(Last Updated On: )
Fort-Worth offers one of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas filled with state parks, all within an hour or less of travel.
When you are ready to truly unplug and get out—far out—into the great outdoors, find some stunning spots just a short drive away.
The entire family can enjoy these parks, or you can get some much-needed alone time with nature without driving too far from the city.
Visit dinosaur tracks, possums, and tons of nature by visiting these fantastic state parks in North Texas.
All of these are easily reachable for those in Dallas as well, and from there, you can move further into Texas or move to Oklahoma just north of Fort Worth.
Take a peek at the closest parks and plan your next adventure.
Map of State Parks Near Fort Worth, TX
Here is a map of the Texas state parks covered in this post:
List of State Parks Near Fort Worth
Below are each of those state parks with their distance from Fort Worth and the unique attractions each has to offer.
1. Cedar Hill State Park
Location: 1570 FM1382, Cedar Hill, TX 75104
Take a break at Cedar Hill State Park with a view of Joe Lake Pool, known for its fishing and boating. Others come for camping, birdwatching, or a picnic in the afternoon. On the other hand, mountain bikers and hikers unwind by exploring the park’s many routes. In addition to the many recreational possibilities available at Cedar Hill State Park, visitors can explore the Penn Farm Agricultural Penn Farm to learn about local Texas history.
With more than 300 campsites, hundreds of picnic tables and barbecue grilles, the Joe Pool Marina, miles of biking and hiking trails, anyone can find something to help them relax at Cedar Hill Park. Additionally, the natural preserved habitats support diverse flora and fauna. Visit the park for just seven dollars a day except for children twelve and under who are free.
Joe Pool Lake is the main attraction. The park has a variety of amenities to help you enjoy the lake. Two boat ramps, many fishing piers, lakeside picnic and camping spots, and a bathing area are among the amenities. Joe Pool Lake is also accessible from various parks and facilities. Finally, keep an eye out for animals such as bobcats, coyotes, foxes, squirrels, armadillos, raccoons, birds, and various fish.
2. Dinosaur Valley State Park
Location: 1629 Park Rd 59, Glen Rose, TX 76043
Despite the fact that Dinosaur Valley State Park is about an hour southwest from Fort Worth, the well-preserved dinosaur tracks are well worth the trek. Four enormous track sites with footprints up to three feet long can be seen in the park. Late summer is the best time to witness these tracks because water levels are low and conditions are dry.
In addition, the park has a lot more to offer than just the rails. For starters, there are nearly twenty miles of hiking and mountain bike routes to explore. Swimming and fishing in the Paluxy River offer a fantastic oasis with rocks and fauna surrounding the river. For people interested in horseback riding, there is also a 100-acre basic area towards the park’s south end.
Enjoy a multi-day experience when you add sixty campsites to the mix, including group, rustic, and electric sites. Anyone over the age of twelve can attend for $7 per day, while children under the age of twelve are admitted free. When the water level decreases, find isolated ponds, animals, and vegetation in the summer.
3. Lake Mineral Wells State Park & Trailway
Location: 100 Park Rd 71, Mineral Wells, TX 76067
Lake Mineral Wells State Park showcases all of North Texas’ natural splendor. Hike on approximately 13 miles of paths through fields of sunflowers, Indian paintbrushes, and bluebonnets while relaxing in the shade of pecan, oak, Texas ash, and walnut trees. Rent a flat-bottom boat, canoe, kayak, or rowboat to explore the 640-acre lake and catch catfish, crappie, sunfish, or largemouth bass from one of six fishing piers.
Visit Penitentiary Hollow, one of North Texas’s few natural rock climbing locations. At the park, enjoy the outdoors in a variety of ways. Find the park only 45 minutes west of Fort Worth, the perfect distance for an exciting adventure. Enjoy over one hundred campsites with various amenities, including electricity sites, equestrian sites, and primitive campsites, all for small fees. Then, spend some time out in the grassy fields enjoy the wildflowers and wildlife as birds tweet overhead.
4. Possum Kingdom State Park
Location: 3901 St Park Rd 33, Caddo, TX 76429
Explore one of Texas’ best-kept secrets at Possum Kingdom State Park, about 112 miles from Fort Worth. While it is a bit of a drive from the city, Possum Kingdom Lake is the perfect place to escape for a holiday weekend or a quieter mid-week trip, whether you are searching for a relaxing retreat or a lakeside resort full of fun and adventure. Possum Kingdom is one of Texas’ most beautiful lakes, with nearly 20,000 acres of crystal-clear blue water and depths of 145 feet.
With almost 300 miles of shoreline ranging from cliffs to rocks to sandy beaches and secluded coves, there’s something for everyone. Stay in one of our air-conditioned cabins for the night. Choose from one of our water and electricity sites, water-only sites, or rustic walk-in sites if you’re a camper. You will want to stay awhile as you can snorkel, scuba dive, boat, swim, fish, and enjoy other aquatic activities.
Moreover, the park offers plenty of wildlife, nature, hiking, and geocaching. Find some unique rock structures floating at the edge of the lake, and you may even see some white-tailed deer. Do check before going as fires often sweep through the area, but it’s well worth a trip in good weather.
5. Fort Richardson State Park, Historic Site & Lost Creek Reservoir State Trail-way
Location: 228 Park Road 61, Jacksboro, TX 76458
Fort Richardson, located 60 miles northwest of Fort Worth with military significance during the Civil War, provides an incredible getaway. It was the most significant post in Texas during the 1870s, serving as a crucial staging area for the Red River War. Now the fort serves as a memorial to the wild frontier, with options to visit the reconstructed buildings for a taste of what life was like at the fort.
The nine-mile Lost Creek Reservoir State Trailway is a great place to hike, bike, or horseback ride after learning about the fort’s unique chapter in Texas history. As you ride by the scenic Lost Creek and around the Lost Creek Reservoir, take in all of the pecan and oak trees as well as the vibrant wildflowers. Fort Richardson State Park has something for everyone, with historical structures and plenty of outdoor sites to see.
The camp offers a beautiful lake with gorgeous scenery despite the military significance. Enjoy any adventure you can imagine, such as camping, hiking, biking, swimming, and geocaching. Even horses can enjoy the park. Stay at one of over 60 campsites with various options perfect for the entire family.
6. Ray Roberts Lake State Park
Location: 100 P W 4137, Pilot Point, TX 76258
Lake Ray Roberts is a picturesque lake located about an hour north of Fort Worth between Sanger and Pilot Point. This is an excellent spot if you want to get away to a place where you can enjoy nature with the peak season between March and November. The Lake offers the best attraction, followed by hiking and camping.
If you want to extend your trip to fully enjoy the park and water, stay at one of over fifty campsites. The campsites are ideal for a little weekend getaway, but they can also be used for one-day events. Smaller campsites are available for a small group of friends or family, or one of the bigger sites can be reserved for a large group event such as a family reunion or company party.
Between Lake Lewisville and the Ray Roberts Dam on the Greenbelt Corridor, there are almost 20 miles of trails that you may follow along the Trinity River for a great trek or horseback ride. There are even paved sections of the path, and many of the trails are multi-use. Grab a map to discover how each of the trail areas is used.
