Lake Whitney State Park
Vast reservoir known for catfish, bass, and striper fishing, plus swimming and scuba diving spots.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Lake Whitney State Park
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Vast reservoir known for catfish, bass, and striper fishing, plus swimming and scuba diving spots.
"The lake is huge and has plenty of spots to park yourself and enjoy the views."
🥾 Wear Water Shoes
The lakebed is rocky; water shoes are essential for comfortable swimming and exploring.
🐶 Beware of Sticker Bugs
Tiny sticker bugs are prevalent and can be a nuisance for pets with fur.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Lake Whitney Reservoir
The main body of water
Vast reservoir perfect for boating, swimming, and fishing for catfish, bass, and striper.
Bluff Jumping Spots
Designated areas around the lake
For the adventurous, jump off bluffs into the cool, refreshing waters for an exhilarating experience.
Towash Trail
Various points within the park
Explore the park's trails, offering about 2 miles of hiking with beautiful lake views.
Screened-in Cabins
Designated cabin areas
Affordable and convenient accommodations, offering protection from the elements and insects.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Prepare for Rocky Terrain
Book Accommodations Early
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🥾 Wear Water Shoes
The lakebed is rocky; water shoes are essential for comfortable swimming and exploring.
🐶 Beware of Sticker Bugs
Tiny sticker bugs are prevalent and can be a nuisance for pets with fur.
🚤 Boat Launch Access
Multiple boat ramps available for water sports enthusiasts.
🏕️ Book Cabins & RV Early
Popular accommodations like screened-in cabins and full hookup RV sites fill up fast.
Tips
from all over the internet
🥾 Wear Water Shoes
The lakebed is rocky; water shoes are essential for comfortable swimming and exploring.
🐶 Beware of Sticker Bugs
Tiny sticker bugs are prevalent and can be a nuisance for pets with fur.
🚤 Boat Launch Access
Multiple boat ramps available for water sports enthusiasts.
🏕️ Book Cabins & RV Early
Popular accommodations like screened-in cabins and full hookup RV sites fill up fast.
💧 Bring a Water Hose
Essential for RV hookups and general convenience at campsites.
☀️ Pack Sun Protection
Sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses are recommended for sunny days by the lake.
🚶♀️ Long Walk to Lake
Some RV sites are a mile from the lake; consider a bike or golf cart.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Lake Whitney State Park is praised for its vast reservoir, offering great opportunities for boating, swimming, and fishing. Visitors appreciate the affordable screened-in cabins and spacious RV sites, along with beautiful sunset views. However, the rocky terrain and the pervasive tiny sticker bugs, especially problematic for pets, are noted drawbacks.
"The lake is huge and has plenty of spots to park yourself and enjoy the views. If you are feeling adventurous, there are several areas where you can jump off the bluffs and enjoy the cool waters. There are designated boat ramps to enjoy the lake if you have water sports toys like jet-skis and boats. The are where we were at had restrooms but unfortunately it was locked. The area could definitely also use trash/ recycle bins as there were plenty of cans and bottles lying around. The terrain is rocky so it is best to wear water shoes to prevent any injuries."
T Blanco-Pascual
"Screened in cabins were affordable, clean, and convenient for the rainy weather. Would recommend a bring your own, padlock, water hose, surge protector, fan and wood for onsite grill & the fire pit.
Restrooms were clean in most areas. Also had stalls and showers. Complimentary life vest were at all water entry areas for safety 👍🏾."
A Train
"This is a great RV camping area for anyone. Be aware of the sticker bugs that will get in your dogs fur. That is my only negative and why I’m giving four stars instead of five.
If going front the Dallas area the drive is great for a weekend adventure. I booked the last spot available for the 4th of July and got a pull through space#50. Full hookup. 20/30&50 amp. It has lots of room even for a large class A. Campers were not stacked on top of each other. Lots of room. Great privacy in the campsite #50 hiking trail. RV Seating setup faces the woods. The lake is a long walk from this campsite area. You will need a bike or golf cart if you don’t want to walk a mile. There are fantastic lake sites with beautiful views. There are great tent camping sites as well as really nice day use areas. East arrival processes. my only complaint and it’s a big one if you have a dog with lots of fur. There are extremely tiny sticker bugs everywhere. I spent every day picking them from my dogs, mouth area, her paws, her tail. Every time she takes a step or sniff the ground, lots of little tiny sticker bugs gets in her hair. They are not the normal size stickers in a park or Lawn. Which makes it even more annoying, and I had to cut some of them out. This is a good campground if you don’t have a furry dog. I probably wouldn’t go back just because of the stickers."
