Dinosaur Valley State Park, Texas
Everything the RV Renter Needs to Know
Everything the RV Renter Needs to Know
Roam the lands of ancient beasts for an unforgettable visit to Dinosaur Valley State Park in your RV. After a massive flood tore apart the area in 1908, a child discovered the first evidence of dinosaur tracks. Through an increased public interest, the state of Texas moved to protect the land as a state park in 1972.
Today, tens of thousands of visitors come to the park each year to view the amazing preserved dinosaur footprints throughout the grounds and learn all about what life might have been like millions of years ago. Whether you’ve got kids along for the adventure or you’d like to feel like a kid again, the magic of Dinosaur Valley State Park will awaken the wonder in anyone who walks these historic lands.
By far the most sought after activity in the park, your group will also want to see and touch all of the unique dinosaur footprints along the Paluxy riverbed. The primary tracks you will be keeping an eye out for are three-toed theropod tracks (made mostly by carnivorous Acrocanthosaurus) and the large circular sauropod tracks (large herbivores). It is a unique opportunity for visitors to be able to directly interact with these ancient dinosaur trackways as most other areas in the country only allow access to scientists and researchers.
Virtually all of the trackways are found along various points of the Paluxy River. One of the most popular areas is called “The Ballroom.” It gets its name from the apparently frantic combination of prints going in many directions that make it look like the dinosaurs were dancing.
To get around to the various track sites, and take in the beauty of the river valley, hop on one of the park’s 12 trails. The more than 20 miles of well-maintained trails range in difficulty from easy to moderate and distances vary from just a tenth of a mile all the way up to seven and a half. Each trail has its own unique feature and you will want to give most of them a try.
For awesome views, the Cedar Brake Outer Loop takes you around the limestone ridges of the river valley. If your primary goal is finding dino tracks, go for the Paluxy River Trail. You’ll also have the opportunity to see the black-capped vireo endangered bird species along its nearly three-mile namesake trail through shrubby woodlands.
Getting around on horseback is definitely a Texas thing. Channel your inner explorer/rancher and take your four-legged friend all around the 100-acre primitive area on the south end of the park. Most of the trail system is also open to riders.
If you would like to learn how to ride, there is a guide service available. Assisted riding is offered for children as young as three years old. If you’d rather experts do the work with the horses, your group can also book a ride in a frontier-style wagon.
Geocaching is a fun way to engage with nature in the modern era. In case you are unfamiliar, geocaching is essentially a treasure hunt based on GPS coordinates. Download the geocaching app on your smartphone and look for the hidden item. Some caches even require some puzzle or problem solving to open as well.
This is a great activity for the whole family at the park. Kids are happy to head outdoors and search for their hidden treasures as parents enjoy their hike alongside them. Many of the caches have a book to sign your name as a cache discoverer and some even have prizes or items to trade inside.
Just outside park headquarters, stop and examine the life-size dinosaur models. Look up at the 45-foot tall Tyrannosaurus Rex and 70-foot long Apatosaurus (or Brontosaurus) and imagine their relatives lumbering around the land. This may give you a little context for how chaotic things may have looked as you examine the trackways throughout the park.
Interestingly, these particular models were on display at the 1964-65 World’s Fair in New York City. Created by the Sinclair Oil Corporation to gain attention at the fair (because their logo is a Brontosaurus), the models were donated after completing a national tour. Although the T-Rex’s jaw is no longer robotic, these huge depictions of the world’s ancient creatures make for a great photo op.
If your group likes getting your day started right away, there’s no better choice than camping right on site. The park itself offers 44 RV-friendly campsites for you and your group. These sites provide a water hookup and 30-amp electrical service along with a picnic table and fire ring. Restrooms and a shower facility are also nearby.
In the town of Glen Rose just six miles to the east of the park, Oakdale RV Park has a lot to offer campers. At the 120 RV-friendly campsites, you’ll have full hookup access and Wi-Fi. Amenities include a laundry facility, bathhouses, propane service, a dump station, and dog park. For fun, the park offers a bunch of outdoor sports and lawn games, a swimming pool, playground, fishing, and an outdoor amphitheater that hosts various programs.
Only half a mile south of the park’s border, Dinosaur Valley RV Park is the closest off site camping option. Kids will love the frontier theme throughout the park and adults will enjoy the spacious pull-through sites with full hookup access. In addition to its close proximity to the park, campers will have access to the swimming pool and hot tub, dog park, general store, and activity center.
If you would like to stay near a larger town, head 27 miles northeast to Granbury where you’ll find Bennett’s RV Ranch. Their many RV spots have full hookup access and if you’re working some massive equipment, you can even request 100-amp electrical service. Laundry, shower, and restroom services are all available on site. There aren’t really any entertainment options at the park, itself. However, Granbury has tons of options including historic sites, an opera house, golf, restaurants, wineries, breweries, art galleries, and more.
Seven miles to the east, Tres Rios RV Resort is positioned at the confluence of three different rivers/creeks. The campground consists of 47 acres of wooded land with more than 60 full hookup campsites. Amenities include bathhouses, restrooms, and laundry machines. For fun, fishing is the guest favorite as the unique river situation provides excellent habitat for catfish. In addition, campers will enjoy the swimming pool, playground, canoeing, walking trails, and fossil hunting along the riverbanks.
You can grab a refreshing cold drink or snack at the park store; however, no proper dining facilities exist on site. Either bring some of your favorite food in for a lovely outdoor meal at your picnic table or head out to one of the nearby towns for some fantastic local cuisine.
The closest food hub, by far, is the town of Glen Rose just a few miles east of the park. Here you’ll find a whole bunch of BBQ and Tex-Mex as well as Chinese, American cafés, and a variety of chains. There’s also an old-timey soda shop and a number of pie stands for a sweet treat. There are also grocery stores if you prefer to stock up and do a little cooking on your own.
No matter where you stay, your family will remember walking among the dinosaurs for years to come. Make sure Dinosaur Valley State Park is on your list as you tour Texas in your rental RV.