Murrell Park

3.98

159 reviews

880 SIMMONS RD, FLOWER MOUND, TX 75022, USA

Summer Destination

Quick Facts

574 ft

Price

$10 - $14/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

11 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens U.S. Army Corps of Engineers site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

574 ft

Price

$10 - $14/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

11 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens U.S. Army Corps of Engineers site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Murrell Park

$10.00 - $14.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Fees increased from $10 to $14 per site as of January 1, 2023.

Standard Site Fee$14.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

817-865-2600ami.e.watkins@usace.army.mil

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What Campers Say

3.98

Mixed Reviews

Based on 159 reviews

1009 Google reviews

Most mentioned

scenerylake

"User reviews for Murrell Park are highly polarized. Positive themes include scenic lake views, affordable prices, and proximity to Dallas-Fort Worth for convenience. Negative themes focus heavily on cleanliness of facilities, particularly the pit toilets, and poor campsite maintenance. Some users experienced challenges with staff or site numbering."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

880 SIMMONS RD, FLOWER MOUND, TX 75022, USA

Murrell Park

880 SIMMONS RD, FLOWER MOUND, TX 75022, USA

Driving directionsGrapevine Lake is located in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, south of Denton, Texas. The north side of the lake is almost entirely within the town boundaries of Flower Mound, Texas in Denton county. The south side of the lake is located in Grapevine, Trophy Club and Southlake, Texas in Tarrant County.

The park is easily accessible via major roads, situated within the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. However, campers must note that RV camping is not allowed, and vehicles must fit into standard parking spots.

Nearby places

Grapevine (approximately 5 miles), Trophy Club (approximately 8 miles), Southlake (approximately 10 miles), Denton (approximately 20 miles).

Nearby supplies

Supplies are available within the nearby city of Grapevine, which offers grocery stores, camping gear retailers, and fuel stations.

Best Time to Camp at Murrell Park

Summer transforms Murrell Park into a waterfront paradise, where the refreshing waters of Grapevine Lake provide the perfect antidote to the legendary Texas heat. These warmer months showcase the park at its finest, with full access to amenities and ideal conditions for swimming, boating, and lakeside relaxation. While winter brings a quieter charm to the landscape, visitors should note that cooler months may affect water availability at spigots, adding an extra layer of adventure to your primitive camping experience.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Top 23% in TX

Summer is the waterfront peak season for boating and cooling off in the lake.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.5 / 5

Shoulder-season pleasantness implied; fewer peak-season crowd/maintenance issues.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Good season for trails and on-water activities; reviews generally favorable in shoulder seasons.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.0 / 5

Open year-round and quieter in winter; some amenities (spigots) turned off.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 1, 2025 - December 31, 2025. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round. Seasonal amenities like water spigots are turned off during winter months.
Current Alerts: Water spigots are turned off during winter months; campers must bring their own water.

About Murrell Park

Escape to the untouched shores of Grapevine Lake at Murrell Park, where primitive tent camping meets endless waterfront adventures. This hidden gem invites outdoor enthusiasts to pitch their tents along the scenic lakeshore and immerse themselves in a world of hiking trails, mountain biking paths, and prime fishing spots. Whether you're casting a line at dawn or exploring wooded trails by day, Murrell Park delivers an authentic back-to-nature experience just moments from the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.

Murrell Park offers primitive tent-only camping along Grapevine Lake. RV camping is explicitly prohibited, and group camping sites are not mentioned.

Historical SignificanceYour camping adventure unfolds in the shadow of Texas history, with the nearby city of Grapevine standing as one of Denton County's original pioneering settlements. Established in 1844, this historic community has evolved from frontier outpost to vibrant destination, yet the natural beauty that drew those first settlers remains wonderfully preserved along these lakeshores.

Weather and SeasonsSummer transforms Murrell Park into a waterfront paradise, where the refreshing waters of Grapevine Lake provide the perfect antidote to the legendary Texas heat. These warmer months showcase the park at its finest, with full access to amenities and ideal conditions for swimming, boating, and lakeside relaxation. While winter brings a quieter charm to the landscape, visitors should note that cooler months may affect water availability at spigots, adding an extra layer of adventure to your primitive camping experience.

ElevationThe gently rolling terrain creates an ever-changing landscape of hills and hollows, offering varied vantage points throughout your camping experience.

Natural Features and ScenerySprawling across 7,280 acres with 60 miles of pristine shoreline, Grapevine Lake serves as the stunning centerpiece of Murrell Park's natural canvas. The surrounding landscape of gentle rolling hills creates intimate coves and scenic overlooks, while the diverse ecosystem supports an impressive cast of wildlife characters. Keep your eyes peeled for white-tailed deer grazing at twilight, wild turkeys strutting through the underbrush, and armadillos shuffling along trails. The trees echo with birdsong throughout the day, while playful squirrels and cottontail rabbits add movement to the peaceful scenery.

