Let’s be honest, navigating the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex in a big rig can be a special kind of headache. The traffic, the endless sprawl, the constant hunt for a place that can accommodate more than just a pop-up camper. When it comes time to handle the less glamorous side of RV life, like emptying the tanks, the stress can really ramp up. Finding a reliable, accessible, and affordable dump station feels like searching for an oasis in a concrete desert. That’s why I was so pleasantly surprised by Lake Park Campground in Lewisville. It’s one of those spots that’s easy to overlook, but once you find it, you add it to your mental map of go-to locations. It’s a city-operated park, which can sometimes be a mixed bag, but this one is a real gem, especially considering its prime location.
Situated on the southern edge of the massive Lewisville Lake, this isn't just a utilitarian stop; it’s a destination in its own right. The fact that it offers a free dump station for registered campers and day-users is the cherry on top. We were passing through the area, making our way south on I-35E, and the thought of trying to find a truck stop with a working dump station that wasn't mobbed with semis was not appealing. A quick search pointed us toward Lake Park, and it turned out to be the perfect solution. It’s just a few minutes off the interstate, so you’re not burning a lot of fuel or time on a major detour, but it feels a world away from the highway noise. You pull in and you’re suddenly surrounded by trees and the calming presence of the lake. It’s a perfect reset button after a long day of driving.
The area itself is a fantastic blend of urban convenience and outdoor recreation. Lewisville proudly calls itself the “Urban Bass-Fishing Capital of Texas,” and when you see the size of the lake, you understand why. It’s a 29,000-acre behemoth with over 230 miles of shoreline, making it a hotspot for boaters, kayakers, and fishermen. Even if you’re not into fishing, the proximity to the water is incredibly relaxing. We saw folks just enjoying the breeze and watching the boats go by. If you decide to stay the night, you’re not stuck in the middle of nowhere. A short ten-minute drive takes you to Old Town Lewisville, which has this cool, historic vibe with brick-lined streets, live music, and even a craft distillery. It’s a great place to grab a bite to eat or just stretch your legs and soak up some local culture. And if you’re using the campground as a basecamp, you’re only about a 30 or 40-minute drive from all the attractions in Dallas or the Fort Worth Stockyards. It’s an ideal setup for full-timers who are exploring the region or for weekend warriors getting away from the city.
Now, let's talk about the on-the-ground experience of using the dump station. Being a municipal campground, it has a certain feel. It’s not a 24/7, come-and-go-as-you-please truck stop. Access is typically gated after 11 p.m., and you’ll need to check in at the office during their operating hours. The staff we encountered were friendly and helpful, but it’s a more structured environment. The dump station itself is a straightforward, single-lane concrete pad. It was clean and well-maintained when we were there. One of the biggest perks is that there's a potable water spigot right there at the dump lane. This is a huge time-saver. There’s nothing more annoying than having to empty your tanks in one spot and then maneuver your rig to another location just to fill up your fresh water tank. Here, you can do it all in one stop.
Because it’s in a campground, the traffic flow is different. You won’t be competing with a dozen eighteen-wheelers, but you might find a bit of a line on a Sunday morning when everyone is checking out and trying to do the same thing before hitting the road. We made our stop on a Tuesday morning, and it was completely empty. We had the whole place to ourselves. That’s a little insider tip for you: if you can time your essential chores for mid-week, you’ll almost always have a more pleasant and stress-free experience. The quiet hours are enforced, so it’s a courteous environment. This isn't the place to show up late at night and make a racket while you’re flushing your tanks.
The amenities here are pretty solid for a city park. If you decide to stay overnight, the sites have 30/50 amp electric hookups, which is great for recharging your batteries and running the air conditioning, a must-have in Texas for much of the year. There are two bathhouses with showers and even coin-operated laundry facilities. For full-timers or anyone on a long trip, having access to laundry is a massive bonus. The park is pet-friendly, which is a must for us, but the usual leash rules apply, so be prepared for that. One important thing to note is that there isn't a trash disposal right at the dump pad. You’ll need to pack out your trash or use the designated campground bins. It’s always a good idea to call ahead and confirm their policy on that, especially if you’re just coming in for day use.
From a cost and value perspective, Lake Park Campground is tough to beat in the DFW area. Camping fees are incredibly reasonable, around $20 to $22 a night, and that includes the use of the dump station. When you consider that many private parks will charge you $10 or $15 just for the privilege of dumping your tanks, staying a night here is an incredible value. You get a nice place to park, electricity, and all your water and sewer needs handled for just a few dollars more. For us, it was a no-brainer.
A few final tips for a smooth visit. Definitely call the office if you anticipate arriving after hours, say after 6 p.m., to see if you can get gate codes or make arrangements. As I mentioned, aim for a mid-morning, mid-week visit to avoid any potential queues at the dump station. And here’s a pro-tip for any dump station visit: always have your own rinse gear. We carry a dedicated 10-gallon water jug and a separate hose just in case the provided rinse spigot is occupied or out of order. It’s a simple backup that can save a lot of frustration. While you’re waiting for your tanks to do their thing, you can even take a short walk on the lakefront hike-and-bike trail. It’s a nice way to multitask and enjoy the scenery.
So, what's the final verdict? If you find yourself rolling through the Dallas–Fort Worth area and need a convenient, affordable, and genuinely pleasant place to empty your gray and black tanks, Lake Park Campground should be high on your list. It offers a much-needed dose of nature and tranquility just a stone's throw from one of the busiest urban corridors in the country. Just remember to be mindful of their hours and pack out your trash, and you’ll have a seamless experience that gets you refreshed and ready for the next leg of your journey.
1900 Kingfisher Dr, Lewisville, TX 75057
(972) 219-3742
Cost: Price not available
Category: Campground
Has Water
playlewisville.com/facilities/rv-campground