Dinosaur Valley State Park Camping Guide: Tracks, Paluxy River & Family Fun

Updated May 2026 · 11 min read

There are parks you take kids to so they will be outside. And then there is Dinosaur Valley State Park, where kids lose their minds entirely. Real, actual dinosaur tracks from 113 million years ago are preserved in the limestone bed of the Paluxy River -- and when the water is low, you can walk right up and put your foot inside the footprint of an Acrocanthosaurus.

Beyond the tracks, the Paluxy River is gorgeous for swimming and wading, the trails wind through rugged limestone hills, and the campground is intimate enough to feel like a real getaway. It is a near-perfect weekend trip for families with kids, but adults-only groups will find plenty to love too.

The Dinosaur Tracks: What to Expect

The tracks at Dinosaur Valley are the real deal -- not replicas or reconstructions, but actual fossilized footprints preserved in the limestone riverbed. The park protects multiple track sites along the Paluxy River, including a famous series of sauropod prints (the big plant-eaters) and theropod prints from a predator now believed to be Acrocanthosaurus.

The tracks are most visible when the river is low -- typically in late summer and early fall. After a good rain, they may be underwater. Before your trip, check the park's website or call ahead to ask about current track visibility. Even when the main track sites are flooded, other track areas may still be visible.

The main track site near the park entrance is an easy, flat walk from the parking area -- accessible for all ages and mobility levels. Other track sites require more hiking. The park provides a map of track locations when you pay your entrance fee.

The World's Fair Dinosaur Models

Near the park entrance, you will find two enormous fiberglass dinosaur models -- a Brachiosaurus and a T-Rex -- that were originally created for the 1964 New York World's Fair. They are gloriously retro and absolutely beloved by kids. The models are not scientifically accurate by modern standards (we know a lot more about dinosaur posture and appearance than we did in 1964), but they are charming and iconic. Every kid gets their photo with the T-Rex.

Swimming the Paluxy River

The Paluxy River runs through the heart of the park, and it is a fantastic swimming destination. The Blue Hole is a deep natural pool formed by river bends -- the most popular swimming spot in the park. The water is clear over a limestone bottom, and there are both shallow wading areas for small kids and deeper sections for real swimming.

Bring water shoes -- the river bottom is slippery limestone, and the rocks along the bank can be sharp. The current is generally gentle but can increase after heavy rain. After significant rainfall, the swimming gets better but the tracks go underwater. There is a trade-off depending on what you prioritize.

Hiking and Mountain Biking

Dinosaur Valley has more than 20 miles of trails for both hiking and mountain biking. The terrain is rugged limestone hills and creek drainages with elevation changes that feel more significant than many Texas parks. The trails are moderately difficult -- good for families with older kids, more challenging for toddlers.

Mountain bikers will find the trails genuinely fun with technical sections on the rockier stretches. Bring your bike if you have one. The park is increasingly popular with the DFW cycling community on fall weekends.

Campsite Options at Dinosaur Valley

Dinosaur Flats Loop (Sites 1-19) -- Water and Electric

The Dinosaur Flats loop is nearest to the park entrance and offers water and 20/30-amp electric hookups at $20 per night. These are the most RV-friendly sites in the park with larger pads and reasonable road access. Good for first-timers or anyone who values convenience.

Cedar Brake Loop (Sites 20-36) -- Water and Electric

Cedar Brake is the family sweet spot -- water and electric at $20 per night, and these sites sit closest to the main track sites and river access. If you have kids who are going to run back and forth to the river all day, these sites minimize the distance. Book these early -- they are the most sought-after in the park.

Bluff Sites (Sites 37-43) -- Water Only

The Bluff sites sit on a rise above the river valley with nice views. Water hookups only at $15 per night, and they are tent-only. For couples or small groups wanting something a bit quieter with a view, these are worth considering.

Denio Creek Walk-in Sites (Sites 44-54)

The walk-in tent sites at Denio Creek are the most secluded in the park -- more spread out, more privacy, and a more remote feel even though you are close to the main campground. Water nearby, $12 per night. For tent campers wanting solitude, these are the best option.

Junior Ranger Program

Dinosaur Valley has an active Junior Ranger program that keeps kids engaged throughout the visit. Pick up a Junior Ranger booklet at the park entrance, complete the activities (which involve learning about the dinosaur tracks, the river ecosystem, and the park's geology), and get an official Junior Ranger badge. Kids take this seriously. Plan extra time for it.

Practical Tips

• Glen Rose is small: Stock up on groceries in Cleburne or Fort Worth before arriving. Glen Rose has limited options and the nearest HEB is not close.
• Water shoes are essential: The limestone riverbed is genuinely slippery. This is the number one thing people wish they had brought.
• Check track conditions: Before you drive out, call the park or check their website for current track visibility. After heavy rain, the tracks may be underwater for days.
• Arrive early for day-use: On summer and fall weekends, the day-use parking lot fills up. Campers have an advantage -- you are already there.
• Download the track map: The park has multiple track sites spread along the river. The map helps you find all of them.

Get Alerts for Dinosaur Valley

Dinosaur Valley is one of the most popular family parks in North Texas, and it fills up fast on spring and fall weekends. The Cedar Brake sites especially go quickly when the booking window opens five months out.

Camp.land monitors Dinosaur Valley availability around the clock. When someone cancels their reservation, we send you an instant alert. Set your preferred dates and let us watch while you plan the rest of your trip.