Dinosaur Valley State Park in Texas is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all visitors, the park has established a set of rules and regulations. In this blog post, we’ll explore the key Dinosaur Valley State Park rules that you should be aware of before planning your visit.
Dinosaur Valley State Park Rules
- Park Hours: The park is open year-round, but day-use visitors must leave by 10 p.m.
- Entrance Fees: $8 per day for visitors 13 and older.
- Camping: Campsites are available for reservation, with different rates for primitive and electric sites. The South Primitive Area is more secluded and requires hiking to reach the campgrounds.
- Pets: Pets are allowed in the park but must be on a leash, in a car, or in a crate at all times. Leashes must be 6 feet or less.
- Fires: Campfires may be prohibited due to fire risks; check for current restrictions before your trip.
- Waste Disposal: In the South Primitive Area, there are no restrooms, and human waste must be buried at least 6-8 inches deep and 200 feet away from trails, campsites, and water sources.
- Hiking: Trails may be closed due to wet conditions or weather. Always check the park’s Facebook page or Twitter feed for current trail status and dinosaur track visibility.
- Horseback Riding: Bring your own horse to explore the 100-acre South Primitive Area. No potable water is available; horses can drink from the river.
- Dinosaur Tracks: Tracks are in the riverbed and are not always visible. Download maps on your GPS-enabled smartphone from the Mapping Dinosaur Tracks page for easier tracking.
- No-shows: If you do not check in at the park by noon of the day after your scheduled arrival date, your reservation will be canceled, and entrance fees will be refunded, but all other fees will be forfeited.
- Leave No Trace: Follow Leave No Trace principles to minimize your impact on the environment.
Park Hours and Entrance Fees
Dinosaur Valley State Park is open year-round, but day-use visitors must leave the park by 10 p.m. The entrance fee is $8 per day for visitors 13 and older. This fee provides access to the park’s trails, campgrounds, and other amenities.
Camping at Dinosaur Valley State Park
The park offers a variety of camping options, including primitive and electric campsites. Campsites can be reserved in advance, and different rates apply for each type of site. The South Primitive Area is a more secluded camping area that requires hiking to reach the campgrounds.
Pets and Fires
Pets are allowed in the park, but they must be on a leash, in a car, or in a crate at all times. Leashes must be 6 feet or less. Campfires may be prohibited due to fire risks, so it’s important to check for current restrictions before your trip.
Waste Disposal and Hiking
In the South Primitive Area, there are no restrooms, and visitors must properly dispose of human waste. This involves burying waste at least 6-8 inches deep and 200 feet away from trails, campsites, and water sources. Hiking trails may be closed due to wet conditions or weather, so it’s essential to check the park’s social media channels for updates on trail status and dinosaur track visibility.
Horseback Riding and Dinosaur Tracks
Visitors can bring their own horses to explore the 100-acre South Primitive Area. However, there is no potable water available, so horses must drink from the river. Dinosaur tracks are located in the riverbed, but they are not always visible. To make the most of your dinosaur tracking experience, download maps on your GPS-enabled smartphone from the Mapping Dinosaur Tracks page.
No-shows and Leave No Trace
If you do not check in at the park by noon of the day after your scheduled arrival date, your reservation will be canceled, and entrance fees will be refunded, but all other fees will be forfeited. Additionally, visitors are expected to follow Leave No Trace principles to minimize their impact on the environment.
By familiarizing yourself with these Dinosaur Valley State Park rules, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for yourself and other visitors. Remember to plan ahead, check for updates, and be respectful of the park’s natural resources.