Backpacking around D/FW?? - Wild Texas Forums: Parks, Travel & Recreation

jwise · 01-30-2007, 02:44 PM

I'm taking a group of guys out backpacking, for most of them it will be their first time. I was planning on going to Beavers Bend SP in Oklahoma over a weekend, but recently realized it is a 3+ hr drive from here. That's a BIT too far, since we won't be able to get away until after 5pm on Friday.

I've seen a few other places inside a 2hr radius, including Chickasaw Nat'l Rec Area in OK, Lake Mineral Wells State Trailway, or Fort Richardson SP.

Any other places that you guys have been and would recommend?

aggiehiker92 · 01-30-2007, 04:14 PM

Lake Mineral Wells SP would be my first choice. There are a couple of opportunities north of D/FW, one at Lake Ray Roberts and another at Lake Texoma. Both have trail systems and primitive camp locations that may suit your needs.

dinosaur Valley SP near Glen Rose may be an option as well. I know they have some hike-in sites, but not sure how far from the trailhead.

The north shore of Lake Grapevine has a hike/bike trail; there are some campgrounds along it that may serve as a good introduction to packing as well.

Try Lake Lavonne as well. Not as familiar with their facilities, but if you call the Corps of Engineers office there, they can probably get you some good information and ideas.

jwise · 01-30-2007, 04:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aggiehiker92

Lake Mineral Wells SP would be my first choice. There are a couple of opportunities north of D/FW, one at Lake Ray Roberts and another at Lake Texoma. Both have trail systems and primitive camp locations that may suit your needs.

dinosaur Valley SP near Glen Rose may be an option as well. I know they have some hike-in sites, but not sure how far from the trailhead.

The north shore of Lake Grapevine has a hike/bike trail; there are some campgrounds along it that may serve as a good introduction to packing as well.

Try Lake Lavonne as well. Not as familiar with their facilities, but if you call the Corps of Engineers office there, they can probably get you some good information and ideas.

Thanks for the tips. Do you have any personal experience w/ Mineral Wells? Any favorite spots?

Class of '99, btw.

aggiehiker92 · 01-30-2007, 04:30 PM

The park is very nice...a good place to try your hand at bouldering (where most of the crowd hangs out, across the dam from the entrance).

My favorite feature is the very nice hiking trail that starts from the west side of the lake and traverses the old Fort Wolters maneuver area (WWII and VietNam-era post). There is a nice primitive campsite not far from the bluff line on the north end of the park. I believe you need to carry all the water you need; there is a creek that flows through the area, but I'm not sure where it is in relation to the campsite. It's been ahwile. Anyway, if you use that water source, you will need to treat it or use a decent filter. Best to carry water, if you're just doing an overnight trip. Here is the link to the State Park website. Lot of good info, to include trailmaps.

toejam · 01-30-2007, 08:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jwise

Thanks for the tips. Do you have any personal experience w/ Mineral Wells? Any favorite spots?

The camping area is pretty small so what ever is furthest from the other campers is best. Several spots have grass. There are rarely other backpackers but sometimes you get a scout troop. The camping area is near Rock Creek, but it's never flowing unless it's flooded, so pack lots of water.

There is no camping on the trailway (old railroad). The SP would be good for your group. There is a lot to explore there.

The rock climbing area is across the lake from the backcountry. You'll have to drive there like everyone else.

jwise · 01-31-2007, 03:45 AM

Thanks, guys! I talked to my buddy who's leading the trip with me, and he was kinda set on Beavers Bend, even though it is 3hrs away. (It's probably been 10yrs since I've been to BB.)

We'll figure out if MW will work, or if we'd rather go the distance and return to BB. Either way, I'll come back here with a trip report.

If anyone else knows of good backpacking places around DFW, please keep it coming!

ploddinTod · 01-31-2007, 12:21 PM

I've driven through but never overnighted at Beavers Bend State Park.
It appears to be very nice. I did a search of the OK state park website and didn't find any backpacking trails there.

I'm just curious as to where you're going to backpack. The lake looks very scenic. :cool:

jwise · 01-31-2007, 01:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aggiehiker92

The park is very nice...a good place to try your hand at bouldering (where most of the crowd hangs out, across the dam from the entrance).

My favorite feature is the very nice hiking trail that starts from the west side of the lake and traverses the old Fort Wolters maneuver area (WWII and VietNam-era post). There is a nice primitive campsite not far from the bluff line on the north end of the park. I believe you need to carry all the water you need; there is a creek that flows through the area, but I'm not sure where it is in relation to the campsite. It's been ahwile. Anyway, if you use that water source, you will need to treat it or use a decent filter. Best to carry water, if you're just doing an overnight trip. Here is the link to the State Park website. Lot of good info, to include trailmaps.

I am finding two maps, one for the Mineral Wells Trailways, and one for the State Park.

When you speak of taking the trail on the west side of the lake that goes through Ft Wolters, which one are you talking about?

Ok, nevermind. I just realized that the SP map is not "N is up," but is instead laying on its side.

Thanks!

outdoornut · 01-31-2007, 10:34 PM

Another trail is 4 C National Rec Trail outside of Crockett.
I am taking my Boy Scout troop there in a couple of weeks.
It is pretty flat, so it would be good for first timers.
Have been to BB and it is a "monster" of a trip.
Lots of steep ups and downs.

:cool:

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