Your Next Weekend Getaway: Top RV Escapes Within 3 Hours of Dallas
Weekend RV camping near Dallas is one of the easiest ways to reset without burning vacation days. Within a 1 to 3 hour drive you can trade traffic for trees. Also, you can swap city noise for crickets. Plus, you can let kids burn off energy on trails instead of screens.
This guide breaks down the best weekend RV camping near Dallas by drive time. That way, you can match your schedule to the right park. You’ll discover lake and hiking favorites about 90 minutes away. Finally, you’ll learn about a true “feels far, but isn’t” getaway at Inez Spring Riverfront RV Park about 100 miles west on I-20 near Eastland.
Why Weekend RV Camping Near Dallas Works So Well
DFW is dense and busy. This makes a fast nature escape feel even more rewarding. Dallas sits close to multiple state parks and lakefront campgrounds in every direction. So, you don’t have to drive far to reach water, trees, and quiet.
For weekend trips, RV camping near Dallas checks key boxes:
Short drive on Friday night or Saturday morning
Full hookups for easy, quick setup
Access to lakes or rivers for summer heat relief
Enough activities for kids, but still peaceful for adults
When you add a “destination style” stop like Inez Spring, you get something special. It feels like a mini vacation even with just two nights.
How Far Should You Drive For A Weekend RV Getaway From Dallas?
Most DFW RVers find 1.5 to 3 hours is the sweet spot. That is long enough to feel “away.” But, it’s short enough that you aren’t exhausted upon arrival.
If you leave after work Friday, staying within about 100 miles keeps arrival before quiet hours. Inez Spring, for example, sits roughly 100 miles west of DFW. The drive is about an hour and a half under normal conditions.
Best Weekend RV Camping Near Dallas Within 1 Hour
If you want the fastest possible reset, choose a park within about an hour. These are perfect for “we can leave after work” Fridays.
Cedar Hill State Park – Classic Close-In Lake Camping
Cedar Hill State Park sits on Joe Pool Lake. It’s only about 25 minutes southwest of downtown Dallas.
Why it works for weekends:
Developed campsites with electric and water hookups
Some full hookup sites available
Lakeside access for fishing and paddling
Short drive that still feels like a different world
The park can be busy on peak summer weekends. So, reservations and early arrival help a lot.
Ray Roberts Lake And Other North-Side State Parks
To the north, Ray Roberts Lake and Eisenhower State Parks are popular. These are consistently highlighted for their lakes, trails, and full hookup loops.
Choose these if:
You want boating, fishing, and swimming close to camp
You are meeting friends from the north side of the metro
You prefer classic wooded state park campgrounds
Best Weekend RV Camping Near Dallas Within 2 Hours
Once you’re willing to drive about 90 minutes, options open up dramatically. This is where you find bigger views and quieter campgrounds.
Inez Spring Riverfront RV Park – Leon River Escape On I-20
If you want a destination with amenities, Inez Spring Riverfront RV Park is a standout choice. It’s about 100 miles west of DFW on I-20 near Exit 343. The drive is roughly an hour and a half from Dallas-Fort Worth.
Key reasons it works so well:
Full-hookup pull-through and back-in RV sites
30/50 amp service, water, and sewer on most sites
Big-rig friendly pull-through pads up to 100 feet
24 shaded acres on the Leon River with trails
250,000 gallon spring-fed swimming pool
RV site rates at Inez Spring:
Back-in sites: around $43.50 per night
Cliffside sites: $47.25 per night
Big pull-throughs: $48.50 per night
Guests regularly call the park a “hidden gem off I-20.” They describe it as “a true escape without driving a long distance.” This is exactly what DFW weekenders seek.
Dinosaur Valley, Cleburne, And Lake Mineral Wells – Hiking Weekends
Southwest of Fort Worth, state parks like Dinosaur Valley fall into the 1 to 2 hour ring. These are mentioned often for their trails and river access.
Choose these if:
Hiking and biking are higher priority than resort-style amenities
You’re traveling with kids who love dinosaur tracks
You want more of a “state park feel” with wooded sites
These parks pair well with a destination like Inez Spring.
Best Weekend RV Camping Near Dallas Within 3 Hours
For three-day weekends, extending your radius to about three hours unlocks more variety.
Possum Kingdom State Park – Cliff Views And Big Water
Possum Kingdom State Park appears often on lists of great camping near DFW. Thanks to its clear lake and cliff views, it’s a strong choice.
