I am thinking about getting the daughter out and doing some camping this spring.

Any suggestions on something near Fort Worth that will keep a 5 year old busy & entertained? I was looking at state parks like Mineral Wells or Dinosaur Valley.

I was never much into camping until recently. So, I have not been even to the local places myself. Any suggestions or tips, as always, are greatly appreciated.

Mineral Wells is a nice state park to go to. Good facilities from what I remember and a great lake to fish on. Beautiful scenery is a bonus.

Being that Cedar Hill State Park is on Joe Pool most overlook Loyd Park on the west side of Joe Pool. Thats what I like about it, its overlooked and its also a beautiful, clean campsite with clean bathrooms.

Its owned by the city versus the state park and is hasrdly very crowded unless its a holiday weekend.

To bad GP raised the prices to get in the park. I would head to Glen Rose and Dinosaur Valley.

Isle Du Bois at Ray Roberts is one of my favorites locally. We usually go there about 4 or 5 times a year.
Dennis

Dino Valley is great for the kids if they are really into dinosaurs (and what kids aren't). The tracks here are among the most spectacular in the world, but they're still just little dents in the ground. In my experience, the older kids will better appreciate this park. Dino Valley can also get pretty crowded.

Look into Meridian SP south of Glen Rose, west of Whitney. It has it's own lake with good fishing, plus there's lots of trails and excellent fossil hunting in the creek bed behind the lake (but don't take any fossils from a state park:). It's more of an undiscovered treasure, so it doesn't get as crowded.

Some other favorite options of mine are Possum Kingdom, and Eisenhower up on Texoma.

Allen

I second Meridan State Park. Once you go you will always want to go back.

The same goes for Mineral Wells State Park and Possum Kingdom State Park. Incredibly beautiful areas for the northern part of Texas.

If you go to central Texas try Inks Lake State Park or Perdenales Falls State Park. True beauty of central Texas and both are a short drive to the caverns if you are into exploring caves.

Possum Kingdom is my all time favorite. They have a good playground for the kiddos, nice fishing pier, and we used to love watching and feeding the deer. I think fedding them is frowned upon (maybe even illegal)anymore. Mineral Wells has some great trails and good fishing piers too. They have also put in a bike trail since I've been. It goes into town. I've never stayed at Meridian but did check it out once and put it on my list of parks to get back to. If she's never been camping, you may want to try something close like Joe Pool, or even Benbrook. I don't remeber any park at BB that has a playground. Good luck and enjoy, sounds like you're starting her out right! my .02

Cooper Lake State Park In Sulphur Springs. Stay on the South Sulpher side and not Doctor's Creek. They take great care of the park, if you get up early in the mornings or go out late in the evenings you see plenty of deer and other wildlife. Lakes is coming up as well and I believe all boat ramps are open...

Mineral Wells, is nice.....

Thanks to everyone. I always know I'll get lots of help here.

redburro...
Welcome to TFF. Though there are many Fishing Forums on the net, you have joined the best. I have made many fishing friends here and everyone has fishing experience to share. Please share your fishing stories with us.

I've taken my boys down to Dino Valley and we have had a great time. We go swimming in the river and hike up and down the rocks. Always a fun time. Cedar Hill SP is nice and I've also stayed at one of the other state parks at Ray Bob. When taking the kids camping, make sure there are plenty of activities outside of marshmallows and gnat swatting. DVSP has the hiking and dino stuff; Cedar Hill SP has the farm to tour. I'll be helping with a Kids fishing event at Cedar Hill SP on May 14th. Consider coming and camping the night before.

Chad