Camping options around Mesquite, Texas include several established campgrounds with varied accommodations within a short drive. Cedar Hill State Park Campground offers tent, RV, and cabin camping with boat-in and walk-in access approximately 20 miles southwest of Mesquite. The eastern side of the Dallas metropolitan area features lakeside camping at East Fork Park on Lake Lavon and Lavonia, which provide electric hookups and water connections for both tent and RV camping, typically within 30-45 minutes of Mesquite.
Road conditions and site maintenance vary significantly across campgrounds in the region. "I found this park to be maintained poorly. The sites are close together with little shade and are all in a big, level circle with limited to no view of the lake itself," noted one camper about East Fork Park. While some lakeside campgrounds feature paved RV pads, several reviews mention deteriorating asphalt and uneven sites that require leveling blocks. Most campgrounds remain open year-round, though summer heat can be intense with limited shade at many locations. Reservation requirements are standard at most developed campgrounds, with gates that typically lock at night, restricting late entry between 10 PM and 6 AM at some parks.
Water access represents a major draw for campers in the area, with multiple campgrounds situated along Lake Lavon and Lewisville Lake. Several visitors highlighted lake views and boating access as key highlights, though waterfront platforms at some locations have fallen into disrepair. Bathroom and shower facilities receive mixed reviews, with some campgrounds like Plantation Place lacking these amenities entirely. Campers consistently mention spacious sites at Corps of Engineers (COE) campgrounds, though grass maintenance issues appear in multiple reviews. For those seeking full hookups, several RV parks provide sewer, water, and 50-amp electrical connections, while tent campers may find more limited designated areas at some locations. Cell service is generally strong throughout the region, with most campgrounds reporting good coverage for remote work or communications.
$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 - $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."
$98 / night
"Sarah and Paul have curated a great Texas countryside campground with private well spaced sites and great amenities. Need high speed Internet for work- got it."
"I stayed in spot #19, which gives you visibility to all the amenities around. The place is peaceful, I enjoyed walking my gsd around the property and checking out all the airstream rentals."
$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."
"Stayed there during our trip to Texas, after visiting Big Bend. Overall, pretty good spot for RVing."
"We spent an entire month, as we typically do, in Bluebonnet Ridge RV Park in Terrell, Texas. There is a lot to really like about this campground. We would definitely stay here again."
"Just outside DFW area."
$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."
$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."
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 Mesquite, Texas offer diverse options within a 20 to 45 minute drive. The region sits at approximately 450 feet above sea level with average summer temperatures reaching 95°F between June and September. Winter camping remains viable with daytime temperatures typically ranging from 50-65°F, though occasional cold fronts can bring freezing conditions.
Fishing opportunities: Lake Lavon provides accessible fishing without needing a boat. At Lavonia Park, campers can enjoy lakeside fishing with convenient access points. "Wide open spaces and beautiful lake views. The sites are far apart and lots of green space," notes one visitor at Lavonia.
Biking and hiking: Cedar Hill State Park features interconnected trails suitable for various skill levels. "The park is designed with small loops for 15-20 camp sites in each loop. Very little traffic right by the individual spots," writes a reviewer about the park layout that makes it ideal for bike exploration.
Boating and water access: Hickory Creek offers direct lake access ideal for kayaking and boating enthusiasts. "There are many sites that you can stay at and have a lakeside campground," explains one review. Another camper mentions, "The primitive locations offer a great way to dip your toes into the world of backpacking."
Spacious, private sites: The Corps of Engineers campgrounds receive consistent praise for site spacing. "Plenty of space between sites. Not many trees in some site for shade," notes a reviewer at East Fork Park, demonstrating that even with limited tree cover, the distance between campsites provides a sense of privacy.
Lake views: Loyd Park offers premium lakeside camping with scenic vistas. "Our site was only a hundred feet from the lake - gorgeous view!" shares one camper. The park features "great bike trails, friendly staff and lovely sites, each pretty secluded from each other," according to another visitor.
Clean facilities: Many parks maintain well-kept restrooms and shower facilities. "Very clean and picturesque park, would come back for sure," states a Cedar Hill State Park visitor. Another camper at the same location mentions, "I love camping at cedar Hill State Park it's always clean quiet the customer service you received is very good restrooms are always neat and clean."
