There’s more to Dallas and Fort Worth than the stereotypes depict. Sure, you can find world class barbeque joints, rodeos and livestock shows galore, but north Texas is also home to some truly amazing outdoor recreation areas and natural attractions that shouldn’t be overlooked.
For this reason, we compiled a complete five day Texas road trip itinerary that starts and ends at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport. Not only is the airport affordable and accessible from most major destinations, but it’s a central starting location for exploring north Texas. With an itinerary that includes less than 200 cumulative driving miles, you’ll spend less time in the car and more time exploring lakes, nature preserves, backcountry hiking trails and more. Without further ado, load up the kids, blast your favorite playlist and enjoy this five day road trip tour through the greater Dallas/Fort Worth area. Cowboy boots and ten-gallon hats are strongly encouraged, but not required.
Follow along for a Dallas road trip your family will never forget.
Day One
Welcome to Texas! Since arrival times vary greatly (and accounting for the time it takes to pick up your van rental), we’re keeping the first day mileage low. From Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, drive a short distance to one of the highest rated authentic barbeque restaurants in the area, before heading south to set up camp for the evening at the family-friendly Cedar Hill State Park.
Total miles and drive time: 36.9 miles, ~ 45 minutes
What to Do
Cedar Hill State Park offers 1,800 acres of refreshing outdoor experiences. The time you arrive and finish setting up camp will dictate what options are available to you on night one. We recommend beating the heat and cooling down at one of the area’s many beaches. Opt for Gravel Beach and enjoy a swim in Joe Pool Lake, equipped with nearby grills and tables for easy picnic eating.
A map of the park can be found, here.
Where to Eat
A trip to the Lone Star State isn’t complete without finger-licking barbecue. When hunger calls, grab a table at Hard Eight BBQ – a traditional Texas-style barbeque pit with a large outdoor patio, live music and meat cooked over real-deal mesquite wood grill flames (pictured).
Cedar Hill State Park offers more than 350 campsites for year-round use. Each campsite is near a restroom with hot showers, and 150 of the sites also include sewer hookups. With lakefront sites available, you can enjoy morning swimming and evening sunsets within walking distance from the tent or van. Campfires are permitted in the fire rings, so stock up on chocolate, graham crackers and marshmallows! Check campsite availability and reserve online, here.
Day Two
Cedar Hill State Park is one of the most popular urban escapes for Dallas/Fort Worth residents. But as of now, you’ve only experienced a small taste. On day two, we recommend staying local and digging deeper into Cedar Hill and the surrounding areas. Depending on your interests and energy levels, hiking, mountain biking, fishing, boating or bird watching are on the agenda.
Total miles and drive time: Five to 10 miles, ~ 20 minutes
What to Do
It’s time to rise and shine, campers! With only one full day to explore the greater Cedar Hill area, we recommend packing as much action into day two as possible.
Cedar Hill State Park partnered with the Dallas Off Road Biking Association (DOBRA) to create a 1,200-acre network of trails. Didn’t pack a bike in your carry-on bag? No problem. If you want to ride the trails on two wheels, Live Adventure rents specialized mountain bikes by the hour, day or weekend. If biking isn’t your thing, lace up your hiking boots and explore the trails designated for hikers.
Nothing says vacation mode quite like fishing. The 7,500-acre Joe Pool Lake in Cedar Hill State Park is home to largemouth black bass, white bass, crappie and catfish. Rent a fishing boat at Lynn Creek Marina, or use one of two lighted fishing jetties to reel in a monster. And the kids can fish, too! Cedar Hill makes fishing a family-friendly activity by stocking a perch pond for kids.
Attention birdwatchers: Cedar Hill is home to almost 200 different species of birds, including the painted bunting, eastern bluebird, loggerhead shrike and great horned owl. The park is also a prairie refuge, protecting endangered native tallgrass prairie remnants.
Where to Eat
There are plenty of places to eat within five miles of Cedar Hill State Park. If you’re in the mood for authentic Tex-Mex, Campuzano Mexican Food offers lunch specials before 3 p.m. If sushi is more your style, Suzushii Sushi and Grill has affordable land and sea options.
