Lake Mineral Wells State Park sits at an elevation of 919 feet in the Cross Timbers and Prairies region, characterized by a mix of post oak woodlands and rolling grasslands. The park encompasses 3,282 acres with over 12 miles of horseback riding trails connecting to the 20-mile Trailway. Water levels in the 640-acre lake can fluctuate seasonally, affecting shoreline access and water activities during drought periods.
What to do
Rock climbing opportunities: At Dinosaur Valley State Park, visitors find natural rock formations perfect for climbing enthusiasts. "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.
Kayaking on Possum Kingdom Lake: The clear blue waters of Possum Kingdom State Park offer excellent paddling conditions. "This is one of my favorite parks to kayak or canoe at! You can rent them right there at the dock. You can rent jet skis, as well!" shares Michelle M. The park's shoreline provides multiple access points for launching small watercraft.
Wildlife viewing: Abundant wildlife inhabits the parks around Mineral Wells. Susan L. from Lake Mineral Wells shares, "Lots of wildlife and a deer strolled casually and fearlessly through the site while munching on grass. The fish were also entertaining and the frogs serenaded at night."
What campers like
Lakefront camping access: Bay Landing RV Campground offers direct water access from some sites. "I tent camped and cooked out the back of the Jeep at a back-in RV site that sure seemed to be the best spot of them all. We had our own private access to the lake that was secluded by trees at our site," says Kenneth P.
Historic attractions: Fort Richardson State Park provides a glimpse into frontier history. "Beautiful campsite. The fort is very interesting. I was there on a re-enactment weekend and really enjoyed talking to all the re-enacters. A lot of great history. At night the coyotes sang me to sleep," shares David R.
Quiet campsite settings: Plateau at Lake Mineral Wells offers peaceful sites away from crowds. "The campground was beautiful. It was quiet, the bathrooms were clean, and the lake was serene. There are at least 3 campgrounds, including shelters, equestrian, a loop for tenters, and a loop for larger rigs," notes Cris B.
What you should know
Water level fluctuations: Possum Kingdom can experience varying water levels that affect shoreline access. "I have visited here many times and now that some time has passed since the golden alge epidemic that the area has returned to it's natural beauty," mentions Todd D., indicating environmental changes that visitors should monitor.
Primitive camping challenges: At Hillbilly Haven, primitive riverside camping requires preparation. "We did not stay in the RV area and instead primitive camped along the river past the bridges. There are no tables or fire rings in the section we were in but we were prepared for that and brought our own supplies," explains Kellyn L.
Trail conditions: Trail difficulty varies considerably across parks. "The trails are very rocky and not always easy to navigate, but there is so much there to explore," warns Alejandro G. about Cross Timbers at Lake Mineral Wells, indicating hikers should wear appropriate footwear.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly rock exploring: Cross Timbers at Lake Mineral Wells State Park offers geological features for children to explore. "There is rock climbing and a small swim beach on the other side of the lake and lots of places to go fishing. The trails are very rocky and not always easy to navigate, but there is so much there to explore," notes Alejandro G.
Dinosaur tracks: Dinosaur Valley State Park provides educational opportunities with visible dinosaur footprints. "This is a beautiful State Park with miles of trails, year round family activities, and dinosaur foot prints," explains Caleb H., making it ideal for children interested in prehistoric life.
Ranger-led activities: Fort Richardson hosts special historical events. Kerri S. mentions, "Lots of history here but nothing was open for self guided tours yet." Contact parks in advance to learn about scheduled programs like scorpion hunts or historical reenactments that enhance family visits.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Holiday Park Campground offers sites with varying amenities. "Perimeter sites are much better than inner loop sites - our site is along a lakeshore more than lakeshore," advises Roger W. Site 72 has been noted as a good pull-through option with 30/50 AMP service.
Equestrian camping considerations: For horseback riders camping near Mineral Wells, Texas, facilities vary by park. While Lake Mineral Wells has dedicated equestrian camping, other parks have limitations. "We stayed one night at the equestrian camp on our way through the area. With only a couple of small pens and not much space, we could see why equestrians might not flock here," notes Ari A. about Fort Richardson.
Campsite leveling: Some sites require extra preparation. "The sites are long and narrow without much space between them. Road noise is noticeable during the day but quiet at night," warns Ari A. RVers should bring leveling blocks, especially at older campgrounds where concrete pads may be uneven or broken.
