Glamping near Glen Rose, Texas offers outdoor experiences amid the rocky limestone terrain of Dinosaur Valley and surrounding areas. Summer temperatures often reach the high 90s with mild winters in the 50s-60s range. Water levels in the Paluxy River fluctuate seasonally, sometimes revealing more dinosaur tracks during drier periods while spring rains can make crossings challenging.
What to do
Primitive camping across the river: Dinosaur Valley State Park provides hike-in primitive sites requiring a river crossing. "I chose to camp in the north primitive hike-in sites across the river. It was pretty hot but I still had a good time exploring the hiking trails. If you go hiking, take a map and of course extra water," notes one visitor to Dinosaur Valley State Park.
Fishing in calm waters: Meridian State Park offers fishing in a no-wake lake environment. "The lake is very calm and perfect for paddling around. The trails are easily marked and different skill levels," reports a camper who visited the park.
Waterfront camping: Steel Creek Park provides free campsites with lake views. "We pulled up about 8pm and snagged one of the northern campsites just in time to watch the sunset over the water from our elevated overlook," shares a camper at Steel Creek Park. "Fantastic sunrise and sunset in September!"
What campers like
Screened shelters by the water: Visitors appreciate the lakeside screened shelters at Meridian. "The BEST place to stay is the shelters on the lake hands down! There is also a CCC building at this park that serves as a gathering area on the lakeshore," recommends a regular at Meridian State Park.
Natural swimming areas: The blue hole at Dinosaur Valley provides swimming options during hot months. "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."
Spacious RV sites: Lake Whitney offers various camping options with waterfront views. "Great park. Has lots of different types of camping. Clean bathrooms. Some hiking. Great swimming beaches. Lots of little coves for pulling your boat into next to your camp spots," notes a visitor to Lake Whitney State Park.
What you should know
Seasonal river levels: Water crossings at Dinosaur Valley can be impassable after rain. "Most of the trails, and primitive camp sites, are accessed by fording the river. This can be impossible depending on recent rain," cautions a regular camper.
Wind conditions: Lake Whitney can experience significant wind, especially at waterfront sites. "I would not recommend the spots directly on the waterside. Very windy. There are a lot of mosquitos but overall nice people very crowded and very windy."
Vault toilets at free sites: Steel Creek Park provides basic amenities despite being free. "Clean vault toilets, dumpsters, and water between most sites, covered picnic tables and fire pits, a few have stand up grills," explains a visitor at Steel Creek Park.
Tips for camping with families
Schedule activities for kids: North Texas Jellystone Park runs organized events throughout the day. "This typically isn't our type of park but the kids enjoyed it. We went in October and they had some fun Halloween activities," shares a family who stayed at North Texas Jellystone.
Explore Big Rock Park: Oakdale RV Resort provides convenient access to nearby attractions. "This campground is right across the street from Big Rock Park and a close drive to Dinosaur State Park. This a a large RV Park with campsites and cabins," advises a family camper.
Bring bikes for maximum enjoyment: The extensive grounds at some resorts require transportation. "The website doesn't do burleson/n Texas jellystone justice for how good it actually is. Bring bikes!"
Tips from RVers
Consider site orientation: At Lake Whitney, hookup placement can affect your view. "The layout is weird. no waterfront by the full hookups. All the good sites are standard hookups or no electricity at all. Shade all around but over your camper. So it has a hard time cooling."
Look for pull-through options: Some RV parks offer easier access sites. "Nice city walking trail nearby and the Paluxy River. Family oriented with pool. Extra charge for pool usage. Restaurants in walking distance. Pull-thru accommodations for large coaches with Full Hook ups," mentions an RVer who stayed at Oakdale RV Resort.
Check site length before booking: Dinosaur Valley has size limitations for some sites. "Some sites are short, so if you have a long rig you may want to call. Sites have 30 amp, water, picnic table & fire ring. Nice clean restrooms & showers. Would definitely stay again if in the area."
