Cabin accommodations near Glen Rose, Texas offer year-round access to the region's outdoor activities with Paluxy River access from many locations. Elevation in the area averages 650-700 feet, creating moderate summer temperatures that typically reach 95-100°F in July and August. Winter overnight temperatures can drop below freezing from December through February, making heated cabins particularly valuable during these months.
What to do
Dinosaur tracks exploration: Visitors at Dinosaur Valley State Park Campground can see authentic dinosaur footprints 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. hiking is great, and even on a hot summer day you can go swim in the river or the blue hole," notes Julie W.
River swimming: The Paluxy River provides natural swimming areas throughout the region. At Tres Rios RV River Resort and Campground, visitors enjoy "easy access to rivers. Nice walking area" according to Corie E., who appreciates the "good place for full time campers or people with kids."
Hiking trail networks: Several parks offer interconnected trail systems. "Meridian SP has such a hidden gem. If you're not a fan of the Texas heat they just added one limited use cabin in addition to RV, tent and screened shelter sites," explains Tori M. The trails vary in difficulty, making them suitable for different skill levels.
What campers like
Spacious campsites: Cleburne State Park Campground provides well-spaced sites. Sarah J. reports, "Such a beautiful place to camp. Our campsite was wooded and overlooked the lake. We were able to fish, hike, and kayak. We got two large tents at our campsite and had plenty of room."
Family amenities: Many parks feature dedicated facilities for children. "Oakdale RV Resort has a huge pool with lifeguards and a big playground with updated equipment. My boys loved this place!! The restrooms/showers were spotless!!" writes Paula M.
Lake access: Several parks offer direct water access. Matt T. describes Cleburne State Park: "The small no-wake lake is a fisherman's paradise, and the playground and swimming beach are ideal for families. I have camped here a number of times, and explored the trails around the lake on foot and on bicycle."
What you should know
River conditions vary: Water levels in the Paluxy River fluctuate seasonally. Caleb H. advises, "Most of the trails, and primitive camp sites, are accessed by fording the river. This can be impossible depending on recent rain."
Reservation requirements: Most cabin sites require advance booking, especially during peak seasons (March-May and September-November). Dinosaur Valley RV Park offers online reservations for their cabin units and tends to fill quickly on weekends.
Cabin amenities differ: Some cabins include full kitchens while others provide basic shelter only. Jim H. notes about Dinosaur Valley RV Park, "The sites are pull in and leveled for the most part. Both sites we stayed at were clean, free of trash and pet waste. The fire pits had been cleaned out."
Tips for camping with families
Water activities: During summer months, seek cabins with water access. "Our kids really loved their barnyard with goats, a donkey, a horse and a pony!" writes Lori L. about Dinosaur Valley RV Park, which also offers "river access and state park access from the RV park!"
Day trip planning: Country Woods Inn provides a unique farm-stay cabin experience. Ashley F. describes it as "an authentic farm-stay, be prepared to fall in love with this hidden gem. Eat breakfast with the barnyard animals in the old stable!"
Pack for weather changes: Spring temperatures can vary 30+ degrees in a single day. Tiffany H. suggests site selection impacts comfort: "Site 412: on the newest 'row'. I will say that there is zero shade and no grass but the older spots had some rooted grass."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Pull-through sites offer easier access. Bill B. reports from Dinosaur Valley RV Park, "This is a new campground and very nice. All sites are pull thru (approx 80') with a lot of space between spaces. Grass is about 80% in for the pups."
River access considerations: Lake Whitney State Park Campground provides various waterfront options. However, Eric-Misty S. cautions, "the layout is weird. no waterfront by the full hookups. All the good sites are standard hookups or no electricity at all."
Seasonal considerations: Cabin camping during shoulder seasons (October-November and March-April) offers milder temperatures and fewer crowds. During winter, Len L. warns about Lake Whitney conditions: "I would not recommend the spots directly on the waterside. Very windy."
