18 Best State Parks Near Dallas, Texas.

With a good number of state parks near Dallas, North Texans should have their weekend calendar full of outdoor activities for a year. From hiking to biking, swimming to fishing, bird & wildlife watching to stargazing, Texas State Parks near Dallas offer something to every outdoor enthusiast. Even for those who want to find out whether they like spending time in nature or not.

The best time to visit Texas State Parks near Dallas is when kids are in school. You won’t see too many people, and sometimes you will be the one on trails. When you visit the parks with children, try to arrive early on Saturday morning.

There are seven regions in Texas State Parks, and state parks near Dallas fall into the Prairies and Lakes, Panhandle, and Pineywood regions. I limit the list of Texas State Parks around Dallas to the ones you can drive for up to 2 hours. So, it makes a relaxing good day trip from Dallas (and Fort Worth, too.)

Are you looking for state parks near Dallas with cabins? Nine out of these eighteen North Texas State Parks have them. If you prefer to pitch a tent, all of these Dallas area state parks provide the sites for you. They also have electricity and or full hookup sites for RV campers. Read along to find the best camping near Dallas, Texas.

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BEST STATE PARKS NEAR DALLAS – UP TO ONE HOUR DRIVE

CEDAR HILL STATE PARK

(18 miles, +/- 20 minutes drive.)

Just a short drive from downtown Dallas, it makes Cedar Hill State Park a favorite destination for many. Bikers and hikers enjoy the DORBA trails that give visitors choices of 3, 8, or 12-mile-long tracks that fall on challenging difficulty. 

For water sports enthusiasts, enjoy swimming, fishing, boating, or paddling in Joe Pool Lake. Yes, this park sits on the shore of Joe Pool Lake, one of the most popular lakes in the Dallas/Fort Worth area.

While visiting this state park in Dallas, visit Penn Farm Agricultural History Center. Take a guided tour or explore the farm with a self-guided brochure. We enjoyed Caroling at Penn Farm in December. One summer, my son’s Cub Scout Troop joined the ranger-led program, learning about farm life, plants, and wild animals in the park. Watch out for poison ivy that grows crazy in the Penn Farm areas.

Con: a steady rain will lead to trail closures. You must call the park if it shows rain prior to your visit.

Address: 1570 West FM 1382, Cedar Hill, TX 75104. Phone: (972) 291-3900.

Entrance fees: Adult (day use only) $7 daily; Child 12 years and under FREE. 

Hours: 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

Camping: Full hookup, electric, primitive.

LAKE TAWAKONI STATE PARK

(55.7 miles, +/- 1 hr. drive.)

Known for the most massive spider web ever documented, but you will hardly see it happens again. So, enjoy the oak forest while birds chirping and water lapping on the shores accompany your walk. The park has more than five miles of lakeshores, and you can swim, fish, or boat in the lake. Other activities that visitors enjoy are mountain biking, geocaching, and birding.

Address: 10822 FM 2475, Wills Point, TX 75169. Phone: (903) 560-7123.

Entrance fees: Adult (day use) $5 daily; Child 12 years and under FREE.

Hours: 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

Camping: Full hookup, electric, group camp.

RAY ROBERTS LAKE STATE PARK

(60 miles, +/- 1 hr. drive.)

With 29,000 acres of water surfaces, it’s no wonder Ray Roberts Lake State Park became a favorite state park near Dallas for water enthusiasts.

Join the fun of fishing, boating, kayaking, jet skiing, or swimming with the park’s regulars. You can even park your boat overnight here.

On land, you can camp, hike, bike, ride your horse, rollerblade, geocache, or backpack.

Ray Roberts Lake SP has nine units. Johnson Branch, Isle du Bois, and the Greenbelt Corridor are the developed unit. Six satellite units have boat ramps. Check out the park’s website to visit the park that matches your interests.

Isle du Bois Unit

Address: 100 PW 4137, Pilot Point, TX 76258. Phone: (940) 686-2148.

Entrance fees: Adults $7 daily; Children 12 years and under FREE.

Hours: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Johnson Branch Unit 

Address: 100 PW 4153, Valley View, TX 76272. Phone: (940) 637-2294.

