PARK SPOTLIGHT

Metroplex Getaways

Cure your summertime blues at four uncrowded stat parks near DFW.

If you live in the DFW Metroplex, you’ve probably had your fill of crowds and traffic and scorching city sidewalks this summer. Luckily, you can escape to splash away those summertime blues at these state parks, each about an hour’s drive away. (Coming soon: Palo Pinto Mountains State Park!)

Photo by Chase Fountain / TPWD

About an hour north of DFW you’ll find Eisenhower State Park on the shores of Lake Texoma, with 4 miles of trails and plenty of great fishing for large and smallmouth bass, blue catfish and stripers. There’s a pristine beach in a cove for swimming, and 150 campsites so you can spend the night.

Photo © Jason Stitt

Forty-five minutes west of Fort Worth is Lake Mineral Wells State Park and Trailway, with a 640-acre lake and boat ramp. Bring your own or rent a boat and tackle. Hike or bike the 20-mile trailway or rock climb at Penitentiary Hollow.

Photo © Jason Stitt

Head southeast from Dallas and you’ll land at Purtis Creek State Park, where you can borrow rods and reels to try your luck at catch-and-release largemouth bass in the 355-acre lake. You can count on peace and quiet, as only 50 motorized boats are allowed at a time, with an idle-only speed limit.

Photo by Chase Fountain / TPWD

Explore the northern end of the Trinity River at Ray Roberts Lake State Park Greenbelt by bike, horse, foot or paddle craft. The 20-mile multiuse Greenbelt Corridor runs from the dam to Lake Lewisville, along the Elm Fork Branch of the Trinity River.