Mansfield is a suburban city located just outside of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex area in Tarrant County, Texas. The first settlers arrived in the area that would become Mansfield in the 1840s. Many of these settlers were farmers coming from Southern states. The area saw significant growth after the construction of the Fort Worth & New Orleans Railroad, which ran through Mansfield and helped connect the city to other parts of the country. Mansfield was officially incorporated in 1909. Throughout much of the early 20th century, the city served as a hub for the surrounding farmlands.
As of 2020, Mansfield had a population of just under 73,000. The busy suburb is known for its picturesque parks, vibrant arts and culture, and historical landmarks. During your visit, you could start by enjoying some of the many beautiful outdoor areas. For example, you could spend a day at Joe Pool Lake fishing for bluegill, largemouth bass, and other fish. Another great destination is Elmer W. Oliver Nature Park, which is a wonderful spot for hiking, bird-watching, wildlife viewing, and angling. If you'd prefer a leisurely day on the green, head to Mansfield National Golf Club and play a round in the lovely setting.
While you're in town, consider attending a live show or film presentation at the Historic Farr Best Theater. If you enjoy educational entertainment, stop by one of Mansfield's fascinating museums. A couple of excellent options are the Mansfield Historical Museum & Heritage Center and the Man House Museum. When you want to do a bit of shopping, you can browse the many unique items at the Antique Mall of Mansfield. There are also plenty of top-tier eateries to sample around town, including popular spots like Our Place Restaurant, La Gondola Italian Restaurant, and Twisted Root Burger Co.
Campgrounds Near Mansfield, Texas
While visiting the Mansfield area, you could stay at Treetops RV Resort. The campground boasts over 165 RV campsites with full hookups and plenty of amenities, including a swimming pool, clean showers, laundry facilities, and a mail center. There are over 2,000 trees around the RV park, providing guests with plenty of shelter from the hot Texas sun.
You could also stay at the Arlington Place RV Park, which has a remote, peaceful location and offers full-hookup RV campsites. During your stay, you'll be located within a short drive of attractions like the Texas Rangers ballpark, the Cowboys' stadium, and great fishing and swimming opportunities at Joe Pool Lake. Additionally, you'll have access to amenities like a dog-walk area, mailboxes, an on-site dumpster, and many others.
Another reputable campground to check out is the Dallas/Arlington KOA Holiday. There, you can grab one of the 170 full-hookup RV campsites and enjoy a variety of planned family-friendly activities. A few of the campground's lovely amenities include bike rentals, barbecue areas, laundry facilities, a park, propane, a convenience store, a pavilion, and a kitchen area.
State Parks Near Mansfield, Texas
Cedar Hill State Park is a scenic, 1,200-acre natural haven that's a popular spot for family outings. Located within 30 minutes of Mansfield, the park is situated on the shores of Joe Pool Lake, which is a fantastic spot for fishing, swimming, and boating. There are also many miles of lovely trails surrounding the lake, which you can hike or bike while enjoying the gorgeous views over the water. With over 200 bird species inhabiting the area, the park is a superb destination for bird-watching as well.
Cleburne State Park is a somewhat remote park, but its natural beauty and recreational opportunities make it worth the trip. The park is known for its picturesque scenery, which includes many species of trees, colorful wildflowers, waterfalls, and a crystal-clear lake. Visitors to the park can enjoy a wide variety of activities, including hiking, biking, wildlife viewing, bird-watching, fishing, geocaching, boating, and watersports.
Lake Whitney State Park comprises approximately 1,000 acres and surrounds the beautiful Lake Whitney. Known for its lush scenery, the park is an exceptional destination for water-based recreation, including fishing, paddling, sailing, swimming, and watersports. Alternatively, visitors can hike the peaceful nature trails, observe the local birds and other wildlife, or enjoy a relaxing picnic with beautiful waterfront views.
National Sites Near Mansfield, Texas
Waco Mammoth National Monument is one of the most fascinating sites in the country for those interested in natural history. At the park, you can observe the fossilized remains of Columbian mammoths and a variety of other creatures. The creatures fossilized at the park died more than 75,000 years ago, and there are still more remains being uncovered. During your visit, you'll want to navigate the Waco Mammoth National Monument Trail and the Waco Mammoth Dig Shelter Trail to get up-close looks at the site and its fossils. Additionally, there are several miles of scenic hiking and biking trails to explore in the surrounding area.
Chickasaw National Recreation Area is a large natural site located in southern Oklahoma. The park is home to the areas that were once the Arbuckle Recreation Area and Platt National Park, which were combined in 1976. Today, the 9,888-acre recreation area contains a number of gentle streams, forested hills, placid lakes, and natural springs that provide a lovely atmosphere for various outdoor activities. Lake of the Arbuckles is a popular spot for boating, kayaking, canoeing, swimming, and waterskiing. There are also some scenic hiking routes to explore, like the Travertine Creek Trail and the Bison Pasture Loop.
If you'd like to learn about Texas' history, it's worth exploring El Camino Real de los Tejas National Historic Trail. The route was one of the "royal roads" that linked Mexico City to North America. It provided trade opportunities and was used by the Spanish for colonization. There are many interesting landmarks located along the historic trail, including the Villa Antigua Border Heritage Museum, the Fort St. Jean Baptiste Historic Site, and the Republic of the Rio Grande Museum.
National Forests Near Mansfield, Texas
Davy Crockett National Forest is a 160,000-acre national forest and the home of the Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area. The recreation area, which is home to a placid lake, is the most popular destination in the forest. It features an amphitheater and shower facilities. Visitors to the recreation area also partake in activities like camping, fishing, boating, and swimming. Throughout the national forest, which is named for folk hero Davy Crockett, you'll find dense woodlands, gentle streams, and many unique wildlife species.
Angelina National Forest encompasses 153,000 acres across parts of four different counties in Texas. During your visit, you can explore the seven developed areas of the forest and navigate wonderful hiking trails like the Sawmill Hiking Trail and the Banita Creek Trail. Alternatively, you can head to the Sam Rayburn Reservoir, which is the state's largest manmade lake and a popular destination for boating and fishing for crappie and catfish. Bird-watching, geocaching, wildlife viewing, and camping are common activities for visitors to the national forest as well.
Another scenic national forest in Texas is Sam Houston National Forest, which is located roughly an hour north of Houston. Both water and land-based recreation are popular for visitors to the natural area. If you enjoy hiking, you can explore a huge section of the forest by navigating the 128-mile Lone Star Hiking Trail. Alternatively, you could stop by the Double Lake Recreation Area to swim or lounge on the beach, take a boat out on Lake Conroe, or cast your fishing line for catfish, bluegill, and largemouth bass in Lake Livingston.
