The best camping near Hickory Creek with wildlife watching

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On the north shore of Lake Lewisville, Hickory Creek is a tranquil escape for urban campers, with grassy parklands stretching down to the lakeside. At Hickory Creek Campground, you can pitch your tent at one of the walk-in campsites or opt for an RV site with electric hookups, all within walking distance of the lake. There are plenty of ways to get on the water, whether you bring your own boat, fish for bass and catfish, or cool off with a swim. And if you get bored of laid-back life by the lake (you won’t)—downtown Dallas is just a half-hour away.

97% (1.5K)

Top-rated campgrounds

Wild 2 Wonderful Ranch

2. Wild 2 Wonderful Ranch

95%
(113)
40mi from Hickory Creek · 15 sites · Tents, RVs · Mansfield, TX
Book now and receive a Free Bundle of Firewood ( upon request ) Our Open Prairie Area is perfect for viewing Starry Night Skies, Wild 2 Wonderful Ranch has 4 generations, Living on Ranch, We are right outside Mansfield Texas city limits. We are hard at work reclaiming the land to make it a park like setting. You are 2 miles from old Downtown Mansfield. ( Several quaint shops and restaurants ) There are large open areas and also forest areas. Sit outside and watch the stars and the wildlife, enjoy the peace and quiet of the country with city and stores close by Our camping areas are large and accommodate large groups or small ones THE EXPRESSIONS OF WILD 2 WONDERFUL: As the morning crests the Texas horizon, imagine waking up the serene beauty of a pastural oasis just a stones throw away from urban convenience. here, just beyond the bustling city limits of Mansfield, Texas, awaits an RV camping haven for nature enthusiasts and city explorers alike. Spanning across a reclaimed expanse that exudes a park-like tranquility, our rich verdant landscape offers spacious camping areas ideal for both intimate and sizable RV groups. Whether you're looking to bask in the majesty of star-studded night skies or to witness the gentle parade of local wildlife, the merger of rustic charm with unrestrained freedom is sure to enrich you RV camping experience. Located 2 miles from the historic heart of downtown Mansfield, Campers can indulge in the local charm of quaint shops and inviting restaurant. Meanwhile, adventure seekers and families will revel in the proximity to a wealth of the region's lush flora and innovative water features. Our RV camping retreat offers a balance rarely found a nexus where pastural beauty meets urban excitement, leaving you with an escape that caters to peace-seekers and thrill-seekers alike. Set up camp where generations have sown the seed of hospitality and embraced the blend of nature's touch with the convenience of city amenities at your fingertips. Joe Pool Lake is within 10 miles Texas Ranger Stadium (Globe life field) 21 miles AT&T Stadium ( Dallas Cowboys stadium) 21 miles Traders Village Flea Market 16 miles Hawaiian Falls water park 6.8 miles Six Flags over Texas 20 miles Six Flags Hurricane Harbor 22 miles Downtown Dallas Historic District 37 miles Ft Worth Stock Yards 25 miles Parks Mall at Arlington 16 miles State Hwy 287 3.5 miles State Hwy 360 5.9 miles Interstate 20 16 miles Mans Best Field Dog park. 1.8 miles Ft worth Botanical Gardens 26 miles Ft worth Water Gardens 23 miles
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$12
 / night
Kasitas @ Paradise on Lake Texoma

