Hike, dive, repeat:
These 10 State Parks near Dallas are perfect for a summer splash!
Enjoy nature and beat the Texas heat in one single shot, at beautiful State Parks and Preserves in Texas and surroundings, with natural swimming areas.
From popular summer spots among locals, to hidden gems where you can enjoy solitude, discover in this post 10 awesome places within 2 hours driving from Dallas to cool off this summer.
The parks below all feature great nature trails and river beaches, lake beaches or cascades. They make outstanding summer day trip destinations from Dallas.
Choose your favorites, make reservations (links along the post), and hit the road to have the time of your life every weekend of this season!
Don’t mind driving a little (or a lot) further? Check our summer special for tons of summer travel ideas in Texas and surroundings states, including the most amazing swimming holes in Texas and the best beaches to visit from Dallas.
📝 Note:
It’s always a good idea to check on current conditions before heading to any State Park, as recent extreme weather or other unforeseen events can close trails and swimming areas without notice.
Click on the specific State Park links provided along the post to check for any current Park Alerts before hitting the road.
1. Cedar Hill State Park
Distance: 22 miles/ 25 min from Dallas
This is the place to go if you’re looking for a quick summer getaway – Cedar Hill is the closest State Park to Dallas and located less than 30 minutes from the city. It’s overall a great Texas State Park to hit this summer if you need a change of scenery but don’t want to drive a long distance.
Cedar Hill State Park features a beautiful and well-maintained beach area. Swimming at Joe Pool Lake is a sure way to beat the Texas heat!
Hiking, biking, and fishing are some of the other fun things to do at Cedar Hill State Park. Or simply relax by the lake and soak in the summer vibe surrounded by nature.
2. Ray Roberts Lake State Park
Distance: 59 miles/ 1 h 00 min from Dallas
Ray Roberts Lake, in Pilot Point, Texas, is a popular State Park among Dalasites for its proximity to the city and great amenities.
It’s a place for fishing, swimming, paddling, camping, hiking, cycling and horseback riding – the opportunities to enjoy the outdoors are endless there.
Lake Ray Roberts Isle du Bois unit features a beautiful sandy beach area as well, perfect for a splash in the Texas summer.
Sharkarosa Wildlife Ranch, a safari style zoo, is right next door to Ray Roberts Lake State Park and makes the perfect add on to your summer day trip from Dallas.
3. Lake Mineral Wells State Park
Distance: 78 miles/ 1 h 15 min from Dallas
Lake Mineral Wells is an amazing State Park in North Texas. It features a swimming beach, kayak and SUP rentals, and over 12 miles of trails. And its home to famous Penitentiary Hollow, a unique geological formation resembling a small canyon.
For a perfect summer day at Lake Mineral Wells State Park, hike Red Waterfront Trail towards Penitentiary Hollow and then refresh and recover at the lake shores.
Other activities at Lake Mineral Wells include boating, camping, fishing, and rock climbing.
Lake Mineral Wells is about 1h15 from Dallas and 0h45 from Fort Worth, and a popular Texas State Park among locals.
4. Eisenhower State Park
Distance: 79 miles/ 1 h 15 min from Dallas
Right on the shores of Lake Texoma, one of the largest reservoir in the United States, Eisenhower State Park is home to a beautiful swimming cove and over 6 miles of hiking and biking trails.
Set up on a bluff overlooking the lake, Eisenhower State Park offers amazing views. It’s a beautiful and well-maintained State Park in Texas, ideal for a splash in a hot summer day.
Other activities there include fishing, paddling (bring your own equipment), hiking and camping.
5. Dinosaur Valley State Park
Distance: 80 miles/ 1 h 25 min from Dallas
Dinosaur Valley is a must-visit State Park in Texas, and Dallasites are lucky to have it only a short driving distance from the city!
Not only Dinosaur Valley State Park scenery is absolutely gorgeous, but the park is also home to unique real dinosaur footprints along Paluxy River riverbed. Looking for them and hiking the several nature trails are among the top activities there.
On summer, Paluxy River takes the center stage and is one of the best places near Dallas to cool off surrounded by nature. Crystal-clear waters, sandy beach areas and small cascades make Paluxy River the most perfect place to chill out under the sun.
Dinosaur Valley State Park is right next door from Fossil Rim Wildlife Center, another must-visit attraction in the area. Check in this post a complete weekend itinerary including both places (destination # 1, Glen Rose) and plan you summer adventure.
