🧭 Know Before You Go: Cedar Hill State Park
| Entry & permits | Penn Farm can be toured self-guided; guided tours for families or school groups are arranged by calling the park. |
|---|---|
| On-site services | Joe Pool Marina is permanently closed. Moving firewood is restricted because of invasive species - buy it locally. Two four-lane boat ramps with lighted trailer parking. |
Source: tpwd.texas.gov (verified July 2026). Rules and seasons change — confirm before you go.
🌤 Weather at Cedar Hill State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 45–84 °F | 68–97 °F | 45–90 °F | 33–62 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Joe Pool Lake, 2 mi away, elevation 591 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Just a short drive from the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, Cedar Hill State Park feels like you’re a world away from the city. This 1,826-acre urban oasis sits on the shore of Joe Pool Lake—a 7,500-acre reservoir perfect for swimming, fishing, and boating.
But Cedar Hill isn’t just about the lake. The park protects some of the last remaining tallgrass prairie in North Texas, along with rugged limestone hills that make for exceptional mountain biking. The DORBA Trail—built and maintained by the Dallas Off Road Biking Association—crisscrosses 1,200 acres and is considered one of the best urban mountain bike destinations in the state.
Add the Penn Farm Agricultural History Center, 350 developed campsites, and ranger programs for all ages, and you have the perfect weekend escape for DFW families—without the long drive.
Park Fast Facts
Cedar Hill State Park is located on the southwest shore of Joe Pool Lake, about 20 miles southwest of downtown Dallas.
| 📍 Location | 1570 FM 1382, Cedar Hill, TX 75104 |
| 🗺️ Region | North Texas / DFW Metroplex |
| 📐 Park Area | 1,826 acres |
| 🌊 Lake Size | 7,500 acres (Joe Pool Lake) |
| ⏰ Hours | Open daily; gates close at 10 PM |
| 📞 Phone | (972) 291-3900 |
Entry & Camping Fees
| Fee Type | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 🎫 Adult Entry (13+) | $5 | Per person daily |
| 👶 Children (12 & under) | FREE | With paying adult |
| 🎫 TX State Parks Pass | FREE | Entire vehicle admitted |
| ⚡ Water/Electric Sites | $20-25/night | 200 sites available |
| 🚿 Full Hookup Sites | $25-30/night | 150 sites with W/E/S |
| 🎒 Primitive Camping | $10-12/night | Hike-in sites (when trails open) |
DORBA Mountain Bike Trails
The DORBA Trail—named for the Dallas Off Road Biking Association volunteers who built and maintain it—is one of the premier urban mountain biking destinations in Texas.
| Trail Info | Details |
|---|---|
| 🚴 Total Trail Area | 1,200 acres |
| 📏 Trail Miles | 15+ miles of singletrack |
| 🏔️ Terrain | Limestone hills, rolling terrain |
| 🥾 Hikers Welcome | Open to bikers AND hikers |
| ☔ Wet Weather | CLOSED when wet—call ahead! |
| 📞 Trail Status | (972) 291-3900 |
Important: The trails close when wet to prevent damage. Always call ahead to check trail status before driving out!
Joe Pool Lake Recreation
| Lake Activity | Details |
|---|---|
| 🏊 Swimming | Gravel beach with picnic tables, grills, playground |
| 🎣 Fishing | Largemouth bass, crappie, catfish |
| 🎣 Fishing Jetties | 2 lighted jetties (night fishing!) |
| 🐟 Kids Perch Pond | Dedicated fishing area for children |
| 📜 License | NO license needed from shore/pier in park! |
| 🛥️ Boat Ramps | 2 four-lane ramps with lighted parking |
Penn Farm Agricultural History Center
For over a century, the Penn family lived and worked on this land. Today, the Penn Farm Agricultural History Center preserves their story and shows how Texas farming evolved over generations.
| Penn Farm Info | Details |
|---|---|
| 📍 Access | Self-guided tours daily |
| 👨👩👧👦 Guided Tours | Available for groups—call park to arrange |
| 🏫 School Groups | Educational programs available |
| 🏚️ Features | Historic buildings, farm equipment, agricultural exhibits |
Camping at Cedar Hill
With 350 developed campsites, Cedar Hill is one of the largest campgrounds in the Texas state park system—perfect for the DFW Metroplex crowd.
