Texas boasts almost 90 state parks, offering a range of activities and scenery just waiting for you to explore. These beautiful state parks provide opportunities to hike, stargaze, boat or paddle, rock climb, bike, swim, camp and the list just goes on and on.
With so many opportunities to explore, it can be hard to narrow down where you want to visit. We’ve made it easy for you and have curated a list of must-see parks within two hours from our Dallas apartments. You’re sure to find something you enjoy on this list!
Dallas area nearby state parks
Eisenhower State Park
Address: 50 Park Road 20 Denison, TX 75020-4878
Drive time from Dallas: 1 hour, 15 minutes
Reservations needed: Both camping and day use
Eisenhower State Park offers great camping for overnight stays and ample opportunities for day visits. During your visit you can swim, hike along the bluffs, try your hand at fishing or go on a scavenger hunt for native wildflowers and fossils from ages ago.
A fishing license is not required if fishing from shore at any Texas state park, and this state park even offers gear for you to borrow. There’s also an extensive off-highway trail system if you want to bring your ATV or dirt bike for a ride around the park. A host of weekly events may pique your interest, including events for the kids like becoming a junior ranger! If you choose to camp at the park, you can enjoy beautiful views of Lake Texoma right from your campsite.
Lake Whitney State Park
Address: 433 FM 1244 Whitney, TX 76692
Drive time from Dallas: 1 hour, 15 minutes
Reservations needed: Camping and day use recommended
Lake Whitney offers incredible recreational water activities and plenty of recreation on dry land too.
Besides swimming in the lake, you can fish, boat and even get in some practice on the water skis. You can find world-class fishing from these shores and the park loans out fishing gear if you need to borrow some. Then, after you’ve spent your time on the water you can head to the trails for some hiking or biking. Keep your eye out for a variety of wildlife known to call Lake Whitney home. You are likely to see deer, snakes, raccoons, armadillos and opossums scurrying around, and if you’re really lucky, you’ll see the less-viewed but still present wild turkeys and bald eagles. There is plenty of camping for every style, ranging from water-only sites to full hook-ups and even some screened shelters.
Dinosaur Valley State Park
Address: 1629 Park Road 59 Glen Rose, TX 76043
Drive time from Dallas: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Reservations needed: Camping and day use recommended
Have you ever wanted to see dinosaur footprints? Lucky for you, Dinosaur Valley State Park has a great set of preserved tracks in a dried-up riverbed for you to explore on your visit. There are 20 miles of trail to be explored for footprints or find the local hidden geocaches. Be sure to check their Facebook page to review current trail statuses and track visibility.
Besides exploring ancient tracks you can also camp, ride personal horses, mountain bike, fish or paddle on the river. This state park may be one of our favorites because there is so much to explore — make sure you take your time at this one!
Cedar Hill State Park
Address: 1570 West FM 1382 Cedar Hill, TX 75104
Drive time from Dallas: 20 minutes
Reservations needed: Camping and day use recommended
Only a short drive southwest of Dallas, this beautiful park allows you to escape city life and feel fully grounded in nature. You can explore this park on foot or by bike and enjoy time at the lake swimming, fishing, boating or paddling. There are plenty of geocaches hidden around the park waiting to be found, and new treasures are always waiting to be discovered.
Before becoming a park, this land was part of a notable farm, and traces of the original farm remain today and can be discovered by self-guided or guided tours. Unique ecosystems sprawl throughout the park and provide home to various wildlife such as coyotes, foxes, bobcats, armadillos and racoons.
Fort Richardson State Park
Address: 228 State Park Road 61 Jacksboro, TX 76458
Drive time from Dallas: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Reservations needed: Camping and day use recommended
As with many other state parks in the area, Fort Richardson State Park offers ample opportunity for camping, hiking, biking, geocaching and water activities including fishing, swimming and paddling. Besides hiking and biking, the twelve miles of trails at the park can also be enjoyed by horseback. The main attractions on site are the grounds and buildings of Fort Richardson established in 1860 and used through World War II; the fort buildings that remained after World War II were purchased by the state to preserve this piece of history in 1936. You can explore these historical buildings during your visit, including an old post hospital and other significant structures. At the post hospital you can learn about medical practices from when the hospital was actively used and the equipment used during that time. It’s a history buff’s dream come true!
You can find more information about your state parks and book your reservations through the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
Have fun!
Pin it!
Featured photo courtesy Pixabay/SeashellGypsy
Amy has lived most of her life in Washington state and enjoys baking and adventuring with her dog, Ki. Her favorite thing about the Pacific Northwest is the four seasons and the access to mountains and other outdoor activities.
View All Posts by Amy Cornish