Cedar Hill State Park offers horseback riding trails near Grand Prairie, Texas, located about 20 minutes south of the city. The park spans over 1,800 acres along the shores of Joe Pool Lake with elevation changes ranging from 550 to 700 feet. Water levels at nearby lakes can fluctuate seasonally, affecting both swimming areas and boat launch accessibility.
What to do
Lakefront fishing: At Loyd Park, campers can fish directly from shoreline sites. "Our site was only a hundred feet from the lake - gorgeous view!" notes David G. The park has dedicated fishing areas and a boat ramp for access to Joe Pool Lake.
Swimming beaches: Cedar Hill State Park maintains a designated swimming area with sandy beaches during summer months. "Very clean and picturesque park, would come back for sure," reports Shawn E. The swimming areas are typically open from late spring through early fall, weather permitting.
Equestrian trails: Holiday Park Campground offers trails specifically designed for horseback riding, with trailer parking accommodating various sizes. "Camp fires are ok. Pets friendly with lots of new smells for the pups," notes Lisa B. Riders should bring water for horses as drinking stations are limited.
What campers like
Lake views: East Fork Park Campground provides panoramic views of Lake Lavon. "Great views of the water and wildflowers in the meadows. Reasonable price. Everything works and the shaded picnic tables are a plus," writes Melanie and Doug G. Sites along the waterfront offer direct access for kayakers and paddleboarders.
Covered picnic areas: Many sites at Loyd Park come with covered picnic tables, providing shade during hot Texas summers. "Sites are spaced far apart all come with fire ring and covered picnic table," reports Tammie L. These shelters remain available year-round for protection from both sun and occasional rain.
Wildlife viewing: Deer sightings are common at Ray Roberts Lake State Park, especially near the primitive camping areas. "We have car camped on a few occasions here and each time we saw plenty of deer around camp," states Matt S. Early morning and evening hours provide the best wildlife viewing opportunities.
What you should know
Seasonal water levels: Lake levels can affect campsite conditions, particularly after heavy rains. "We went last weekend, water is high, some areas for RV flooded out. Great place to go," reports Augustin T. about Ray Roberts Lake State Park. Spring typically brings higher water levels while late summer may show significant recession.
Campground security: Northside RV Resort offers gated access with security codes required for entry. "The park was very clean with four bathroom/shower rooms and laundry room as well. We visited in November and it was quiet with a nice view of the water. The park also has a gate with a code needed to enter," notes Iris A.
Insect awareness: Fire ants and other insects can be problematic during warmer months. "The bugs are bad here, we had ants in our trailer and lots of bites," shares Tex B. about Northside RV Resort. Bringing insect repellent and checking sites before setting up tents is advisable year-round.
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds available: Multiple campgrounds offer designated play areas for children. "There are several playground areas central to the various campgrounds with easy access for your family," Matt S. writes about Isle du Bois at Ray Roberts Lake State Park. These facilities provide recreation options between water activities.
Swimming options: Highview Park offers swimming areas that remain clean throughout the season. "Very clean.well kept.mowed.very family oriented..nice camp grounds.everything you need.right there..swimming area real nice," describes Elizabeth C. The swimming areas typically have gradual entry points suitable for younger children.
Site selection: Sites vary significantly in size and proximity to amenities. "The park is designed with small loops for 15-20 camp sites in each loop. Very little traffic right by the individual spots," explains Michael C. about Cedar Hill State Park. Loops farther from main roads typically offer quieter environments for families with children.
Tips from RVers
Pad conditions: RV pads at East Fork Park require careful inspection before setup. "RV pads are asphalt and not very level," Christina H. notes. Bringing additional leveling blocks is recommended as pad deterioration is common at older campgrounds.
Hookup locations: At Holiday Park, hookup placement varies by site. "We needed to fill our freshwater tank and he pointed out on the map the two dump stations with potable water," reports MickandKarla W. Extension cords and longer water hoses prove useful at several equestrian camping areas near Grand Prairie.
Big rig access: Several horse campgrounds near Grand Prairie accommodate larger RVs with appropriate planning. "The sites are large and easy to pull in and out. They don't have any extras like clubhouses so you can tell they don't cater to snowbirds," mentions Marilea G. about Northside RV Resort. Most parks recommend calling ahead to confirm specific site dimensions for rigs over 40 feet.