Weather considerations: Summer heat requires preparation with limited shade at many campgrounds. At East Fork Park, one camper notes that "there are trees - some large enough to provide some shade if desired, but most small enough to allow satellite reception."
Unlevel sites: Several campgrounds feature aging infrastructure requiring leveling equipment. At East Fork Park Campground, a visitor observed "the pad has definitely broken up over time and isn't level. The fire pit is also sitting at an angle."
Wildlife encounters: Insect preparation is essential during warmer months. Cedar Hill campers have experienced "fire ants and chiggers all over our campsite," while noting that "the lake was nice" despite these challenges.
Noise factors: Highway proximity affects some campgrounds with traffic sounds. "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. Even though it's in a highly populated area, it feels very remote when you get into the park," reports one camper.
Playground access: Plantation Place offers dedicated dog parks and open areas for children. "Has a nice pond and pet friendly," notes one visitor, providing spaces for both kids and pets to enjoy outdoor time.
Swimming opportunities: Several parks feature designated swimming areas with beach access. At Loyd Park, "They have a big beach, park area to enjoy," mentions a reviewer, making it ideal for families with children who want water activities.
Educational opportunities: Cedar Hill State Park provides nature programs on weekends during peak season. "Good representation of Texas wildlife and a good spot for family camping," explains one visitor about the educational value of the park.
Kid-friendly sites: Look for sites away from water for younger 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!" shares a Hickory Creek camper.
Hookup availability: Bluebonnet Ridge RV Park offers full-service sites with complete hookups. "Have about 10 concrete pads, the rest are level gravel. Blacktop roads, tennis/pickle ball court, small fishing lake, laundry, pool and tiny houses," writes one visitor describing the extensive amenities.
Site selection: Request sites away from highway noise when possible. "The park is very quiet while we were there. No ruckus or loud people. Folks walked around, talked a bit," notes one camper at Bluebonnet Ridge about the peaceful atmosphere.
Dump station logistics: Some parks require using central dump stations rather than in-site sewer connections. "The only 'negative' I found is that the sewage hook up is not at the actual site. There are dump stations in different places," explains a Hickory Creek visitor, highlighting an important consideration for RVers planning longer stays.
Extended stay options: Several parks accommodate longer-term camping with monthly rates. "We spent an entire month, as we typically do, in Bluebonnet Ridge RV Park in Terrell, Texas. There is a lot to really like about this campground," shares one RVer, noting the park's suitability for extended visits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any RV parks in Mesquite, TX?
Yes, the Mesquite area offers RV accommodations for travelers. Treetops RV Resort is a highly-rated option in the region featuring pull-through sites, fire pits, picnic tables, clean bath houses, and laundry facilities. The resort is noted for its beautiful shade trees and quiet atmosphere. Plantation Place near Sunnyvale is another option close to Mesquite that provides water hookups and is big-rig friendly. Both parks offer easy access to the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex while providing comfortable accommodations for RV travelers.
Where can I find tent camping near Mesquite?
For tent camping near Mesquite, several excellent options are available within a short drive. Cedar Hill State Park Campground offers over 300 wooded sites and 30 primitive hike-in campsites on Joe Pool Lake, just southwest of Dallas. The park features terrain reminiscent of Texas Hill Country. Hickory Creek - Lewisville Lake provides spacious campsites with water access, offering a secluded feel despite being close to the city. Other options include Wind Point Park for lakeside camping and Isle du Bois at Ray Roberts Lake State Park for a more natural setting north of the metroplex.
What RV parks are available near Mesquite, TX?
Several RV parks are available within a short drive from Mesquite. Rockin' Sunset RV Resort offers well-maintained facilities with easy access to both the Dallas-Fort Worth area and East Texas. American RV Park in Corsicana provides convenient highway access, making it suitable for travelers visiting Navarro College or exploring the town. Additional options in the surrounding area include Lavon Oaks RV Park and Bluebonnet Ridge RV Park, all offering various amenities for RV campers looking to stay near the Mesquite area.
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