3. this is Paradise on Lake Texoma

96%
(338)
49mi from Hickory Creek · 27 sites · Tents, Lodging · Pottsboro, TX
Paradise on Lake Texoma (formerly Paradise Cove) is a beautiful, secluded commercial campground located in the "Big Mineral Arm'' of Lake Texoma. Built in the 80's by the Corps of Engineers, Paradise has been a mainstay of the lake for many years. Recently, the current management team are working to grow Paradise into something special. With a huge focus on community and culture, Paradise has tons of space for people to come together and enjoy the company and also areas to wander off and find a quiet lakeside spot to relax. You'll also be able to catch one of the best breathtaking sunsets on the lake! The wildlife we have on the property is amazing! I have deer that sleep in my front yard, opossums, 600 bird species, and my favorite… the armadillos! We offer Kayaking on the property for a fee. We have a beautiful Hammock Garden free for guests to kick back and relax. Texoma Water Taxi is a text away to give guests a ride anywhere on the lake including restaurants. Rock-N A Ranch is roughly 20 minutes away and offers horseback riding. The Cabins and Campsites are within walking distance from each other but far enough away to create that illusion of privacy. We do have a neighborhood close by but you can’t see or hear them due to the woods.  In my travels, I try to bring back something I’ve seen or learned to help improve the guest experience and environment. You’ll notice little touches of Asia, Mexico, and even Hill Country Texas! We pride ourselves on our excellent customer service and treat every guest like family. We’re always a text away! You’ll see us out and about on our golf carts. If you ever need anything just holler (: Check-in time is at 3 pm. Our staff works really hard to make sure everything is perfect for your stay and we can’t guarantee it will be if you arrive before then. Parking, we work really hard to keep our property beautiful. Be sure to park in parking areas only.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$23
 / night
Camp Tonkawa Woods & Horse Camp

9. Camp Tonkawa Woods & Horse Camp

98%
(49)
30mi from Hickory Creek · 8 sites · Tents, Lodging · Collinsville, TX
In the early 1900’s an iconic red barn was built near the hilltop along the road between the old Mt. Zion community and Collinsville. Later in the 1900’s, the land was mostly abandoned by its owners, but not by the local fishermen! They knew its woodland fishing pond never dried up, and so was able to support a better population of fish. They also dumped a cornucopia of old motorcycles, cars and farm equipment in the front field. What else were you supposed to do with scrap metal in North Texas horse country? In 2002 the Holtzman family purchased the 35 acre tract of land. They dug a front pond for swimming and paddling, buried the scrap metal (although occasional bits of history still work their way up!), restored and brought horses back to the barn, and began consulting with local biologists about supporting native wildlife. April Holtzman launched Camp Tonkawa Outdoor Learning Center on the property to provide a beautiful, safe place for families to explore and learn about nature. Camp Tonkawa continues to host overnight and day camps with educational programing organized around various themes including: Native American culture, nature awareness, basic camping skills, primitive survival, organic gardening, herbology, outdoor cooking, western days, and horsemanship. We also host field trips and frequently conduct Girl Scout journeys for all levels in the "It's Your Planet, Love it!" series. Due to Covid-19, which limited working with groups for our educational programing, we joined Hip Camp where families who could isolate in nature together on our property.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$25
 / night
View of our 7 acre private lake

11. 4G Ranch at Tipps Lake

94%
(64)
26mi from Hickory Creek · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · Valley View, TX
Relax on 26 acres of rolling pasture with native trees and a private 6-acre lake. Enjoy huge Texas sunsets overlooking grazing cattle. Bring your kayaks or paddle boards to cruise on the private lake. Relax and read a book in the tree shade or hike around the lake. Check out our lake wildlife including plenty of waterfowl that regularly visit. Bring your fishing poles - the peninsula is a perfect fishing location on our stocked lake! Courteous canine friends are welcome. Our camping area is a graded grass and dirt area off of a gravel driveway with shade trees and a lake view. Enjoy a peaceful camping setting. There is a shared water hydrant for the campsites. For bigger water and easy access to Lake Ray Roberts State Park, head over to the Johnson Branch of Lake Ray Roberts which is less than 15 minutes away. We are located next door to 555 Vineyard and the Vineyard Tasting room. Also, check out downtown Valley View with local restaurants including Blue Bonnet Cafe, York N Ale, Hess Meat Market, and Firelight Vineyard just 7 minutes away. Edge of the Lake Vineyard is also 7 minutes away. Drinking water is available at the campsites from a water hydrant. No electricity is available at campsites. There are no bathroom amenities here. Guests will need to be self-contained, take waste with them and leave no trace.
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
$36
 / night
Best Day Ever Ranch

