Dinosaur Valley State Park Texas (TX) RV Rentals

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Introduction

Dinosaur Valley State Park is an excellent spot for RV camping due to its rich history, unique natural features, and diverse recreational activities. Established in 1972, the park is nestled in the heart of Texas and spans over 1,500 acres, offering a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation.

The park’s cultural significance lies in its well-preserved dinosaur tracks, which date back to the early Cretaceous period. These tracks are found along the Paluxy River and are a testament to the area’s prehistoric past. Over millions of years, sedimentation and erosion have contributed to the formation of these incredible fossilized footprints.

RVThereYet is an RV rental company, offering a diverse fleet of motorhomes, including Class A, Class B, and Class C Rentals, Travel, Trailers, and Motorhomes for unforgettable adventures in scenic RV parks and campsites in Dinosaur Valley State Park. Ensure early reservations for camper rentals at Dinosaur Valley State Park.

Transportation

Visitors to Dinosaur Valley State Park primarily use private vehicles for transportation. The park has multiple entrances with the main entrance located on Park Road 59 off of US Highway 67. RV renters should be aware of the park’s rig size restrictions which limit RV length to 60 feet and width to 10 feet. Additionally some park roads have low clearance so it’s essential to check the park’s map and guidelines before embarking on your journey.

RV parking is available at Dinosaur Valley State Park with designated RV parking areas throughout. However overnight parking outside of designated campsites is not allowed. Camping with an RV is recommended as it allows for easy exploration of the park using alternative transportation methods.

Dinosaur Valley State Park offers public transportation options for getting around including shuttle buses and walking paths. The shuttle buses provide convenient access to popular locations within the park while the walking paths offer a more scenic and immersive experience.

Top Campsites in Dinosaur Valley State Park

1. Dinosaur Valley RV Park & Cabins

Located just a few miles from the park this campground is a popular choice for RV and trailer campers. With 60 full hookup sites there’s plenty of room for everyone. The park offers amenities such as a swimming pool laundry facilities and Wi-Fi. It’s pet-friendly and open year-round with RVs and trailers up to 45 feet in length welcome.

2. North Texas Jellystone Park

This family-friendly campground is located about 30 minutes from the park and offers a wide range of activities for all ages. There are 200 full hookup sites as well as cabins and tent sites. Amenities include a water park mini golf and a playground. Pets are welcome and the park is open year-round. RVs and trailers up to 45 feet are permitted.

3. Cedar Breaks Park

This campground is located about 20 minutes from the park and offers 40 full hookup sites. Amenities include a swimming pool laundry facilities and a playground. Pets are welcome and the park is open year-round. RVs and trailers up to 45 feet are permitted.

4. Hidden Valley RV Park

Located about 15 minutes from the park this campground offers 40 full hookup sites. Amenities include a swimming pool laundry facilities and a playground. Pets are welcome and the park is open year-round. RVs and trailers up to 40 feet are permitted.

1. Seminole Campground

This first-come first-served campground is located within the park and offers 46 campsites. It’s open year-round and pets are welcome. RVs and trailers up to 35 feet are permitted. There are no hookups but there is a dump station nearby.

2. Pecan Grove Campground

This first-come first-served campground is also located within the park and offers 10 sites. It’s open from October through April and is pet-friendly. RVs and trailers up to 25 feet are permitted but there are no hookups.

3. Elm Grove Campground

This first-come first-served campground is located just outside the park and offers 20 sites. It’s open year-round and is pet-friendly. RVs and trailers up to 35 feet are permitted but there are no hookups.

1. Private Campgrounds

There are several private campgrounds located near the park such as Granbury / Lake Whitney KOA and Cleburne State Park. These campgrounds offer full hookups amenities such as swimming pools and playgrounds and are open year-round. They also cater to a wide range of RV and trailer sizes.

2. Backcountry Camping

For those looking for a more rustic camping experience backcountry camping is available in the park. Permits are required and can be obtained at the park headquarters. There are no amenities or hookups and campers must pack out all trash. Pets are not permitted in the backcountry.

Hiking the Dinosaur Valley State Park Trails

Dinosaur Valley State Park is a hiker’s paradise with over 20 miles of trails that wind through the park’s lush landscapes. The most popular trail is the Paluxy River Trail which follows the riverbed and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding cliffs and forests. Hikers can also explore the Dinosaur Trackway Trail which leads to the park’s famous dinosaur footprints. The trails range from easy to moderate making them suitable for all skill levels.

Biking through the Park’s Scenic Routes

Cycling enthusiasts will love exploring the park’s scenic routes on two wheels. The park has over 15 miles of paved roads that are perfect for biking. The most popular route is the Elm Grove Loop which takes cyclists through a beautiful forest of elm trees. Cyclists can also take the challenging Hill Country Trail which offers steep climbs and thrilling descents.

Fishing in the Paluxy River

The Paluxy River is a popular spot for fishing with a variety of species including bass catfish and sunfish. The park has several fishing piers and platforms along the river making it easy for anglers to cast their lines. Fishing is permitted year-round and a valid Texas fishing license is required.

Exploring the Dinosaur Trackways

Dinosaur Valley State Park is famous for its dinosaur footprints which are preserved in the riverbed of the Paluxy River. Visitors can explore the trackways on foot or by wading in the river. The park also has a interpretive center where visitors can learn about the park’s dinosaur history.

Camping under the Stars

Dinosaur Valley State Park offers a variety of camping options from primitive campsites to RV hookups. Campers can enjoy stargazing bird watching and hiking right from their campsite. The park also offers ranger-led programs and guided hikes.

