Cedar Hill State Park is a lakeside park in Cedar Hill, Texas, with trails, camping, and outdoor access to Joe Pool Lake. Its mix of easy and moderate walking routes, lake activities, and developed campsites makes it a practical outing from the Cedar Hill area.
- Location: 1570 West FM 1382, Cedar Hill, TX 75104
- Lake: Joe Pool Lake, which covers 7,500 acres
- Trail options: Routes range from 0.6 to 3.0 miles
- Typical hours: Open daily
What to expect at Cedar Hill State Park
Cedar Hill State Park combines rugged limestone hills and remnants of Texas Blackland Prairie with a shoreline setting on Joe Pool Lake. At Penn Farm Agricultural History Center, you can take a self-guided tour of a farmstead where the Penn family lived and worked for over a century; the center is open daily.
The park is about 3.5 miles from a hotel in Cedar Hill. The setting supports both a short trail outing and a longer day built around the lake or a campsite.
Which Cedar Hill State Park trails should you choose?
Cedar Hill State Park trails range from an easy half-hour walk to a challenging multi-use loop, so choose based on your pace and activity.
Shoreline Trail
The Shoreline Trail is an easy, accessible 1.0-mile route that takes about 30 minutes. Its lakeside setting makes it a straightforward option to pair with time at the water.
Penn Farm Trail
The easy Penn Farm Trail covers 0.6 mile and takes about 30 minutes. Off-road strollers are allowed, and the route can be combined with a visit to Penn Farm Agricultural History Center.
Duck Pond and Talala trails
The easy Duck Pond Trail is 0.8 mile and takes about 35 minutes. For a longer outing, the moderate Talala Trail covers 2.3 miles and takes about 2 hours.
DORBA Trail
The DORBA Trail short loop is a challenging 3.0-mile route. Allow about 30 minutes by bike or 1 hour 30 minutes on foot; bikers travel clockwise and hikers counterclockwise. The trail closes when wet, so check its status before setting out.
Where can you access Joe Pool Lake?
Joe Pool Lake access at the park includes swimming, fishing, boating, and paddling. The gravel swimming beach has picnic tables, grills, a playground, and restrooms nearby.
Anglers can use two lighted fishing jetties and a perch pond for children. The park also has two four-lane boat ramps and lighted boat-trailer parking. A fishing license is not required to fish from shore or a pier in a Texas state park.
For a broader look at places to visit around the lake, the Joe Pool Lake visitor guide covers what to check before heading out.
What are the Cedar Hill State Park entrance fees and hours?
The park is open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Day-use admission is $7 per adult and overnight admission is $5 per adult; children 12 years and under enter free.
Opening hours
- Monday to Sunday: 6 AM–10 PM
Last checked November 2026. Hours can change on holidays and for special events.
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) reports 350 developed campsites. All have water and electricity, 150 have sewer hookups, and several are ADA-accessible. The park often reaches capacity, and reservations are highly recommended for both camping and day use to guarantee entry.
For information, call (972) 291-3900; reservations can be made by phone at (512) 389-8900. Admission prices, hours, trail conditions, and reservation arrangements can change, so check the official site before you go.
How do you get to Cedar Hill State Park and plan your visit?
The park’s address is 1570 West FM 1382, Cedar Hill, TX 75104. If you are building a day around several local outdoor stops, the Cedar Hill one-day itinerary includes the area’s outdoor stops.
Before choosing a trail, check its current status, especially after wet weather if you plan to use the DORBA Trail. For a visit focused on swimming, fishing, or boating, allow time for the lake facilities as well as the activity itself; for an overnight trip, reserve a campsite in advance.
FAQs
Can you camp at Cedar Hill State Park?
Yes. The park has developed campsites with water and electricity, and some sites also have sewer hookups or ADA access. Reservations are highly recommended.
Is the Shoreline Trail accessible?
Yes. The 1.0-mile Shoreline Trail is accessible. The park also has a boardwalk to the bird-watching station and Perch Pond.
Can you fish without a license at the park?
A fishing license is not required to fish from shore or a pier in a Texas state park. The park has lighted fishing jetties and a children’s perch pond.
Does the park have a swimming area?
Yes. A gravel swimming beach has picnic tables, grills, a playground, and restrooms nearby.