13. Best Day Ever Ranch

97%
(63)
41mi from Hickory Creek · 6 sites · Lodging · Whitewright, TX
Best Day Ever Ranch sits on 200 picturesque acres to explore and enjoy the natural beauty of the surrounding forest and serene lake. The ranch features cabin accommodations and many ranch activities including, hiking and biking trails, fishing and paddle boarding on scenic Dream Lake. The ranch is also home to a gorgeous 2800 sq. ft. event barn capable of hosting up to 200 guests. Our 800 sq. ft. garden gazebo is a second place for special ceremonies or outdoor receptions of up to 80 guests. Whether planning to marry the love of your life or orchestrating the most epic retreat, reunion or company party; Best Day Ever Ranch is here to meet your needs. BDER is your one stop venue for events and weddings featuring an abundance of activities and ranch amenities including cabins, ceremony and reception venue rentals. The ranch offers the perfect destination for a fun, relaxing stay away. Feed the goats and visit with the resident llama at the petting zoo, or just wander through the countryside enjoying the beautiful scenery.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$125
 / night

On the north shore of Lake Lewisville, Hickory Creek is a tranquil escape for urban campers, with grassy parklands stretching down to the lakeside. At Hickory Creek Campground, you can pitch your tent at one of the walk-in campsites or opt for an RV site with electric hookups, all within walking distance of the lake. There are plenty of ways to get on the water, whether you bring your own boat, fish for bass and catfish, or cool off with a swim. And if you get bored of laid-back life by the lake (you won’t)—downtown Dallas is just a half-hour away.

97% (1.5K)

Top-rated campgrounds

Wild 2 Wonderful Ranch

2. Wild 2 Wonderful Ranch

95%
(113)
40mi from Hickory Creek · 15 sites · Tents, RVs · Mansfield, TX
Book now and receive a Free Bundle of Firewood ( upon request ) Our Open Prairie Area is perfect for viewing Starry Night Skies, Wild 2 Wonderful Ranch has 4 generations, Living on Ranch, We are right outside Mansfield Texas city limits. We are hard at work reclaiming the land to make it a park like setting. You are 2 miles from old Downtown Mansfield. ( Several quaint shops and restaurants ) There are large open areas and also forest areas. Sit outside and watch the stars and the wildlife, enjoy the peace and quiet of the country with city and stores close by Our camping areas are large and accommodate large groups or small ones THE EXPRESSIONS OF WILD 2 WONDERFUL: As the morning crests the Texas horizon, imagine waking up the serene beauty of a pastural oasis just a stones throw away from urban convenience. here, just beyond the bustling city limits of Mansfield, Texas, awaits an RV camping haven for nature enthusiasts and city explorers alike. Spanning across a reclaimed expanse that exudes a park-like tranquility, our rich verdant landscape offers spacious camping areas ideal for both intimate and sizable RV groups. Whether you're looking to bask in the majesty of star-studded night skies or to witness the gentle parade of local wildlife, the merger of rustic charm with unrestrained freedom is sure to enrich you RV camping experience. Located 2 miles from the historic heart of downtown Mansfield, Campers can indulge in the local charm of quaint shops and inviting restaurant. Meanwhile, adventure seekers and families will revel in the proximity to a wealth of the region's lush flora and innovative water features. Our RV camping retreat offers a balance rarely found a nexus where pastural beauty meets urban excitement, leaving you with an escape that caters to peace-seekers and thrill-seekers alike. Set up camp where generations have sown the seed of hospitality and embraced the blend of nature's touch with the convenience of city amenities at your fingertips. Joe Pool Lake is within 10 miles Texas Ranger Stadium (Globe life field) 21 miles AT&T Stadium ( Dallas Cowboys stadium) 21 miles Traders Village Flea Market 16 miles Hawaiian Falls water park 6.8 miles Six Flags over Texas 20 miles Six Flags Hurricane Harbor 22 miles Downtown Dallas Historic District 37 miles Ft Worth Stock Yards 25 miles Parks Mall at Arlington 16 miles State Hwy 287 3.5 miles State Hwy 360 5.9 miles Interstate 20 16 miles Mans Best Field Dog park. 1.8 miles Ft worth Botanical Gardens 26 miles Ft worth Water Gardens 23 miles
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$12
 / night
Kasitas @ Paradise on Lake Texoma

