With a plethora of expansive lakes, numerous hiking and biking trails, dedicated horse trails, and year-round sunny weather, it’s no wonder why there are so many state parks to visit in Dallas-Fort Worth that are definitely “go-to” places for outdoor fun! But have you seen the dinosaur fossils and farm tour? Check out these outstanding North Texas state parks.

1. Isle du Bois Unit, Lake Ray Roberts - Pilot Point
Ray Roberts Lake State Park - Isle du Bois Unit, Pilot Point, TX 76258, USA
CameliaTWU/Flickr
You can quickly escape back to nature at one of two State Parks on this lake, which is located about one hour north of the Metroplex. There are endless opportunities to soak in the sunshine and clean air while enjoying camping, biking, horseback riding, swimming, or doing nothing at all. It is also one of the best places to go hiking in Dallas-Fort Worth.

You'll find the park entrance at 100 PW 4137, Pilot Point, TX 76258.
2. Johnson Branch, Lake Ray Roberts - Valley View
Lake Ray Roberts, Texas, USA
Luis Tamayo/Flickr
Fishing is one of the most popular things to do outside in Texas. Lake Ray Roberts is a fisherman's paradise with a 29,000 acres full of largemouth bass, catfish, crappie and white bass. The best part? You can fish from the shore or a pier in a State Park without a fishing license!

You can find the entrance at 100 PW 4153, Valley View, TX 76272.
3. South Sulphur Unit, Cooper Lake - Sulphur Springs
Cooper Lake State Park South Sulphur Unit, 1690 FM 3505, Sulphur Springs, TX 75482, USA
Rachel Knickmeyer/Flickr
Photographers are in an outdoor paradise at either of the two park units on Cooper Lake, one of the best lakes in Texas and located only about 90 miles northwest of Dallas. Bring your camera, tent, swimsuit, horse, and family, and you'll leave with a new, calm outlook on life. You can even rent a canoe!

The South Side Park entrance is at 1690 FM 3505 in Sulphur Springs, TX 75482.
4. Doctors Creek Unit, Cooper Lake - Cooper
Cooper Lake State Park - Doctors Creek Unit, 1664 Farm to Market 1529 S, Cooper, TX 75432, USA
Rachel Knickmeyer/Flickr
Located on the north side of the lake, Doctors Creek has fish stations, great campsites with water and electricity, and plenty of open skies away from the city lights for nighttime stargazing.

The entrance is at 1664 FM 1529, South Cooper, TX 75432.
5. Lake Tawakoni State Park - Wills Point
Group Camping Area - Lake Tawakoni State Park, Wills Point, TX 75169, USA
DeeAshley/Flickr
Lake Tawakoni Park is located about 50 miles east of Dallas, and it's a boaters paradise. No boat? Then come to explore 376 acres of oak forest, reserve a campsite, rent the amphitheater for a special event, or take a dip in the kid pond!

You can find the park at 10822 FM 2475 in Wills Point, TX 75169.

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6. Cedar Hill State Park - Cedar Hill
State Park Road, State Park Rd, Cedar Hill, TX 75104, USA
Bill Gracey/Flickr
Cedar Hill State Park is only about 20 miles from downtown Dallas and 30 miles from Fort Worth, making it the closest spot to the cities on this list! Visitors can camp at one of the 350 developed campsites, all with nearby restrooms and hot showers, or make a visit to the Penn Farm Agricultural History Center. The Penn family lived and worked here for over 100 years and the self-guided tour shows how farming has changed over the past century.

You can enter the park at 1570 West FM 1382 in Cedar Hill, TX 75104.
7. Purtis Creek State Park - Eustace
Purtis Creek State Park, 14225 FM 316 N, Eustace, TX 75124, USA
Allen Sheffield/Flickr
Purtis Creek State Park is well-known for its excellent fishing, but visitors will also enjoy the abundance of wildlife. They even lends rods, reels and tackle boxes for use in the park!

The park's entrance is an hour southeast of Dallas at 14225 FM 316 in Eustace, TX 75124.
8. Cleburne State Park - Cleburne
Cleburne State Park, 5800 Park Rd 21, Cleburne, TX 76033, USA
Dori Reuscher/Flickr
The technical and wooded trails here at Cleburne State Park form a loop that has made this park a favorite for hikers and bikers alike, as well as one of the best parks in Texas. Boats are not allowed to create wakes on this lake and personal watercraft are prohibited, so it is popular for its peace and quiet.

You can enter the park at 5800 Park Road 21 in Cleburne, which is southwest of the Metroplex.
9. Dinosaur Valley State Park - Glen Rose
Dinosaur Valley State Park, Glen Rose, TX 76043, USA
mcdittx/Flickr
Discovering dinosaur tracks left behind in the bed of the Paluxy River is one of the most appealing reasons to visit Dinosaur Valley State Park! The park is located about an hour southwest of Fort Worth.

The Dinosaur Valley State Park entrance is located at 1629 Park Rd. 59 in Glen Rose, TX 76043.
10. Lake Mineral Wells State Park - Mineral Wells
Lake Mineral Wells State Park, 100 Park Rd 71, Mineral Wells, TX 76067, USA
turqy/Flickr
Lake Mineral Wells State Park sits near what was once a popular health resort, and includes a rock climbing area, lake, trails, and even 20 equestrian campsites.

The location is only 45 minutes west of Fort Worth and is at 100 Park Road 71 in Mineral Wells, TX 76067.

Which area state parks have you visited, and what were your experiences there?

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More to Explore

State Parks to Visit in Dallas-Fort Worth

Lysa Allman-Baldwin | June 01, 2022

What are some other great state parks to visit in Dallas-Fort Worth area?

Eisenhower State Park sits along Lake Texoma and is said to have some of the clearest water in the state. Lake Whitney State Park features 50-foot cliffs and jaw dropping views. And Fort Richardson State Park features great fishing, hiking, camping, and horseback riding.

Can you provide the names of a state park located within a few hours drive of the Dallas-Fort Worth area?

Sounds like you’re ready for a road trip! The cool thing is that because the Dallas-Fort Worth area is so centrally located in Texas, you’re not far from so many wonderful state parks. One of them is Caprock Canyons State Park & Trailway. Situated in the Texas Panhandle, it has a 120-acre lake, Lake Theo, and an amazing campground.

What are some of the best state parks in Texas?

Ooh! That's a hard one, because there are so many. In fact, there are an estimated 80 dotted throughout the Lone Star State. Here are almost two dozen to get your best state parks in Texas exploration on the move. Spoiler alert, three of them are Pedernales Falls State Park, Davis Mountains State Park, and Franklin Mountains State Park in Johnson City, Fort Davis, and El Paso, respectively.

Are there any natural wonders in the Dallas-Fort Worth area?

As a matter of fact there are numerous outstanding natural marvels in the area. Among them you can find the best equestrian, biking, and hiking trails in Texas.

Where can I find other things to do outside in Texas?

Austin, the capital of Texas, is one of the most popular places to visit. It also offers a wealth of free outdoor activities too. So not only are these things fun, but they won’t break the bank either!

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