Where to Camp
Enjoy a second and final night at your Cedar Hill home away from home.
Day Three
Wave goodbye to Cedar Hill, it’s time to hit the road. The third day on the itinerary includes a stop at the Fort Worth Botanic Garden on the way to the western edge of beautiful Benbrook Lake.
Total miles and drive time: 43.3 miles, ~ 55 minutes
What to Do:
As you head west across the Dallas/Fort Worth area, plan to stop at the Fort Worth Botanic Garden – the oldest botanic garden in all of Texas. It’s home to more than 2,500 species of plants in 23 distinct and beautifully maintained gardens. This 10,000-square-foot conservatory is interactive, educational and free for all to enjoy. Don’t miss the world-renowned Japanese Garden!
Then, make your way to Holiday Park campground on Benbrook Lake in north central Texas. A 14-mile nature trail starts and ends at the campground, perfect for hiking, birdwatching and horseback riding. For guided trail horseback rides for the whole family, consult with the area pros at Benbrook Stables. And for the extra adventurous, join the windsurfers on Benbrook Lake.
Where to Eat:
Need a barbeque break? For pizza and salads, pick Cork & Pig Tavern in Fort Worth.
Stop off at one of many local markets to pick up grilling goods for a proper campsite feast. As a backup plan, there are plenty of chain restaurants within a few miles of Holiday Park.
Where to Camp:
Benbrook Lake offers a variety of camping options. As shared above, we recommend Holiday Park on the western banks of the lake. If you can’t find a campsite there, North Holiday Park, Rocky Creek Park and Longhorn Park will likely have openings, but with less amenities.
Day Four
How is it the fourth day of our road trip already? Time flies when you’re hiking and camping your way through north Texas! Today, drive to Grapevine Lake — considered the best lake in the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex — with a fun stop at the Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge along the way.
Total miles and drive time: 55.4 miles, ~ 1 hour 12 minutes
What to Do:
After leaving Benbrook Lake, head northeast to visit the Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge. The FWNC&R is made up of 3,621 acres and includes over 20 miles of hiking trails. For a different experience, we recommend the guided canoe and kayak tours on the west fork of the Trinity River. Register ahead of time, and keep your eyes peeled for turtles, alligators and herons!
Next up, continue northeast to Grapevine Lake. It’ll likely be evening once you arrive and set up camp. There are beaches and lakeside parks to enjoy before the sun sets.
Where to Eat:
Since the Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge is pretty remote, there aren’t many restaurants available in the area for lunch. We highly recommend grabbing packable snacks and sandwiches to bring along for your afternoon of birdwatching, hiking and canoeing.
Grapevine Lake’s central proximity, on the other hand, means there are several options to choose from for dinner. Don’t forget, you can also grill your freshly caught fish at the campsite.
Where to Camp:
Grapevine Lake has a number of campgrounds to choose from, but we recommend Vineyard’s Campground, known for its cleanliness, roominess and proximity to the lake. If sites are unavailable, check out Meadowmere Park Campground and Murrell Park Campground.
Day Five
It’s almost time to head back home. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have some fun first! You’ll wake up at Grapevine Lake, providing easy access to numerous activity options for the whole family. Your flight departure time will determine what activities you can partake in before returning to the airport.
Total miles and drive time: 6.5 miles, 12 minutes
What to Do:
The kids are sure to love Grapevine Lake’s floating water park, Altitude H2O, located at Meadowmere Park. Explore 25,000 square feet of water slides, trampolines and obstacle courses.
Boats and kayaks are rented hourly at Silver Lake Marina, and the lake is a popular destination for bass fishing. Off the water, there are plentiful trails for hiking, biking and running.
Where to Eat:
You won’t go hungry in the Grapevine Lake area. If time permits, grab a bite at Anamia’s Tex-Mex or Zoës Kitchen. If you’re in a rush to catch your flight, return the van, check your bags and fuel up at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport while reminiscing on the new memories created in Texas.
Now there’s just one question left: Where will you take your next road trip?
Are you ready for an outdoor adventure? Find America’s best campsites.