Entrance fees: Adults $7 daily; Children 12 years and under FREE.

Hours: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Camping: Electric, primitive (walk-in), primitive (equestrian), primitive (group camps). + lodge.

PURTIS CREEK STATE PARK

(61.6 miles, +/- 1 hr. drive.)

Designed specifically for fishing, Purtis Creek State Park is best known for its largemouth bass fishery. These fish are subject to catch-and-release only since the lake opened to the public in 1988, but you can always take home the catfish and crappie.

If fishing is not your thing, you can swim, kayak, or paddle boards to explore the water.

Explore nature on your foot or bike, as we did during a camping trip on Memorial Day weekend. Or, relax by the lake, watching the sunrise on the horizon.

Address: 14225 FM 316 N., Eustace, TX 75124. Phone: (903) 425-2332.

Entrance fees: Adult (daily) $5; 12 years and under FREE.

Hours: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Camping: Electric, water (walk-in), primitive (hike-in.) 

CLEBURNE STATE PARK

(64 miles, +/- 1 hr. drive.)

With most trails shaded and zigzagging through limestone hills, hiking, biking, or running in this park is pretty doable all year. Just make sure you start early in the summertime. For water enthusiasts, enjoy swimming, fishing, and no-wake boating in a 116-acre Cedar Lake.

The hand-carved three-tiered spillway is a must-see while visiting the park. It makes a beautiful sight when it spills. Unfortunately, it doesn’t even spill from the lake every year.

In my opinion, Cleburne State Park is one of the best state parks near the Dallas Fort Worth area to see the bluebonnets in the springtime. Usually, they bloom in April but make sure to call the park before your visit.

Address: 5800 Park Road 21, Cleburne, TX 76033. Phone: (817) 645-4215.

Entrance fees: 13 years and older (daily) $6; 12 years and under FREE. 

Hours: 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.  

Camping: Full hookup, electric, group camp, screened shelters, cabins.

BEST STATE PARKS NEAR DALLAS TEXAS – BETWEEN 1 HR TO 2 HR DRIVE

EISENHOWER STATE PARK

(77.2 miles, +/- 1 hr. 15 min. drive.)

Just a little over an hour to the north of Dallas, enjoy the shores of Lake Texoma in the Eisenhower State Park. Explore trails along the high bluffs, swim, or fish, whichever you like.

You can hike or bike on more than five miles of trails. What’s interesting, this is one of the state parks in North Texas where you can ride your ATV or dirt bike on the OHV Trails (OHV permit required.)

You most likely see fossils on trails but remember to leave them where you see them. It’s ok to take pictures.

Eisenhower is one of the state parks in North Texas that my hiking group frequently visits during the year.

Address: 50 Park Road 20, Denison, TX 75020-4878. Phone: (903) 465-1956.

Entrance fees: Adult (daily) $5; 12 years and under FREE.

Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.  

Camping: Full hookup, electric, water, overflow, screened shelters, cabin. 

BONHAM STATE PARK

(72.6 miles, +/- 1 hr. 15 min. drive.)

A small park filled with natural beauty is in the northeast of Dallas. With just 261 acres, Bonham SP offers a 65-acre lake, rolling prairies, and woodlands to visitors.

You can swim, paddle, fish, and hike or bike on 8.75 miles of trails. On the challenging 2.7-miles Bois d’Arc Trail, you will explore the CCC’s legacy in this park.

Men of the CCC built this park between 1933 to 1936. They constructed the dam, various buildings, bridges, picnic tables, and more.

Address: 1363 State Park 24, Bonham, TX 75418-9285. Phone: (903) 583-5022.

Entrance fees: Adult $4 daily; 12 years and under FREE.

Hours: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Camping: Full hookup, electric, group camp. 

LAKE WHITNEY STATE PARK

(76.4 miles, +/- 1 hr. 15 min. drive.)

Lake Whitney State Park is a good option for water activities, from swimming and fishing to boating and skiing in its clear water. 

They hold an annual youth fishing tournament on the first Saturday of June. It’s one of my neighbor’s favorite places to fish. 

