Dinosaurs, waterfalls, karaoke and other fun things to do at these 7 Texas state parks
For nature-lovers wanting to spend their Memorial Day weekend out in the fresh air, these state parks less than three hours from Fort Worth offer dinosaur tracks, hunting, fishing, camping and beautiful views.
Following a 1 to 2.5 hour drive, DFW park visitors can explore miles of trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding to their heart’s content.
Dinosaur Valley State Park
Distance from Fort Worth: 1 hr. Attractions: Fossilized dinosaur tracks, live animals, swimming, trails, fishing Need to know: Park hours are 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Millions of years ago, dinosaurs left footprints in the mud at the edge of an ancient ocean. Today, you can stand where those dinosaurs once stood in the bed of the Paluxy River. Walk in the footprints of the ancient Acrocanthosaurus and Sauroposeidon. Download the digital dinosaur track maps to find the dinosaur tracks. Note: you’ll have to stick your feet in the water, so wear waterproof shoes.
Though the park is best known for dinosaur footprints, there’s a lot more to do as you roam the park. Explore scenic trails by foot, horse or bike while you snap photos with life-size dinosaur replicas and learn about the dinosaurs that lived in the area. Picnic outside in the group picnic area or pavilion (the store has snacks and drinks). Or take a dip in the Blue Hole, a 20-feet-deep swimming area inside the Paluxy River. Park tickets are $7 for adults and free for children 12 and under. Reservations are highly recommended; make reservations online or by phone at 512-389-8900.
Possum Kingdom State Park
Distance from Fort Worth: 1 hr. 50 min.
Location: 3901 State Park Rd. 33, Caddo
Attractions: Camping, fishing, hiking, geocaching
Need to know: Hours are daily, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Hit the road and head west to Possum Kingdom State Park where visitors can hike, bike, fish and camp within driving distance of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.
The entrance fee for adults is $4, and children 12 and younger are free.
According to Texas Parks & Wildlife, visitors can fish for bass, catfish and crappie with no fishing license required. On Possum Kingdom Lake, you can swim, boat, water ski, scuba dive and snorkel.
With air-conditioned cabins and campsites offered on a nightly rate basis, a day-trip to Possum Kingdom State Park can turn into a weekend getaway.
Venture outside the park to the nearby cities of Mineral Wells and Graham for shopping, dining and entertainment all year round.
Mother Neff State Park
Distance from Fort Worth: 1 hr. 50 min.
Location: 1921 State Park Rd. 14, Moody
Attractions: Hiking, camping
Need to know: Hours are daily, 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Suggested time to visit is in the spring.
About two hours south of Fort Worth, Mother Neff State Park sits along the Leon River near Waco. According to Texas Parks and Wildlife, Mother Neff is one of the earliest state parks in Texas and is named after Isabella Neff, who donated six acres in 1921.
This state park offers trails for beginners and skilled hikers, with paths leading to the Wash Pond, a rock tower built by the Civilian Conservation Corps, and a cave used by the Tonkawa tribe in the 1800s.
For those wanting to take more than a day trip, visitors can camp or stay at a 16-person lodge priced at $200 nightly.
Tyler State Park
Distance from Fort Worth: 2 hr. 10 min. (131.5 mi) Location: Tyler State Park Area 1 Bath House, 789 Park Rd. 16, Tyler Attractions: 64-acre spring-fed lake, 100-foot tall trees, historic structures Need to know: Park hours are 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. daily. Tickets $6 daily, free for children under 13. Reservations recommended online or by calling 512-389-8900. Busy season is March to Thanksgiving.
The state park offers a peaceful escape year-round. Because it’s so close to Dallas-Fort Worth, it’s perfect for a day trip or weekend visit.
Play at the lake, wet a line, wander through the woods or relax with your binoculars. You can boat, fish or swim in the lake. Or hike, mountain bike, picnic, geocache, camp, bird watch and enjoy nature. Overnight options include campsites ranging from water only to full hookups, cabins and screened shelters.
Explore the Pineywoods on more than 13 miles of trails. Don’t miss the Whispering Pines Nature Trail, laid out more than 70 years ago by the Civilian Conservation Corps. Buy nature-oriented gifts, toys and books. There are also souvenirs, snacks, and fishing and camping supplies.
Fish the lake for crappie, perch, catfish or bass. The park has three fishing piers and a boat ramp. There are fishing rods, reels and tackle boxes the park loans out. You can rent canoes, paddle boats, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and johnboats or bring your own. From Labor Day to Memorial Day, boat rentals are available daily except Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Check out “America’s Rose Capital.” You’ll find attractions like science museums, the Texas State Railroad and zip lines. If you have kids, be sure to check out the Discovery Science Place. Visit the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center in Athens, the East Texas Oil Museum in Kilgore, or the Salt Palace Museum in Grand Saline. Shop First Monday Trade Days in Canton.