6. Tyler State Park
Distance: 97 miles/ 1 h 30 min from Dallas
The Piney Woods region of Texas is simply stunning. And Tyler State Park is one of the closest places to experience its beauty from Dallas.
Tyler State Park landscape is unexpected. A dramatic change of scenery from the plains we are used to see around Dallas. Head there and you’ll find yourself immersed in nature, surrounded by gorgeous 100-foot tall trees framing a beautiful 64-acre spring-feed pond, ideal for all sort of summerish leisure activities.
Tyler State Park has a great designated swimming area, with a jumping platform. Kayaks, canoes, and SUPs are available for rent on site, and paddling the pond is another great way to enjoy summer there.
On your way between Dallas and Tyler you’ll find Ham Orchards -open summer season only and a slight detour from your itinerary. For an amazing summer experience in the Dallas surroundings, stop there on your way back to the city and try their famous homemade peach ice cream.
7. Fairfield Lake State Park
Distance: 95 miles/ 1 h 25 min from Dallas
Fairfield Lake State Park is a great summer day trip destination from Dallas. Not far from the city, it’s home to over 10 miles of beautiful easy to moderate hiking trails and to a large sandy swimming area.
Besides the designated swimming area, Fairfield Lake State Park also offers lake access from every camping area, so it’s easy to find solitude and claim your own spot on the peaceful lake shores. Other activities at Fairfield Lake State Park include camping, boating, and horseback riding (bring your own horse).
Ennis is in your way back to Dallas and home to classic Galaxy Drive Inn Theatre. For the ultimate summer adventure, stop by and top off your fun-filled day by the lake with an old-fashioned movie session under the stars.
8. Turner Falls Park
Distance: 128 miles/ 1 h 55 min from Dallas
Turner Falls, in neighboring Oklahoma, is absolutely gorgeous.
The 77-foot cascade is the largest waterfall in Oklahoma and a popular summer travel destination for Texans. Besides the breathtaking waterfall, the park offers trails, small caves, zip-lining, and lodging.
Take advantage of your trip to Turner Falls Park to visit neighboring Little Niagara Falls, part of Chickasaw National Recreation Area. Other amazing nearby attractions include Arbuckle Wilderness Park and Chickasaw Cultural Center.
9. Lake Whitney State Park
Distance: 76 miles/ 1 h 15 min from Dallas
Lake beaches, clear water, and solitude. Lake Whitney State Park is a true hidden gem only 1h15 driving from Dallas.
The State Park features a designated swimming area with 2 sandy beaches. And several swimmable spots along Whitney Lake shores, including hidden and beautiful rocky beaches, as the one shown in the picture.
The limestone bottom makes Lake Whitney clean and clear, with fresh waters perfect for a summer splash. It’s a great lake for swimming, fishing, paddling, and boating.
Whitney Lake State Park also features 2 short nature trails – Towash Forest Trail and Two Bridges Trail – as well as cabins and waterfront camping spots. It’s overall a superb summer travel destination in Texas, for a quick day trip or even to spend the weekend camping surrounded by nature.
10. Meridian State Park
Distance: 92 miles/ 1 h 40 min from Dallas
Shady trails, a clean designated swimming area and a peaceful lake make this small and secluded Texas State Park a great quick summer getaway from Dallas.
A nature retreat off the beaten path, and the place to go if you’re looking for quiet and privacy.
Lake Meridian is a ‘no wake lake’, making it the perfect place for a summer splash – you won’t have to worry about boats and jet-skis.
Meridian State Park has over 5 miles of trails for all skill levels. Don’t miss Bosque Hiking Trail, which circles the lake perimeter and takes you through the Civilian Conservation Corps dam and a scenic overlook.
Other activities at Meridian Lake State Park include paddling (rentals available on site), floating and fishing.
Summing Up
In need of a change of air but not in the mood for a sleepover?
Try one of the 10 superb State Parks and Preserves mentioned in this post and enjoy the best lake beaches, river beaches and cascades in the Dallas surroundings.
Cedar Hill State Park, Lake Ray Roberts State Park, Lake Mineral Wells State Park, Eisenhower State Park, Dinosaur Valley State Park, Tyler State Park, Fairfield Lake State Park, Turner Falls Park, Lake Whitney State Park and Meridian State Park are all stunning nature spots with swimming areas and amazing places to explore this summer.
Places to breath in nature and cool off in style, all within 2 hours driving from Dallas and ideal for a summer day trip.
Which are your favorite swimming spots near Dallas? Leave a comment bellow!
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