We have hiked in this park. Two easy trails will take you to the beautiful shores.

Lake Whitney SP provides a lot of spacious RV campsites. The beach is a walking distance from the screened shelters. One of the best summer camping near Dallas.

Join the Park Ranger program while spending time at this park. One of my favorites is star gazing. The program volunteer told me we could see the Milky Way from Lake Whitney. I still have to prove it, though.

Address: 433 FM 1244, Whitney, TX 76692. Phone: (254) 694-3793.

Entrance fees: Adult $5 daily; 12 years and under FREE.

Hours: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Camping: Full hookup, electricity, water, group hall with kitchen, screened shelters, and cabins.

DINOSAUR VALLEY STATE PARK

(79.9 miles, +/- 1 hr. 30 min. drive.)

It’s easy to guess why people come to this park: looking for dinosaur tracks. You can find dinosaur tracks at different locations, but the famous one is the Main Track Site, where you must cross the river to see it.

The crossing will also take you to the Overlook Trail, which gives a spectacular view of the Paluxy River Valley from the top. More fun and challenging hiking trails in the park are on this side of the river.

Usually, visitors from all over North Texas and cities as far as Austin and Houston packed the park during the weekend. If you plan to camp here, reserve your space 5 to 6 months in advance. 

Dinosaur Valley SP is one of the most visited state parks near Dallas. In my opinion, it is one one the best state parks in Texas.

Con: Whenever the water volume is high, you won’t be able to cross the river. It also means you won’t be able to see the tracks and hikes on the north side of the park. Watch the weather forecast, or call the park before you leave home. Or, follow them on Facebook. They post daily info about the park that I found so cool.

Address: 1629 Park Road 59, Glen Rose, TX 76043. Phone: (254) 897-4588.

Entrance fees: Adult (day use only) $7; Child 12 years and under FREE.

Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Camping: Electric, primitive (walk-in and hike-in), group camps.

LAKE MINERAL WELLS STATE PARK

(78.2 miles, +/- 1 hr 15 min. drive.)

If you like rock climbing, this is the park for you. Penitentiary Hollow in Lake Mineral Wells SP is one of the few natural rock climbing venues in North Texas. You must hire a guide to do the climb and rappel here.

A trail to Penitentiary Hollow is also one of the best trails in the park. Six more tracks are for multi-use (hiking, biking, horse riding), and two more are for hiking only. All trails in Lake Mineral Wells SP are family and dog friendly. They may close during wet weather.  

On the lake, people like to fish and swim. Paddling and rowing are also visitors’ favorite water activities. Bring your boat or rent one at the park. There are six fishing piers and a boat ramp scattered around the 640-acre lake for visitors to use.

In August 2020, a boy in my son’s Boy Scout troop built a fishing pier along the Penitentiary Hollow trail (the red trail) as his Eagle Project.

Lake Mineral Wells SP is one of my family favorites for hiking and camping in state parks around North Texas. We enjoyed watching the stunning sunset from the pier. 

Address: 100 Park Road 71, Mineral Wells, TX 76067. Phone: (940) 328-1171.

Entrance fees: Adult (day use only) $7; Child 12 years and under FREE.

Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Camping: Electric, water, water (equestrian), primitive (hike-in), screened shelters.

FORT RICHARDSON STATE PARK & HISTORIC SITE

(92 miles, +/- 1 hr. 30 min. drive.)

A little different from other state parks near Dallas, this is the home of Fort Richardson. A fort built during the Texas frontier years. You can join the Ranger Program or do your tour to learn about the Fort and the people who lived and worked here.

Other things to do in the Park are camp, fish, bird watch, swim, horse ride, and hike or bike. Do the nine-mile (one-way) Lost Creek Reservoir Trailway on foot or bike. The trail winds along scenic Lost Creek, and you will see many engaging spots.

The weekend before Halloween is their annual Trick-or-Treat in the Park. Children from town came in costumes and walked from one campsite to another for treats. Too bad we didn’t know about this event when we camped here.

Address: 228 State Park Road 61, Jacksboro, TX 76458. Phone: (940) 567-3506. 

Entrance fees: Adults $4 daily; Children 12 years and under FREE.

