Map showing campground location near Mineral Wells, Texas

Camper submitted image from Primitive Area — Lake Mineral Wells State Park

Primitive Area — Lake Mineral Wells State Park

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Getting to the primitive area at Lake Mineral Wells State Park requires a hike of roughly 2 to 2.5 miles, with a steep downhill grade in the first quarter mile before leveling off into manageable terrain. The sites themselves are loosely defined. Campers report that the primitive area lacks a clear map and that individual spots are not well marked, though there are obvious paths and previously used clearings, including a designated spot marked "A" near the south end of the area. Those willing to search a bit further north can find trees spaced well for hammocks and small outcroppings suited to tent setups.

Lake Mineral Wells is active territory. The lake provides fishing and kayaking, rock formations at Penitentiary Hollow draw climbers, and the trail network includes routes open to mountain bikers and equestrians. One reviewer hung a hammock over a bluff for a direct view of the surrounding landscape. Coyotes are audible at night. The designated swimming area exists but is small and open, so campers expecting a secluded swim spot may be disappointed.

The site costs $10, with an additional day-use fee at the gate. Cell service is available. The Cross Timbers trail, which connects to Cross Timbers — Lake Mineral Wells State Park, is better maintained than the direct primitive campsites trail and worth considering for the return hike. Campers researching places to camp near Mineral Wells will find this the most rustic option in the immediate area. Carry water and a headlamp, as arriving near sunset leaves little time to locate a usable site before dark.

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Map & DirectionsPrimitive Area is located in Texas near Mineral Wells

Public Campground

Address

100 Park Rd 71
Mineral Wells, TX 76067

Coordinates

32.871692249524735 N
98.0203131450893 W

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Access

Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.
Hike-In
Backcountry sites.

Site Types

Tent Sites

Features

For Campers

Phone Service

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

1 hr 22 min from Dallas, TX
1 hr 33 min from Wichita Falls, TX
2 hrs 3 min from Sherman, TX
2 hrs 5 min from Waco, TX

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Reviews9 Camper Reviews - Primitive Area

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4.5

out of 5

9 Reviews

Charly S.

Guide

Reviewed Oct. 25, 2022

Pleasant hike

This was the perfect place for my first solo hiking/camping trip! I was greeted by friendly, informative staff and paid the $7 day pass fee and $10 for the site. The hike to camp was 2.5 miles with a steep downhill grade the first quarter mile. Other than the first quarter I’d say it was a very easy hike. I saw some wildlife- deer, an armadillo, and a rabbit. I was carrying a 50 lb pack and stopped often for pics, so it took me about an hour and a half to reach the primitive camping area. At the south end of the area there’s a spot marked “A” with plenty of cleared up areas to set up camp. I decided to go a bit further north. There weren’t really any marked spots but there were clear paths and a few places that had obviously been camped at. After some searching I finally found the perfect hammock trees and settled in for the night. At some point I heard some coyotes but other than that it was very quiet and secluded so I slept like a rock! After the hike back to my car I wanted to swim, but the designed swimming area was very small and not secluded at all so I decided to skip the dip. Overall it was a great trip and I’m looking forward to going again sometime!

Siteprimitive area

Month of VisitOctober

(14) View All

Jamey W.

Guide

Reviewed May. 26, 2021

Rock climbing and kayaking

LMWSP has tons of activities for the family. You can spend the day exploring and climbing the rock formations, bring climbing gear if you plan to get to the top. You can also spend your day on the water, swimming on the beach, fishing from a pier or exploring the shoreline by kayak. Primitive, water/electric and cabin sites are available.

Month of VisitNovember

Bruce O.

Traveler

Reviewed Mar. 28, 2021

My favorite

One of my favorite Texas state parks. Ve RT y nice campground on a lake. But do NOT miss the penitentary. Cliffs forming a prison below used during the civil war. Amazing rock structure with rock climbers.

Alice M.

Scout

Reviewed Jun. 17, 2019

Primitive but OK as backup, not well marked

TL;DR - Fine as a backup but the park is really more of a recreation area so definitely try to get one of the screened shelter or car camping sites (all of which have fire rings, picnic tables, and grills).

We'd hoped to stay at one of the regular car camping sites in the park, but unfortunately they were all taken by the time we got to the site in the morning.

The park has ample day use facilities that you can drive up to, and the camp store is extremely well stocked. We swam, hiked, and kayaked through the park during the day, then two people in the group decided to drive back to Dallas that night while myself and one other hiked in to the primitive sites.

The hike in is about 2 miles. We took the designated "primitive campsites" trail hiking in. The trails were well marked, but pretty overgrown at parts with a TON of spider webs. The next morning we took the Cross Timbers trail back, which despite being a little longer was faster because of how much better maintained it was.

