The best camping in Lake Mineral Wells State Park, TX

Hidden in the heart of Texan cattle country, Lake Mineral Wells State Park is a natural playground for outdoor activities, both on land and water. Cut your teeth at the natural rock climbing area, where the top-rope climbs and rappels are suitable for all levels. Next, discover the 20-mile trailway that leads through the hills to Weatherford—you can hike, bike, or even horseback ride, stopping to picnic along the way. Still have energy to spare? Head to the lake to swim, paddle, or fish, and look out for white-tailed deer or waterfowl along the nature trails. 

• Best for horseback Hipcampers: Cross Timbers Camping Area has 20 tent sites suitable for hikers and equestrians, plus direct access to the Cross Timbers Back Country Trail.
• Best for backcountry camping: The primitive camping area has undefined, hike-in campsites with no facilities, so bring everything you need.
• Best for RVs: Live Oak Camping Area has 50-amp hookups and plenty of amenities, as well as some wheelchair-accessible campsites.

1. You can reserve campsites and screened shelters at the park’s four campgrounds via the Texas State Parks website. 
2. Campsite reservations open five months in advance. 
3. Primitive campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and you must arrive two hours before dusk to be accepted. 
4. Campsites can book up fast, especially for summer and holiday weekends—book as early as possible, especially if you have a large RV or a particular site in mind.

Lake Mineral Wells State Park is open year-round, but the trails and rock climbing areas may be closed in periods of wet weather. Peak season runs from mid-March through mid-November, and weekends can be busy during this period. While summer is the best season for swimming and water sports, springtime is the most colorful time to hike, when the trails bloom with wildflowers like coreopsis and bluebonnet.

• Lake Mineral Wells State Park is located 48 miles west of Fort Worth, or about a 50-minute drive away.
• Park entrance fees are required in addition to camping fees, and general entrance reservations can be made up to one month in advance.
• Facilities in the park include restrooms, picnic areas and pavilions, fishing piers, a dump station, playgrounds, a boat ramp, a bird blind, and a designated swimming area. You can purchase groceries and camping supplies in Mineral Wells, a 10-minute driveaway.
• You can bring your own boat to the lake, or rent a flat-bottom boat, canoe, kayak, paddleboard, or rowboat. Water-skiing, tubing, and jet skis are not permitted on the lake. 
• There are wheelchair-accessible restrooms, campsites, and fishing piers in the park. Parts of the trailway are also accessible.