Geological RegionNestled within the greater Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, Murrell Park showcases the region's characteristic rolling hill country surrounding the expansive 7,280-acre Grapevine Lake. This geological tapestry of gentle slopes and wooded ridges creates 60 miles of varied shoreline, from secluded coves to open water vistas. The diverse terrain supports a thriving ecosystem where white-tailed deer roam alongside wild turkeys, while smaller residents like squirrels, armadillos, and rabbits share the landscape with countless bird species that fill the air with their calls.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Official check-in time is not specified.

Check-out

Checkout time is the day after reserved arrival, but exact times are unspecified.

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Murrell Park allows a maximum of 2 tents, 2 vehicles and 8 people per campsite.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campground is laid out near the lakeshore with 11 tent-only sites featuring picnic tables, fire rings, and some shelters.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov through both their website and app.

Walk-in AvailabilityAdvance reservations are required; walk-up availability is not mentioned.

Cancellation PolicyA $10 cancellation fee applies, and late cancellations (after midnight the day before check-in) will subtract the first night's recreation use fee from refunds.

AccessibilityAccessibility features are not explicitly mentioned in official sources or user reviews.

Site SizeSites are described as spacious by users, but no explicit size measurements are provided.

PrivacyThe campsites generally offer limited privacy due to their open layout and proximity to the lake. "The site is very much in the open without tree cover and there is limited privacy near the site," one reviewer noted.

Total Campsites11 campsites

Recommended SitesCampers often recommend bringing extra padding for tent setups due to rocky ground and shade considerations. Site #28 is suggested for its quiet, lakeside location.

Amenities available

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Murrell Park offers extensive recreational activities, both on and off the water. Popular activities include hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and boating. The park features the Northshore Trail, celebrated for its suitability for hiking and mountain biking, though horses and motorized bikes are prohibited. "Great location for doing a day or evening mountain bike ride," noted one reviewer. The lake offers opportunities for fishing and boating, with anglers targeting black and white crappie, catfish, and bass. Wildlife viewing is also a highlight, with white-tailed deer, turkey, rabbit, and various bird species present.

HikingHiking trails are available, notably the Northshore Trail, which is a prime attraction for both hikers and mountain bikers. "Excellent site. Beautiful view," noted a reviewer. However, users pointed out challenges such as high traffic from bikers: "We counted 50 bikers on a 2.5-mile loop."

FishingFishing is permitted in Murrell Park, both from the shoreline and on the water. Popular fish species include black and white crappie, catfish, and bass. "Caught a large catfish," noted one reviewer.

BikingMountain biking is highly popular, especially on the Northshore Trail. Users frequently praise the trail for its technical challenges, although high biker traffic is noted. "My kids love heckling the mountain bikers as they struggle through technical climbs," commented one reviewer.

BoatingBoating is supported with two ramps: a high-water and low-water ramp. No mention of docking facilities or rental services is provided.

Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing opportunities abound due to the park's natural features. Common sightings include white-tailed deer, turkey, squirrel, armadillo, rabbit, and numerous bird species.

Winter Activities

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsSnakes inhabit the area. Campers should exercise caution. The campground lacks lifeguards; swimmers must assume personal safety.

Active AlertsWater spigots are turned off during winter months; campers must bring their own water.

Fire PolicyCampfire rings and grills are available at campsites. Do not move firewood from other locations to prevent pests.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are not explicitly mentioned.

Emergency ServicesEmergency services include hospitals in Denton and Grapevine, police stations in Flower Mound, and ranger staff monitoring the park.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not explicitly mentioned. However, numerous user reviews complain about litter at campsites, highlighting a lack of regular cleaning or waste management in the area.

Water FeaturesAll campsites are along Grapevine Lake, offering direct access to water for fishing and boating.

Camp HostPark rangers and volunteer staff actively monitor the campground. Rangers conduct patrols to ensure reservation compliance.

Weather at Murrell Park

Reviews

4.0

159 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Murrell Park has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Murrell Park are highly polarized. Positive themes include scenic lake views, affordable prices, and proximity to Dallas-Fort Worth for convenience. Negative themes focus heavily on cleanliness of facilities, particularly the pit toilets, and poor campsite maintenance. Some users experienced challenges with staff or site numbering.

Review Summaries

Based on 159 reviews

What Campers Love

Users praised the scenic beauty, affordability, and convenience of Murrell Park. "Beautiful scenery especially waking up in the morning to fog on the lake," one review highlighted. "Great place...

Based on 159 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include poor maintenance, littered campsites, and unhelpful staff. "Bathrooms were disgusting," one user mentioned, while another stated, "There was trash all over the site."

Based on 159 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommended bringing additional equipment, such as hammocks or foam padding to deal with hard ground, and portable toilets to avoid pit toilet issues. "Bring a garbage bag! We don’t need the...

Based on 159 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is particularly popular due to refreshing lake activities, although the heat can make camping uncomfortable. Pit toilets seem worse during busy holiday periods. Cold weather months offer...

Based on 159 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Kids had a blast, but the trash at our site was a real letdown." "It’s close to civilization, campsites are well-kept and spread out, and the lake views are pleasant." "We camped for 7 days, and...

Based on 159 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 28 is highly praised for its lovely inlet view and proximity to the water, though reviewers noted hard ground and rocky terrain. Site 33 offers immediate lake access, although neighboring sites...

Based on 159 reviews