The Best Camping Near Dallas, TX

Dallas has a lot to offer, a relatively low cost of living, a strong economy and most importantly TACOS! Delicious tacos.

If you live in Dallas and love to camp, the unfortunate reality is that you are going to have to do some driving.

When we first moved here, I thought convenient weekend camping trips were a thing of the past.

Over time, I’ve discovered some impressive campgrounds and parks that are close enough to be enjoyed any weekend you get the urge to discover the best camping near Dallas!

Overnight Camping Near Dallas (Under 2 Hour Drive)

If you are not willing to drive over an hour, options are limited.  While you can enjoy a nice walk around White Rock Lake or drive down to Cedar Ridge Preserve for a hike, you aren’t going to find good camping in Dallas.  Below are your best options for overnight camping near DFW.

Lake Tawakoni State Park (1 hour)

This is a nice park for a day trip or overnight camping.  The park has fishing gear for you to borrow, and the lake is home to many species of fish, including stripped bass.  If you like to fish, you may do so without a fishing license within the borders of any Texas state park!  Forested hiking and mountain bike trails offer decent shade on hot summer days.

Ray Roberts Lake State Park (1 hour)

If you happen to be looking for a place to bring your horse, Ray Roberts Lake State Park has 12 miles of trail for you to ride.  Mountain bikes and hikers are also welcome.  Some areas are a little over developed, a few of the trails are even paved.  Overall, its a good place to go fishing and enjoy the lake.  Numerous options are available for camping.

Eisenhower State Park (1 hour)

This park is situated on the shore of Lake Texoma.  There is a nice swimming cove with caves made of sand.  As I mentioned before, fishing is free inside of Texas state parks. This particular park even has fishing tackle for you to borrow.  Park rangers offer workshops on stargazing, fishing and Dutch oven cooking.  Eisenhower State Park is a good place to introduce your kids to camping.  It is one of the best campgrounds near Dallas for family camping.

Dinosaur Valley State Park (1.5 hours)

A shallow river cuts through this park.  Over time, erosion has revealed large fossilized dinosaur tracks, left by sauropods and theropods.  Both primitive walk in and electric campsites are available.  The dinosaur footprints are the main attraction of this park,  in the summertime you can add tubing the Brazos River to your itinerary.  Rental tubes and shuttle service can be found nearby.  You’ll see rental company along the road on your drive in.

Cross Timbers Trail at Lake Texoma (1.5 hours)

Built by the Army Corps of Engineers, Cross Timbers Trail offers 14 miles of hiking trails with views of Lake Texoma.  The terrain is surprisingly hilly.  Wilderness camping is available on a first come first served basis.  Park outside Cedar Bayou Marina, be careful where you park because they sometimes close the gate at night. Sign the logbook, in case you get lost, and hit the trails.  This is some of the best primitive camping near Dallas.

Lake Bob Sandlin State Park (1.75 hours)

This park is a little far for a day trip, but has more than 75 campsites for you to choose from.  Primitive camping is also available.  Two ecosystems come together in this park, resulting in diverse plant and wildlife.  Deer and other wildlife are not hard to find.

Tyler State Park (1.75 hours)

Something about this park reminds me of my youth.  Maybe it’s the pine trees, or little beach with a swimming platform.  Overnight options include tent campsites, screened in shelters and cabins.  The park has a nice little lake that is perfect for swimming, fishing or paddling around.

Camping within 3-6 Hours of Dallas

If you have the time for a little more driving, your options open up to include some really great parks.

Beavers Bend State Park (3 Hours)

A relatively large camping area, Beavers Bend State Park contains a lake, river and terrain much different than what you see around Dallas. This is the beginning of the Ouachita Mountain Range.  Try your hand at trout fishing, kayak down the river or simply enjoy the view.  Everything from primitive camping to full RV camping is available.

Colorado Bend State Park  (3.25 hours)

A magnificent waterfall, swimming holes, caves, wildlife, fishing, hiking and camping along the bank of the Colorado River.  What more could you ask for when camping so close to Dallas?  There is enough to do here to keep you busy all weekend.  While there is a small convenience store near the park entrance, this place is pretty far from any towns or grocery stores.  It is best to pick up supplies before you arrive. Read more about Colorado Bend State Park

McKinney Falls State Park (3.5 hours)

Just minutes from downtown Austin, this place can get pretty crowded in the summer.  However, the waterfalls, swimming areas and unique rock formations are worth the trip.  Despite being so close to an urban center, solitude can still be found in the woods.  All of the campsites have water and electric hookups.  Primitive camping is not available.  If you like to camp, this is one way to visit Austin on a budget.

Enchanted Rock State Natural Area (4 hours)

A colossal granite dome offers spectacular views to those willing to climb it.  The nearby town of Fredericksburg, a small Hill Country town best known for its wineries, is a nice place to visit after a day of hiking and climbing.   Walk in and primitive camping is available.  In the spring, when the wildflowers bloom, you won’t find a more relaxing drive from Dallas.

Palo Duro Canyon State Park (5.75 Hours)

It takes only 6 hours to drive from Dallas to the second largest canyon in the United States. Palo Duro Canyon stretches for 120 miles, averaging around 5 miles in width.

The Rock Garden Trail offers excellent views, and Lighthouse Trail will bring you up close to some of the more interesting formations in the park.

The Canyon is located just outside of Amarillo, so don’t forget to snap a picture at Cadillac Ranch, and test your intestinal fortitude with the famous 72oz steak challenge at The Big Texan!

Beartooth’s Favorite Weekend Camping Near Dallas

Lake Ouachita State Park (4.75 hours)

Some of the nicest tent camping near Dallas isn’t actually in Texas.  The tent only sites at Lake Ouachita State Park, near Hot Springs, are right on the water.   For an easy weekend camping trip, swimming and relaxing by the water, this is the place to go.  The lake is beautiful, the facilities are pristine and the park is a short drive from historic Hot Springs, AR.

Go into town and enjoy a walk past old bathhouses, feel the heat from natural springs, check out some art, eat some pizza, have a gumball at The Candy Corner and laugh at the hilarious mural of Bill Clinton.  If you’re up for an after dinner challenge, climb past the Grand Promenade to Dead Chief’s Trail.

The Best Camping in Texas

Big Bend National Park (9 hours)

If you have been thinking about visiting Big Bend and the distance is discouraging you, don’t let it.  Just pack your car with food and water and drive there.  This is a place that every Texan should see.   Experience the stillness of Santa Elana Canyon, mountain hikes with unparalleled views and alien landscapes created by volcanic activity.  You can even venture into Mexico for some lunch.  Big Bend is beautiful and worth the drive.  This camping trip will stand out in your memory for years to come.  Read more about Big Bend.

What are some of your favorite spots to go camping near Dallas?  Let us know what we are missing in the comments below!

No time to go camping?  Check out one of these Dallas hiking trails.

Bad weather have you stuck indoors?  Try this list of Outdoor Adventure Books to Read on Rainy Days.

Holiday shopping for the outdoorsy people in your life? This list of the Best Gifts for Outdoorsy People will give you some good ideas.