State-Parks

Living in the Dallas-Fort Worth metro means you’re never more than a couple hours from some of Texas’s best state parks. Whether your kids are into swimming, hiking, mountain biking, or just running around in wide open spaces, there’s a park that fits. Here are our picks for the best state parks near Dallas for families. Cedar Hill State Park - 20 Minutes from Downtown Cedar Hill State Park is the closest real state park experience to Dallas, sitting right on Joe Pool Lake barely 20 minutes from the city center. Kids can swim at the sandy beach, fish from shore, hike the Talala Trail loop, or - if they’re old enough - tear up the DORBA mountain bike trails. With 350 campsites, it’s also one of the easiest parks to plan an overnight trip. ...

The Texas Hill Country is the ultimate family road trip destination - spring-fed swimming holes, limestone caves, wildflower-covered meadows, and state parks that rank among the best in the country. It’s all within a 1-2 hour drive from Austin or San Antonio, making it perfect for a long weekend or even a packed day trip. Here’s how to plan a family weekend in the Hill Country that your kids will talk about for months. ...

Your family’s first camping trip doesn’t need to be an epic backcountry expedition. In fact, the best first trips are short, close to home, and simple. Here’s everything you need to know to make your first family camping trip a success - from choosing the right campground to what to actually bring. Choose the Right Campground The campground you pick makes or breaks a first camping trip. Here’s what to look for: ...