Dallas is urban playground but sometimes it's nice to get out of the city and experience some of the great outdoors Texas has to offer. Whether you want to camp, fish, hike, RV, or just see some Texas landscape these state parks are perfect for your next trip.
Each of these parks have their own charm so we have sorted this list based on their proximity to downtown Dallas, depending on your location some of these may be even closer!
Distance from Dallas: 20 miles, 30 minutes
Unique Features: Located on Joe Pool Lake, it’s a haven for outdoor activities.
Tips: Perfect for a quick escape, Cedar Hill offers fishing, boating, and swimming in Joe Pool Lake. The DORBA Trail provides excellent mountain biking. Visit Penn Farm for a historical glimpse into early Texas farming.
Cedar Hill State Park, established in 1991, spans over 1,800 acres and preserves the natural and historical heritage of the region. The park's history dates back to the mid-1800s when pioneer settlers, including the Penn family, established farms and communities in the area. The Penn Farm Agricultural History Center, located within the park, offers visitors a glimpse into early Texas agriculture with preserved buildings and displays showcasing traditional farming techniques and the daily life of the Penn family. This blend of natural beauty and historical significance makes Cedar Hill State Park a unique destination for outdoor enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
Distance from Dallas: 50 miles, 1 hour
Unique Features: This park is known for its expansive lake and Greenbelt Corridor.
Tips: Ideal for water sports enthusiasts, Ray Roberts Lake offers fishing, boating, and swimming. The Isle du Bois Unit is perfect for camping and hiking. Don't miss the 20-mile Greenbelt Corridor for biking and horseback riding.
Ray Roberts Lake State Park, established in 1992, encompasses over 3,000 acres and offers a diverse range of recreational activities. The park is named after Ray Roberts Lake, a reservoir created by the construction of the Ray Roberts Dam in the 1980s to provide water supply and flood control. Before its development, the area was inhabited by Native American tribes and later settled by European pioneers who farmed and ranched the land. Today, the park features scenic trails, camping areas, and opportunities for fishing and boating, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Distance from Dallas: 50 miles, 1 hour
Unique Features: Features a clear blue lake and historic structures.
Tips: Perfect for swimming, fishing, and kayaking in Cleburne Lake. Enjoy the hiking and biking trails, including the Spillway Trail. The park has campsites and picnic areas, making it great for a day trip or overnight stay.
Cleburne State Park, established in 1938, spans over 500 acres and offers a picturesque retreat with its clear spring-fed lake, wooded hills, and scenic hiking trails. The park's creation was part of the New Deal programs, with the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) playing a significant role in developing its infrastructure, including the park's lake, dam, and various recreational facilities. The area was historically used for farming and ranching by early European settlers. Today, Cleburne State Park provides a perfect setting for camping, fishing, swimming, and hiking, making it a cherished destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Distance from Dallas: 60 miles, 1 hour 15 minutes
Unique Features: Known for its serene lake and fishing opportunities.
Tips: This park is perfect for fishing, with a variety of fish in Lake Tawakoni. Enjoy peaceful nature trails and camping sites with lake views. It’s also a great spot for bird watching.
History: Lake Tawakoni State Park, established in 2002, covers over 370 acres along the shores of Lake Tawakoni. The park is named after the lake, which was created in the 1960s by the construction of the Iron Bridge Dam to serve as a water reservoir for the Dallas area. The land around the lake was historically inhabited by Native American tribes and later settled by European pioneers who engaged in farming and ranching. Today, Lake Tawakoni State Park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering excellent opportunities for fishing, boating, swimming, and camping amidst its scenic landscapes and abundant wildlife.
Distance from Dallas: 60 miles, 1 hour 20 minutes
Unique Features: Famous for its well-preserved dinosaur tracks.
Tips: Ideal for families, you can see dinosaur tracks in the Paluxy River bed. Enjoy hiking and biking trails, and take a dip in the river. The park also offers guided tours and a visitor center with educational exhibits.
History: Dinosaur Valley State Park, established in 1972, spans over 1,500 acres and is renowned for its well-preserved dinosaur tracks along the Paluxy River. These tracks, dating back over 113 million years, offer a unique glimpse into the prehistoric past when dinosaurs roamed the area. The park's land was historically used for farming and ranching by early European settlers after being inhabited by Native American tribes. Today, visitors to Dinosaur Valley State Park can explore these ancient footprints, hike scenic trails, camp, and enjoy the natural beauty and geological significance of this extraordinary site.
Distance from Dallas: 70 miles, 1 hour 20 minutes
Unique Features: Offers rock climbing and the historic Mineral Wells.
Tips: Popular with rock climbers, this park also offers fishing, boating, and hiking. Don’t miss the Penitentiary Hollow area for its unique rock formations. The park also has equestrian trails and campsites.
