Dinosaur Valley State Park

Dinosaur Valley is one of those parks where kids (and let's be honest, adults too) lose their minds. 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 river itself is gorgeous for swimming and wading, the trails wind through rugged limestone hills, and the campground is small enough to feel intimate. It's a perfect weekend trip with kids.

54 campsites|North Texas|2 hr 45 min from Austin|$7/person entrance fee

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Campsite Types

Water + Electric

$20/night

Dinosaur Flats Loop · Sites 1-19 · 19 sites

Water, 20/30-amp ElectricRV OKTent OK

Water + Electric

$20/night

Cedar Brake Loop · Sites 20-36 · 17 sites

Water, 20/30-amp ElectricRV OKTent OK

Water Only

$15/night

Bluff Loop · Sites 37-43 · 7 sites

WaterTent OK

Walk-in Tent

$12/night

Denio Creek Loop · Sites 44-54 · 11 sites

Water nearbyTent OK

Guide to Dinosaur Valley State Park

Best Campsites

For Families:Sites 20-36 (Cedar Brake) — water + electric, closest to the main track sites and river access

For Privacy:Sites 44-54 (Denio Creek) — walk-in tent sites, more spread out and secluded

For RVs:Sites 1-19 (Dinosaur Flats) — water + electric, larger pads, near the park entrance

For Couples:Sites 37-43 (Bluff) — smaller sites on a rise above the river valley, nice views

When to Go

March through October, with summer being busiest for families wanting to wade in the river. The best time to see dinosaur tracks is late summer and early fall when the river is lowest.

Tips

→Dinosaur tracks are most visible when the river is low — check conditions before your trip
→After heavy rains the tracks may be underwater, but the swimming gets better
→The main track sites are a short walk from the parking area — accessible for all ages
→Bring water shoes — the riverbed is slippery limestone
→Glen Rose is a small town with limited supplies — stock up before you arrive

Highlights

Real dinosaur tracks preserved in the Paluxy River riverbed — 113 million years oldSwimming and wading in the Paluxy RiverTwo life-size fiberglass dinosaur models from the 1964 World's Fair20+ miles of hiking and mountain biking trailsBlue Hole swimming area — a deep natural pool in the riverJunior Ranger programs for kids

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