Looking for the perfect southern RV destination? Why not head to Dallas? This amazing city is chock-full of things to see and do, and is surrounded by awesome state parks and other natural areas that are just perfect for RVing as well as outdoor exploration.
In this article we will discuss some of those Dallas-area Texas state parks. These parks are just perfect for RVers because they offer both RV camping as well as fun outdoor activities. If you’re planning an RV trip to Texas, we highly recommend adding a stop to at least one of these parks on your itinerary.
Renting an RV in Dallas
Obviously, if you’re going to go RV camping in one of these awesome Texas state parks, you will need an RV to stay in. While some people have RVs of their own, the vast majority of adventurers out there do not.
This is where Dallas rental RVs come into play. We have tons of great RVs listed in the Dallas area, meaning finding the perfect one for your trip should be a cinch. No matter what kind of RV you prefer, we have something for you.
Not sure how to find the perfect RV for visiting the Dallas-area Texas state parks? First decide whether you want a driveable or a towable and water or not your need it delivered. From there, you can decide on size, keeping the size of your travel party in mind. Floor plan and amenities should also be considered, as you will want to make sure you are comfortable for the duration of your stay.
With an RV all picked out, the next step is planning your itinerary. Clearly, you will want to head into the city a couple of times to see some of the museums, dining opportunities, and shopping spots found there. We also recommend exploring the Great Trinity Forest. Lastly, we highly recommend staying in one of the Texas state parks listed below and making a point of taking day trips to as many others as you can.
Benefits of RV Travel in State Parks
Why do we think visiting these Dallas-area state parks is such an important addition to a Dallas RV trip? Well, there are a number of excellent benefits of staying in a state park when traveling in a trailer or motorhome.
Parking in a state park puts you right in the middle of beautiful natural areas, meaning you can head outside each day and enjoy outdoor recreation without even getting in the car. Most state parks offer RV-friendly accommodations, and in Texas the state parks even offer electricity and water for RV campers, meaning sleeping and showering are easy and comfortable.
On top of all that, cooking your favorite meals is easy to do when you have your own tiny kitchen with you, meaning you won’t have to stop the outdoor fun to go pick up food!
Top State Parks for RVers in Dallas
Wondering which Dallas-area state parks are best for RVers? Below, we’ve put together a list of our absolute favorites. Stay at one of these amazing parks and you’re sure to have an amazing time connecting with nature while also enjoying the attractions found in the nearby city.
Cedar Hill State Park
Located 20 minutes southwest of downtown Dallas, Cedar Hill State Park is the ideal place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city without driving far away.
This beautiful park sits on the shore of Joe Pool Lake, which offers opportunities for fishing, boating, and during the summer months, swimming. There are plenty of lovely trails that wind their way through the park and are great for hiking or biking, and the many critters that call the park home make this a fantastic place for wildlife watching.
The campsites in Cedar Hill State Park are plentiful and include both full-hookup sites and partial-hookup sites. Picnic tables, fire rings, and restrooms are all available to campers as well, so you can fully enjoy your camping experience.
Ray Roberts Lake State Park
You could also choose to head about an hour north of Dallas to visit the lovely Ray Roberts Lake State Park. This park is split into nine sections, three of which offer recreation opportunities. These include Isle Du Bois, Johnson Branch, and Jordan Unit. All are right on the water and all offer lots of choices when it comes to outdoor activities.
Hiking is a popular activity in the park, and the geocaching here is fantastic. You can also choose to cycle, rollerblade, or even ride horses while visiting the park. If the water calls to you, consider boating or fishing, and if it’s hot out, be sure to bring a swimsuit so you can dive in.
Camping is available in Isle du Bois and Johnson Branch. The RV sites all include electricity and access to potable water. Restrooms with showers are also available onsite.
Possum Kingdom State Park
If you’re willing to drive a bit further, consider a visit to Possum Kingdom State Park. This state park is located about two hours west of Dallas, and in our opinion is well worth the drive.
Like the parks listed above, this park is located on the lake, meaning ample opportunity for swimming, boating, and even scuba diving. Water skiing is a popular activity during the summertime, and fishing is a big deal here. You can expect to find largemouth bass, striped bass, white bass, blue catfish, white crappie, and more swimming in these waters.
On land, activities include nature and hiking trails, as well as geocaching fun. Of course, the campsites are also a big draw. These include both electric and water-only sites as well as picnic tables, potable water, and in some areas, restrooms with showers.
Lake Tawakoni State Park
An hour east of Dallas, you’ll find Lake Tawakoni State Park. As the name suggests, this park sits on the shores of Lake Tawakoni. Hike the five miles of trails that wind their way through the woods that surround the lake as well as other parts of the park, or enjoy relaxing on the sandy beach. Kids will love fishing in the kids pond, and older anglers will enjoy fishing for striped bass, white bass, catfish, crappie, and more in the lake.
Other activities that people enjoy when visiting Lake Tawakoni State Park include kayaking, canoeing, geocaching, biking, bird watching, and of course, ranger programs.
As far as camping goes, you’ll find both full-hookup and partial-hookup sites in the park. Potable water is available in all RV camping areas, and picnic tables and grills make it easy to enjoy meals at your campsite.
Dinosaur Valley State Park
Finally, there is Dinosaur Valley State Park. Located about an hour and a half southwest of Dallas in the town of Glen Rose, this park is our absolute favorite of the Dallas-area state parks.
You see, this park has some of the coolest features you’ll ever find in a state park. First, 20 miles of trails run through the park, meaning there is plenty to explore. A beautiful river also makes its way through the park, giving visitors a chance to fish, swim, and more. The best part? This park plays host to real dinosaur footprints! These prints are often underwater so you will want to visit when the water level is low, but they’re totally awesome and well worth seeing.
RV campsites in Dinosaur Valley State Park feature both water and electric, as well as picnic tables and fire rings. That said, trailers cannot be more than 35 feet long, as they will not be able to navigate the park roads.
Tips for RV Travelers in State Parks
Of course, you won’t want to head into your Texas state parks RV camping trip without being prepared. Fortunately, we’ve included everything you need to know right here.
First, it’s important that you know exactly what you need to pack for an RV getaway. Obviously, you’ll need the usual toothbrush and underwear, but traveling in an RV requires some extra gear that you may not think of. This RV packing list includes all of the most important essentials and is definitely a good place to start. Just be sure you add items that are more specific to your needs and what you plan to do while out camping.
Reservations for RV camping at Texas state parks can be made on the Reserve America website. Reservations are highly recommended, and in some parks even required. Note that campers will need to pay day-use fees in addition to camping fees. To get around this, you can purchase a Texas State Parks annual pass, which removes the day-use fees and makes your second consecutive night of camping half off. Depending on how often you plan to camp in Texas state parks, this can be an incredible deal.
It is important to know that not all Texas state parks can accommodate big rigs. Make sure to check information listed online for any park you plan to visit in order to ensure your RV will be able to navigate park roads and fit into the campsites.
As you can see, the Dallas area is home to lots of wonderful state parks that are full of awesome campsites and tons of fun outdoor activities. If you’ll be visiting the area, we encourage you to get out there and explore as many of these parks as possible! Why not find the perfect RV rental in Dallas today?
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