Wild Texas Forums: Parks, Travel & Recreation - View Single Post

Turn Key · 05-23-2006, 10:08 AM

"happybooker1" covered it pretty well. One thing I would definately add is sunscreen. Can't think of much worse then a sunburn.

I would highly recommend any of the State Parks in this area including Mineral Wells State Park (Post Oak Area is very nice if all you need a "water only" site. Anywhere else for "Power & Water".), Cleburne State Park (Very nice. We call it our "Home" park), Dinosaur State Park as mentioned. Kiddos will love playing in the river. Safe, lots of fun and they get to walk in the dinosaur tracks. Another great park is Lake Ray Roberts, Isle de Bous Unit. I do not recommend Cedar Hill State Park on Joe Pool Lake. Very nice park but just a bit too close to south Dallas for my blood. Here's a site that should give you a good bit of info on Texas State Parks:

Texas State Parks Information

Another very nice place is McCown Valley Park on Whitney Lake. This is a Corps of Engineers park (refered to as a "Corps" park) with some great camping options. Clean and very pretty with a nice beach (if the lake isn't too low due to our on-going drought). Here's a site that will give you a bit more info:

McCown Valley Park

One other option you might want to look at is renting one of the screen houses in any of the parks mentioned. Costs a bit more but you have good shelter that you don't have to learn to set up on your first trip or two. Screen houses come with water, power (with at least one light and outlet), fire/BBQ ring and a picnic table. A very good way to get started. All the parks mentioned above have these available for rent. When you do get your first tent (or two), BE SURE TO PRACTICE PUTTING IT UP AT HOME!!! Not much worse then having to figure out where pole "A" fits into hole "Q" when you'd rather be doing other things. Worse yet, finding out at the park, that the tent you purchased is short a couple of pieces :eek:!

You haven't said when your going. I highly recommend reservations no matter where you go. Often not needed during the week but getting into any park on the weekend with out reservations would just be a fluke in any other time then winter.

As you say your new to camping, let me give you a bit of advice. Take it slow and don't plan too much for your first trip or two. Just camping in a great park is often enough and you will have a lot to work out and learn. Let the kiddos run as much as you can. Let them explore and you help them. You'll enjoy it more then you'll ever imagine.

I could go on for hours but I'm sure you have better things to do then read my ramblings. If you have any more specific questions about camping or any of the parks mentioned, feel free to ask. One of us will be glad to help. Also, please register. Not necessary but we like to know who we're typing at :cool:.

Hope you have a great time no matter where you end up and, as always,

Happy Camping!

05-23-2006, 10:08 AM	#3
Turn Key Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: North Central Texas Posts: 525	Re: Questions from a first time Texas camper "happybooker1" covered it pretty well. One thing I would definately add is sunscreen. Can't think of much worse then a sunburn. I would highly recommend any of the State Parks in this area including Mineral Wells State Park (Post Oak Area is very nice if all you need a "water only" site. Anywhere else for "Power & Water".), Cleburne State Park (Very nice. We call it our "Home" park), Dinosaur State Park as mentioned. Kiddos will love playing in the river. Safe, lots of fun and they get to walk in the dinosaur tracks. Another great park is Lake Ray Roberts, Isle de Bous Unit. I do not recommend Cedar Hill State Park on Joe Pool Lake. Very nice park but just a bit too close to south Dallas for my blood. Here's a site that should give you a good bit of info on Texas State Parks: Texas State Parks Information Another very nice place is McCown Valley Park on Whitney Lake. This is a Corps of Engineers park (refered to as a "Corps" park) with some great camping options. Clean and very pretty with a nice beach (if the lake isn't too low due to our on-going drought). Here's a site that will give you a bit more info: McCown Valley Park One other option you might want to look at is renting one of the screen houses in any of the parks mentioned. Costs a bit more but you have good shelter that you don't have to learn to set up on your first trip or two. Screen houses come with water, power (with at least one light and outlet), fire/BBQ ring and a picnic table. A very good way to get started. All the parks mentioned above have these available for rent. When you do get your first tent (or two), BE SURE TO PRACTICE PUTTING IT UP AT HOME!!! Not much worse then having to figure out where pole "A" fits into hole "Q" when you'd rather be doing other things. Worse yet, finding out at the park, that the tent you purchased is short a couple of pieces :eek:! You haven't said when your going. I highly recommend reservations no matter where you go. Often not needed during the week but getting into any park on the weekend with out reservations would just be a fluke in any other time then winter. As you say your new to camping, let me give you a bit of advice. Take it slow and don't plan too much for your first trip or two. Just camping in a great park is often enough and you will have a lot to work out and learn. Let the kiddos run as much as you can. Let them explore and you help them. You'll enjoy it more then you'll ever imagine. I could go on for hours but I'm sure you have better things to do then read my ramblings. If you have any more specific questions about camping or any of the parks mentioned, feel free to ask. One of us will be glad to help. Also, please register. Not necessary but we like to know who we're typing at :cool:. Hope you have a great time no matter where you end up and, as always, Happy Camping! __________________ Turn Key, DW and Pepsi & Cherry, The Camping Boston Terriers '03 Chevy 2500HD, 4X4, X-Cab, Long Bed '04 K-Z "Durango", 275RK ("Sunday Haus II") Twin Kayaks, "The Ride" by Wilderness Systems North Central Texas, Where The West Begins! Last edited by Turn Key : 05-23-2006 at 10:16 AM.