Most weekend getaways near Dallas leave RV and boat owners scrambling for spots with real access and parking. You know the frustration of arriving only to find crowded launches or campgrounds that don’t welcome your rig. This guide maps out North Texas RV trips that put you right where the water meets the shore—think Lake Texoma, Ray Roberts, and Possum Kingdom. Ready to find the best lakes for boating near Dallas and RV friendly weekend trips Texas actually delivers?
Best North Texas RV Trips
North Texas offers weekend escapes where your RV and boat can both find happy homes. These destinations combine water access with camping comfort for perfect getaways.
Lake Texoma Adventure
Lake Texoma stands as a water lover’s paradise just 75 miles north of Dallas. This massive 89,000-acre lake straddles the Texas-Oklahoma border and welcomes RVs with open arms.
Eisenhower State Park gives you prime camping spots with water and electric hookups for rigs up to 50 feet. The park’s boat ramp makes getting your vessel into the water simple, with parking areas built for trailers. You’ll find clean restrooms, hot showers, and hiking trails when you need a break from the water.
Fishing enthusiasts take note – Lake Texoma earned its reputation as the “Striper Capital of the World.” Pack your gear for a shot at striped bass, catfish, and smallmouth bass. Many campsites sit just steps from prime fishing spots, letting you cast a line while your morning coffee brews.
Want a break from cooking? Marina restaurants dot the shoreline, serving fresh catches and cold drinks with stunning water views. Some even offer boat-up service so you can dock and dine without leaving the water behind. Check out these Dallas-Fort Worth lakes for more options beyond Texoma.
Ray Roberts Retreat
Just 45 minutes north of Dallas, Lake Ray Roberts offers a quick escape that feels miles from city life. The state park here features multiple camping areas designed with RVers in mind.
Isle du Bois campground provides 115 sites with water and electric hookups, many large enough for big rigs. The sandy swimming beach gives non-boaters a place to cool off, while boat owners appreciate the wide, well-maintained launch ramps. The campground’s layout means you’re never far from restrooms and shower facilities.
Morning coffee tastes better with lake views, and many sites offer just that. After breakfast, launch your boat from the nearby ramp and spend your day exploring 29,000 acres of clear water. Anglers find success with bass, crappie, and catfish here year-round.
When you need a break from the water, hit the 20+ miles of hiking and biking trails that wind through forests and along shorelines. The bird watching here ranks among the best in North Texas, with over 200 species spotted throughout the year. The park’s nature center offers programs for curious campers wanting to learn more about local wildlife.
Exploring Possum Kingdom
Possum Kingdom Lake, nicknamed “PK” by locals, sits about 90 minutes west of Fort Worth. This crystal-clear lake boasts striking blue waters and limestone cliffs that make it a standout among Texas lakes for summer boating.
Hubert H. Moss Lake Park offers prime RV camping with 160 sites featuring water and electric hookups. Many spots sit right on the waterfront, letting you park your rig with lake views. The park maintains clean restrooms, hot showers, and a store for forgotten essentials.
The lake’s famous “Hell’s Gate” rock formation creates a natural channel worth exploring by boat. Drop anchor in one of the many coves for swimming in water so clear you can see your toes. Water sports enthusiasts love the open areas perfect for skiing and wakeboarding.
Unlike more crowded Dallas-area lakes, PK often gives you breathing room even during peak seasons. The 18,000-acre lake provides plenty of space to find your own piece of paradise. Evening campfires beside your RV cap off perfect days, with stars reflected in the calm water as night falls.
RV-Friendly Campgrounds
Finding the right home base makes all the difference for your North Texas lake adventure. The best campgrounds combine access with comfort for memorable stays.
Top Campground Features
Water access tops the list for most RV and boat owners seeking weekend trips. Look for campgrounds with boat ramps directly on-site or within a short drive of your campsite.
Full hookup sites save you from worrying about conserving water or power during your stay. Many North Texas campgrounds now offer 50-amp service for larger rigs, plus water and sewer connections. Some premium sites include cable TV hookups and Wi-Fi access for rainy days.
