Top 5 Family Friendly Camping Spots From Your Local Family Photographer + Nature-Loving Mama, Shelly Voss
Hey friends!
If your crew loves a good adventure, muddy shoes, and evenings around the campfire, RV camping might just be your love language. As a mom of three young boys and someone who finds beauty in the real moments, I’m here to say: camping trips are some of the best memory-makers out there.
Whether you’re pulling out of the driveway for the first time or you’re seasoned RV pros, here are my top 5 family-friendly campgrounds within 2 hours of McKinney. These spots are full of charm, nature, and all the ingredients for a perfect family weekend — s’mores and all.
1. Lake Ray Roberts State Park – Isle du Bois Unit
Location: Pilot Point, TX (about 1 hour)
Why We Love It: This one’s a quick drive and offers shaded campsites, lake access, and kid-friendly trails. The beach area is perfect for swimming, and the paved paths are stroller- and scooter-approved. We love biking, skipping rocks, and just slowing down here.
RV Perks: Water + electric hookups, dump station, clean restrooms
Perfect For: Local weekend getaways, easy outdoor fun, and little explorers
2. Jellystone Park™ at Whispering Pines
Location: Tyler, TX (about 1 hour and 45 minutes)
Why We Love It: If your kiddos are high-energy and love theme parks and camping — this is your match. From waterslides to crafts and Yogi Bear™ dance parties, there’s never a dull moment. It’s camping with a side of childhood magic. Jellystone also offers cabin and golf cart rentals!
RV Perks: Full hookups, premium RV spots, on-site activities
Perfect For: Young kids, birthdays, and fun-packed family weekends
3. Dinosaur Valley State Park
Location: Glen Rose, TX (about 2 hours)
Why We Love It: Where else can your kids literally walk in the footsteps of dinosaurs? This park has actual dino tracks in the riverbed, along with beautiful trails, shallow swimming holes, and scenic overlooks. It’s educational and fun (win-win for parents).
RV Perks: Water + electric hookups, shaded sites, dump station
Perfect For: Curious kiddos, nature hikes, and prehistoric playtime
4. Cleburne State Park
Location: Cleburne, TX (about 1 hour and 45 minutes)
Why We Love It: Tucked away in a peaceful part of North Texas, Cleburne feels like a quiet escape. It has a spring-fed lake for swimming and kayaking, beautiful wooded trails, and cozy, shaded campsites. It’s the perfect mix of peaceful and family-friendly.
RV Perks: Water + electric hookups, lakeside and wooded sites
Perfect For: Slower-paced weekends, nature lovers, and unplugged fun
5. Lake Murray State Park
Location: Ardmore, OK (about 2 hours)
Why We Love It: This one is a personal favorite. The water is so clear, and the views are just stunning. You’ll find beaches, boat rentals, great trails, and plenty of space to spread out. There’s a water playground in the cove with numerous inflatables, diving boards, put put golf, and kayaks! It’s our go-to when we want to truly reset and reconnect as a family. If you want the experience without the travel trailer, Lake Murray State Park offers cabin rentals – and a special perk is access to their private pool and splash pad!
RV Perks: Full hookups, lakefront RV sites, marina access
Perfect For: Longer getaways, tubing, and soaking in that lake life
Bonus Tip:
These parks fill up fast (especially Jellystone and state park weekends!), so book early through Texas State Parks or Jellystone Tyler. And don’t forget your bug spray, extra marshmallows, and a sense of humor — because let’s be real… something will be forgotten, and that’s part of the fun.
Ready to Go, But Don’t Have a RV?
We’ve got you covered! If you’re dreaming of a family camping vacation but don’t have your own RV — we offer RV rental with full service delivery! Our 27-foot Primetime Tracer travel trailer sleeps up to 8 people, has double bunk beds for the kids, and all the comforts of home supplied for you!
All you have to do is show up with your bags — we’ll take care of the rest.
For availability and rental inquiries, email sradams91@gmail.com.
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