3. this is Paradise on Lake Texoma

96%
(338)
49mi from Hickory Creek · 27 sites · Tents, Lodging · Pottsboro, TX
Paradise on Lake Texoma (formerly Paradise Cove) is a beautiful, secluded commercial campground located in the "Big Mineral Arm'' of Lake Texoma. Built in the 80's by the Corps of Engineers, Paradise has been a mainstay of the lake for many years. Recently, the current management team are working to grow Paradise into something special. With a huge focus on community and culture, Paradise has tons of space for people to come together and enjoy the company and also areas to wander off and find a quiet lakeside spot to relax. You'll also be able to catch one of the best breathtaking sunsets on the lake! The wildlife we have on the property is amazing! I have deer that sleep in my front yard, opossums, 600 bird species, and my favorite… the armadillos! We offer Kayaking on the property for a fee. We have a beautiful Hammock Garden free for guests to kick back and relax. Texoma Water Taxi is a text away to give guests a ride anywhere on the lake including restaurants. Rock-N A Ranch is roughly 20 minutes away and offers horseback riding. The Cabins and Campsites are within walking distance from each other but far enough away to create that illusion of privacy. We do have a neighborhood close by but you can’t see or hear them due to the woods.  In my travels, I try to bring back something I’ve seen or learned to help improve the guest experience and environment. You’ll notice little touches of Asia, Mexico, and even Hill Country Texas! We pride ourselves on our excellent customer service and treat every guest like family. We’re always a text away! You’ll see us out and about on our golf carts. If you ever need anything just holler (: Check-in time is at 3 pm. Our staff works really hard to make sure everything is perfect for your stay and we can’t guarantee it will be if you arrive before then. Parking, we work really hard to keep our property beautiful. Be sure to park in parking areas only.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$23
 / night
Camp Tonkawa Woods & Horse Camp

9. Camp Tonkawa Woods & Horse Camp

98%
(49)
30mi from Hickory Creek · 8 sites · Tents, Lodging · Collinsville, TX
In the early 1900’s an iconic red barn was built near the hilltop along the road between the old Mt. Zion community and Collinsville. Later in the 1900’s, the land was mostly abandoned by its owners, but not by the local fishermen! They knew its woodland fishing pond never dried up, and so was able to support a better population of fish. They also dumped a cornucopia of old motorcycles, cars and farm equipment in the front field. What else were you supposed to do with scrap metal in North Texas horse country? In 2002 the Holtzman family purchased the 35 acre tract of land. They dug a front pond for swimming and paddling, buried the scrap metal (although occasional bits of history still work their way up!), restored and brought horses back to the barn, and began consulting with local biologists about supporting native wildlife. April Holtzman launched Camp Tonkawa Outdoor Learning Center on the property to provide a beautiful, safe place for families to explore and learn about nature. Camp Tonkawa continues to host overnight and day camps with educational programing organized around various themes including: Native American culture, nature awareness, basic camping skills, primitive survival, organic gardening, herbology, outdoor cooking, western days, and horsemanship. We also host field trips and frequently conduct Girl Scout journeys for all levels in the "It's Your Planet, Love it!" series. Due to Covid-19, which limited working with groups for our educational programing, we joined Hip Camp where families who could isolate in nature together on our property.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$25
 / night
View of our 7 acre private lake

