5. Lake Mineral Wells State Park and Trailway
Just west of downtown Dallas is Lake Mineral Wells State Park and Trailway. With scenic views of Lake Mineral Wells and the 20-mile Trailway there is lots to see and do at the park. Visit the lake for some swimming or rent a boat and enjoy some fishing. You can even borrow fishing equipment through the Tackle Loaner Program so you can catch some big catfish, crappie or bass. The park also has one of the few natural rock climbing venues in Texas from beginner to challenging rock climbing. Stay overnight at one of the 115 campsites including RV sites with water/electric.
4. Lake Tawakoni Park
Only 50 miles east of Dallas, Lake Tawakoni has everything you are looking for in a day at the beach. The lake is 37,879 acres, with a sandy beach swimming area and boat rentals. You can borrow fishing gear and fish from the shore (no license needed to fish from shore) or try your luck from your boat. Anglers have pulled in catfish, crappie, Striped and hybrid striped bass, white bass, and largemouth bass. There are five miles of hiking and biking trails as well as a campsite with 75 campsites. Come for the day or stay for a week, there is lots to enjoy in this state park near Dallas!
3. Dinosaur Valley Park
Dinosaur Valley State Park is known for its dinosaur tracks left millions of years ago that you can see by the riverbed. There are 5 different areas to look for tracks left by what researches think were Sauroposeidon proteles and an Acrocanthosaurus. Check the website to see if tracks are visible before your visit since their visibility can change due to the weather conditions. Visit the interpretive center to learn about when these tracks were made and what kind of dinosaurs lived in what is now Texas. If you’d like to explore the 100-acre South Primitive area, stop at the Eagle Eye Ranch to schedule a horseback ride. There is a 59 site campground right in the park as well!
2. Fort Richardson State Park and Historic Site
Visit the site of the former largest U.S. Army installation where some of the original buildings still stand. You can take a self-guided tour or a ranger-led tour of the village and learn all about how soldiers protected the settlers back in the 1860’s and beyond. The park also offers a swimming beach, fishing, kayaking and trails for hiking and biking. You can fish in either lake with Quarry Lake being stocked with catfish and bass and in the winter, trout. Lake Jacksboro offers a sandy beach for swimming and a boat launch for kayaks. Stay overnight at the campground that offers 69 RV and Tent sites with some having electric and water. There are also 11 cabins you can rent if you prefer!
1. Cedar Hills State Park
One of the best state parks near Dallas is also the closest to downtown Dallas located in Cedar Hills, TX. This urban park is on the shores of Joe Pool Lake which is a 7,500 acre recreational lake. You can swim at the beach, fish for crappie, catfish or bass and paddle along shoreline in a kayak or SUP. Another highlight is the developed mountain bike trails, made and maintained by the Dallas Off Road Biking Association (DORBA). The park is also the site of the historic Penn Farm which was a working farm from the mid 1800’s all the way to the mid 1900’s where they raised horse, sheep and cattle. If you want a place to stay near downtown Dallas, camping at Cedar Hills State Park is a great option with 318 campsites from RV sites with hookups to hike-in primitive sites. Some of the campsites sit right on the lake for a wonderful place to enjoy your morning coffee!
