Notable Campgrounds
- Best for family campers: Dinosaur Valley Campground has 44 sites with electric hookups, plus two group camps and a children’s playground.
- Best for escaping the crowds: North Primitive Camping Area has hike-in sites hidden away in the wilds but zero facilities—bring everything you need.
- Best for riverside views: South Primitive Camping Area has eight walk-in sites with grills and fire rings, all a short stroll from the waterfront.
Tips for Snagging a Campsite Reservation
- You can reserve one of the park’s 61 campsites in advance via the Texas State Parks website.
- Campsite reservations open five months in advance, or 12 months in advance for the two group sites.
- Campsites can book up fast for summer and holiday weekends—book as early as possible, especially if you have a particular site in mind.
When to Go
Dinosaur Valley State Park is open year-round, but it’s busiest from March through November. Rainfall can be common at any time of year, and it’s worth checking conditions before you visit—dinosaur tracks are located in the riverbed and may not be visible during wet periods. Heavy rainfall can also mean trail closures.
Know Before You Go
- Dinosaur Valley State Park is located 60 miles southwest of Fort Worth, about a 1-hour drive away.
- Park entrance fees are required in addition to camping fees.
- Facilities include restrooms, picnic benches, playgrounds, and a park store selling souvenirs, camping and fishing supplies, snacks, and soft drinks.
- Dinosaur tracks are along the riverbed, so bring waterproof hiking boots and a change of clothes, as you’ll likely get wet. A GPS-activated digital dinosaur track is available to download.
- Horseback riding is possible in the park, and guided trail rides are also available. However, there is no equestrian camping.
Dinosaur Valley State Park
Hike, bike, and horseback ride in the footprints of dinosaurs at this riverside park.
Dinosaur enthusiasts will be in their element at Dinosaur Valley. First, marvel at fossilized footprints along the shores of the Paluxy River, map out ancient theropod and sauropod tracks, then pose for photos with a Brontosaurus or T-Rex (or their model counterparts, at least). Once you’ve got your dinosaur fix, there are 20 miles of hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails to explore, after which you can cool off with a swim in the river or fish for catfish. Camping options are equally adventurous with hike-in tent sites and rustic riverside pitches, as well as RV hookups.
Dinosaur enthusiasts will be in their element at Dinosaur Valley. First, marvel at fossilized footprints along the shores of the Paluxy River, map out ancient theropod and sauropod tracks, then pose for photos with a Brontosaurus or T-Rex (or their model counterparts, at least). Once you’ve got your dinosaur fix, there are 20 miles of hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails to explore, after which you can cool off with a swim in the river or fish for catfish. Camping options are equally adventurous with hike-in tent sites and rustic riverside pitches, as well as RV hookups.
Activities in the park
1 campground in Dinosaur Valley State Park
Under the umbrella shape of the Paluxy River, Sites 1 - 46 are located right in the heart of former dinosaur stomping grounds (no pun intended!) where, once upon a time, theropod and sauropod footprints were embedded in the soft limestone along the river bed. This campground is far and away the most swanky at the park, and comes equipped with wate Read more...
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Notable Campgrounds
Notable Campgrounds
Tips for Snagging a Campsite Reservation
When to Go
Dinosaur Valley State Park is open year-round, but it’s busiest from March through November. Rainfall can be common at any time of year, and it’s worth checking conditions before you visit—dinosaur tracks are located in the riverbed and may not be visible during wet periods. Heavy rainfall can also mean trail closures.
Know Before You Go
Public campgrounds (book externally) —