Backyard Playgrounds

NEARBY: Cedar Hill State Park
Why We Love It:
Situated in suburban Dallas' rugged hills, this easy-access park offers camping, hiking, biking, and bird-watching on and around Cedar Hill. Or stay at one of the park's 355 wooded campsites scattered throughout the 2,000-plus-acre property plus an extensive 7,500-acre lake.

Don't Miss:
The Dallas Off Road Biking Association (DORBA) custom built a 15-mile mountain bike trail in Cedar Hill State Park, with 1,200 acres of intense riding terrain.

Getting There:
Cedar Hill is ten miles southwest of Dallas and 31 miles southeast of Ft. Worth via US-77 and US-67.

The Fine Print:
The park has an after-hours honor box for camping fees, and gates are locked to cars from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m. For more information visit: www.tpwd.state.tx.us or call 972.291.6641.

NEARBY: Guadalupe River State Park
Why We Love It:
The Lone Star State's Guadalupe River park has four miles of riverfront beaches along a nine-mile stretch of river, leaving visitors to explore this southwest Texas playground by foot, canoe, tube, or bike.

Don't Miss:
The park recently opened a 5.3-mile equestrian trail that is also open to mountain bikers, which winds through the park's limestone bluffs.

Getting There:
The river is 100 miles south of Dallas/Ft. Worth via state road 81 to US-290, then onto US-281.

The Fine Print:
Guadalupe River Park is open year-round, and fees vary by use and length of stay. For more information visit: www.tpwd.state.tx.us or call 830.438.2656.

Additional Information:
Check out GORP.com's Guide to Guadalupe River