| Camping Option | Sites | Amenities |
|---|---|---|
| ⚡ Water/Electric | 200 | Near restrooms with hot showers |
| 🚿 Full Hookup (W/E/S) | 150 | Complete RV amenities |
| ♿ ADA Accessible | Several | Fully accessible sites |
| 🎒 Primitive | Limited | Hike-in only (when trails open) |
Best Times to Visit
| Season | Experience | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 🌸 Spring (Mar-May) | Wildflowers, perfect biking weather | Prairie in bloom! |
| ☀️ Summer (Jun-Aug) | Swimming, lake activities, hot | Very popular; book ahead |
| 🍂 Fall (Sep-Nov) | Best biking, comfortable temps | Prime camping season |
| ❄️ Winter (Dec-Feb) | Fewer crowds, Penn Farm tours | Some trails may close |
Frequently Asked Questions
Wildlife & Nature
Cedar Hill SP — 1,826 acres on Joe Pool Lake — one of the last remaining patches of virgin tallgrass blackland prairie in Texas. The park’s tallgrass prairie, lake, and Penn Farm agricultural history center support white-tailed deer, armadillos, and diverse songbirds.
Nearby Attractions
Cedar Hill — adjacent. Dallas-Fort Worth — 20 miles north. Joe Pool Lake — at the park.
How far is Cedar Hill State Park from Dallas?
Cedar Hill State Park is approximately 20 miles southwest of downtown Dallas, making it one of the most accessible state parks for DFW Metroplex residents. It’s often called an “urban oasis” because of its proximity to the city.
Can you mountain bike at Cedar Hill?
Yes! The DORBA Trail (Dallas Off Road Biking Association) offers 15+ miles of singletrack across 1,200 acres of limestone hills. It’s considered one of the best urban mountain biking destinations in Texas. Note: trails close when wet—call (972) 291-3900 to check status.
Can you swim at Cedar Hill State Park?
Yes! The park has a gravel swimming beach on Joe Pool Lake with nearby picnic tables, grills, a playground, and restrooms. There are no lifeguards, so swim at your own risk.
What is Penn Farm?
The Penn Farm Agricultural History Center preserves over a century of Texas farming history. The Penn family lived and worked on this land for generations. You can take a self-guided tour daily or call the park to arrange a guided tour for groups or school field trips.
How many campsites does Cedar Hill have?
Cedar Hill has 350 developed campsites—one of the largest campgrounds in the Texas state park system. 200 sites have water/electric, and 150 have full hookups (water/electric/sewer). All sites are near restrooms with hot showers. Several are ADA accessible.
Do I need a fishing license at Cedar Hill?
No license needed when fishing from shore or from the fishing piers/jetties in the park! Joe Pool Lake (7,500 acres) has largemouth bass, crappie, and catfish. There are 2 lighted fishing jetties and a special perch pond for kids.
Nearby state parks: If you have extra time, Cleburne State Park is elsewhere in the state, and Lake Whitney State Park is elsewhere in the state.
Escape the Metroplex
Just 20 minutes from Dallas, discover 7,500 acres of lake, world-class mountain biking, historic Penn Farm, and 350 campsites. Book your urban escape today!
Explore More Texas State Parks
Cedar Hill State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Texas. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Texas guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Cedar Hill State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are welcome at almost all Texas State Parks on trails and in campgrounds, but must be on leash, in a car, or in a crate at all times and may not be left unattended.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- 6 ft maximum leash required at all times
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets are not allowed in the water or on land around designated swim areas
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Pets are not permitted in any state park buildings, including motels, cabins, screened shelters and group facilities
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Several parks restrict dogs in specific areas (Big Bend Ranch, Enchanted Rock, Government Canyon, Hueco Tanks); proof of current rabies vaccination required
Are dogs allowed at Cedar Hill State Park?
Pets are welcome at almost all Texas State Parks on trails and in campgrounds, but must be on leash, in a car, or in a crate at all times and may not be left unattended. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via tpwd.texas.gov. More: Texas state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
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