Security matters when you’re away from your campsite enjoying the lake. The best RV parks employ 24-hour staff, gated entry, and good lighting throughout the grounds. This protection lets you focus on fun rather than worrying about your belongings.
Kid-friendly amenities turn good trips into great ones for families. Swimming pools, playgrounds, and game rooms keep younger campers happy when they need a break from the boat. Some parks even organize activities like movie nights and ice cream socials during summer months.
Year-round availability sets top campgrounds apart from seasonal options. While swimming might be seasonal, fishing and boating remain possible throughout much of the year in North Texas. The best parks stay open in all seasons, with many offering discounted rates during quieter months.
Key RV Amenities
Pull-through sites rank high on RV owners’ wish lists, eliminating stressful backing maneuvers. The most RV-friendly campgrounds offer spacious pull-throughs with room for both your rig and boat trailer.
Level, concrete pads prevent the frustration of trying to balance your RV on uneven ground. Premium sites feature paved pads that stay mud-free during rain, with patios for outdoor relaxation. Look for sites with fire rings and picnic tables for enjoying meals outdoors.
Dump stations prove essential for extended stays, and the best campgrounds maintain clean, accessible facilities. Many parks now offer on-site propane filling, saving you from searching for refills during your trip. Some even provide mobile pump-out service that comes to your site.
Laundry facilities let you pack lighter and stay longer. Top campgrounds house clean machines in air-conditioned buildings, often with change machines and vending options. This simple amenity makes a huge difference during multi-day stays.
On-site stores stock fishing tackle, ice, firewood, and basic groceries at most premium campgrounds. This convenience saves long drives when you need last-minute items. Many park stores also rent equipment like kayaks and paddleboards for guests without boats. For an example of what makes a great RV park, check out this guide to Lake Livingston.
Boating Tips and Tricks
Making the most of North Texas lakes means knowing how to navigate the practical details. From launching to parking, these tips help smooth out common frustrations.
Boat Launch Access
Timing your launch makes all the difference during busy weekends. Early mornings (before 8 AM) and weekdays give you near-private access to most boat ramps. This strategy helps you avoid the midday crowds that form at popular lakes.
Scout your ramp before backing down. Walk the length first to check for underwater obstacles, drop-offs, or slippery spots that could cause trouble. Many North Texas lakes have water level fluctuations that change ramp conditions weekly.
Practice proper ramp etiquette by preparing your boat before backing down. Remove covers, load gear, disconnect tie-downs, and insert drain plugs while still in the parking area. This consideration keeps the line moving for everyone.
Keep a launch checklist in your tow vehicle to prevent common mistakes. Items like leaving the drain plug out or forgetting to disconnect trailer tie-downs cause preventable delays. A simple checklist prevents these errors even when you’re excited to hit the water.
Many North Texas lakes require boat inspections to prevent invasive species spread. Allow extra time for these quick checks, which help protect the waters we all enjoy. Remember the “Clean, Drain, Dry” rule when moving between different lakes.
Parking Tips for RV Owners
Look for campgrounds with pull-through sites that accommodate both your RV and boat trailer. This setup eliminates the need to disconnect your boat during your stay, saving time when you want to hit the water.
Consider your power needs when selecting a site. Boats with battery chargers or refrigeration systems need reliable shore power. Request sites with 30 or 50-amp service based on your combined RV and boat requirements.
Position your rig strategically for easy boat access. Park with your trailer hitch facing the road when possible, making morning departures smoother. This orientation saves awkward maneuvering when you’re eager to start your day.
Bring wheel chocks and leveling blocks specifically for your boat trailer. Proper chocking prevents unexpected movement when disconnected from your tow vehicle. This safety measure becomes even more important on sloped camping sites.
Ask about overflow parking for busy weekends. Many campgrounds offer extra spaces for boat trailers during peak times. This option gives you flexibility if your assigned site can’t accommodate both your RV and boat comfortably.