How much does camping cost at Dinosaur Valley State Park?

Camping fees at Dinosaur Valley State Park range from $8/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Dinosaur Valley State Park first-come first-served or reservation?

Dinosaur Valley State Park accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Dinosaur Valley State Park before I book?

Yes! Dinosaur Valley State Park has 3 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Dinosaur Valley State Park?

Dinosaur Valley State Park is open Peak season may revolve around summer and dry periods when dinosaur tracks are most visible.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Dinosaur Valley State Park?

Yes, Dinosaur Valley State Park has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Can I have a campfire at Dinosaur Valley State Park?

Fire policies at Dinosaur Valley State Park: Specific fire policies are missing.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

Are dogs allowed at Dinosaur Valley State Park?

Yes, pets are allowed at Dinosaur Valley State Park. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Dinosaur Valley State Park?

Dinosaur Valley State Park offers: Restrooms, Showers, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups, Water Hookups, Pets Allowed, Camp Store. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Dinosaur Valley State Park?

Popular activities at Dinosaur Valley State Park include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Biking, Wildlife Viewing, Beach Activities. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Dinosaur Valley State Park

4.36

121 reviews

1629 PARK ROAD 59, GLEN ROSE, Texas, 76043, United States

Scenic ViewsSwimmingSummer Destination

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

Quick Facts

696 ft

Price

$8/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Book on Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

Quick Facts

696 ft

Price

$8/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Book on Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Official Website

Get Directions

Dinosaur Valley State Park

$8.00 - $8.00 / night

Campsite Fees

A day use fee of $8 per person aged 13 and older is charged.

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground

Reserve America

Provider

2548974588null

Help improve this page

See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.36

Recommended

Based on 121 reviews

3906 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanspaciousfriendlywell-maintained

Some mention

crowded

"Dinosaur Valley State Park receives praise for its well-preserved dinosaur tracks, diverse outdoor activities, and family-friendly atmosphere. However, some visitors noted issues like flies, spotty cell service, and crowded trails during peak times."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

1629 PARK ROAD 59, GLEN ROSE, Texas, 76043, United States

Dinosaur Valley State Park

1629 PARK ROAD 59, GLEN ROSE, Texas, 76043, United States

Nearby places

Glen Rose is the nearest city located approximately 4 miles away.

Nearby supplies

Visitors are advised to bring their own food as no ready-to-eat meals or raw ingredients are sold within the park. Souvenir shops and limited food services are seasonal, but essentials may require trips to Glen Rose.

Driving directionsFrom Ft. Worth: Take Hwy 377 South to Granbury. Go South on Hwy 144 to Hwy 67. Then West on Hwy 67 to Glen Rose. Take FM 205 4 miles North to Park Road 59. Park Headquarters will be 1 mile. From Waco: Take Hwy 6 to Meridian. Then Hwy 144 to Glen Rose. Take FM 205 for 4 miles North to Park Road 59. Park Headquarters will be 1 mile ahead.

Roads to the park are accessible via highways, paved roads, and FM (farm-to-market) roads, which should accommodate most vehicles. Seasonal closures are not mentioned, but accessibility to trails and tracks may vary based on weather conditions.

Best Time to Camp at Dinosaur Valley State Park

Spring delivers the best conditions. Daytime highs run 60-80°F, with cool mornings in the 40s-50s. River levels are comfortable for wading, and hardwood corridors stay lush after winter rains. Wildflowers peak, and birding is active. Weekends around spring break get busy, but weekdays feel peaceful. Summer brings heat and humidity, plus significant fly infestations that multiple visitors complained about. Winter offers crisp air for hiking, though the river is too cold for swimming. Drier periods expose more dinosaur tracks, so water levels directly affect the main attraction's visibility.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Top 23% in TX

Warm, humid summer ideal for river swimming; busier and fly-prone at times.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Peak season may revolve around summer and dry periods when dinosaur tracks are most visible.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round; seasonal variations in trail and track visibility due to water levels.
Current Alerts: Trail and track visibility may fluctuate due to water levels or heavy rains. Social media channels are recommended for updates.

About Dinosaur Valley State Park

Dinosaur Valley State Park sits along the Paluxy River in North Texas, where real dinosaur tracks from the Cretaceous Period are preserved in the limestone riverbed. The park offers tent and RV camping ($8/night), with sites ranging from primitive to full hookups. Cell service is nonexistent throughout the park. The Blue Hole swimming area and hiking trails to the trackways draw families year-round, though spring weekdays offer the most peaceful visits.

The park provides options for both primitive and developed camping, including sites for RVs and tents. The campsites are well-maintained and offer a mix of privacy and communal settings.

Historical Significance

The park preserves dinosaur tracks from the Cretaceous Period, over 100 million years old. Sauropod and theropod footprints are embedded in the limestone riverbed, discovered in the early 1900s. These fossilized trackways document when this area was an ancient coastal plain. The tracks have made the site a destination for paleontology enthusiasts, though visitors note the park's marking of individual prints is inconsistent and depends heavily on current water levels.

Weather and SeasonsSpring delivers the best conditions. Daytime highs run 60-80°F, with cool mornings in the 40s-50s. River levels are comfortable for wading, and hardwood corridors stay lush after winter rains. Wildflowers peak, and birding is active. Weekends around spring break get busy, but weekdays feel peaceful. Summer brings heat and humidity, plus significant fly infestations that multiple visitors complained about. Winter offers crisp air for hiking, though the river is too cold for swimming. Drier periods expose more dinosaur tracks, so water levels directly affect the main attraction's visibility.

