Trekker

I am used to hiking extreme terrain, but now I am trying to indoctrinate wife and child into outdoor life. Where can we go to do some light-hiking, tent-camping and swimming that will not be crowded this weekend? I will drive anywhere within 5 hours of Dallas. Staying over on Saturday and Sunday night. Thanks guys. Love this forum!!!!

01ACRViper

i haven't camped much in north texas, so i'm not familiar with parks up there, but in the hill country area, which should meet your driving time, there are plenty of opportunities, though only a few for swimming. Inks lake would be good for swimming and has 7 miles of trails. McKinney falls will also satisfy your swimming requirement. Though with fall weather setting in i don't think i'd want to be caught in the cool waters of these palces :eek: Enchanted Rock, Bastrop State Park, and Hill Country SNA would all be good choices, though they lack places to swim. In Oklahoma, i've heard good things about McGee Creek SP, and Talemina SP in those ancient Ouchita mountains is always beautiful.

copuswalker

I have heard good things about Mineral Well S.P.
Dinosuar Valley is another... Lake Texoma was mentioned here recently..or was it backpacker.com??
All those should be real close and even cool...

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There are those that hike and those that don't and those that say they will but won't.

Trekker

Thanks so much! Good point about the swimming. :yes: The main thing is the NOT CROWDED.

Unregistered

Within 5 hours of Dallas you could be in Arkansas with some really pretty mini-mountains. Day hikes out of Queen Wilhelmina State Park or backpacking into the park are both great options. There are the elk herds in the Boxly Canyon area that might be of interest to your kids. Eagle Rock Loop for a 3 day backpack trek looks VERY inviting this time of year. Devil's Den State Park has some GREAT cabins and an interesting day hike with caves.

Happy trails!

copuswalker

Keep in mind it is Bow season in most areas. Nothing turns my wifes stomach more than hiking and coming across someone with camo and a crossbow :eek:

__________________
There are those that hike and those that don't and those that say they will but won't.

ploddinTod

These are all good suggestions. If I lived in Dallas, that's where I'd go. But then again I love the mountains. My guess is that you're going to get the crowds where ever you decide to go......it's the weekend with fall temps....perfect for camping. Talihena State Park in OK is small but sits on the western edge of the Ouachita Mountains which offers great hiking opportunites.

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PloddinTod

toejam

So where did you go? It was great weather for camping.