camper about East Fork Park.
Lake views represent a significant draw for campers in the Garland area, with several campgrounds offering direct waterfront access for fishing and swimming opportunities. Hidden Cove Park & Marina and The Vineyards Campground & Cabins provide cabin accommodations for those seeking more comfort while maintaining proximity to recreational water activities. Visitors frequently mention spacious sites at locations like Lavonia on Lake Lavon, though amenities are often basic. Campers with tents should research carefully, as some locations primarily accommodate RVs with limited tent-specific sites. According to feedback on The Dyrt, "Nothing to knock your socks off, but it's a great campsite close to home and nice for a quick getaway. Has the feel of being somewhat remote since it's out by the lake." Many camping areas in this region serve as convenient weekend escapes for Dallas-Fort Worth residents rather than destination campgrounds.
$14 - $150 / night
"We had a nice view of Lake Lavon. Grills and tables vary by site, some are very old, but many have been replaced."
"I avoided any rough spots in the road and arrived at a LONG and roomie site with a beautiful view of the lake."
$14 - $30 / night
"Nothing to knock you socks off, but itâs a great campsite close to home and nice for a quick getaway. Has the feel of being somewhat remote since itâs out by the lake."
"Doesnât have a lot of bells and whistles but does have sewer, lake views, wide open spaces, and clean! Great food places nearby."
$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."
$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."
"Stayed here as a group traveling to the Frisco, Texas area for a college football game. We spent 2 nights in a RV. Was within close distance to where we were attending the football game."
"Being close to the lake is a big plus â 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."
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! đ I stayed at Hidden Cove Park in February for 1 night with 2 kids; and Iâd give it a solid 4/5. I would go back for sure.
Overall, this spot is really nice. The campsites are clean, spacious, and youâve got plenty to choose from. Being close to the lake is a big plus â 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 Hereâs the reason I gave it 4 stars instead of 5âŚ
Privacy is the biggest downside. Campsites are pretty close together, so youâre 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. đ¤Śđžââď¸
Not really the parkâs fault, but the layout doesnât give you much separation, so your experience kinda depends on whoâs around you. Just hope you get quiet neighbors.
I gotta mention the price for those wondering. Itâs $25/night (which is actually good for the amenities youâre getting), but parking is an additional $20. I donât understand that but OK. With all the fees, my total was $70. Plus $5-6 firewood. Just an FYI.
Another thing â since the parking lot is close, youâll 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 2â3 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 â 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. Theyâve got a basketball court, volleyball area, and a hiking trail (didnât hit it this time).
The restaurant was closed â not a big deal, but wouldâve been nice. They do sell firewood at the front for a good price though, which is convenient.
And honestly, one of the best parts⌠itâs 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. Iâd 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 itâs not crowded or on top of each other. Just know itâs 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 theyâre all pretty roomy and well laid out.
A couple things to be aware ofâŚ
The walk from the parking lot to the campsite is no joke. Itâs gravel, rocks, and some incline. If youâre bringing a lot of gear, youâll definitely want a cart. I didnât expect that part.
The toilet situation⌠yeah, I didnât use it. Itâs a primitive setup with no plumbing, and it was pretty rough. That said, itâs expected for this type of campsite. If you need a better option, you can go up to the pier â 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 youâll 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 didnât 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 â 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 itâs good knowing youâre not too far from supplies if something goes wrong.
I went solo, and it was honestly the perfect little resetâquiet, scenic, and just enough nature without being too rough.
Good for solo campers, couples, or even families if youâre cool with primitive camping.
TravelerBest place to go for a clean and quiet place to camp. Beautiful location, sunsets, horses and donkeys makes Sleep Under the Pecan Trees a place we go to camp multiple times a year for three years now.
TravelerGreat environment & friendly staff. My only complaint is rowdy neighbors almost fist fighting drunk a site over. Children were present and foul language was being used and foul music was being played. I am young only 28 and the music was not family friendly. I have no kids but others nearby did. Other than the certain members on that site everything was great.
ScoutGreat sites close to the water.
Camping sites near Garland, Texas cluster around several area lakes with varying levels of amenities and accessibility. Summer temperatures consistently reach above 90°F with limited natural shade at many locations, making spring and fall the most comfortable camping seasons. Most campgrounds remain open year-round despite seasonal weather challenges.
Water activities on Lake Lavon: East Fork Park Campground offers direct lake access where visitors regularly observe sailboats. "The location is nice on the lake with lots of sail boats sailing by. There is plenty of space between sites, but no trees so not a lot of privacy," notes camper Mia D.
Fishing opportunities: Several campgrounds provide bank fishing access points with varying conditions throughout the year. "We loved coming here because it's convenient, private, and by the water," mentions a reviewer about Hickory Creek - Lewisville Lake, noting that waterfront spots in the 90-94 loop offer prime fishing locations.
Trail exploration: Multiple parks feature trail systems for day hiking or biking. "The primitive nature trails are great for collecting sticks for the campfire!" writes Gina & Memphis C. about Hickory Creek. The nearby wildlife and native Texas plants provide nature observation opportunities along maintained paths.
