State Parks Nearest Wichita Falls, Texas

Wichita Falls, Texas, offers many outdoor activities, including a water park and miles of trails along the Wichita River. But if you're in Wichita Falls and are looking for something different, hit the road and head for a Texas state park. Several state parks are within a two-hour drive of town, with the closest less than 15 minutes away. All are open seven days a week year-around and charge a nominal $3 entrance fee.

Lake Arrowhead

Located 14 miles southeast of Wichita Falls, Lake Arrowhead State Park covers more than 500 acres on the shore of Lake Arrowhead. Most people visit the park for the water sports and fishing. If you have no fishing tackle and no license, it's no problem. You can rent your tackle at the park, and you don't need a license to fish in Texas state parks. There are also five miles of trails for hikers and equestrians.

Fort Richardson

The park's lengthy official name, Fort Richardson State Park, Historic Site and Lost Creek Reservoir State Trailway, implies there's something for almost everyone. If history is your thing, there are daily guided tours of the mid-19th century fort and occasional battle re-enactments. Many visitors just come to hit the trail, a 10-mile smooth, multi-use trail along Lost Creek and Lake Jacksboro. The park is approximately 50 miles south of Wichita Falls, via U.S. 281.

Copper Breaks

Copper Breaks State Park is about a 90-mile drive west of Wichita Falls, via U.S. 287 and Texas 67. If you want solitude, you'll find it at Copper Breaks, as the park's location in the state's remote panhandle region keeps visitation down. You can take a swim or fish in Lake Copper Breaks or a 13-acre pond. Or, bring your mountain bike and check out the park's 10-mile trail.

Possum Kingdom State Park

Scenic beauty abounds at Possum Kingdom State Park, which covers more than 1,500 acres. The park sits on Possum Kingdom Lake, renowned for its clear, blue water, according to the Texas Outside website. Boaters will find a marina with gasoline, boat rentals and concessions. There are a couple of miles of trails for hiking and biking, where you might run across local wildlife, including deer, turkeys and, yes, possums. The park is about 100 miles south of Wichita Falls.

Lake Mineral Wells

Lake Mineral Wells State Park & Trailway has a varied menu of activities, including rock climbing and a 20-mile rail-to-trail path open to bikers, hikers and equestrians. Climbing is off-limits in wet weather, which may close the trail. The park also restricts certain activities on the lake. Boating and fishing are fine, but regulations prohibit water skiing, tubing and jet skis. The park is about 100 miles south of Wichita Falls, a two-hour drive almost entirely on U.S. 281.