Hours: open daily. 

Camping: Full hookup, electric, water, cabin (with full hookups outside), electric (equestrian.)

MERIDIAN STATE PARK

(91.5 miles, +/- 1 hr. 45 min. drive.)

It is another small state park near Dallas. Nestled among the limestone bluffs, Meridian State Park is one of our favorite state parks in North Texas.

Visitors like to swim, drop a line, or go for a paddle on its 72-acre Lake Meridian. It’s a no-wake lake. You can bring your watercraft or rent it year-round at the headquarters. 

On land, you can have a picnic, bird watch (the endangered golden-cheeked warblers nest here from March to July), or explore the five miles of trails on foot. The 2.2-mile Bosque Trail circles Lake Meridian, passing limestone out-croppings and scenic overlooks. One time we met a Boy Scout troop from Dallas on this trail. They were preparing themselves for a Philmont trip to New Mexico in the summertime.

Camping here is fun. The bathroom facilities are clean, and the ones near the cabins are newly remodeled. Meridian SP is where we did car camping for the first time.

Address: 173 Park Road #7, Meridian, TX 76665. Phone: (254) 435-2536.

Entrance fees: Adult $5 daily; Children 12 and under FREE.

Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

Camping: Full hookups, electric, water, primitive, group camps, screened shelters, cabins (with A/C & heat.)

COOPER LAKE STATE PARK

(85.6 miles, +/- 1 hr. 30 min. drive.)

Just 90 minutes northeast of Dallas, Cooper Lake offers tons of amenities to its visitors. On a lake or land, you will have a blast here.

Cooper Lake has two units that you can explore. Doctors Creek on the north side of the lake, and South Sulphur on the south side. You can have a picnic, bike, hike, bird watch, study nature, ride horses, or hunt for a geocache on land. On the water, you can fish, swim, and paddle. They have boat docks, fishing piers, and fish cleaning stations. You can always rent a kayak at both units if you don’t have one.

Cooper Lake State Park is the darkest Texas State Park in North Texas. So, the night sky is pretty amazing! If you don’t plan to stay for a night, enjoy the spectacular sunset from the picnic area or your watercraft.

Address: Doctors Creek Unit – 1664 FM 1529 South, Cooper, TX 75432. Phone: (903) 395-3100. South Sulphur Unit – 1690 FM 3505, Sulphur Springs, TX 75482. Phone: (903) 945-5256. 

Entrance fees: Adult $5 daily; Child 12 years and under FREE.

Hours: Both units are open daily.

Camping: Electric, water (walk-in at South Sulphur Unit), group camp (Doctors Creek Unit), screened shelters, cabins.

TYLER STATE PARK

(97 miles, 1 hr. 30 min. drive.)

It is the closest state park to Dallas, where you can hike under the 100-foot-tall trees. Explore the Pineywoods on more than 13 miles of trails, and don’t miss the Whispering Pines Nature Trail. Men of CCC developed this trail over 70 years ago. They planted pine trees and built a wading pool and a small waterfall.

Other things to do on land are mountain bike, picnic, geocache, bird watch, and study nature.

On its fresh, 64-acre spring-fed lake, you can swim, fish, and boat. The park has three fishing piers and a boat ramp. You can rent a boat from the store or bring your own. They allow motors but have a 5-mph speed limit.

When visiting in October, you’ll get a chance to see the Rose Festival in Tyler, America’s Rose Capital. In March, it’s for the Azalea Trail.

Address: 789 Park Road 16, Tyler, TX 75706. Phone: (903) 597-5338. 

Entrance fees: Adult $6 daily; Child 12 years and under FREE.

Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

Camping: Full hookup, electric, water, screened shelters, cabins.

FAIRFIELD LAKE STATE PARK

(95.3 miles, +/- 1 hr. 30 min. drive.)

With a lake size of 2,400 acres, you can boat, jet ski, water skiing, fish, and swim in Fairfield Lake State Park. It’s a favorite destination for anglers from all over Texas for a tournament held annually. Fishing is best in early spring and into the summer.

Of course, you can always go hiking, horse riding, nature study, bird watching, and backpacking on land. 

