Texas State Parks Day is Nov. 2. In honor of the special day, recognized since 2023, entry to all 89 parks across the state is free to the public Sunday. We’ve rounded up North Texas parks less than — or just upwards of — an hour’s drive from either Fort Worth or the Tarrant County area.
Parks will operate as normal and may limit admissions depending on capacity. Information on activities and events can be found at the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department website.
Cedar Hill State Park
Sitting just south of Fort Worth and Dallas, the park is home to Joe Pool Lake, hundreds of campsites and trails that span thousands of acres.
Address: 1570 West FM 1382, Cedar Hill
Hours: 6 a.m.–10 p.m. daily
Cleburne State Park
This North Texas park is about 30 minutes southwest of Fort Worth. Guests can canoe, kayak, fish, swim and boat on the lake. The park features 13 miles of trails.
Address: 5800 Park Road 21, Cleburne
Hours: 7 a.m.–10 p.m. daily
Dinosaur Valley State Park
Where dinosaurs once roamed along the cusp of an ancient ocean is now the home of a Glen Rose state park. The public can enjoy the historic site and its 20 miles of trails, camp sites, tour guides, horseback riding — and, of course, dinosaur tracks.
Address: 1629 Park Road 59, Glen Rose
Hours: 6 a.m.–10 p.m. daily
Lake Mineral Wells State Park & Trailway offers camping, boating, fishing and various trails about 45 minutes west of Fort Worth. (Courtesy photo | Texas Parks & Wildlife Department)
Lake Mineral Wells State Park & Trailway
Located in cattle country, the Mineral Wells site includes a 640-acre lake, fishing piers and rock climbing. Various trails are available for hikers and bikers looking for either an easy or challenging journey.
Address: 100 Park Road 71, Mineral Wells
Hours: 6 a.m.–10 p.m. daily
Ray Roberts Lake State Park
Ray Roberts Lake provides natural areas for various activities. On the lake, park goers can swim, paddle or fish. If you’re looking for quieter ventures, guests can camp overnight, take part in nature and art programs or explore miles of trails. The Greenbelt Corridor takes hikers past Ray Roberts Lake and up to Lake Lewisville and the Elm Fork of the Trinity River.
Address:
Isle du Bois entrance at 100 PW 4137, Pilot Point
Johnson Branch entrance at 100 PW 4153, Valley View
Hours: 6 a.m–10 p.m. daily
Nicole Lopez is the environment reporter for the Fort Worth Report. Contact her at nicole.lopez@fortworthreport.org.
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