Camping near Rowlett, Texas ranges from primitive tent sites to full-service RV parks with sewer connections, concentrated along Lake Lavon and other nearby reservoirs. The eastern shore of Lake Lavon hosts several developed camping areas, including East Fork Park Campground and COE Lavon Lake Lavonia, both offering water and electrical hookups. Within a 30-mile radius of Rowlett, campers can choose from primitive tent sites to full-service RV parks with sewer connections, and a few locations offering cabin rentals for those seeking alternatives to traditional camping.
Reservations are strongly recommended at most campgrounds in the region, particularly during summer months when lakefront sites fill quickly. Many campgrounds enforce gate closure hours between 10 PM and 6 AM, restricting late-night access. "The entry gate is locked from 10 PM to 6 AM, so plan accordingly if leaving the park, lest you park outside and walk back to your site," noted one visitor to East Fork Park. Weather conditions in this part of Texas can be challenging during summer with high temperatures and limited shade at some lakeside locations, while spring storms occasionally cause water level fluctuations that may affect boat ramps and shoreline camping areas.
Lake access represents a primary draw for many campgrounds in the Rowlett area, with several properties offering boat ramps or waterfront sites. Campgrounds like East Fork Park provide scenic lake views and relatively spacious sites, though reviews indicate maintenance issues at some locations. A camper commented, "Great campground, electric and water. Only issue is the grass is always one high so bring a weed whip." Sites at COE Lavon Lake Lavonia are notably well-spaced compared to commercial RV parks, providing more privacy for campers. Bathroom facilities vary significantly between properties, with some campgrounds offering clean, well-maintained restrooms and showers, while others receive criticism for neglected facilities. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the region due to proximity to the Dallas metropolitan area, making these campgrounds suitable for those needing to stay connected.
$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 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."
"Doesn’t 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."
$20 / night
"This place is close to anywhere you need to go. The price is the best in the area and they give free high speed internet. They have a nice laundry room and mailboxes on site."
$50 / night
"We needed to do some repairs to our truck after a hell storm, we need to be around the Dallas, Garland, McKinney area, and this is a perfect location, quiet, but yet close to everything we needed, there"
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.
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 spots near Rowlett, Texas cluster around several reservoirs with varying accessibility and amenities. Lake Lavon forms the eastern boundary of the area, where campsites sit at approximately 492 feet above sea level when the lake is at conservation pool level. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 95°F from June through September, making shade availability a critical consideration for tent campers.
Fishing from dedicated platforms: At COE Lavon Lake Lavonia, lakeside fishing is popular despite infrastructure challenges. "The platforms are extremely in disrepair - literally falling into the lake. The ones we saw were actually dangerous," notes one camper who still enjoyed fishing during their visit.
Boating and water activities: Tent campers can enjoy water access at Collin Park, though some areas have been affected by erosion. "Only a few tent areas left since erosion has left several falling into the lake," reports a visitor, yet the park remains "a great spot for a quick little trip."
Hiking on nature trails: Hickory Creek - Lewisville Lake offers primitive nature trails within a surprisingly secluded setting. A reviewer mentioned, "Primitive nature trails are great for collecting sticks for the campfire!" The trails provide an accessible outdoor experience despite being near urban areas.
Spacious sites with privacy: Many campgrounds feature generous spacing between sites. At Hickory Creek - Lewisville Lake, "the car camp sites are ideal for families with playgrounds easy to access and well maintained," while primitive sites "offer some great views and feel much more remote than you actually are."
Clean bathroom facilities: Despite maintenance issues at some campgrounds, Cedar Hill State Park Campground stands out for its "very clean and picturesque park," according to a recent visitor. The park offers both tent and RV camping with amenities that accommodate various camping styles.
Proximity to urban conveniences: Campers appreciate the balance between natural settings and nearby services. "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. Even though it's in a highly populated area, it feels very remote when you get into the park," explains one camper about Hickory Creek.
Grass maintenance issues: Several campgrounds struggle with vegetation management. At East Fork Park Campground, visitors consistently note overgrown conditions: "Man, this would have been a great little camp ground if the grass wasn't so overgrown. Nothing like taking a nice shower and then having to walk back to your campsite in 2 feet of grass and get bit up by all the bugs in the grass!"
Campsite conditions vary significantly: Infrastructure quality differs between and within parks. "It must have been nice at some point but it's obvious budget cuts and other priorities have taken its toll. Bad roads into and thru the park, grass in bad need of cutting," reports one camper about East Fork Park Campground.
Gate closure restrictions: Like East Fork Park, other campgrounds enforce strict access hours. At Lavon Oaks RV Park, gates don't open until 10am, with one camper noting: "Only drawbacks are unlevel sites and front gates don't open til 10am every morning so can't get back in if you go get breakfast."
Look for waterfront sites with beach access: Certain loops at Hickory Creek provide ideal family settings. "Our favorites are in the 90~94 loop and a friend said the 20-24 loop is also great waterfront spots," shares one family. These areas feature small sandy beaches that children particularly enjoy.
Consider cabin options for beginners: For families new to camping, Lafon's RV Park offers cabin rentals as an alternative to tent camping. While primarily serving as a long-term RV park, it provides a convenient location "quiet, but yet close to everything we needed," according to one visitor.
Be prepared for wildlife encounters: Bring appropriate insect protection as pests are common. "Fire ants and chiggers all over!" warns one Cedar Hill State Park visitor. This natural wildlife presence can be educational but requires preparation for families with young children.
Check hookup configurations: At East Fork Park Campground, RV sites have specific power setups. "RV sites have water and 50/30 amp electric and there are 12 tent sites," notes a visitor, adding that "the sites are well spaced and are 'mostly' paved with aging asphalt."
Bring leveling equipment: Unlevel sites are commonly reported. At Plantation Place, despite being "clean, quiet and well managed," many RVers recommend bringing appropriate leveling gear as sites often require adjustment for comfort.
Consider delivery services: For longer stays, modern conveniences are accessible at some locations. At Hickory Creek, campers mention "close & convenient to any service, delivery services available also," making extended visits more comfortable without sacrificing the camping experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Rowlett, TX?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Rowlett, TX is East Fork Park Campground with a 3.7-star rating from 14 reviews.
What parks are near Rowlett, TX?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 22 parks near Rowlett, TX that allow camping, notably Lavon Lake and Lewisville Lake.
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