Wanting to escape the DFW area and enjoy miles of trails and gorgeous scenery? You don’t have to go far! Here is a list of some incredible state parks that are perfect for a day trip from Dallas full of hiking or a peaceful weekend spent camping. Reservations are recommended for all.

Wondering if it’s worth it to buy a Texas State Park pass? Check out my Texas State Parks guide, which details the park pass and includes my personal ranking of all of the Texas state parks I have visited!

Please make it a priority to Leave No Trace when exploring the outdoors. This includes leaving nothing behind, respecting wildlife, minimizing campfire impacts, respecting those around you, planning ahead and traveling on durable surfaces. For more details, read about the seven principles at lnt.org.

1. Dinosaur Valley State Park

• An hour and a half from Dallas
• $7 entry without parks pass

Explore where the dinosaurs once roamed at Dinosaur Valley State Park. Swim in the Paluxy River, see real dinosaur tracks, discover secluded mini waterfalls and hike up to views of the Paluxy River Valley. This is my favorite place to hike near Dallas!

2. Lake Mineral Wells

• An hour and 20 minutes from Dallas
• $7 entry without park pass

Lake Mineral Wells State Park is surrounded by a large lake with amazing rocky scenery. Go rock climbing at Penitentiary Hollow, hike around the lake, go swimming or explore the water by boat. Lake Mineral Wells is a gorgeous park with lots of rocky trails to adventure through.

If you are new to hiking, read my 15 best beginner hiker tips before hitting the trails!

3. Tyler State Park

• An hour and a half from Dallas
• $6 entry without park pass

Tyler State Park is a popular destination close to Dallas, known for its miles of trails and beautiful forest. Hike through the pine-hardwood forest, paddle around or swim in the spring-fed lake or camp under the stars in this Piney Wood park.

Want to learn about more things to do near Tyler State Park? Check out these activites in the Piney Woods.

4. Daingerfield State Park

• 2 hours 10 minutes from Dallas
• $4 entry without park pass

Daingerfield is a small park but it’s very charming. There are two trails in the park totaling 3.6 miles. Hike both trails for a view of the lake and a stroll around the water. You can also swim, paddle and enjoy a picnic on the shore.

5. Eisenhower State Park

• 1 hour 15 minutes from Dallas
• $5 entry without park pass

Eisenhower State Park sits at the border of Oklahoma on Lake Texoma. While there, you can swim at the beach, hike on the rocky ledges next to the water or even bring your ATV and enjoy the many ATV trails.

6. Cleburne State Park

• 1 hour 10 min from Dallas
• $6 entry

The focal point of Cleburne State Park is the impressive CCC-built limestone spillway. You can hike along the spillway, mountain bike through rocky and wooded terrain or kayak on Cedar Lake.

7. Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge

• 50 minutes from Dallas
• $6 entry

The Fort Worth Nature Center & Preserve not only has miles of trails, but is also home to a bison range and a prairie dog town. Don't miss the Canyon Ridge trail for a nice work out or the Marsh boardwalk for the chance to see a variety of beautiful birds.

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