You'll find several good camping spots within driving distance of McKinney, Texas. Cedar Hill State Park Campground sits 46 miles away and has hiking trails where you might spot local wildlife. Both the Isle du Bois and Johnson Branch units at Ray Roberts Lake State Park give you room to spread out and easy access to fishing and boating on the lake. Many campers also head to Lake Tawakoni State Park Campground for its long shoreline and water activities. The roads to these places are in good shape, which makes getting there pretty straightforward. Each park has basic amenities like restrooms, showers, and picnic areas that work well for people in tents or RVs. Some campsites have good tree cover while others are more open, which is nice for looking at the night sky. Just keep an eye on the weather forecast before you go since Texas weather can change quickly. These campgrounds near McKinney work well for short trips or longer stays.
"The only sound other than bird song is the occasional moo and some coyote yips in the distance"
"Erwin Park is a great place to visit if you're looking to spend a few days running or biking trails. Campsites are far enough apart that you have privacy yet close enough that you don't feel alone."
$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."
$15 - $60 / night
"In the hot month of July 2020 I loaded up Little Red and headed out to spend several days camping at the Isle Du Bois Unit of Ray Roberts Lake."
"68 year-old solo camper getting ready to travel around the country, car/tent camping primarily."
"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 — 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."
$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."
"Close enough to Stores and life yet tucked away in a Serene Open area."
"We were thankful this park was close by. We liked the place alot, we parked on one of the many concrete sites. We were able to use the pull thrus but still unhooked for our dr visits. "
$999 / night
"CrossFit is walking distance (separate business). The pool is nice. You’re right next to Frisco, Prosper, Littlr Elm, Savannah, and Denton."
"We traveled from West Texas, stayed 4 nights, had rain almost every day. The park is well laid out, small clean well maintained yards."
$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."
$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.
TravelerWas going to reserve. However, they do not allow pets!
Camping near McKinney, Texas primarily occurs in the Blackland Prairie ecological region, characterized by clay soils and elevations ranging from 500-700 feet. Summer temperatures typically reach 95°F with high humidity, while winter lows can drop to the 30s. The camping season extends year-round with spring and fall offering the most moderate weather conditions for outdoor activities.
Mountain biking trails: Erwin Park in McKinney offers extensive single-track trails for cyclists of various skill levels. "Great easy spot for day camping or easy car camping with family. Good fire pits and great pavilion at the group site if you can get it. Best mountain bike single tracks around with lots of built features," notes Brian in his review of Erwin Park.
Lake activities: Willow Grove Park provides access to Lake Lewisville for boating and fishing. A camper reports, "Beautiful park with views to the lake. Very clean showers, nice trails…very family friendly. Enjoyed our quick overnight," according to Bryan A. who stayed at Willow Grove Park.
Shoreline hiking: Follow the waterfront trails at Lavon Lake's East Fork Park where you can observe local wildlife. "Great views of the water and wildflowers in the meadows. Reasonable price. Everything works and the shaded picnic tables are a plus," says Melanie and Doug G. about their experience at East Fork Park.
Spacious, private sites: The Isle du Bois unit at Ray Roberts Lake State Park offers well-separated campsites. "The primitive sites in the Hawthorne campgrounds are spaced a good distance apart and really give you a feel of isolation. Sites on the perimeter all have lake access where you can pull a boat up," writes Matt S. about Isle du Bois Campsites.
Wildlife viewing: Many campgrounds near McKinney allow for deer and bird watching. A camper at Erwin Park mentions, "I've had many great experiences at this park it's a ways out of the way of the city noise. The only sound other than bird song is the occasional moo and some coyote yips in the distance," as Riley W. reports.
Modern facilities: Hidden Cove Park & Marina maintains clean, modern restrooms and shower facilities. "RV and tent sites are spacious. Lots of lake access from sites. They also have cabins for rent. The staff is friendly," according to Mel B.'s review of Hidden Cove Park & Marina.
Seasonal crowds: Some parks become extremely busy during peak seasons. "I've been coming to this state park for over 20 years. It's very well kept, you see deer every trip, it's just very busy. We used to come out and there would be just a few families, now it's very very busy," says Kerry C. about Ray Roberts Lake State Park.
