Camping in the Irving, Texas area centers around several lake-based recreation areas with developed facilities. The Vineyards Campground & Cabins on Grapevine Lake and Cedar Hill State Park provide full-service camping with amenities for various camping styles. Most campgrounds in this region accommodate RVs and tent camping, while several parks including Loyd Park and Twin Coves Park offer cabin rentals for those seeking more comfortable accommodations. These developed campgrounds typically feature electric hookups, water access, and sanitary facilities.
The camping season runs year-round in the Irving area, though summer brings higher temperatures and increased demand for waterfront sites. Many campgrounds require reservations, particularly during weekends and holidays when sites fill quickly. Water levels at lakeside campgrounds can fluctuate seasonally, occasionally affecting site availability. "We hunkered down for 2 days during an ice storm," noted one winter visitor to The Vineyards, highlighting the possibility of occasional severe weather. Airport noise may impact some camping experiences, as several campgrounds lie within flight paths for Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport. Most campgrounds provide full hookups for RVs, with concrete pads and level sites being common amenities.
Lake-based recreation dominates the camping experience around Irving, with fishing, boating, and swimming available at most campgrounds. The Vineyards Campground consistently receives high ratings for its lakefront location and well-maintained facilities. A camper described it as having "large sites with covered picnic tables" and "sites spread nicely with no one on top of you." Several reviewers mentioned the family-friendly amenities at these lakeside parks, including playgrounds, fishing docks, and swim beaches. Security features like gated access after hours provide peace of mind at many of the established campgrounds. For those seeking more primitive experiences, Murrell Park offers basic tent sites with minimal amenities but good hiking trails and natural surroundings close to urban conveniences.
$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."
"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."
$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."
$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 two boys 4/5 had a blast at the site, walking the trails, and finding spots to throw rocks into the lake."
"Lake front, kayak rentals with a great cove to paddle around in. Walking trails galore. Nice bathrooms, with showers."
"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."
"Awesome park, great lake and a discgolf course within walking distance!!"
"Family friendly and there is a lake and playground within walking distance. The staff is courteous. We did not use any of the facilitiesďżź, except dump station."
"My boys jumped in the pool even though it was 55* outside and said it was a fun experience."
"Truly a great place for the money and close to anything you would ever need."
"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"
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.
ScoutGreat sites close to the water.
Scoutso close to everything stayed a month manger so helpful covered spots family friendly
TravelerFrom calling and asking on good spots with my setup to how clean the bathrooms and showers are (especially for the price), giving this place 5*s!
Camping in the Irving area centers around several Corps of Engineers and city-managed parks on major reservoirs, including Lake Grapevine, Lake Lewisville, and Joe Pool Lake. These bodies of water form the backbone of the region's outdoor recreation system, with campgrounds situated at elevations between 500-600 feet above sea level. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 95°F between June and September, making spring and fall the most comfortable camping seasons.
Water activities on multiple lakes: Lewisville Lake offers numerous access points for swimming, fishing and boating. At Hickory Creek - Lewisville Lake, visitors can enjoy the extensive shoreline. "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," notes Joshua M.
Mountain biking trails: Several campgrounds connect to trail systems suitable for various skill levels. The Twin Coves Park offers "great hiking, a nice kayak launch and new, clean bathrooms," according to Susan T. Many trails connect directly to campsites or have trailheads within the parks.
Golf cart rentals: Several parks permit motorized transportation around their grounds. At The Vineyards Campground & Cabins, visitors can rent golf carts to explore. As Michelle P. explains, "This is actually our second stay at this campground and I cannot say enough great things about it. Well kept, thoughtful hosts, 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."
Spacing between sites: Compared to many urban campgrounds, several parks in the area provide good separation between campsites. At The Vineyards Campground & Cabins, Andrew B. notes the "Large Sites with covered Picnic tables. Sites spread nicely with no one on top of you." Similarly, at Hickory Creek, one camper mentions "a lot of space between sites, well level and paved, family oriented, very quite, beautiful lake and tree sites."
Security features: Many campgrounds implement security measures that campers appreciate. Andrew B. mentions "Great security visible as well as a coded gate after hours" at The Vineyards. Lake Park Campground also employs security measures with Scott K. noting, "Bathrooms locked down to prevent non campers from using them. You will be given the access code on check in. Front gate get locked at 11pm."
Shade availability: While some lakefront sites feature limited tree cover, several campgrounds offer well-shaded options. Treetops RV Resort particularly stands out, with Jessica F. commenting, "The trees are beautiful and add great shade. Most of spaces are pull through and very easy to setup at." Troy agrees, calling it "one of our favorite in the Metroplex" with "lots and lots of trees."
Airport noise impacts: Due to proximity to DFW International Airport, some campgrounds experience regular aircraft noise. At Hickory Creek, one reviewer notes, "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)."
Seasonal flooding concerns: Water levels at the area lakes fluctuate significantly. Cedar Hill State Park occasionally closes sections due to high water, with Mendy S. noting it was "Partially closed due to flooding." Several campgrounds have had to rebuild facilities following flood events.
Wildlife encounters: Expect to encounter various wildlife at campsites near Irving. At Cedar Hill State Park, Jill C. warns about "fire ants and chiggers all over our campsite!" Lake-based campgrounds also attract waterfowl, snakes, and other creatures. Monica C. reports from Hickory Creek: "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."
Kid-friendly swimming areas: Look for campgrounds with designated swim areas and beaches. Twin Coves Park features "a lake with a mini beach" where "Super beautiful, clean, modern campsite" creates an ideal setting for families, says Summer A., who recommends "water shoes and floaties!"
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature modern play equipment. At Loyd Park, Myc C. shares, "We spent three days there swimming and hiking around. Great times!" The Vineyards earns praise for its "amazing playground" with Joie S. highlighting "an awesome 'roller-coaster' swing that the teenagers even loved."
Proximity to urban conveniences: Family campers appreciate the blend of natural settings with nearby services. At Treetops RV Resort, Jessica F. notes the "Easy access to Target just around the corner, Parks mall is close by and Arlington Highlands shopping is really nice!" This allows families to quickly replace forgotten items or escape extreme weather.
Site selection for big rigs: At Loyd Park, John B. advises, "Larger rigs are more accommodated next to the lake. But call ahead to see which sites have 50 amp, you'll need it in summer time." Many parks segregate their 30-amp and 50-amp sites into different camping loops.
Dump station availability: Not all campgrounds offer full hookups at each site. Luis notes at Twin Coves: "The only 'negative' I found is that the sewage hook up is not at the actual site. There are dump stations in different places." This requires planning for longer stays or when departing with full tanks.
Wi-Fi considerations: Connectivity varies significantly between parks. At Treetops RV Resort, Jessica F. shares, "WiFi worked for my family of 5 the majority of the time for simple things. Hubby works remotely and went to Panera for stronger/faster service." Digital nomads should research connection options before booking at a campsite near Irving, Texas.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Irving, TX?
According to TheDyrt.com, Irving, TX offers a wide range of camping options, with 175 campgrounds and RV parks near Irving, TX and 2 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Irving, TX?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Irving, TX is Cedar Hill State Park Campground with a 3.8-star rating from 64 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Irving, TX?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near Irving, TX.
What parks are near Irving, TX?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 20 parks near Irving, TX that allow camping, notably Grapevine Lake and Lewisville Lake.
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