Whitney State Park provides glamping options 12 miles north of Granbury, Texas, offering an alternative to traditional tent camping in this central Texas region. The area experiences hot summers with temperatures often reaching 95°F during July and August. Water recreation forms the centerpiece of camping experiences, with multiple lakes accessible within 30 minutes of Granbury.
What to do
Dinosaur tracks exploration: At Dinosaur Valley State Park, visitors can discover prehistoric footprints along the Paluxy River. "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.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple campgrounds provide lake access for anglers. "Fishing was good," reports Tiffany H. about her stay at Dinosaur Valley State Park. The various waterways around Granbury support bass, catfish, and crappie fishing throughout the year.
Swimming in natural areas: Natural swimming spots provide relief from Texas heat. Ham Creek Park offers water access with well-maintained facilities. "Clean bathrooms well maintained facilities no trash or litter! Very quiet and beautiful!" reports Audra R.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Ham Creek Park receives consistent praise for maintenance. One camper emphasized, "I don't normally leave reviews but I thought I'd share my thoughts on this gem! Clean bathrooms well maintained facilities no trash or litter!"
Spacious campsites: Many campgrounds feature generous spacing between sites. At Meridian State Park, "The sites are HUGE!!! tons of space between you and the next site. Sites are level and easy to find a spot to pitch your tent," according to Heather P.
Wildlife viewing: The natural setting provides opportunities to observe local fauna. As Chris K. describes at Lake Mineral Wells State Park, "One weekend we counted that we had seen at least twenty-four deer." This park also features "viewing blinds" for sunset wildlife observation.
What you should know
Seasonal water levels: River conditions can affect camping experiences. At Dinosaur Valley State Park, Caleb H. notes: "Most of the trails, and primitive camp sites, are accessed by fording the river. This can be impossible depending on recent rain."
Reservation requirements: Popular sites fill quickly, particularly during summer. At Lake Mineral Wells State Park, campers recommend planning ahead for waterfront sites. The Plateau campground offers "lakeside" sites with "lots of wildlife and a deer strolled casually and fearlessly through the site while munching on grass."
Temperature fluctuations: Summer heat can be intense while spring brings milder conditions. Prepare for temperatures reaching above 90°F in summer months, with cooling options like swimming areas becoming essential.
Tips for camping with families
Child-friendly attractions: North Texas Jellystone offers extensive recreation for children. "We are full time travelers with young kids and they love this RV park. There are sooo many fun activities (be warned, the cost can add up). The staff is super friendly and very helpful," shares Kimberly D.
Educational opportunities: Several parks feature learning experiences for children. At Dinosaur Valley State Park, families can combine hiking with dinosaur track viewing. "The area is amazing and kids love it too!!" says Alexis H.
Swimming options: Parks with designated swimming areas provide safe recreation. Meridian State Park features "a 72 acre one and it is a no wake lake. Wonderful fishing dock, great facilities, excellent place for kids!" according to Janice S.
Tips from RVers
Site accessibility: Oakdale RV Resort provides good access for larger vehicles. "Nice, spacious sides, just off the highway but not too close. We spend one night on our way west," reports Olaf I.
Hookup availability: Many parks offer full or partial hookups. At Cowtown RV Park, "The slips themselves were concrete and for the most part level. It took us no time to level and have our RV ready to use. The hookups were all in working order and easy to access," according to Robert T.
Amenity considerations: Facilities vary between parks. John B. describes Oakdale RV Park: "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."