Maintenance issues: Several campgrounds have aging infrastructure that may affect your experience. "The roads are in need of repair, with numerous potholes, some very large, but the attendant did say that the park was on the CoEs list for repairs," reports Ray & Terri F. about East Fork Park Campground.
Security considerations: Some campgrounds lack controlled access after hours. "The park is technically closed at 10pm but there's no gate and technically anyone can drive in any time. I saw the police drive through often, but it still didn't feel as secure as other campsites I've been to," notes Joyce L. about Willow Grove Park.
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature dedicated play areas for children. "There are several playground areas central to the various campgrounds with easy access for your family. Showers and restrooms are close by the playgrounds as well," mentions Matt S. from his stay at Isle du Bois.
Swimming areas: Look for designated swimming beaches at lake campgrounds. "There is also a fantastic beach swim area for day use or to visit while your camping. Nice sand and roped off swimming areas with large playgrounds," according to Matt S. at Ray Roberts Lake State Park.
Primitive camping with kids: Some parks offer walk-in sites that aren't far from parking. "The trail path to the campsites is further than indicated or implied on the website, which isn't a problem if you're packed light, but if you're car camping with heavy equipment you will be surprised how far it is," shares Christopher L. about his experience at Isle du Bois.
Site selection: Choose sites based on seasonal considerations. "Very big campground, you see deer every trip. If you want to avoid crowds, stay in the Hawthorne 'primitive' area. The sites vary from being 20 feet from the parking lot to half a mile out or so, but most people flock to the more formal campsites," advises Gretchen N. from her experience at Isle du Bois.
Dump station locations: Not all parks have convenient dump stations. "Dump station is near the middle school outside the park so had to drive our tote 1/4-1/2 mile up the street with a decent amount of traffic," notes Mia D. about Willow Grove Park.
Site leveling: Be prepared for uneven sites at some parks. "Our site was very unlevel on the hill, so bring your chocks. It rained and rained while we were there, but we still had a nice time with the grandkids," advises Cheryl D. about her stay at Lavonia Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping options are available near McKinney, Texas?
The McKinney area offers diverse camping experiences for all preferences. Erwin Park is located just outside McKinney with spacious tent sites, picnic areas, and hiking trails that have become popular with mountain bikers. For RV enthusiasts, Treetops RV Resort provides clean, quiet sites with beautiful shade trees, private bathhouses, and amenities like laundry services and fire pits. Those willing to drive a bit further can enjoy East Fork Park Campground near Wylie, offering both RV and tent camping options with water access.
Where are the best RV parks located in McKinney, TX?
McKinney offers several quality RV parks for travelers. Texas Star Resort / Wildwood RV Campground is highly regarded for its concrete sites, pull-through options, and proximity to medical facilities like Baylor Hospital. Lafon's RV Park provides a quieter setting while still being conveniently located near everything you might need in the McKinney, Garland, and Dallas areas. For those wanting additional amenities, the McKinney North / Celina KOA Holiday offers reservable sites just a short drive away.
Where can I find tent camping sites around McKinney, TX?
For tent camping enthusiasts near McKinney, Erwin Park is your closest option with spacious tent sites and hiking trails, though be aware it gets busy with mountain bikers on weekends. A short drive away, Johnson Branch Campsites at Ray Roberts Lake State Park offers tent camping with lake views and swimming opportunities. The sites are well-maintained with basic amenities including picnic tables and fire rings. Both locations provide natural settings with varying levels of seclusion and are suitable for families and solo campers alike.
Are there any campgrounds with lake access near McKinney?
Hickory Creek - Lewisville Lake offers excellent lake access about 30 minutes from McKinney. Despite being in a populated area, it feels secluded with spacious campsites and direct water access at select sites. For another option, Ray Roberts Lake State Park features two camping units - Isle du Bois and Johnson Branch - both offering lake access with swimming areas, boat ramps, and fishing opportunities. The lake parks provide a refreshing escape during hot Texas summers while still being within easy driving distance from McKinney.
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