Spacious camping areas: Many campers appreciate the generous site dimensions at COE Lavon Lake Lavonia where campsites avoid overcrowding. "Wide open spaces and beautiful lake views. The sites are far apart and lots of green space," reports Jess W.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms receive positive mentions at several parks. At Hidden Cove Park & Marina, campers can access "a full marina, and swimming area. Seasonal restaurant with indoor & outdoor eating areas," according to Richard M.
Proximity to urban conveniences: Many campers value these areas for weekend trips due to their location near Dallas-Fort Worth. "Great campground, close to town just in case you need to make a quick trip for something," notes one reviewer about East Fork Park, highlighting the accessibility to shopping and services.
Road and pad conditions: Multiple reviewers mention deteriorating infrastructure at certain campgrounds. At East Fork Park, "Bad roads into and thru the park... Sites are fairly well dispersed with water and electric at each. Be careful though, because the asphalt is crumbling and many have ankle-breaking drop offs between the parking pad and the picnic table," cautions Dennis G.
Maintenance inconsistencies: Regular upkeep varies significantly between locations. "Great campground, electric and water. Only issue is the grass is always one high so bring a weed whip. We have family in the area, so we visit regularly and every time we stay here the grass is ridiculous," explains Suzann E.
Limited shade coverage: Many sites offer minimal tree coverage, particularly problematic during summer months. "Not many trees in some site for shade," notes Tony D. about East Fork Park. This factor should influence your timing and preparation for hot weather camping.
Site selection matters: When camping with children, select areas with room for activities. At Cedar Hill State Park Campground, "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," reports Michael C.
Wildlife awareness: Local fauna includes various insects and occasionally snakes. "Plenty of ducks to feed, but they were not interested or just didn't like the boat. To our surprise, there was also plenty of snakes! We crossed one on the road as we drove in and saw several swimming in the lake," warns Monica C. about Hickory Creek.
Beach access varies: Water entry points differ dramatically between parks. At Collin Park, "Only a few tent areas left since erosion has left several falling into the lake... Easy access, plenty of tree coverage, and each area has a picnic table, grill, and fire pit," according to Aaron C.
Hookup availability: Most parks provide electric and water connections, but sewer hookups are limited. "The electric was recently upgraded after the flooding this year. So there's 50 amp available now too," notes Susan L. about Hickory Creek, adding that "Water pressure was good and there was lots of shade and ample privacy between sites in this section."
Dump station logistics: Plan for centralized dump stations rather than at-site sewer connections in many parks. "The only 'negative' I found is that the sewage hook up is not at the actual site. There are dump stations in different places. It was a bit nerve wracking to use the dump station while people waited behind me," shares Luis about their experience at Hickory Creek.
Site leveling challenges: Many pads require leveling equipment for comfortable setup. "Our site was a nice lake front area that was very spacious and a beautiful view," reports Monica C., though noting site conditions may require blocks or levelers at Hickory Creek.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any free camping options around Garland?
Free camping options are limited in the immediate Garland area as most nearby campgrounds are fee-based. Johnson Branch Campsites â Ray Roberts Lake State Park offers lower-cost camping with day-use areas that some visitors enjoy before committing to overnight stays. While not free, Corps of Engineers (COE) parks like those at Lavon Lake offer more affordable camping alternatives compared to private RV parks. For truly free options, you may need to venture further from the metropolitan area into National Forests or BLM lands in other parts of Texas.
Where are the best RV parks near Garland, TX?
For RV accommodations near Garland, Lafon's RV Park stands out for its quiet setting while remaining conveniently close to Dallas, Garland, and McKinney. The newer section features gravel sites, though it currently has fewer trees. Another excellent option is Treetops RV Resort, which offers a clean, quiet environment with beautiful shade trees. Most spaces are pull-through for easy setup, and amenities include fire pits, picnic tables, clean bathhouses, and reliable laundry facilities.
Where can I find tent camping sites near Garland?
For tent camping near Garland, Hickory Creek - Lewisville Lake offers excellent options with variety in their car camping sites. Though located in a populated area, it feels remote once you're in the park. The campsites are nicely spread out with great water views. Another solid choice is Isle du Bois Campsites â Ray Roberts Lake State Park, north of the DFW Metroplex. This park provides tent sites with shade from beautiful trees and lake access, making it ideal for cooling down during hot Texas summers.
Is there a lakeshore RV resort in Garland, TX?
While Garland itself doesn't have lakefront RV resorts within city limits, several excellent options exist nearby. Cedar Hill State Park Campground on Joe Pool Lake offers over 300 wooded campsites with RV hookups just southwest of Dallas. For lakeside RV camping, Pilot Knoll Park Campground provides waterfront sites that are popular with RVers. The Vineyards Campground near Grapevine also offers premium lakefront RV sites with full hookups on Grapevine Lake, all within a reasonable drive from Garland.
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