Lake Mineral Wells State Park, established in 1981, covers over 3,200 acres and offers a rich blend of natural beauty and recreational activities. The park is centered around Lake Mineral Wells, a reservoir created in the early 20th century to provide water for the nearby city of Mineral Wells. The area has a history of Native American habitation and later European settlement, with early pioneers utilizing the land for farming and ranching. Today, Lake Mineral Wells State Park is a popular destination for camping, hiking, rock climbing, and fishing, providing a serene escape in the heart of Texas.
Distance from Dallas: 75 miles, 1 hour 20 minutes
Unique Features: Located on Lake Texoma, offering diverse activities.
Tips: Great for fishing, boating, and swimming in Lake Texoma. Explore hiking and biking trails with scenic views. The park also has off-road vehicle trails and a variety of camping options.
Eisenhower State Park, established in 1958, spans over 420 acres along the shores of Lake Texoma. Named in honor of President Dwight D. Eisenhower, who was born nearby, the park offers a blend of natural beauty and recreational activities. The region has a history of Native American habitation and later European settlement, with the land used for farming and ranching. Today, Eisenhower State Park is a popular destination for camping, hiking, boating, and fishing, providing stunning views of Lake Texoma and a peaceful retreat for outdoor enthusiasts.
Distance from Dallas: 70 miles, 1 hour 20 minutes
Unique Features: A quieter park with a small, peaceful lake.
Tips: Ideal for fishing and kayaking, Purtis Creek Lake is serene. Explore the hiking and biking trails, and enjoy camping and picnicking in a tranquil setting. The park is less crowded, perfect for a peaceful retreat.
Purtis Creek State Park, established in 1988, covers over 1,500 acres and is centered around the serene Purtis Creek Lake. The park was developed to provide recreational opportunities while preserving the natural landscape. Historically, the area was inhabited by Native American tribes and later settled by European pioneers who used the land for agriculture. Today, Purtis Creek State Park is a haven for fishing, camping, hiking, and kayaking, offering a tranquil escape in the East Texas woodlands for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Distance from Dallas: 75 miles, 1 hour 30 minutes
Unique Features: Known for its small, spring-fed lake.
Tips: Enjoy fishing, paddling, and swimming in Bonham Lake. The park offers hiking and biking trails, and a variety of campsites. It’s a great spot for a quiet getaway close to nature.
Bonham State Park, established in 1935, spans 261 acres and features a picturesque lake, rolling prairies, and wooded areas. The park's creation was part of the New Deal programs, with the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) constructing many of its facilities, including the lake, dam, and recreational structures. The area has a history of Native American habitation followed by European settlement, with early pioneers using the land for farming and ranching. Today, Bonham State Park offers opportunities for fishing, camping, hiking, and swimming, making it a charming destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a peaceful retreat.
Distance from Dallas: 80 miles, 1 hour 40 minutes
Unique Features: Known for its clear blue waters and Hell’s Gate.
Tips: Enjoy water activities like boating, swimming, and scuba diving. Hell’s Gate is a must-see cliff formation. The park offers scenic hiking trails, and campsites with stunning lake views.
Possum Kingdom State Park, established in 1950, spans over 1,500 acres along the shores of Possum Kingdom Lake. The lake was created in the 1940s by the construction of the Morris Sheppard Dam for water supply and recreational purposes. The area was historically inhabited by Native American tribes and later settled by European pioneers for farming and ranching. Today, Possum Kingdom State Park is a popular destination known for its clear blue waters, offering excellent opportunities for boating, fishing, swimming, and camping, all set against the backdrop of scenic cliffs and rolling hills.
Distance from Dallas: 100 miles, 1 hour 40 minutes
Unique Features: Rich in history with a scenic lake.
Tips: Explore Fort Parker Lake with fishing, boating, and swimming. Visit the historic Fort Parker and enjoy the park’s hiking and biking trails. The park also offers camping and bird watching opportunities.
Fort Parker State Park, established in 1941, covers over 1,400 acres and includes a serene lake and scenic landscapes. The park was developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) as part of the New Deal programs, with many of its facilities, including the lake and dam, constructed by the CCC. The area has historical significance as the site of Old Fort Parker, a frontier fort attacked by Native Americans in 1836. Today, Fort Parker State Park offers a peaceful retreat with opportunities for fishing, boating, hiking, and camping, allowing visitors to explore both natural beauty and historical heritage.
Distance from Dallas: 125 miles, 2 hours
Unique Features: Offers a large lake and prairie landscape.
Tips: Perfect for fishing, boating, and swimming in Lake Arrowhead. The park has equestrian trails, disc golf, and campsites. Enjoy the scenic prairie and wildlife viewing areas.
Lake Arrowhead State Park, established in 1970, spans over 500 acres along the shores of Lake Arrowhead. The park was developed to provide recreational opportunities and preserve the natural landscape. The area has a history of Native American habitation followed by European settlement, with early pioneers engaging in farming and ranching. Today, Lake Arrowhead State Park is a popular destination for fishing, boating, swimming, and camping. It also offers unique amenities like an equestrian area and a disc golf course, making it a versatile spot for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy a variety of activities.
