Best State Parks in North Texas for an Outdoor Getaway
North Texas has been my home for the past seven years. However, it wasn’t until recently that I began to have a desire to explore and share my close-to-home adventures. As a lover of the outdoors, I have compiled a list of my favorite state parks in North Texas that are easily accessible from the Dallas/Fort Worth area and provide ample opportunities for adventure.
Maybe we can thank the Coronavirus Pandemic for giving many of us perspective and realizing that you don’t have to fly half-way across the world to experience adventure and beauty. I know for me, it took a pandemic to realize that I can find beauty in my own backyard and I don’t have to travel 1000 miles for it.
So here are 7 State Parks in North Texas for an Outdoor Getaway:
Map of North Texas State Parks
Eisenhower State Park
On the border of Texas and Oklahoma, Eisenhower State Park is located only an hour north of Dallas and so easy to get to.
The rugged shoreline of Lake Texoma is the perfect place to spend a day hiking, swimming, or fishing. Extend your adventures to a weekend and stay at one of the park’s many campsites overlooking the water.
Escape the heat and go for a dip at the swimming beach which even has a swim-up cave to explore.
Eisenhower State Park is one of my favorite state parks in North Texas and the perfect spot for an outdoor getaway. Make sure you check it out!
Lake Mineral Wells State Park
Hiking, rock-climbing, and swimming are just a few of the activities that you can do at Lake Mineral Wells State Park. If you’re looking to get outside and get active then a trip to Lake Mineral Wells State Park is what you need. There is so much to do here!
Located only 40 minutes west of Fort Worth, Lake Mineral Wells is close enough to the city for a quick day trip but far enough away to appreciate the wide open space and fresh country air.
During your visit to the park make sure you explore Penitentiary Hollow, a hollow canyon with steep sandstone cliffs. This area is very popular with local rock climbers.
Dinosaur Valley State Park
Did you know that Texas used to be home to dinosaurs? Well, at Dinosaur Valley State Park in Glen Rose you can see footprints left by actual dinosaurs!
The tracks are best viewed on a warm day when the river water is low. Otherwise, you can view the replica in the park’s exhibit.
The park also has lots of hiking trails, camp sites, and a place to swim or fish in the river.
After your day at Dinosaur Valley State Park, head to Shoo-Fly Soda Shop for some ice cream or a malt. This old-fashioned soda shop located inside of a gift shop is a favorite hang-out for many of the locals.
I would also recommend a visit to the Creation Evidence Museum of Texas which is located right outside the state park. This small but growing museum provides the scientific evidence for creation. While you’re there check out the Noah’s Ark replica and look for the dinosaurs on the ark!
Cedar Hill State Park & Cedar Ridge Nature Preserve
Cedar Hill State Park is easily the most accessible state park for those living in Dallas. The park is located only 10 miles from downtown Dallas and provides plenty of hiking and swimming options at Joe Pool Reservoir. A great outdoor getaway if you’re looking to stay close to town.
If you’re solely interested in great hiking, check out adjacent Cedar Ridge Nature Preserve for the hands down best hiking in North Texas. You will find it hard to believe that you’re still in the DFW metroplex as you hike these hilly trails. Some of the trails even have a significant elevation change!
This park will always hold a dear place in my heart because it’s where my husband proposed in March of 2018.
Entrance to the nature preserve is free but they do strongly encourage donations to help maintain the park and facilities. The state park does charge a small fee for entry.
Cleburne State Park
In my mind, Cleburne State Park is the most underrated state park in North Texas. I knew very little about this park before our visit and my expectations were blown out of the water.
The top two activities at Cleburne State Park are hiking and swimming. The park has over 11 miles of hike-able trails that are rather hilly. After your hike, take a dip in the spring-fed Cedar Lake to cool off.
In addition to all of the nature that you will experience on your visit, the park also holds historical significance. Make sure you check out the historical spillway that was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps, an organization that was established by Franklin D. Roosevelt to get Americans back to work after WW2.
Don’t miss out on seeing this wonderful state park!
Lake Tawakoni State Park
Lake Tawakoni is a bit different than the rest of the parks on this list. Since the park is located an hour east of Dallas, the terrain is much more flat with the occasional wetland.
However, Tawakoni does have a terrific sand beach that is perfect for a day in the sun!
