Girls Weekend Camping - Wild Texas Forums: Parks, Travel & Recreation

steffr · 10-23-2006, 01:46 PM

My girlfriends and I would like to go camping (tent) somewhere within 3 hours of DFW - in any direction. We are planning in November sometime. We would like to go hiking and mountain biking and possibly golfing. We will also be taking our dogs (very obedient dogs).
Can anyone recommend where to go?

...this is my first post ever on a forum, so I hope I didn't break any rules! :eek:

Shannon · 10-23-2006, 02:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by steffr

My girlfriends and I would like to go camping (tent) somewhere within 3 hours of DFW - in any direction. We are planning in November sometime. We would like to go hiking and mountain biking and possibly golfing. We will also be taking our dogs (very obedient dogs).
Can anyone recommend where to go?

...this is my first post ever on a forum, so I hope I didn't break any rules! :eek:

First off, welcome to Wild Texas! You most certainly didn't break any rules!

I don't know about nearby golf courses, but I heartily recommend Cedar Hill State Park since you want to go hiking and mountain biking and bring your dogs. Cedar Hill's got some awesome mountain biking and there's a lake there the dogs would probably love to run around and (if they're water babies) into. There's lots more options, of course, but Cedar Hill's one of the few parks I've been to in that area since we're generally visiting family and don't have much time for hiking and camping on those jaunts.

steffr · 10-23-2006, 02:38 PM

We are also thinking about the Austin/San Marcos area since we have some girls that live there.
Any suggestions for this?

rockhill · 10-23-2006, 02:50 PM

Bastrop State Park just east of Austin would fit that requirement. The golf course is a nine hole course. Can't remember about the trails but the road between Bastrop SP and Buescher SP is a good ride.
Ray Roberts, either Johnson Creek or Isle du Boise, would be good but no golf there. Mountain biking at Dinosaur valley in Glen Rose, room for pets but again no golf. That golf requirement keeps getting in the way!
Where ever you choose, have a great time

happybooker1 · 10-23-2006, 03:10 PM

What about the perennial fave Inks Lake? There's that golf course right around the corner on Park Road 4 going west?? Don't know about the biking trails though.

Shannon · 10-23-2006, 04:41 PM

Inks is wonderful, but I don't think there is any mountain biking at Inks -- bicycles on paved roads only, if memory serves (and it doesn't, always; I have "pregnancy brain loss" right now. Or at least that's my excuse, and I'm stickin' to it!!!)

Turn Key · 10-23-2006, 09:38 PM

Welcome aboard!

I was going to suggest Inks as well even though it's a bit beyond your 3 hour range. It would be closer for those coming from the Austin area. My avatar is our rig parked at the main gate at Inks. Great park and we stay there often.

Another great park for what you want would be Cleburne SP. Much closer and it has some good bike trails. No golf in the immediate area but but there is a course about 15 miles away towards Glen Rose. Don't chase the little white ball myself any more but I've been told that it's a pretty good place to play. Also, it's an easy run from Cleburne SP to Glen Rose.

I have reviews for both of these parks posted on this site. If you run a search using my log-on (Turn Key) they should come up. If not, just ask and I'll post the references. Again, welcome to Wild Texas and I hope you enjoy your time here.

Happy Camping!

campermom · 10-24-2006, 12:14 AM

Bastrop and Inks are very Nice. Both offer golf. Mountain biking is very limited at Inks, and there is some trail and park road to ride at Bastrop.

What about Lake Mineral Wells, there is a great lake, and the trailway. Rock climbing if you'd like. Not sure how close a golf course would be.

Or, 219 miles from Dallas 3hr 45 min, Copper Breaks
321 miles 5 hr 45 min Caprock Canyon.

Perdernales is nice, in Johnson City, (I didn't look up how far) trails to ride, waterfalls to explore, birding, a vineyard 5 miles down the road which offers a tour, antique stores in town, LBJ ranch and sauer-beckman farm, just a few interesting things you gals might enjoy. There should be some golf in Johnson City.

If you are just going for a short weekend, keep it close, and enjoy the park, not the driving.

ps, if you choose Caprock, please let us know how you like it. I want to travel up there next summer. It's just to far for us.

HappyCamper · 10-24-2006, 11:26 PM

Lake Somerville is a little outside the 3 hour drive from Dallas. Maybe 4 hours if you push it. If you're looking for a girls weekend of camping you might like this area near Brenham with lots to do. I believe there's the Brenham Country Club nearby for golfing and the Lake Somerville trailway offers some nice mountain biking. Also, check out a great little restaurant in the town of Burton called the Brazos Belle.

Happy camping.

tinneyr · 10-25-2006, 04:19 AM

North of DFW is Bar S ranch in St. Jo. It offers some sweet mountain bike trails with plenty of climbing and some nice scenery. In November it might be a little on the chilly side though. If your heading down toward Austin, two locations come to mind. First, Bluff Creek Ranch at Warda (between LaGrange & Giddings) offers camping and mountain bike trails. Camping around the pond is great and right next to the trail. There are also showers available. Be sure to check out the herd of Longhorns. Second, Rocky Hill Ranch (next to Beucher State Park) in Smithville offers some nice singletrack also. There are showers on site as well as a cafe that offers excellent cheeseburgers. Dogs are welcome at all three location. Enjoy.