Lake Whitney State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Nestled on the tranquil shores of Lake Whitney in Central Texas, Lake Whitney State Park is a 1,000-acre nature area that's perfect for an outdoor adventure or family getaway. With its proximity to the large lake, the park is an excellent destination for water-based activities, including fishing, boating, swimming, and water sports. The park is also a popular camping destination, featuring a well-maintained campground with a peaceful atmosphere. If you want to thoroughly explore the area during your visit, there are some lovely hiking routes to explore, all of which offer opportunities to observe the unique local wildlife. Nearby Cities: • Waco, TX • Dallas, TX • Fort Worth, TX • Killeen, TX
Spring 49–88 F
Summer 70–97 F
Fall 40–85 F
Winter 33–66 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Lake Whitney State Park
Lake Whitney State Park Campground • Water hookup: Yes • Electrical hookup: Yes • Sewer hookup: Yes • Wi-Fi: No • Pet-friendly: Yes • Max RV length: 115 feet • Other amenities: Drinking water, hot showers, flush toilets, boat ramp, camp store, dump station, picnic areas, playground, barbecue grills, campsite tables, campground host, trash collection, fire rings
Lake Whitney State Park Campgrounds
Lake Whitney State Park has a total of 137 campsites on park grounds that RVers can use during their visit. Campers will get to choose from three different types of sites: campsites with full electric, water, and sewer hookups ($24 per night); campsites with electric and water hookups ($20 per night); or campsites with only water hookups ($14 per night). Regardless of which kind of site you choose, however, you'll have access to several amenities within the park. These include things like restrooms, showers, picnic tables, fire rings, and grills. You're also allowed to take your pets for no extra charge.
Thousand Trails RV Park
The Thousand Trails RV Park near Lake Whitney State Park is a large campground with 250 shaded sites to enjoy. Prices are subject to change depending on things like availability and time of the year, making estimates hard. However, the sheer number of amenities afforded to guests makes just about any price reasonable. In addition to things like water and electric hookups, you can enjoy restrooms, showers, laundry, a basketball court, horse riding trails, cable TV and Wi-Fi, a clubhouse and pool, a hot tub, a dog park, and tons more.
What to Do at
Lake Whitney State Park
Lake Whitney State Park is known as one of the premier destinations in all of Texas for water-based recreation. Beautiful Lake Whitney is a popular spot for activities like canoeing, sailing, swimming, waterskiing, and fishing. The park offers land-based fun as well. You can hike the park's scenic trail system and observe the many local birds and other wildlife species or try stargazing or geocaching. If you want to host a get-together with friends or family members, you can rent the park's sizable group recreation hall for the event.
Inside Lake Whitney State Park
Campers should have no trouble finding something fun to do when they're visiting Lake Whitney State Park. Lake Whitney is the focal point of much of the activity that goes on at the park, many people choosing to swim, canoe, sail, ski, and fish in the water as well as the attached Brazos River. Hiking is also popular with all the trails snaking their way through the park. Many also enjoy hunting or animal watching, bird-watching being especially fun given the presence of bald eagles and wild turkeys in the area.
Fishing
Lake Whitney State Park is known as an excellent fishing destination. Anglers visiting the park have been known to reel in largemouth, striped, and white bass as well as impressive blue catfish. You don't need a fishing license to cast your line from the shore in the park. Plus, the park offers fishing gear rentals and a fish cleaning station, making it a true paradise for angling enthusiasts.
Geocaching
You're welcome to participate in geocaching during your visit to Lake Whitney State Park, and you'll have an excellent chance of finding one or more hidden caches.
Nature Watching
With over 200 bird species inhabiting the area, Lake Whitney State Park is a fantastic bird-watching destination. You may also spot an animal or two while exploring the park's hiking trails.
Stargazing
Lake Whitney State Park is known for its dark skies, making it a popular spot for those in the stargazing community. Sometimes, the park even hosts star parties.
Flora and Fauna
You'll have the chance to see lots of beautiful plants along the nature trails at Lake Whitney State Park. The park's native flora includes netleaf hackberry, cedar elm, soapberry, and plateau live oak. As for fauna, inhabitants of the park include coyotes, foxes, bobcats, and white-tailed deer.
Hiking
Lake Whitney State Park features a small network of hiking trails that offer beautiful views of the nearby lake. The Two Bridges Trail winds through the tranquil post oak forest, while the Towash Forest Trail is a wonderful spot to observe the local birds and enjoy gorgeous views of the water.
Boating
Visitors frequently enjoy all types of boating at Lake Whitney State Park. You can go paddling out on the lake, enjoy a thrilling day of waterskiing, or have a relaxing afternoon of sailing. The nearby Brazos River also offers excellent opportunities for canoeing and kayaking.
Swimming
You're welcome to go for a swim in Lake Whitney, and it can be quite refreshing on a hot summer day in Central Texas. Keep in mind that there's no lifeguard on duty at the park.
Biking
Both the Two Bridges Trail and Towash Forest Trail are suitable for biking as well as hiking. The Two Bridges Trail is a gentle loop trail with several wooden bridges to cross.
How to Get to
Lake Whitney State Park
To get to Lake Whitney State Park from Dallas, follow I-35E S until you come to exit 370A for Texas 579 Spur. Merge onto TX-81 S, then take a right onto TX-22 W. Stay right to continue onto E Jefferson Ave, then turn left onto N Colorado Street. Finally, take a right onto FM1244 W, and it will take you directly into the park.
By Car
Entering Lake Whitney State Park
There is quite a bit of parking available in the lots.
Lake Whitney State Park Per adult : $5.0
Children 12 and under are free
Frequently Asked Questions About Lake Whitney State Park
For visitors who don't mind high temperatures, the summer is a great time to go for a refreshing swim at Lake Whitney State Park. That said, the park's weather is quite a bit milder during the spring and fall, but it's still warm and comfortable enough to enjoy all kinds of outdoor activities.
A variety of mammals are often spotted around the Lake Whitney State Park nature trails, including squirrels, raccoons, coyotes, bobcats, and white-tailed deer. However, the area is mainly known as an excellent bird-watching spot. Some of the birds to watch for in the park include bald eagles, American white pelicans, great blue herons, and roadrunners.
Yes, 72 of the 135 campsites in Lake Whitney State Park are designated RV sites. There are 41 campsites with full RV hookups and 31 with water and electrical hookups. The campground also offers a convenient RV dump station.
Although reservations are not mandatory at Lake Whitney State Park, it is advisable to make a reservation before your visit — especially during peak season. Your reservation can be made over the phone or online, though you may have to pay a small reservation fee. Overnight camping costs start at $14 per night, and full hookup sites cost $24.
Yes, you are welcome to bring your pets along, but they'll need to remain leashed at all times. Pet owners must also consistently clean up after their animals.