ElevationThe park's gently varied terrain creates an accessible adventure for visitors of all abilities, with subtle elevation changes that add interest without overwhelming challenge to your explorations.

Natural Features and SceneryThe park occupies the intersection of multiple ecosystems where limestone cliffs meet prairie grasslands. Ancient riverbeds carved through the Glen Rose Formation expose millions of years of geological history. Hardwood corridors line the Paluxy River, providing shade along the water. Open meadows stretch across sun-drenched terrain, while rocky outcroppings reveal layers of prehistoric seas. The landscape shifts from riparian zones thick with mature trees to grasslands that bloom with wildflowers in spring. Elevation sits at 696 feet, creating a rolling topography that varies from flat river bottomland to elevated overlooks.

Geological RegionNestled in the heart of North Texas, this geological wonderland showcases the region's incredible diversity. The park sits at the intersection of multiple ecosystems where limestone cliffs meet prairie grasslands, and where ancient riverbeds carved through Glen Rose Formation reveal millions of years of Earth's history. This unique positioning creates a rich mosaic of habitats - from riparian corridors lined with centuries-old trees to sun-drenched meadows and rocky outcroppings that tell the story of prehistoric seas and the creatures that once called them home.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Not specified

Check-out

Not specified

Stay Limit

Information specific to stay limit is missing.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutSites connect via paths throughout the campground. Spacing ranges from spacious with good separation to tightly packed with picnic tables nearly touching between neighbors. Shade from mature trees covers some areas, while others sit more exposed.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made in advance, though specific platforms are not mentioned.

Walk-in AvailabilityReservations are strongly recommended due to high demand; walk-up availability may be limited during peak periods.

Cancellation PolicyModifications or cancellations should be done promptly to allow others to reserve.

AccessibilityThe park features accessible bathrooms and trails. One reviewer noted, 'Several accessible bathrooms,' while others highlighted the park's suitability for families and individuals with varying needs.

Site SizeCampsites are described as roomy and well-kept. One reviewer stated, 'Campsites were spacious and near the restrooms.' Another noted, 'The campsites have plenty of space between each other.

PrivacyPrivacy between sites is mentioned as mixed. Some reviews noted spacious sites with good separation, while others observed that sites could be close, such as, 'Very little privacy between sites. Many sites have picnic tables a few feet away from each other.

Recommended SitesMake sure you get a spot that fits your trailer since some of the spots are small" and "Site 20 backed up to trails leading to Rock Beach and river access.

Need help booking Dinosaur Valley State Park?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

ReserveAmerica Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Showers

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

The park offers a diverse range of activities, making it suitable for families, nature lovers, and adventure seekers. Highlights include hiking, swimming, fishing, biking, and wildlife viewing. Additionally, visitors can explore the park's famous dinosaur tracks along the Paluxy River.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Wildlife viewing

Beach activities

Policies & Safety

Hazards & Alerts"River rocks may be slippery, and poison ivy is present in certain areas. Flies can be unusually abundant during particular seasons."

Active AlertsTrail and track visibility may fluctuate due to water levels or heavy rains. Social media channels are recommended for updates.

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Fire PolicySpecific fire policies are missing.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are Not specified.

Emergency ServicesEmergency services are accessible in Glen Rose, approximately 4 miles away. Park HQ and ranger stations are also available for immediate assistance.

Trash & RecyclingTrash bins are available but may become overflowing during busy times. One review mentioned, 'Considerable trash along the river from folks who didn’t bring their trash up to the bins, and the few bins near the trails were overflowing.'

Water FeaturesSites are close to the Paluxy River, featuring swimming areas like Blue Hole and Rock Beach. Riverbed exploration includes dinosaur tracks.

Camp Host"Awesome rangers on property who have great personality and are great with children."

Weather at Dinosaur Valley State Park

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.4

121 reviews

Recommended

Dinosaur Valley State Park is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Dinosaur Valley State Park receives praise for its well-preserved dinosaur tracks, diverse outdoor activities, and family-friendly atmosphere. However, some visitors noted issues like flies, spotty cell service, and crowded trails during peak times.

Review Summaries

Based on 121 reviews

What Campers Love

Visitors appreciated the clean and spacious campsites, well-maintained trails, and family-friendly activities. The dinosaur tracks and Blue Hole swimming area were highlighted as major attractions.

Based on 121 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include limited privacy between campsites, an abundance of flies during certain times, and the lack of cell phone reception. Some visitors mentioned overflowing trash bins and...

Based on 121 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Make reservations in advance, especially during peak seasons. Bring water shoes, sunscreen, and plenty of water for hiking and swimming. Call ahead to check the visibility of dinosaur tracks, as they...

Based on 121 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The park is busiest during spring and summer, with visitors highlighting the lush greenery and accessibility of tracks during dry periods. Winter visits are recommended for better visibility of...

Based on 121 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The Blue Hole was great for swimming, and there was a beach area to set up on.' 2. 'Campsites were roomy and well kept.' 3. 'The shower and toilet facilities appear recently renovated, no AC but...

Based on 121 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 20 received positive remarks for its location near trails leading to Rock Beach and river access. One reviewer noted that some sites may be small and require checking the map before reserving.

Based on 121 reviews