NWR: Campsites

cwaggoner07

I am looking to take H camping one weekend next month before it gets too cold. We have both been camping in big groups, but never together, and I would say we're VERY novice.
Has anyone ever been to a campground in the DFW area? We're looking for somewhere to go and set up our tent for a weekend, kind of secluded. But ya know, maybe some running water within a half mile walk. We would love some trails to go hiking/jogging. OH and we would be taking McFly with us as well.

Clearly I have no idea what I'm talking about, which is why I need your help! TIA!

EDIT: Because I can't spell 'campsite' correctly. Seriously, I need help, guys.

ejheart

Hmm...do you guys plan on doing any activities? I've been to Joe Pool lake for camping (it's actually a state park) and it wasn't bad. They have restrooms and showers and whatnot within walking distance, but the lake "swimming area" near the camp grounds wasn't really my fave. It wasn't terrible or anything though. 

Another thing that we did once was camping in New Braunfels on the river. That was really fun because we were able to float the river during the day then camp at night. I couldn't tell you exactly where we went but it was right on one of the rivers and very wooded. That, however, would be a bit of a drive and was a lot more crowded (but not in an annoying way) - ETA: hmm, guess this one wouldn't meet your "secluded" requirement, but I think you could easily find a more secluded place that's still near the river. I loved it. Restrooms and showers were also easily accessible. 

My third camping experience that I would recommend was at Lake Whitney. This was also at a state park and we we were able to do a lot of fishing there. They had some really nice open camp grounds and it was a blast. The only downside was that this was a bit of a drive, too (maybe an hour and a half from DFW). Again, easily accessible restrooms and showers but these definitely weren't the nicest (then again, none of them really will be when you're camping). 

Hope that helps a little? I am by no means an expert, so I'm sorry if it didn't. 

cwaggoner07

I've floated the Frio a couple of times with family, and I think by the time we make it out, it will be too cold for swimming (which is fine). I love state parks, we have our family reunion in Bonham every year. Activities will mostly consist of hiking, um maybe a canoeing excursion if we're near a lake. I'm more into just 'getting away' and getting some use out of our camping gear. And perhaps teaching my princess dog to sleep outside.

winechic25

Grapevine Lake has a few spots, and I'd suggest The Vineyards campgrond for your first try.  There some rocky areas around right on the lake you can "walk/hike", but they also have paddleboarding and kayaking you can do too!

kel50785

I just went camping last weekend @ Lake Ray Roberts State Park.  Im not sure about Hiking and activies (we took our boat) but it is extremely well kept up and the restrooms/showers are all over the camp grounds and very clean.  Dogs are allowed, we took ours and they did great!