If Texas loses Fairfield Lake State Park, here are 5 alternatives only a short drive from DFW
Texas may soon lose a 1,800-acre state park on Fairfield Lake when the private landowner sells it to a developer.
Fairfield Lake State Park, about 100 miles southeast of Dallas-Fort Worth, is one of 89 state parks in Texas. Following a 1.5 to 2 hour drive, DFW park visitors can explore 10 miles of trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding and an extensive shoreline for fishing.
If the state loses Fairfield Lake State Park, here are the other state parks that are around the same drive time for DFW residents.
1. 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.
2. Possum Kingdom State Park
Distance from Fort Worth: 1 hr. 50 min.
Location: 3901 State Park Road 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.
3. Mother Neff State Park
Distance from Fort Worth: 1 hr. 50 min.
Location: 1921 State Park Road 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. One reader suggested the best time to visit is in the spring.
For those wanting to take more than a day trip, visitors can camp or stay at a 16-person lodge priced at $200 nightly.
4. 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 large city’s 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; 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, and loans fishing rods, reels and tackle boxes. You can rent canoes, paddle boats, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and johnboats there 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. Time your visit to attend The Rose Festival from Oct. 13 to 16. 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.
5. 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.
