Here are fantastic state parks to visit in North Texas.
Visiting state parks is a popular way to spend time outdoors, promoting both physical and mental well-being. Thanks to the pandemic in 2020, it encouraged us to spend more time outdoors, and we haven’t stopped. These ten state parks in North Texas are worth visiting and make for a beautiful family road trip.
Texas has over 89 state parks, and more than 15 are located in North Texas. When visiting a state park in North Texas this spring, summer, fall, or anytime, think about enjoying gorgeous views of nature, bird watching, hiking, geocaching, and picnics. Choosing the best park to take the family to may be the most challenging, but the time will be well spent.
I’ve listed ten North Texas State Parks and why I think so.
North Texas State Parks To Visit
All Texas State Parks charge a small admission fee to enter. However, purchasing a Texas State Park Pass might be wise if you know you’ll visit many in a year. The pass costs $70 for one person and $25 for each additional person living in the same household. You can read more information at the link, like the benefits of the pass.
Something else to think about is fishing in state parks. If you want to catch that massive bass or crappie, you can fish from the shore or a pier without a fishing license; however, fishing from a boat requires a permit for each person fishing.
Things To Know About Our Texas State Parks
- 2023 marked 100 years of Texas State Parks
- Palo Pinto Mountains State Park is our newest park and is set to open soon.
- Texas state parks just went up by one. There are now 89 state parks spread out all over the Lone Star State.
- Alcohol is not allowed in Texas State Parks.
- A fishing license is unnecessary when fishing in Texas State Parks (on a pier).
1. Bonham State Park
Bonham State Park is a beautiful park with a small 65-acre lake in the rolling hills and prairies northeast of Dallas, about 74 miles. RVs are welcome, and tent camping with water and electricity is available. This park would make a great weekend for camping, swimming, fishing, and boating. Bring your hiking boots and bottled water to hike the 8.5 hiking trail that weaves around the lake.
Fishing: If you’re hoping to catch crappie, bass, catfish, or bluegill, a wonderful pier extends out to the lake – or take your boat for better luck.
Pro Tip: Bring binoculars to see birds and other wildlife from afar.
2. Lake Tawakoni State Park
About a 56-mile drive north of Dallas is Lake Tawakoni State Park. The lake is well known for its large population of blue catfish, and over 30 fishing tournaments are held annually. Other fish in the lake include black and white crappie, largemouth bass, striped and hybrid striped bass, and white bass.
Many wildlife live here, including red and gray foxes, bobcats, coyotes, possums, turtles, frogs, snakes, raccoons, beavers, squirrels, armadillos, mink, and white-tailed deer.
If you happen to be going to this park, consider stopping by a nearby city for fun. There are many fun things to do in McKinney, TX, and it’s not “too” far from Lake Tawakoni.
3. Ray Roberts Lake State Park
There are two state parks, and Lake Ray Roberts surrounds them both. Ray Roberts Lake State Park is 56 miles north of Dallas and Fort Worth and is a top-rated park for tent camping.
Ensure your camping gear is updated with all the latest gadgets and accessories before heading out.
- Ray Roberts Lake State Park, Isle Du Bois in Pilot Point, TX
- Ray Roberts Lake State Park, Johnson Branch in Valley View, TX
Pro Tip: If going to Isle Du Bois in the spring, Texas Tulips Farm is nearby, and you can pick your own tulips. The end of February and March are the best times to go. Check the hours before you go.
4. Cooper State Park
Another state park is located in Sulphur Springs, TX, and the other is in Cooper, TX. Cooper State Park is a little more in the northeast of Texas, about 90 minutes from Dallas. Plan for fishing, hiking, swimming, geocaching, and more. You can even bring your horse. No horse, no problem. Bring your kayak or canoe. Both parks have screened shelters and cabins to rent.
Pro Tip: If a large group is coming and you need more space, consider renting one of the pavilions.
5. Eisenhower State Park
Eisenhower State Park is a bit further northwest of Denison, Texas, almost into Oklahoma. It overlooks Lake Texoma and is perfect for swimming, boating, fishing, hiking, and biking. Shaded campsites for RVs and tents and screened shelters are available. It’s a great park for picnics and nature walks.
Restrooms are available throughout the park.
6. Cedar Hill State Park
Southwest of Dallas is Cedar Hill State Park, known for its beautiful hiking trails. I’ve heard great things about the trails. This alone is worth a visit—camp at one of the many sites available with restrooms around every corner. There’s a public boat ramp for easy access to Joe Pool Lake, perfect for campers who enjoy boating.
7. Purtis Creek State Park
Campers will find walk-in tent camping and open-ground camping if they’re brave—me—no way! But don’t worry—camping with water and electricity is also available. Purtis Creek State Park has rules on boating and fishing, so please read up on them for your safety and concerns.
Pro Tip: If you like to shop for antiques and old odds and ends, First Monday Trade Days in Canton is not far away.
8. Cleburne State Park
Cleburne State Park is not too far from Fort Worth, which I recommend visiting. If time allows, visit the Chisholm Trail Outdoor Museum. It’s a delightful experience; you’ll get an excellent history lesson from the blacksmith and other volunteers in character. The park is not far at all from the museum. It doesn’t cost much to enter – maybe $3 a person.
Pro Tip: The downtown area is quite charming and worth taking a walk around if you have the time.
9. Palo Pinto Mountains State Park
This state park is under construction as I type this. I just drove through this area last week. This will be a gorgeous place to hang out and feel the dirt of nature between your toes. I’m sure locals are waiting patiently for the opening. The future is looking good. Look for this state park to open sometime in late 2023 (still not ready). Check here for updates – Palo Pinto Mountains State Park.
Once developed, this rugged, beautiful park will offer hiking, camping, fishing, stargazing and other outdoor activities.
10. Dinosaur Valley State Park
If I could recommend one state park to visit this spring or summer, it would be Dinosaur Valley State Park, especially if dinosaurs and dinosaur tracks are on your child’s wish list. Located in Glen Rose, Texas, where dinosaurs once roamed, you can find fun things to do for the whole family.
When we were there last, we enjoyed hiking, crossing over rocks, geocaching, and having a picnic. This is a state park worth going back to again and again, if only for the day.
There you have it, North Texas State Parks to visit – which seems like a match for you?
Just In: Because of North Texas’s drought in 2022, more dinosaur tracks have been spotted!!
You may want to read all about these 10 Amazing Day Hikes in Texas.
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