To most people, when they think of the Lone Star State, they think of cowboy boots, horses, sweltering temperatures, of course, that good old, juicy BBQ. To us, however, we think of the off-road parks that can be found throughout Texas. To think of it, with a landmass that’s larger than France and Switzerland combined, there’s no doubt you only find a handful of off-highway vehicle parks and destinations in this place.
In addition, these ORV sites are some of the ideal go-to places for ATV enthusiasts, who thirst for adventure and excitement while conquering the thrill-ridden trails those parks have to offer. So, if you want to get down and dirty with your quad here in Texas, you’ll be wise to pay the following OHV destinations a visit:
1. Sabine ATV Park
If you feel like mudding any time of the day, this OHV destination is the perfect place to take your quad. Sabine ATV Park is an area solely created for ATVs. It would not be surprising to see a classic Fourtrax or Bayou traversing across the park’s peanut-buttery terrain.
Littered with mud bogs and swamp holes, it does not require a four-wheeler expert to conquer this 2,800-acre park. In fact, if you know someone whom you want to introduce to mudding, Sabine ATV Park is an awesome place to be.
There is a designated RV camping site with electric and water hookups for people who plan to stay long. If you don’t plan to set up camp though, cabin rentals are also available. Entry fees differ depending on how long you plan to stay. There’s $30 if you are planning on staying from Friday through Sunday, $20 for Saturday through Sunday, and $15 for Sunday only.
2. Northwest OHV Park
This 300-acre off-road park is popular for its 25-mile motorized trail which caters not just to OHVs, but also hiking and mountain bike enthusiasts. A former rock quarry, this state-run ATV park features wooded and dirt terrains laced with mud bogs and rocky cliffs—all of which are designed for riders of all levels.
Apart from being a family-friendly off-road destination, this place also hosts OHV contests and fairs, which includes customized 4×4 endurance races, among others. Open every weekend from 8 AM to 5 PM, the Northwest OHV Park requires visitors to secure TX OHV Decal before arrival. This decal serves as an entry permit and is valid for one year.
You can get the decal through www.cityofbridgeport.net. While the fees for ATVs and other ORVs differ between residents and nonresidents, camping for both is free of charge. For more information on the Texas OHV Decal, you can visit the website of the Texas Parks & Wildlife at www.tpwd.texas.gov.
3. Childress ATV & Motocross Park
An ATV park designed for the entire family, this OHV destination in Childress covers over 600 acres of off-road terrain. The 16-mile trail consists mostly of hardpack with a combination of rocks, gravel, and loose dirt all over, which is perfect for both experienced and beginners alike. There is also a separate motocross track that’s going to win the hearts of dirt bike aficionados.
Tent and RV camping is accepted, and each comes with a corresponding fee of $10 and $25, respectively. Visitors do not have to worry about parking and entrance fees; however, they are requested to abide by the park’s rules and regulations.
The amenities provided to visitors include water and electric hookups, as well as parking, restrooms, and shelters. Depending on the weather condition in the area, Childress ATV & Motocross Park operates from Thursday to Sunday, from 8 AM to 6 PM. In case you have questions, you can contact the park through their email: childressatvpark17@gmail.com.
4. Alligator Run Offroad Park
With 5,200 acres of mixed terrain, this ORV destination provides the best of both worlds for ATV enthusiasts. That’s because apart from the 50-mile trail which consists mostly of dunes, muddy waters, clay pits, hills, and water crossings, this family-oriented place also offers several amenities. Among which are concession booths, hot showers, and even ample camping grounds for both primitive camping.
For those who prefer to camp in their RVs, there is a $30 camping fee. Electric and water hookups are available on-site. Rental cabins are also available. Open from Fridays to Sundays, this off-road course’s operating hours are from 8 AM to 8 PM. To reserve a campsite, you can contact the park through their email address, info@gatorrunoffroadpark.com. For more details, check their website: www.gatorrunoffroadpark.com.
5. Creekside Off-Road Ranch
If you love combining ATV riding with everything else outdoorsy, such as hiking and nature tripping, you will definitely love this OHV ranch. Creekside Off-Road Ranch stretches for 350 acres and is composed of a 5.1-kilometre motorized trail.
The terrain is a combination of sand, dirt, hardpack, swamp pits, and mud, and it’s suitable for ATV buffs of all skill levels. You will also come across some small and large jumps, so expect some air-time-filled adventure. All types of ORVs—namely: ATVs, UTVs, bikes, 4x4s, Jeeps, dune buggies, and more—are allowed inside the park’s vicinity. Moreover, riders are expected to pay a riding fee of $20.
Setting up a tent costs $15, while RV camping around $30. Electric and water hookups are also available, including other amenities, like restrooms, shower rooms, and BBQ pits. Primitive camping throughout the weekend is also possible for a fee of $40. This ORV ranch is open from 12 NN Friday well until 6 PM on Sunday. If you wish to know more, you can reach them through this email: creeksideoffroadranch@yahoo.com.
