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Illustrative landscape
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.
Campsites
51 campsites
Region
North Texas
Guide rate from
$16/night*
Entrance
$8/person
Short answer
Most Texas state park overnight camping and lodging reservations can be made up to five months in advance. Confirm the current reservation schedule for your accommodation and dates with Texas Parks and Wildlife.
Texas Parks and Wildlife reservation guidance · Checked 2026-09-07.
Compare your options
Campsite types
*Guide prices only. Confirm current rates when booking.
Water + Electric
$26/night*36 sites
Water, 30-amp electric; picnic table, fire ring/grill (35-ft trailer max)RV OKTent OK
Walk-in Tent
$18/night*8 sites
No water - pack in; fire ring and lantern post only, no restrooms or showersTent OK
Primitive Hike-in
$16/night*7 sites
No water - pack in; reached by a 1–2.5 mile hike across the river, no restroomsTent OK
Book directly with the park
Most Texas state park overnight camping and lodging reservations can be made up to five months in advance. Confirm the current reservation schedule for your accommodation and dates with Texas Parks and Wildlife. Confirm current inventory, rates, fees, and seasonal details on the official booking site.
Texas state parks don’t have live cancellation alerts yet — but most sold-out sites free up 1–2 weeks before the date. We’ll email you the booking playbook (exact release times, the cancellation window, how to pounce) and tell you first if live Texas alerts launch.
Get the Texas state-park booking playbook
Location & trip guide
Glen Rose, Texas
Dinosaur Valley State Park is in North Texas, about 2 hr 45 min from Austin. Use the official booking provider for current arrival directions and access details.
Get directions ↗Best campsites
For Families:Book the campsites with electricity first — they have water, power, picnic tables and fire rings, and they go fastest in summer
For Privacy:The hike-in primitive sites offer the most solitude, but you have to cross the river and hike 1–2.5 miles to reach them
For RVs:The electric/water sites are your only RV option; keep trailers under 35 feet because of the winding, tree-lined campground roads
For Couples:The walk-in primitive sites are a short carry from the parking area and far quieter than the electric loop, with just a fire ring and lantern post
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
Dinosaur Valley State Park — Frequently Asked
Is Dinosaur Valley State Park hard to book?+
Yes. Dinosaur Valley State Park is one of the more popular Texas state parks and fills up quickly, especially on weekends and holidays. 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. If your dates are already full, book direct on ReserveAmerica the moment the 5-month window opens, or reserve a cabin or vacation rental nearby that you can book today.
How many campsites does Dinosaur Valley State Park have?+
Dinosaur Valley State Park has 51 campsites, including Water + Electric, Walk-in Tent, Primitive Hike-in. Published guide rates start at $16/night plus a $8/person entrance fee; confirm current rates when booking.
What is the entrance fee at Dinosaur Valley State Park?+
The entrance fee at Dinosaur Valley State Park is $8 per person per day. A Texas State Parks Pass ($70/year) waives entrance fees for you and all passengers in your vehicle.
How far in advance should I book Dinosaur Valley State Park?+
Most Texas state park overnight camping and lodging reservations can be made up to five months in advance. Confirm the current reservation schedule for your accommodation and dates with Texas Parks and Wildlife.
How can I get a last-minute campsite at Dinosaur Valley State Park?+
Cancellations at Dinosaur Valley State Park happen regularly, most often 1 to 3 weeks before the date, so it is worth checking ReserveAmerica directly for openings. If campsites are full, check cabins and vacation rentals near Glen Rose for your dates.
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Planning Dinosaur Valley State Park by month
What each month is like, when reservations open, and how hard it is to book.