Murrell Park offers primitive tent camping sites with fire pits along Grapevine Reservoir. The camping area includes portable toilets and water spigots approximately 40 yards from tent sites. Sites are staggered throughout the area to provide privacy between campers, with most locations featuring shade trees suitable for hammock camping. The park is adjacent to a marina with boat traffic during daytime hours.
What to do
Hiking on lakeside trails: Murrell Park's trail system provides several miles of hiking paths with lake views. "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," notes Michael C. from Cedar Hill State Park.
Fishing and boating: At Hickory Creek Park, campers can fish directly from shoreline sites or launch boats from the nearby ramp. "Our site was a nice lake front area that was very spacious and a beautiful view. Plenty of ducks to feed, but they were not interested or just didn't like the boat," shares Monica C.
Swimming access: The Vineyards Campground provides swimming areas along Lake Grapevine. "Great views of the lake. A well equipped campground store with lots of items. Clean large bathrooms and showers as well as a laundry room," writes Sergio F., highlighting the amenities available to swimmers.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Pilot Knoll Park earns praise for its site layout. "I love this campground. It's close to my home but makes me feel like I'm camping far away from home. Lots of trees, many spots right on the water, great kayak launch, has hiking trails and decent distance between sites," says Susan T.
Clean facilities: Meadowmere Park maintains exceptional cleanliness standards. "Porta potties were incredibly clean and a main bathroom area featured showers and very clean as well. Closes to public after 530 and management made it easy for us to enter the gate upon our late arrival," notes Melanie G.
Family-friendly environment: Hickory Creek Park provides a welcoming atmosphere for children. "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! Our 5 & 4 year old boys loved running around, throwing rocks in the lake," shares Joshua M.
What you should know
Proximity to urban areas: While camping near Grapevine, expect some urban elements. "This definitely isn't wilderness and as another reviewer pointed out, the campground can be noisy. It's located adjacent to I-35, just west of the Lake Lewisville bridge, so there's traffic noise depending on how close you're camped to the road," explains Susan L. about Hickory Creek.
Summer temperatures: Temperatures regularly exceed 90°F during summer months, requiring preparation. Most pet friendly camping near Grapevine, Texas lacks natural shade at waterfront sites.
Reservation requirements: Loyd Park fills quickly during peak seasons. "This park is great only 45 minutes from home. They have a few full hook ups and lots of RV sites with water and electricity. Sites are spaced far apart all come with fire ring and covered picnic table," advises Tammie L.
Security considerations: Some parks have controlled access while others remain open. "The park seems to attract a certain clientele, so if safety is your primary concern (I'm a woman traveling solo), then this might not be your best bet," cautions Joyce L. regarding Willow Grove Park.
Tips for camping with families
Water activities: Lake access provides cooling options for families with children during hot months. "The lake was warm and there was a little 'beach' for swimming - I would recommend water shoes and floaties! There are picnic tables and benches all over and tons of parking," recommends Summer A. at Willow Grove Park.
Playground options: Several campgrounds offer play structures for children. "There is a playground for the kids, and even a Little Free Library. We did not have to pay the additional entry fee for day use, it was included in our price of renting the RV slot," mentions Jessica H. about Pilot Knoll Park.
Shelter from elements: For pet friendly camping near Grapevine, Texas, choose sites with covered picnic tables. "Campsites are all level and come with fire ring and covered picnic table," reports a visitor to Loyd Park, providing protection from summer sun or occasional rain.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: RV sites vary significantly between parks. "Water and electric, no sewer. Dirt sites with a small amount of pea gravel. Road into park is a narrow residential street. Entry gate is narrow. Single loop road allows for fairly easy backing into sites," advises a Meadowmere Park visitor.
Level sites: Cedar Hill State Park offers concrete pads for easier setup. "The park is very clean. Large park with a variety of campsites. Shaded areas available," notes Karen B., though another visitor cautions about fire ants during warmer months.
Full hookup options: For extended stays, select campgrounds with complete utilities. "The electric was recently upgraded after the flooding this year. So there's 50 amp available now too. I camped at site 39 and it was an asphalt/gravel pad and fairly level. Water pressure was good and there was lots of shade and ample privacy between sites in this section," shares Susan L. about Hickory Creek Park.
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