Cedar Hill State Park
RV Guide

When you park the motorhome at Cedar Hill State Park, you may notice something unique. Eleven strings of twelve solar panels produce thirty kilowatts of power and eliminate the CO2 equivalent of 3,500 gallons of gasoline. The panels are slightly elevated, so visitors get a good view of them. Altogether, twenty-five Texas state parks have solar panels, and the Cedar Hill array is one of the largest parks with the alternative energy source. Someday soon, the Parks and Wildlife Department hopes to rely mostly on solar power, as it helps keep the parks pristine for all visitors.

Those looking to extend their trek through the park can check out the moderately challenging Plum Valley Trail. Hikers may begin this one-mile route at the Duck Pond Primitive Camping Area or the developed Coyote Crossing RV Camping Area. The trail can also be accessed by both Duck Pond Trail and Talala Trail. The path ends at the Plum Valley Overlook, which offers a very nice view of the valley, but not a great view of the lake.

The shortest trail in the park, at just 0.68-miles long, is a loop that runs from a parking area to the Duck Pond and back. The trail is quite wide and there are small bridges that carry hikers over the rough parts. Duck Pond is on the edge of the park, so if your kids stay quiet (and that’s a big “if”), you might see deer and other wildlife come to the pond for a drink. There is also a primitive camping area near Duck Pond Trail.

Anglers in Texas State Parks do not need fishing licenses if they use a pier or a boat to fish. At Cedar Hill State Park, there are several well-lit shoreline fishing areas. One is near Perch Pond, one is near Penn Farm, and one is near the Lake View Camping Area. The lake is well-stocked with bass, catfish, and perch. Catfish are typically found in the shallow waters, while the bass fish are usually in the deeper waters. Joe Pool Lake also has some timber remaining behind as the lake filled, and bass like to congregate there as well. Crappies bite well under the bridges, and the lake’s channels are good for catfish as well.

Cedar Hill State Park is filled with history to explore. John Anderson Penn and his family settled in this area in 1854. That was just about the time that farm machinery replaced horses and mules. The Penns raised horses and cattle on this land as well. So, the farmhouse and other buildings offer excellent insight into what life was like between about 1850 and 1950. Self-guided tours are available seven days a week, and guided tours are available by reservation. A half-mile loop trail goes around the complex and offers views of the remaining buildings from days past.

One of the highest points in the park is accessible via a 1.5-mile, hiking-only loop trail. There is a parking area at the trailhead, making it easy to park the Sprinter nearby while you hike. There is also a primitive campsite near the overlook. There are some significant ups and downs, as well as some overgrown sections, so this trail is moderately difficult, meaning hikers should come prepared with hiking boots and some experience. The terrain is very diverse, and the overlook offers an excellent view of the lake and surroundings. Ranger-guided hikes are available as well. Nearby facilities include showers, restrooms, and a compost toilet. For the curious, the word Talala is a Cherokee word meaning woodpecker, which you may likely see on your way to the overlook.

Mountain bikers and hikers alike share this mixed-use trail. However, the Dallas Off-Road Bike Association designed these trails, so they are primarily for bikers. Many people consider the DORBA trails to be the best mountain bike trails in the state, so don't hesitate to pack your mountain bikes in the Airstream. Always remember that bikers travel clockwise and hikers travel counter-clockwise. That arrangement significantly reduces the number of accidents, because the trails are very windy. There is little cover, so during the summer, the trail gets rather hot. The short loop covers 2.5 miles, the middle loop is seven miles, and the outer loop is 10 miles. There is a parking, picnic, and play area at the head of the short loop trail.

Perhaps the best fishing pond in the park for kids is also a very relaxing place for grown-ups. The pond is well-stocked with small bass, catfish, and of course, perch. There are also swimming fish and turtles for your viewing pleasure. There is no parking directly adjacent to Perch Pond, but the aforementioned DORBA parking lot is only a short walk away along a paved road. A restroom and day-use area are also located near the pond.

Those looking to get the most out of their RV vacation should consider participating in one of the many ranger programs that Cedar Hill State Park has to offer. Campers of all ages will enjoy the wide variety of activities available, including birding basics programs, kid's wilderness survival courses, programs that teach about the local trees, self and ranger-guided hikes, and junior ranger programs, to name a few. Check-in at the park office or with one of the park rangers to learn about which programs are available during your stay.

Don't forget to pack your bathing suits along in the campervan when you visit Cedar Hill State Park. Visiting the beach with a designated swimming area on the north side of Joe Pool Lake is the best way to cool off during the hot summer months. Okay, so maybe it’s more like a sand belt made primarily from gravel. But in North Texas, it qualifies as a beach. Nearby facilities include restrooms, barbecue grills, picnic areas, and a playground. Those looking to spend a day out on the water rather than on the shores will find two boat launches in the park, one on the north end and one on the south.