Equestrian and RV campers visiting Benbrook Lake have multiple options within a 20-mile radius. The lake spans 3,635 acres with 110 miles of shoreline, offering water recreation alongside camping opportunities. Summer temperatures often reach 95-100°F, making water access particularly valuable during peak camping season from May through September.
What to do
**Fossil hunting: **At Dinosaur Valley State Park Campground, campers can explore authentic dinosaur tracks preserved in the riverbed. "This place is awesome. One of the best natural swimming holes I've found near DFW. There are dinosaur fossils everywhere," explains Julie W., who found the combination of hiking and swimming ideal even on hot days.
Rock climbing: Lake Mineral Wells offers challenging terrain for climbers of all levels. "We visited the rock climbing area and also hiked to the primitive camping area. The weather was perfect, blue bird skies and breezy mid-60's," shares Jill B., who felt secure with the park's gated entrance and regular ranger patrols.
Biking trails: The paved roads and designated paths around Benbrook Lake attract cyclists year-round. "Bicyclists seem to love it here as I saw dozens riding the streets," notes James S., who camped at Holiday Park and enjoyed the accessibility to various water sports despite the aging facilities.
What campers like
Lake access: Campers at Holiday Park Campground appreciate the waterfront sites. "We were in site #05. This site had 50 amp electric and water. Park was very well kept, grass mowed and cover over picnic table," reports Arvis C., though they caution summer visitors about limited shade at some sites.
Wildlife viewing: The natural settings around Benbrook Lake host diverse wildlife. "There were dozens of deer out of all sizes. I came across 5 different groups of them as I was driving around taking in the entire campground," shares James S., who recommends using insect repellent due to ticks in deer-populated areas.
Privacy between sites: Loyd Park earns praise for its spacious layout. "Sites are spaced far apart all come with fire ring and covered picnic table. We stayed in site 115 great spot close to the water," writes Tammie L., who appreciated being only 45 minutes from home but feeling worlds away.
What you should know
Seasonal water levels: River conditions can vary dramatically. At Hillbilly Haven Recreational Vehicle Park, camper Charly S. advises: "If you're camping here and intend on tubing I wouldn't recommend taking their word on the water levels or flow of the river. We ended up walking most of the way since the river was very low in most spots."
Bathhouse conditions: Facilities range widely in quality across parks. "The bathrooms are a little scary, but the price and the view of the lake made up for it. Nice and friendly staff," reports Tammy T., who found Holiday Park an acceptable overnight stop despite dated facilities.
Reservation requirements: Most campsites near Benbrook Lake require advance booking during peak seasons. "We were lucky to snag the very last spot for the weekend," mentions Jill B., who visited Lake Mineral Wells State Park for a weekend hiking getaway.
Tips for camping with families
Water activities for kids: Lake Mineral Wells State Park offers multiple water recreation options. "Lake mineral wells state park was great for biking, hiking, swimming and fishing. We had something fun for all 6 of us," reports Deborah C., who appreciated the reasonable kayak and canoe rental prices at the camp store.
Short trails for young hikers: Select parks feature kid-friendly paths with points of interest. "The rock gorge near the lake is a wonderful place to explore. There are miles of trails and plenty to see," notes James S., who recommends Lake Mineral Wells for family outings with children.
Animal encounters: Wildlife observations create memorable experiences. "We saw lots of birds and turtels in the lake," shares Marianne M. about her stay at Lake Mineral Wells, where wildlife viewing opportunities complement water-based activities.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger rigs: At COE Benbrook Lake Mustang Park Bear Creek Campground, size considerations matter. "Very large park with a lot of camping options. Full sun, shade or partial," notes John R., who would rate it five stars if it offered full hookups.
Low clearance warnings: Some campgrounds have overhead obstacles. "The registration card says to watch for branches if your RV is over 12' tall, but there were several branches much lower than that leaving site 73," cautions Ray & Terri F., who recommend careful navigation for larger vehicles.
Equestrian accommodations: For those seeking horse campgrounds near Benbrook Lake, Hooves N Wheels RV Park provides specialized facilities. "This place fits me. Dog park, horse stall rentals, storage unit rentals, recreation room, bathrooms and showers," explains Alejandro G., who found the park's country setting convenient to essential services.
