How can you escape the dog days of summer? Join thousands of Texans who take their families swimming in lakes and rivers to beat the heat – while enjoying a fun, healthy activity in the outdoors.
The best places to swim in North Texas are at the nearby State Parks. Swimming is the featured Outdoor Activity of the Month at all Texas State Parks, so take advantage of the sunshine and the chance to play in the preserved natural hideaways around North Texas. And remember, children 12 and under get free admission to Texas State Parks.
Where to swim in Texas State Parks:
You can take advantage of lake, river or creek swimming in 51 Texas State Parks, ocean swimming in four State Parks and swimming pools in seven State Parks. The following parks are within easy driving distance of Dallas-Fort Worth, so you and your family can take a day trip to cool off in Texas waters.
(Remember, despite a weirdly wet July, we're still in a drought. Always call ahead to check river and lake conditions before you suit up.)
Cedar Hill State Park
Splash around in Joe Pool Lake just southwest of Dallas and take advantage of the picnic tables with grills near the gravel swimming beach. Entrance fee $7 per person; children under 12 free.
Ray Roberts Lake State Park
Drive a short way for sandy beaches at Lake Ray Roberts, north of Denton. Visit the Isle du Bois Unit for swimming near picnic tables and a playground, or take your family to the Willow Cove area in the Johnson Branch for swimming and picnicking. Entrance fee $7 per person; children under 12 free.
Lake Mineral Wells State Park
Best known for its rock-climbing, Lake Mineral Wells west of Fort Worth is also a popular swimming spot. There’s no sandy beach and no shade, but there are concessions nearby to keep you cool. Entrance fee $7 per person; children under 12 free.
Cleburne State Park
Tucked away 40 minutes south of Fort Worth is tranquil Cedar Lake, built in the ’30s by the CCC. You can still see names engraved in the lake’s stonework as you enjoy swimming in the lake. Entrance fee $5 per person; children under 12 free.
Eisenhower State Park
Dip your toes into Lake Texoma at Eisenhower State Park just this side of Oklahoma. The designated swimming area is just a short hike from the road at the extreme west end of the park. Entrance fee $5 per person; children under 12 free.
Dinosaur Valley State Park
This family-favorite near Glen Rose boasts dinosaur footprints preserved in the riverbed, so your kids can splash alongside the tracks of their favorite prehistoric creatures. Entrance fee $7 per person; children under 12 free.
Purtis Creek State Park
East of Cedar Creek Reservoir is Purtis Creek State Park, which welcomes families to its sandy beaches for swimming and fishing. Picnic facilities and a playground are nearby. Entrance fee $4 per person; children under 12 free.
Bonham State Park
Northeast of the DFW area is Bonham State Park Lake, where you can picnic in the shade and enjoy swimming, fishing and playing on the playground. Entrance fee $3 per person; children under 12 free.
Cooper Lake State Park
Visit the Pelican Point Day Use Area in the Doctors Creek Unit for swimming off a sandy beach, plus sand volleyball, picnicking and a playground. The Heron Harbor Day Use Area in the South Sulphur Unit also offers swimming, picnicking and a playground. Both swimming areas at this lake northeast of DFW are protected by a jetty. Entrance fee $5 per person; children under 12 free.
Swim Smart:
Open bodies of water (lakes, rivers, oceans, bays, ponds,) are vastly different from neighborhood swimming pools and therefore warrant extra precautions. The key differences are:
· There are no lifeguards, so you swim at your own risk. Keep an eye on your kids at all times – you’re the only one out there to protect them.
· Water conditions can change rapidly, as can weather conditions (high winds, lightning), so be alert and be prepared to exit the water quickly.
· Underwater currents sometimes exist, as well as sudden drop offs, changing bottoms and potential for unseen limbs, rocks, etc. Be aware of your surroundings, and never swim against a current if you encounter one.
If you are not a strong swimmer or are becoming fatigued, wear a Coast-Guard approved life-jacket (children are strongly encouraged to always wear a life jacket while swimming in lakes and rivers).
Visit the TPWD Swimming Safety page for more detailed safety precautions.
