Waterside camping near Richardson
Discover quiet lakeside camping and family-friendly parks on the outskirts of Dallas.
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Popular camping styles for Richardson
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Waterside camping near Richardson guide
Overview
Richardson, Texas is a modern Dallas suburb with all the amenities of a city, but much closer proximity to nature. The many parks in this town make green space accessible, and as the home of the University of Texas at Dallas, there’s no shortage of bars, restaurants, and festivals. Whether you’re eating Tex-Mex at Richardson Food Truck Park or finding a new pair of cowboy boots at Richardson Mercantile, this charming town is a great jumping-off point for heading out into the wild.
Where to go
Prairie Creek Park
This urban park differs from most because it’s home to a waterfall. Here, you can walk, bike, and dip into the water. With no skyscrapers in sight and lush forests all around, you really will feel like you’ve escaped into nature. This is a great place to bring a picnic lunch, especially with kids, as there are plenty of picnic benches and tables to enjoy.
Lake Lavon
About 40 minutes from Richardson is Lake Lavon, a great place for swimming, boating, fishing, camping, and more. There are parks and campgrounds situated all around the lake, including Clear Lake Park, East Fork Park, Avalon Park, and Lavonia Park. Lake Lavon also has two boat rental locations, including Woody’s on the Lake and Collin Park Marina.
Lake Lewisville
At nearly 30,000 acres, this large reservoir is known for having warm waters and beautiful shores. Like many other lakes in Texas, this lake has options for camping, boating, fishing, swimming, and more. At the base of this lake stretches LLELA Nature Preserve, a green space featuring historic sites that can be viewed via a visitor center, walking trails, and kayaking.
When to go
The best time to visit Richardson, Texas is in the spring and fall. Specifically, September and November have the best temperatures without having the crowds of summer, so you can enjoy more access to camping sites, beaches, and other amenities.
Know before you go
- A Texas state park pass can be purchased annually.
- In Texas state parks, camping is only allowed at designated camping spots, and camping in public spaces is prohibited.
- Texas is prone to burn bans, especially in the summer, so check to see if a campfire is allowed before you light up.