You will find a lot of wildlife at Lake Tawakoni: birds, fish, reptiles, insects. Lake Tawakoni is the best park on this list for bird watching, the park is home to over 250 species. We saw many different species of birds including the Eastern Bluebird, Great Egret, and Red-bellied Woodpecker. We happened to visit in spring when there are so many butterflies fluttering around.
If you’re wanting to stretch your legs, there are a couple of miles of hiking trails in the park. All of which are very flat with easy terrain.
A day at Lake Tawakoni would be best spent picnicking by the water while keeping an eye out for wildlife. If this sounds like a perfect day to you, then check out Lake Tawakoni State Park!
Ray Roberts Lake State Park
Ray Roberts Lake State Park is the largest state park on this list, meaning there is a lot to explore!
The park is split into two main units: Johnson Branch and Isle du Bois. Both provide swimming area and plenty of hiking options. We visited the Johnson Branch unit and look forward to visiting Isle du Bois on our next visit.
Both units have over 25 miles of hiking trails and the Johnson Branch unit has 3 miles of paved trail that is perfect for biking, rollerblading, or walking.
If you’re looking for a place to spend a day at the beach, then Ray Roberts Lake is the place for you! The Johnson Branch unit has the best sand beach out of all of the North Texas State Parks that we visited. It would be perfect for building sandcastles and sunbathing!
Pack These for a Day at North Texas’ Best State Parks
1. Good Hiking Shoes
Some of the trails in North Texas’ State Parks can be pretty rock and uneven.
When hiking around North, it’s super important to wear sturdy hiking shoes or sandals on the trails. I wear brands like Merrell Moab 2 Mid Ventilator, Teva Universal Trail (trail sandal), and Timberland Mt. Maddsen Mid Waterproof. My husband, who is very prone to ankle injuries, wears Salomon X Ultra Low GTX and swears by them.
I love being able to switch between a solid hiking boot and a trail sandal with excellent traction on easier hikes. I’m very prone to blisters and having different shoes to change into makes a world of difference.
2. Water Bottle & Hydration pack
Texas can get HOT, so it’s important to stay hydrated on hiking trails.
To keep your drink extra cold, go with a Hydroflask, which is vacuum-sealed and keeps your liquids cold for up to 24 hours. If you’re looking for something a bit more lightweight, go with the traditional Nalgene.
On longer hikes, fill up your Ospry Hydraulics Reservoir to keep your water easily accessible & hands free. My favorite day pack that accommodates a hydration bladder is the Osprey Mira 22 Hydration Pack.
3. Trail Snacks
Make sure you bring enough energy-boosting food to get you through the day. Some of our favorite trail and adventure snacks are the traditional PB&J, grapes, trail mixes, Go Macro Bars, and RX Bars.
Don’t forget a cooler to keep your food cool. We love our Coleman Steel Belted Cooler and take it with us on just about every adventure. It’s been all around the country with us.
4. Sun and Bug Protection
The sun in Texas is hot. Protect yourself from the sun with sunscreen. This Sun Bum sunscreen is so light and easy to fit in your pack. Also, it’s super protective against the sun. It’s also reef friendly, so save it for your next trip to the beach!
In addition to sunscreen, make sure you protect your face with a sun hat. I really enjoy wearing this Vintage Style Cap from Amazon. It has tons of colors to choose from, I’ve been loving the yellow.
Sunglasses are never a bad idea, either.
The bugs in North Texas can be rather pesty so protect yourself with this Plant-Based Bug Repellant which smells more like lemons and less like deet.
5. Lightweight & Moisture-Wicking Clothes
Make sure to choose moisture-wicking clothing (aka NOT cotton), to pull the sweat away from your body and stay cool and dry while hiking.
These Icebreaker T-Shirts have been a favorite of mine recently, they’re excellent at keeping you dry. And the best part is that they don’t stink even after a long sweaty day on the trail!
6. The Fun Stuff
I don’t like to visit a Texas State Park without a hammock, like this Eno Double Nest Hammock. I also don’t go on any adventure without my Nikon d3500 DSLR camera.
More Texas Adventures
- The Top of Texas – Guadalupe Mountains National Park
- Get Outdoors at Lake Mineral Wells
- Eisenhower State Park: Exploring the Texas – Oklahoma Border
- Cleburne State Park: A Texas Hidden Gem
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One Comment
Michelle Davis
Definitely need to go explore some of these I’ve never been to!