11. 4G Ranch at Tipps Lake

94%
(64)
26mi from Hickory Creek · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · Valley View, TX
Relax on 26 acres of rolling pasture with native trees and a private 6-acre lake. Enjoy huge Texas sunsets overlooking grazing cattle. Bring your kayaks or paddle boards to cruise on the private lake. Relax and read a book in the tree shade or hike around the lake. Check out our lake wildlife including plenty of waterfowl that regularly visit. Bring your fishing poles - the peninsula is a perfect fishing location on our stocked lake! Courteous canine friends are welcome. Our camping area is a graded grass and dirt area off of a gravel driveway with shade trees and a lake view. Enjoy a peaceful camping setting. There is a shared water hydrant for the campsites. For bigger water and easy access to Lake Ray Roberts State Park, head over to the Johnson Branch of Lake Ray Roberts which is less than 15 minutes away. We are located next door to 555 Vineyard and the Vineyard Tasting room. Also, check out downtown Valley View with local restaurants including Blue Bonnet Cafe, York N Ale, Hess Meat Market, and Firelight Vineyard just 7 minutes away. Edge of the Lake Vineyard is also 7 minutes away. Drinking water is available at the campsites from a water hydrant. No electricity is available at campsites. There are no bathroom amenities here. Guests will need to be self-contained, take waste with them and leave no trace.
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
$36
 / night
Best Day Ever Ranch

13. Best Day Ever Ranch

97%
(63)
41mi from Hickory Creek · 6 sites · Lodging · Whitewright, TX
Best Day Ever Ranch sits on 200 picturesque acres to explore and enjoy the natural beauty of the surrounding forest and serene lake. The ranch features cabin accommodations and many ranch activities including, hiking and biking trails, fishing and paddle boarding on scenic Dream Lake. The ranch is also home to a gorgeous 2800 sq. ft. event barn capable of hosting up to 200 guests. Our 800 sq. ft. garden gazebo is a second place for special ceremonies or outdoor receptions of up to 80 guests. Whether planning to marry the love of your life or orchestrating the most epic retreat, reunion or company party; Best Day Ever Ranch is here to meet your needs. BDER is your one stop venue for events and weddings featuring an abundance of activities and ranch amenities including cabins, ceremony and reception venue rentals. The ranch offers the perfect destination for a fun, relaxing stay away. Feed the goats and visit with the resident llama at the petting zoo, or just wander through the countryside enjoying the beautiful scenery.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$125
 / night

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best camping near Hickory Creek with wildlife watching guide

Where to go

Lake Lewisville

With 233 miles of shoreline, Lake Lewisville is one of the largest lakes in North Texas and a magnet for city-dwellers looking to cool off from the summer heat. Seven campgrounds dot the waterfront, and there are several boat launches and marinas from which to set sail. Sandy beaches and fishing are the main draws, but you can also explore the lakeside hiking and biking trails, rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard, or play a game of golf with a view of the lake.

North Denton 

North of Lake Lewisville, the Elm Fork Trinity River winds its way north through lush prairies and hardwood forests, forming a 20-mile Greenbelt Corridor between Lake Lewisville and Lake Ray Roberts. Escape the crowds to walk or bike through the Clear Creek wetlands, or head to the Ray Roberts State Park, where the highlights include boating, big-game fishing, and horseback trails. The state park also has several RV campgrounds and primitive camping sites.

East Dallas

On the eastern boundaries of Dallas, Lake Lavon and Lake Ray Hubbard are fringed by leafy parks and swimming beaches. Both have options for campers, including full hookup sites, as well as boat, kayak, and stand-up paddleboard rentals. Further east, Lake Tawakoni State Park is another popular choice for boating, fishing, and camping. 

When to go

Dallasites make a beeline for Lake Lewisville in the summer months when the cool waters provide welcome relief from the sweltering Texan sun. This is peak season, so book your campsite well in advance. Spring and fall are the best times for tent camping and outdoor activities, with less humidity and temperatures still warm enough for swimming and water sports. Hickory Creek campground stays open year-round.

Know before you go

  • The closest train station to Hickory Creek is Highland Village on the south shore of the lake. You’ll need your own transportation or to take a cab to reach the camping grounds. 
  • Neighboring Lake Dallas (a 5-minute drive) is the closest town to purchase groceries, fuel, and camping and fishing supplies.