Address: 123 State Park Road 64, Fairfield, TX 75840. Phone: (903) 389-4514.

Entrance fees: Adult $5 daily; Child 12 years and under FREE.

Hours: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

Camping: Electric, water, primitive (hike-in.)

FORT PARKER STATE PARK

(91.7 miles, +/- 1 hr. 30 min. drive.)

Hiking and biking in Fort Parker are intriguing. You will go through the Springfield Cemetery, the Navasota River Springs that feed the river, the dam built by the CCC, and spring-fed Lake Springfield. 

Spend some time at the Navasota River boat ramp, home of countless birds in the area. Also, don’t miss the River Loop nearby, where birds chirping accompany your hike.

In the Park, visitors also like to fish and paddle. You can bring your own or rent it from the Park. Go on the Limestone Bluffs Paddling Trail to experience Fort Parker Lake and the Navasota River.

Stay for a night, and you will enjoy one of the best sunsets in Central Texas from the pier.

Address: 194 Park Road 28, Mexia, TX 76667. Phone: (254) 562-5751.

Entrance fees: Adult $4 daily; Child 12 years and under FREE.

Hours: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

Camping: Electric, electric (tent only), water, group camp (youth), screened shelters, cabins.

LAKE BOB SANDLIN STATE PARK

(113 miles, +/- 1 hr. 45 min. drive.)

Massive trees and tall grasses grow in the park, different from other Texas State Parks in the Prairies & Lakes or the Panhandles.

On land, people enjoy a picnic, hike, bike, geocache, camp, or nature watch under the trees. A canopy of tall trees covered the trail, making hiking or biking in Lake Bob Sandlin State Park more fun. In the fall, you might see beautiful foliage.

People like to fish for largemouth bass, crappie, or catfish from shore, pier, or boat. The park has a boat ramp, a lighted fishing pier, and a fish cleaning station.

Address: 341 State Park Road 2117, Pittsburg, TX 75686. Phone: (903) 572-5531.

Entrance fees: Adult $4 daily; Child 12 years and under FREE.

Hours: Open daily.

Camping: Electric, primitive (hike-in), screened shelters, cabins.

DAINGERFIELD STATE PARK

(137 miles, +/- 1 hr. 10 min. drive.)

Without a doubt, Daingerfield State Park is one of the best places to see fall foliage in Texas. With tall trees like pines, oaks, and dogwoods reaching for the sky in this park, hiking or walking is always enjoyable year-round.

In the 80-acre lake in the park, people can swim, fish, and paddle or boat. You can rent paddle boats or boards, canoes, kayaks, and flat-bottom boats. Or, bring your own. The park allows motors but has a 5-mph speed limit.           

Saturday nights from March to November are a time for dancing at the pavilion. Pick your favorite songs from the jukebox. Also, some weekends feature karaoke and live music! 

Address: 455 Park Road 17, Daingerfield, TX 75638. Phone: (903) 645-2921.

Entrance fees: Adult $4 daily; Child 12 years and under FREE.

Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.

Camping: Full hookup (pull-through and back-in), water, cabins, lodges.

TIPS BEFORE VISITING TEXAS STATE PARKS NEAR DALLAS TEXAS

– If you plan to visit often, consider buying an annual pass. It will save you a lot of money. You can buy it online or at any state park entrance.

– You don’t need a fishing license to fish from shore or pier (you will need it when fishing from a boat.)

– Most State Parks offer Junior Ranger Program.

– Check out the park’s special events.

– Dogs are always welcome on trails, but not inside the buildings. My dog is a medium size. When I went for a long hike, I put his backpack on so he could carry his water, treats, and waste bag.

– Watercraft rentals including life jackets and paddles.

– Most parks provide fishing gear for you to borrow. You must bring your own bait.

– Most parks don’t have lifeguards on duty. Swim on your own. 

– Always check the park’s websites for the latest news. 

– Bring a daypack because you need to carry your water, snacks, and other essentials.

– Wear sturdy hiking shoes (or walking shoes) because you are most likely to walk into a limestone bed.

– It means you might also need good trekking poles.

So, how many of these state parks near Dallas have you visited?