Cedar Hill State Park (Dallas)

Phone: 972-291-3900
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Cedar Hill State Park is a 1,826 acre urban nature preserve located on the 7,500 acre Joe Pool Reservoir. The ruggedness and scenic beauty of the area combined with over 100 miles of shoreline and the water based recreation on Joe Pool is a major attraction. The area skyline reflecting on Joe Pool at night adds to the relaxing wilderness atmosphere. The park was acquired in 1982 and was opened in 1991.
The park has 355 mostly wooded campsites with a shade shelter over some of the picnic tables. Each site has water, electricity, a fire-ring, a lantern pole, and a picnic table. All campsites are within walking distance of restrooms with hot showers. Additionally, there are 30 primitive campsites.
The park is home to the premier North Texas mountain bike trail. The DORBA trail, named for the volunteers of the Dallas Off Road Biking Association, was built by mountain bikers for mountain bikers. Over 1,200 acres of prime mountain bike landscape are crisscrossed with 15 miles of intense riding.
Birdwatching is a popular activity year-round at the park. The most sought after bird at the park is the Painted Bunting. Painted Buntings abound in the park from the first week of May through August each year. The park is home to almost 200 species of birds.
Joe Pool Marina rents ski boats, paddle boats, jet skis, pontoon boats, and a house boat for family activities. In addition there is an indoor/outdoor fishing barge and a store that sells bait, fishing gear, and camping gear, as well as some food products. Yearly boat slip rentals are available. For boaters, there are two concrete four-lane boat ramps and ample lighted boat trailer parking.
Additionally, the park has over 200 picnic tables with waist-high grills, and most have a view of the lake. For fishing, there are two lighted fishing jetties and a perch pond for youngsters. Lake fishing includes largemouth black bass, crappie and catfish. The park has a gravel swimming beach surrounded by picnic tables with grills. There are no lifeguards on duty; therefore, swimming is at your own risk. The park has three playgrounds conveniently located throughout the park.
Information from the park's site