We were getting to our campsite right as the sun was setting, so didn't explore much. Generally seemed like the different primitive sites weren't delineated very well, and as far as I know there's no map of the area to help. We managed to find a little outcropping that has obviously been used for a tent before.

Would definitely visit the park again, and if needed camp in the primitive sites but take the Cross Timbers trail both ways.

Month of VisitJune

Janna R.

Guide

Reviewed May. 22, 2019

Small loop for tent camping. Water at each site and 1 bathroom for area.

We LOVE MW State Park! The lake is awesome and great for fishing and kayaking. We stayed at the Post Oak Campground over Valentine's Weekend 2019. The campsites are really nice and include water, fire ring, picnic table, grill, parking for 2 vehicles, lots of trees. Campsites on the south side of the loop back up to the lake. There is a bathroom (no showers) at one end. Showers are available at other campgrounds within the park. We tucked our tent into the trees and had a very nice time. The first night, we did hear coyotes chattering super close to our tent. There are many trails to hike and several to ride bikes or horses on. Staff at the park are great! The only negative: The Boy Scouts love this campground! Late into our first night, 4 Boy Scout troops rolled in. We were awakened the next morning to lots of kids yelling and 1 even playing a bugle. By the end of the weekend, we knew all the kids names just from hearing them yell to each other.

Site2

Month of VisitFebruary

(4) View All

Alan H.

Traveler

Reviewed Aug. 10, 2018

real nice

this is a real nice park. i hung my hammock right over a bluff fir a spectacular view. nice hiking.

Sarah J.

Guide

Reviewed Nov. 11, 2017

Feels like home

This is the closest place to us to go hiking. We absolutely love it here. Everything you could want is at your fingertips. We love the penitentiary hollow trail and the trail that leads to the backpacking camp sites. Both trails are fun hiking. It doesn’t feel like Texas at this park. So beautiful. My husband loves to climb and there are many opportunities to do different types of climbing here. You can repel or boulder at the Penitentiary Hollow trail. There are trails for horseback riding, mountain biking, and regular hiking trails. We hike here all year long and we have camped many weekends here as well.

Month of VisitNovember

Emily M.

Legend

Reviewed Jun. 25, 2017

Rock climbing

Very unique rock climbing area. Fun to watch the climbers go up and down. Kayaking on the lake with a little creek to paddle up at the far back left side. Backcountry trails are very open to the sun.

Month of VisitSeptember

(9) View All

Emily M.

Legend

Reviewed Jun. 25, 2017

Rock climbing and kayaking

The rock climbing is so fun to watch! Really unique rocks for Texas. Worth going to this park just to check that out, but then the kayaking is top notch too. I didn't find it, but apparently there's a little creek you can paddle up off the far left side of the lake. I wasn't a huge fan of the trails in the back section. Very open to the sun.

Month of VisitSeptember

(9) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities and facilities are available at Lake Mineral Wells State Park?

Lake Mineral Wells State Park offers a variety of camping options including primitive sites, screened shelters, and water/electric sites at Post Oak Campground. The facilities include fire rings, picnic tables, and grills at the campsites. Water access is available at many sites, with parking for two vehicles typically provided. The park has hiking trails, fishing piers, and a swimming beach area. Bathrooms and other basic facilities are accessible for day visitors and campers. For primitive camping, there's a $10 site fee plus the standard $7 park entrance fee. Be sure to verify current fees and availability before your visit.

Are there cabins available at Lake Mineral Wells State Park?

Lake Mineral Wells State Park does not appear to have traditional cabin accommodations. Instead, the park offers screened shelters as an alternative to tent camping, which provide more protection from the elements. For those seeking more comfortable options than primitive camping, the Post Oak Campground provides sites with water and electric hookups. It's advisable to check with the park directly for the most current information on accommodation options and to make reservations in advance, especially during peak seasons.

What activities and attractions can visitors enjoy at Lake Mineral Wells State Park?

Lake Mineral Wells State Park offers an impressive range of outdoor activities. The park is known for its unique rock climbing opportunities at Penitentiary Hollow, a popular spot to watch climbers tackle the unusual Texas rock formations. Water enthusiasts can enjoy kayaking on the lake, including exploration of a hidden creek off the far left side. Fishing is available from piers, and there's a swimming beach for hot days. Hikers will appreciate multiple trail options, including paths to backcountry sites and the Penitentiary Hollow trail. The park's diverse landscape creates an environment that "doesn't feel like Texas" according to many visitors, with scenic views perfect for hammocking over bluffs. Families will find plenty to keep everyone engaged throughout their stay.

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Map & DirectionsPrimitive Area is located in Texas near Mineral Wells

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What amenities and facilities are available at Lake Mineral Wells State Park?

Are there cabins available at Lake Mineral Wells State Park?

What activities and attractions can visitors enjoy at Lake Mineral Wells State Park?