Day Trips from Dallas
← All Dallas day tripsDay Trips from Dallas: State Parks & Natural Areas
The best state parks and natural areas within driving distance of Dallas, TX. Hiking, camping, swimming, and stunning scenery without the national park crowds. Real drive times, ratings, and visitor info included.
12 state parks near Dallas
Arbor Hills Nature Preserve
Plano, TX 75093
Just 25 min from Dallas, rated 4.8 stars by 7,961 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Oak Point Park and Nature Preserve
Plano, TX 75074
Just 30 min from Dallas, rated 4.8 stars by 3,594 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Chickasaw National Recreation Area
Sulphur, OK 73086
Just 2 hrs 13 min from Dallas, rated 4.8 stars by 3,855 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Tucker Tower Nature Center
Ardmore, OK 73401
Just 1 hr 40 min from Dallas, rated 4.8 stars by 243 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Cedar Ridge Preserve
Dallas, TX 75249
Just 21 min from Dallas, rated 4.8 stars by 5,587 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Cleburne State Park
Cleburne, TX 76033
Just 1 hr 8 min from Dallas, rated 4.7 stars by 2,176 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge
Fort Worth, TX 76135
Just 45 min from Dallas, rated 4.7 stars by 1,901 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Mother Neff State Park
Moody, TX 76557
Just 1 hr 55 min from Dallas, rated 4.7 stars by 1,299 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Dinosaur Valley State Park
TX 76043, USA
Just 1 hr 27 min from Dallas, rated 4.7 stars by 4,687 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Eisenhower State Park
Denison, TX 75020
Just 1 hr 17 min from Dallas, rated 4.6 stars by 2,956 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Spring Creek Forest Preserve
Garland, TX 75044
Just 28 min from Dallas, rated 4.6 stars by 929 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Cedar Hill State Park
Cedar Hill, TX 75104
Just 21 min from Dallas, rated 4.5 stars by 3,956 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Frequently Asked Questions About State Parks Day Trips from Dallas
What are the best state parks near Dallas, TX?
The best state parks near Dallas offer hiking, camping, swimming, fishing, and scenic overlooks. Check the cards above for top-rated parks with drive times, ratings, and budget estimates.
How much does it cost to visit state parks near Dallas?
Most state parks near Dallas charge a vehicle entry fee of $5-$15 per day. Annual passes are usually available for $25-$50 and pay for themselves in 2-3 visits. Camping fees are separate and vary by site type.
Which state parks near Dallas are best for camping?
Several state parks within driving distance of Dallas offer campgrounds ranging from primitive tent sites to full-hookup RV sites with showers. Book early for summer weekends, as popular parks fill up months in advance.
What is the best time to visit state parks near Dallas?
Spring and fall offer the best weather and smallest crowds at state parks near Dallas. Summer is great for swimming and camping but parks are busiest. Winter visits are peaceful and many parks stay open year-round for hiking.
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