Deborah Hall (PlantingLifeMatters)
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Lake Whitney State Park is located about an hour's drive from Dallas, making it a convenient weekend getaway destination.
The park is located at 433 FM 1244, Whitney, TX 76692. It's easily accessible by car from major surrounding cities.
Public transport options are limited. Driving is the most common and recommended way to reach the park.
Yes, the town of Whitney is nearby and offers fast food options and a Walmart for supplies.
From Fort Worth, you'll typically take highways heading south towards Whitney, TX. The drive is scenic and straightforward.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The admission fee is typically $5 per person. Check the official Texas Parks and Wildlife website for the most current pricing.
It is highly recommended to book campsites, especially screened-in cabins and RV sites with full hookups, in advance, particularly for weekends and holidays.
Park hours can vary, but generally, the park is open from morning until evening. It's best to check the official Texas Parks and Wildlife website for specific operating hours.
Yes, there are great day-use areas with beach access for swimming and picnicking.
You can pay for entry at the park, but booking in advance is advised to guarantee your spot, especially for accommodations.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Activities include boating, swimming, fishing, hiking the Towash Trail, camping, and enjoying the scenic sunsets. +2
Yes, the park offers designated swim areas and spots where you can jump off bluffs into the water.
Lake Whitney is known for its catfish, bass, and striper fishing.
Yes, the Towash Trail offers about 2 miles of hiking with lake views.
Restrooms and showers are available in most areas and are generally clean.
The park is dog-friendly, but be aware of the tiny sticker bugs that can get into your dog's fur.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no restaurants inside the park. You'll need to bring your own food or dine in the nearby town of Whitney.
Yes, many campsites have fire pits and grills. Bringing your own wood is recommended. +1
Nearby Whitney offers fast food options, and a Walmart is available for grocery shopping.
There are no specific stores mentioned within the park for snacks or drinks; it's best to come prepared.
Pack essentials like a water hose, grill, fire pit wood, and cooking utensils for a comfortable camping meal.
📸 📸 Photography
The park offers stunning sunset views, lake vistas, and natural landscapes, making it ideal for photography. +2
Drone usage is generally permitted, but always check park regulations for any restrictions.
You might spot various birds, butterflies, and other small wildlife, especially during dawn and dusk.
The park has historical significance related to indigenous sites like Towash, offering unique photographic opportunities.
Golden hours, especially sunrise and sunset, provide the most dramatic lighting for landscape and wildlife photography. +2
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider booking a screened-in cabin for a comfortable and protected stay, especially if weather is unpredictable.
🏕️ Campers and RVers
While some RV sites offer great privacy, be aware that a few might be a mile from the lake, making a bike or golf cart useful.
🎣 Anglers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Camping and Accommodations
When booking, it's crucial to note that popular spots, particularly those with lake views or full hookups, can be reserved quickly, especially during peak seasons. Some RV sites, while spacious, might be a considerable walk from the lake, making a bike or golf cart a useful addition if you plan to spend a lot of time by the water.
Essential items to bring for camping include a water hose, surge protector, fan, and wood for the onsite grill and fire pit.
Activities and Recreation
Beyond the water, the park features the Towash Trail, offering approximately 2 miles of hiking opportunities with scenic views of the lake.
For those interested in the area's history, the park is situated near the site of the former Towash native village, adding a layer of historical context to the natural landscape.
Navigating the Terrain and Wildlife
A significant concern for visitors, particularly those with pets, is the presence of tiny sticker bugs. These small, persistent insects can easily get into the fur of dogs, causing discomfort and requiring diligent removal. Some reviewers have noted having to cut them out of their pets' fur, making it a considerable drawback for dog owners.
Despite these minor challenges, the park's natural environment is a significant draw. Wildlife, including various birds and butterflies, can be spotted, adding to the scenic beauty.
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