Lake Bob Sandlin State Park
Distance from Fort Worth: 2 hr. 30 min. (145.6 mi) Location: 341 State, Park Rd. 2117, Pittsburg Attractions: 9,000-acre lake, 75 campsites, 3.3 miles of wooded trails Need to know: Gate hours are 6 a.m. - 10 p.m. daily and office hours are 8:15 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. daily. Tickets are $4 daily, free for children under 13. Reservations recommended online or by calling 512-389-8900. Busy season is March through October.
At the shore of Lake Bob Sandlin, two ecoregions meet. The northeast Texas area boasts massive trees, tall grasses, a fascinating mix of plants and animals and plentiful fishing.
On the 9,000-acre lake, you can swim, fish, paddle and boat. Or picnic, hike, camp, geocache, mountain bike and nature watch under the vibrant trees. Bring a group for a tranquil picnic by the lake at the pavilion.
Anglers will have plenty of opportunities for fishing. Fish from shore, pier or boat, or try the stocked Trout Pond or Brim Pond. Catch largemouth bass, catfish and crappie. The park features a fish cleaning station as well as fishing poles and kayaks for rent. While you don’t need a fishing license to fish from shore or pier, you’ll need a license to fish from a boat.
Explore three miles of wooded trails on bike or foot. For a weekend stay, you can choose from 75 campsites with water and electricity, set up your tent at a primitive campsite or reserve a cabin or screened shelter. The park offers tours and nature walks most weekends. Browse the gift shop at the front office for clothes, snacks, souvenirs and outdoor essentials.
Consider visiting the nearby towns of Mount Pleasant, Mount Vernon and Pittsburg. You can also check out the Governor Hogg Shrine in Quitman, Lake Monticello, Lake Cypress Springs and the Ezekiel Airship in Pittsburg.
Daingerfield State Park
Distance from Fort Worth: 2 hr. 43 min. (168.8 mi) Location: 455 Park Rd. 17, Daingerfield Attractions: 80-acre lake, East Texas Pineywoods, historic cabins Need to know: Park hours are 6 a.m. - 10 p.m. daily. Tickets are $4 daily, free for children under 13. Reservations recommended online or by calling 512-389-8900.
Take a short road trip to check out the East Texas Pineywoods, wandering through a cathedral of trees including pines, oaks and dogwoods. In the forest at Daingerfield State Park, walk the trails, paddle Little Pine Lake, or relax at your campsite.
Enjoy the Rustling Leaves Trail, a 2.4-mile easy hike around the lake. The 1.2-mile Mountain View Trail takes you to the highest point in the park. You can hike, go birding or geocaching, have a picnic or set up camp.
In the 80-acre lake, you can swim, boat or paddle, and fish. Fish for crappie, bass, catfish, perch or chain pickerel. Borrow fishing equipment and bring your own bait or purchase worms at the park store. You don’t need a license to fish from shore or boat in the park. Rent a paddle boat, paddle board, canoe, kayak or flat-bottom boat.
Stay at one of the campsites or historic cabins, or reserve the group hall or pavilion for a group gathering. There are two cabins that house four people, one for six people, and the Bass Lodge sleeps up to 15 people.
Dance Saturday night away to jukebox tunes at the pavilion. Some weekends feature karaoke or live music. Drive though the shops and restaurants of Daingerfield or the town of Jefferson just 30 miles southeast of the park.
Colorado Bend State Park
Distance from Fort Worth: 2 hr. 51 min. (164.6 mi) Location: 2236 Park Hill Dr., Bend Attractions: Sinkholes, caves, springs Need to know: Park hours are 6 a.m. – 10 p.m. daily. Tickets are $5 daily, free for children under 13. Reservations recommended online or by calling 512-389-8900. Check weather and road conditions before your visit.
Spend the Memorial Day weekend exploring the wilderness of Colorado Bend, two hours northwest of Austin. It features 70-foot Gorman Falls, one of the biggest and most stunning waterfalls in Texas.
On a warm day, cool off in Spicewood Springs, a spring-fed swimming hole. Book a cave tour to explore the world underneath the park. Test your limits on 35 miles of hike and bike trails. Tour Gorman Falls on your own or with a park guide, taking a 3-mile round trip hike over rough and rocky terrain.
Camping along the Colorado River offers an unforgettable experience. The park offers drive-up sites, walk-in tent sites and primitive hike-in sites.