It’s ideal if:
You want a big reservoir for boating and fishing
You don’t mind longer, twisty drives for better scenery
You plan to stay at least two nights
LBJ National Grasslands And Dispersed Options
Northwest of DFW, Lyndon B. Johnson National Grasslands offers dispersed camping. This is better suited to experienced, self-contained RVers comfortable without hookups.
For many families, using a full-hookup park like Inez Spring makes a nice contrast. You get comfort plus adventure.
Simple Weekend Itineraries For Dallas RV Travelers
You don’t need a complex plan for a great weekend. You just need a realistic one. Here are two easy templates.
Classic Friday To Sunday Family Trip
Friday:
Leave Dallas around 3 to 4 p.m.
Drive 1.5 hours to Inez Spring
Quick walk on the main loop trail
Dinner at your site
Saturday:
Morning: hike shaded trails to the Leon River
Midday: enjoy the spring-fed pool
Evening: cook outside, then s’mores at the fire pit
Sunday:
One more easy walk or quick paddle
Dump tanks and return to Dallas by early afternoon
Couples Quiet-Reset Weekend
For couples, focus on slow mornings and quiet evenings:
Sleep in, then walk river trails with coffee
Spend afternoon reading in the shade after a swim
Take a short drive into Eastland for dinner
Return to camp for a slow campfire finish
The idea is simple: less driving, more actual resting.
Why Inez Spring Is A Perfect Weekend Escape From DFW
Plenty of parks are within a couple of hours of Dallas. But, Inez Spring hits a rare combination. It offers easy access, natural setting, and family amenities.
Big-Rig Friendly Full-Hookup Sites
Inez Spring was designed with traveling RVers in mind. The park offers:
Pull-through sites up to 100 feet long
Back-in sites over 60 feet deep
30/50 amp power, water, and sewer on most RV pads
That means less time fighting tight turns. Instead, you get more time relaxing. Reviews repeatedly praise the large, level, shaded sites.
Spring-Fed Pool, Shaded Trails, And Leon River Access
Guests aren’t just parking here. They’re playing.
The 250,000 gallon spring-fed pool is naturally fed. It’s heavily shaded and uses dye rather than chlorine.
Around the property you’ll find:
Walking trails through oak and pecan trees
Paths leading directly to the Leon River
Rock bluffs and riverbottom “hideouts”
One reviewer summed it up perfectly. They felt “like a kid again” walking down to the river.
Consistently High Guest Ratings
A compiled Google review snapshot places Inez Spring at 4.8 stars. Common praise includes the spring-fed pool and peaceful atmosphere.
Comments describe it as:
“An absolute gem in Eastland County, Texas”
“A true escape without driving a long distance”
“The bestest campground we stayed so far”
For a Dallas area RVer, that combination is hard to beat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I go for weekend RV camping near Dallas?
You can choose from several rings of options. Within an hour, state parks like Cedar Hill offer quick escapes. At 1.5 hours, destinations like Inez Spring add riverfront relaxation. A 3 hour circle includes larger lakes like Possum Kingdom.
How far is Inez Spring Riverfront RV Park from Dallas-Fort Worth?
Inez Spring is roughly 100 miles west along I-20. Usually, it’s about 1.5 hours depending on traffic. You simply follow I-20 toward Abilene and exit at 343.
What is the best time of year for weekend RV camping near Dallas?
Fall and spring are most comfortable. Summer can be very hot, so choose parks with water access. The spring-fed pool at Inez Spring helps beat the heat. Winter is milder, but watch for cold snaps.
Can I find full-hookup RV parks near Dallas for a weekend?
Yes. Many private parks near Dallas advertise full hookups. Inez Spring provides full-hookup pull-through and back-in sites.
Do I need reservations for weekend RV camping near Dallas?
In most cases, yes. Parks around DFW often fill on spring and fall weekends. State parks use the Texas Parks online system. Inez Spring takes direct reservations through their booking portal.
Ready To Plan Your Next Weekend Escape?
For DFW RVers, the real magic is finding a site that feels like a genuine break. If you want I-20 convenience with riverfront trails, consider Inez Spring Riverfront RV Park.
Address: 10505 I-20, Eastland, TX 76448
Phone: (254) 629-1197
Check availability and reserve online today. Then, review RV pad options. For more ideas, explore our I-20 corridor RV guide for longer trips.