Cedar Hill State Park

Address:	1570 FM1382, Cedar Hill, TX 75104, USA
Phone:	+1 972-291-3900
Site:	tpwd.state.tx.us
Rating:	4.2
Working:	6AM–10PM 6AM–10PM 6AM–10PM 6AM–10PM 6AM–10PM 6AM–10PM 6AM–10PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 7

geek streamers

The Cedar Hill State Park is just southwest of Dallas and sits on Joe Pool Lake, which separates the suburb of Cedar Hill from Dallas. Considering how close the park is to developed areas, it feels surprisingly "away from it all." There is a little road noise in the parts of the park that sit alongside the made thoroughfare, Belt Line Rd. Fortunately, our space was away from it and it was pretty quite. There is quick access to shopping and services in nearby Cedar Hill (10 minute drive). The park offers full hookups and most of the spaces are also separated by thick trees and brush, making it feel very private. Each space has a dedicated fire pit and covered picnic table, almost like a small yard. The park had several areas closed due to flooding while we were there, but there were still areas with access to the lake and the park is big enough for some long walks. This location seems to be popular for fishing and we saw a lot of boats coming and going on most days. In the mornings, there are lots of bunnies roaming around, and in the early evenings you can spot Texas Brown Tarantulas crossing the road. It was a little exciting to see the large spiders at first, but apparently they are pretty placid. The park does charge a daily entrance fee on top of the RV rate, but if you have an annual Texas State Park pass, it is waived. We bought the park pass because it was a better value given the number of days we stayed...and we can use it all over Texas. The only real downside we encountered was connectivity, which was surprising considering that the park is surrounded by populated areas. AT&T was the best, but we had trouble with Verizon (?!?) and T-Mobile. As working full-timer RVers, connectivity is probably more important to us than the average camper, though. Overall, we were pleased with the park and would recommend it for someone looking for a park setting close to the city.

Stephanie Sapien

El lugar es muy grande, agradable y la pasamos muy bien, tanto en la acampada como en el picnic al día siguiente. Eso sí, lleva tu protección contra los mosquitos. Cada lugar o espacio en donde acampas tiene una coneccion eléctrica y puedes llevar tu extensión y escuchar música o simplemente iluminar tu tienda de campaña, cargar tu celular, etc. Como siempre y en todo lugar existen reglas, respetandolas ese lugar permanece tranquilo y limpio. En cuanto a los baños, en el área que escogimos, los baños estaban limpios y pudimos bañarnos también. Tú puedes escoger el lugar donde quieres acampar, ya sea cerca del baño o del lago, o del area del picnic. Si existe algún problema puedes ir a reportar y además hay patrullage las 24 hrs.

Jake Nance

Stayed 3 days, great place and amazing family getaway, you are given a spot but when you go through and dont like your assigned spot you can choose any empty spot you see. Where we camped hardly anyone was around us, and people we did see were extremely nice even the park rangers. Only reason I give it 4 out 5 is because of the ant problem, they are literally everywhere, will be all over your grill, tent, picnic table, and to my horror even got a million of them that found my kids crumbs on the floorboard in the backseat of my car, if you are really careful and dont leave food out...anywhere....they are manageable at least, but be prepared for them, and my mosquito repellent seemed to work great at keeping them away from certain areas. They never did bite or sting, and to be fair they make it quite clear on the website and have flyers in the office warning about the ants, I really hope they get it worked out it is an amazing place! UPDATE: The ants have now followed me home via my car, I checked today and they are now setting up shop and made 2 nests so far in my front lawn....I hope I dont start seeing them in my house now, when they say invasive species they arent kidding...

Melissa Woodring

Im sure that this place is pretty cool, on an overall basis, but I had an awful experience. My boyfriend and I went at the end of the day yesterday (on a Sunday), and we just wanted to hike for an hour or two. We didnt know we had to pay an entrance fee (which in retrospect makes sense for a state park), so that sucked since we werent going to be there that long. But anyways, my main point is to say - If you dont like spiders, DO NOT go on the Dorba trail in October. We hiked about a mile into the trail, and suddenly realized we were surrounded by them, and they were huge! I have terrible arachnophobia, so this was a huge issue for me. Yes, I realize we were walking into natures environment, but Im just posting this as a warning for others who enjoy nature but hate spiders like I do. They were literally everywhere, hanging down from all of the trees, on either side of the trail, and they were low too, so if you werent paying attention, you would in fact run into them. I just read that its prime spider season (which I didnt know), so I just want other people to be aware. Again, Im sure the park is cool, but just wanted people to know!

Elisa L.

First, several trails were closed upon arrival and the duck pond, which we had planned to take our young kids to. The park should have posted this information online so visitors would know beforehand. Second, our campsite was so small we had to pitch our tent on a slope, which as you can imagine, was not comfortable to sleep on. Third, the same slope led from the driveway down to the campsite. But that part was muddy so I almost slipped twice. Other campsites had wooden stairs on their slopes. Why didnt ours? Fourth, quiet time starts at 10 p.m. but at 12 a.m., the men in the campsite next to ours and a few campsites over were still talking loudly, laughing and drinking. When I tried to call a park ranger to complain, no one was on duty. This is unbelievable and unacceptable. So my husband and I packed up our kids and all our stuff and left. Not only should we get a refund but we should get free admission to the park for day hikes as well. But surprise, surprise, the Texas Parks and Wildlife website only allows for complaints against employees. I really like camping but this was the worst camping experience for my husband and me.

elizabeth casarin

Este lugar es pésimo para q los niños jueguen es horrible y ahí. Partes un poco mejor en lo mas ondo pero encontramos botellas de cervezas anzuelos piedras puntiagudas y una de las niñas de enterró una espina los baños son pésimos siempre sucios con mal olor no recomiendo este lugar las personas q recomiendan este lugar. Estas ciegos o estúpidos o nunca an ido a un lugar mejor fuy desde houston porq quería campar pero la verdad me vine desilusionada porq lo q ahí en houston esta mejor q ese lugar

Todd K

A SHELL of what it used to be. The entire main section has been "Permanently Closed". Not indefinitely closed, Permanently Closed, according to them and giant signs and barricades stating such. The entire marina, damaged in flooding, will not be replaced. Large swimming area and surrounding picnic tables and huge gazebo...Closed; you cannot come anywhere near this entire area. Please post a similar review as mine will be pushed down. The former main boat ramp, that had many lanes....no more. After entering the park you must turn left or right at the barricades and use whats left of the park. Even some of the nicer former camp areas are permanently closed. Now, the park personnel are totally awesome and go way above and beyond. It wasnt their decision to permantly close the main areas of the park. If you havent seen what Im talking about, go see for yourself. There is a giant sign noting the permanent closures so you will know what you WONT be getting for your money.