Alternative Activities for RV Campers at Dinosaur Valley State Park

Sightseeing at the Fossil Rim Wildlife Center

Located just a few miles from Dinosaur Valley State Park the Fossil Rim Wildlife Center is a must-see for animal lovers. The center is home to over 1 000 animals from 50 different species including giraffes rhinos and cheetahs. Visitors can take a guided tour or drive through the park in their own vehicle.

Nature Watching at the Blue Hole

The Blue Hole is a serene swimming hole located on the Paluxy River. The clear water and lush surroundings make it a perfect spot for nature watching. Visitors can spot a variety of birds including herons and egrets as well as turtles and fish.

Instagram-worthy Photo Opportunities at the Dinosaur Statues

Dinosaur Valley State Park has several larger-than-life dinosaur statues that are perfect for photo opportunities. The most popular statue is the Apatosaurus which stands 60 feet tall. Visitors can also pose with the Tyrannosaurus Rex or the Triceratops.

Picnicking at the Pavilion

The park has several picnic areas including a covered pavilion that can accommodate large groups. Visitors can enjoy a packed lunch while taking in the beautiful scenery. The pavilion is located near the park’s playground and interpretive center.

Geocaching in the Park

Geocaching is a popular activity at Dinosaur Valley State Park with several hidden caches throughout the park. Visitors can use a GPS device or smartphone app to locate the caches and log their finds. Geocaching is a fun way to explore the park and learn more about its history and ecology.

Season-specific experiences in Dinosaur Valley State Park

Spring is a wonderful time to visit Dinosaur Valley State Park and here are some activities that RV campers can enjoy

Hiking the Dinosaur Tracks Trail

This trail is a must-visit for anyone interested in dinosaurs. Located near the Paluxy River this trail offers stunning views of the park and the opportunity to see real dinosaur footprints. The trail is about 1.5 miles long and is suitable for all skill levels.

Bird Watching

Dinosaur Valley State Park is home to a variety of bird species making it a great location for bird watching. During the spring you can see birds such as the Eastern Bluebird Red-tailed Hawk and the American Goldfinch. The best place to go bird watching is near the river where the birds are most active.

Fishing

The Paluxy River is a great place to go fishing especially during the spring when the water levels are high. You can catch fish such as catfish bass and sunfish. The best place to fish is near the river’s edge where the fish are most plentiful.

Visiting the Fossil Rim Wildlife Center

Located just a short drive from Dinosaur Valley State Park Fossil Rim Wildlife Center is a great place to see animals in their natural habitat. The center is home to over 1 000 animals from 50 different species including rhinos giraffes and cheetahs.

Attending the Glen Rose Dinosaur Festival

Held annually in May the Glen Rose Dinosaur Festival is a celebration of the area’s dinosaur history. The festival features dinosaur-themed activities live music food vendors and more. The festival is held in downtown Glen Rose just a short drive from Dinosaur Valley State Park.

Summer is the perfect time for RV campers to visit Dinosaur Valley State Park and here are some activities to enjoy

Swimming in the Paluxy River

The Paluxy River is the perfect place to cool off during the summer. The river is shallow and slow-moving making it safe for swimming. There are several swimming holes located along the river including the Blue Hole and the Sliding Rocks.

Mountain Biking

Dinosaur Valley State Park has over 20 miles of trails that are perfect for mountain biking. The trails range in difficulty from easy to challenging so there is something for everyone. The best place to go mountain biking is the Cedar Brake Outer Loop Trail which offers stunning views of the park.

Visiting the Dinosaur Valley Fossil Shop

Located near the park entrance the Dinosaur Valley Fossil Shop is a great place to learn about the area’s dinosaur history. The shop sells dinosaur fossils minerals and other geological specimens. It’s a great place to pick up a souvenir of your visit to Dinosaur Valley State Park.

Attending the Dinosaur Valley Classic

Held annually in July the Dinosaur Valley Classic is a mountain bike race that takes place in Dinosaur Valley State Park. The race is open to riders of all skill levels and offers a challenging course through the park’s scenic trails.

Stargazing

Dinosaur Valley State Park is a great place for stargazing. The park is far enough away from the city lights that you can see the stars clearly. The best place to go stargazing is the Cedar Brake Outer Loop Trail which offers a clear view of the night sky.

Fall is a wonderful time to visit Dinosaur Valley State Park and enjoy its recreational activities. One popular attraction is the Dinosaur Trackway which features preserved dinosaur footprints that are over 100 million years old. Visitors can hike along the Paluxy River to see these tracks up close. Another must-see is the park’s scenic overlook which offers panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys. For those who enjoy fishing the park has several stocked ponds that are perfect for catching bass and catfish. The park also offers horseback riding trails that wind through the forests and fields. Finally RV campers can take part in ranger-led programs such as guided hikes and stargazing events which provide a unique perspective on the park’s history and natural beauty.

Winter is a magical time to visit Dinosaur Valley State Park. One popular winter activity is hiking along the park’s trails which offer stunning views of the snow-covered landscape. Visitors can also go birdwatching as the park is home to a variety of winter birds including cardinals and blue jays. For those who enjoy fishing the park’s ponds are stocked with trout during the winter months. Another popular winter activity is geocaching which involves using GPS coordinates to locate hidden treasures throughout the park. Finally RV campers can cozy up by the campfire and enjoy hot cocoa while taking in the peaceful surroundings.

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