6. Barnwell Mountain Recreation Area
Both open to the public and members of the Texas Motorized Trails Coalition (TMTC), this 1,850-acre park features 50 miles of trail, which have all been rated for difficulty. While the terrain is a combination of dirt, rocks, mud, and steep hills, most of the trail is composed of hardpack. Also, if you want to know more about the difficulty of each trail, check the park’s detailed trail rating through this webpage: www.barnwellmountainra.com/trail_ratings.pdf.
Though parking is free of charge, visitors are required to secure TX OHV decal and pay a $5 entry fee. Also, there is a $30 riding fee for non-members, while TMTC members are required to pay $15/OHV. There is an annual membership of $60 for those who wish to join the TMTC. Barnwell Mountain Recreation Area is open from Fridays to Sundays.
Furthermore, this OHV destination offers several amenities for both primitive and recreational vehicle campers. Apart from shower and dumping areas, there are also electric hookups and pull through facilities. There are also cabin rentals and other accommodations, so visit the park’s website, www.barnwellmountainra.com/index, for more information.
7. Red River Motorcycle Trails
This 2,700-acre recreation site is rated as moderate to difficult and it’s ideal for dirt bikes, ATVs, and UTVs. The terrain is a combination of clay, mud, and hardpack, as well as steep climbs and descents. So you’re free to knock yourself out if you’re up for a thrilling yet challenging ride.
A family-friendly OHV destination, the park offers visitors different activities to enjoy other than riding trails, such as hiking and swimming. There are no parking and riding fees in this ORV destination, but there are $15 and $25 entrance fees for members and nonmembers, respectively.
The park is open every weekend, from 8 AM to 8 PM. However, visitors are allowed to ride on weekdays as long as they have scheduled an appointment with a 24-hour notice. Check out this OHV park’s website, www.redrivermotorcycletrails.com, for more information on camping amenities and more.
8. Xtreme Off-Road Park and Beach
If you love mixing mudding and water crossing while riding trails, this OHV destination in Crosby, TX is the ideal place to head to. This ORV park covers around 500 acres of land and offers 5 miles of trail. While the terrain is mostly mud bogs and shallow waters, there are also uphill climbs and wooded trails that ATV enthusiasts will surely enjoy.
There is a $20 riding fee per person, except for children ages 12 and below. On the other hand, parking and entrance are free of charge in this family-friendly destination. Among the amenities that visitors can enjoy from this recreational park are hookups for RV campers. Apart from primitive and RV camping, visitors may also rent cabins as long as they have made an online reservation. Visit this OHV park’s Facebook page, www.facebook.com/xtremeoffroadparkandbeach, for more information.
9. General Sam’s Offroad Park
Dirt, mud, water, and trees: if these are the recipes you’re looking for a perfect ATV ride, then this 706-acre OHV park has it all for you. Located near Huntsville, TX, General Sam’s Offroad Park offers 60 miles of sloshy mud pits that true-blooded mudders would truly enjoy. It’s open only for all four-wheelers, like ATVs/UTVs, and side-by-sides.
The park features several amenities, which include bathrooms, a snack stand, shower facilities, and even a dumping station. This recreational area is open for business every Thursday from noon until 6 PM on Sunday. For more information on entry fees and cabin rental details, check their website: www.generalsams.com.
10. River Run Park
If mud is all you need, then mud is all you get in this 2,000-acre OHV park that’s situated near the Neches River. This off-road destination features 50 miles of motorized trail that’s ideal for all types of ORV. Moreover, guests are not allowed to secure a permit to gain entry.
While there are areas designated for primitive campers, River Run Park is known for its 156 RV camping sites, complete with hookups, shower areas, and restrooms. Also, there are 39 rental cabins with full amenities, ranging from full beds to HVAC units. A gas station and a convenience store are also available on-site.
A true family-oriented recreation area, River Run Park has hosted numerous events in the past, including four-wheel races and scavenger hunts, among others. If you want to know more, visit their website at www.riverrunpark.com.
11. Sloppy Bottom Park
This ATV park is a haven for four-wheelers because its 5-mile trail is mostly swamp holes and mud bogs that are sure to get you down and dirty every inch of the way. Though this off-road destination offers no more than soupy, peanut butter mud, it’s the best place to introduce a friend or family to mudding because the trails are beginner-friendly.
The entrance fee costs $13 per person for a one-day pass, while two-day and three-day passes cost $40 and $50, respectively. Children aged 10 and below are exempt from this fee. Moreover, visitors are allowed to set up primitive camps, RV campers can opt for a 30-amp hookup or a premium RV site. You can always contact the park for more details at sloppybottompark@gmail.com.
12.TexPlex Park
The 1,000-acre TexPlex Park is an off-roading sanctuary for every ORV enthusiast. Whether your ride of choice is an ATV/UTV, dirt bike, Jeep, or truck, this OHV course got you covered. Situated in Midlothian, TX, this family-oriented destination boasts of numerous ATV/UTV tracks, all of which cater to riders of all skill levels.
Moreover, this adventure sports park features different MX tracks, as well as trails dedicated for 4×4 trucks and Jeeps. TexPlex holds numerous races and events, which includes the various UTV and motorcycle race series. Apart from the $10 entrance fee, there is also a $35 charge for riding, which is worthwhile considering all the fun and adventure you can have from the park’s plethora of amenities.
Open from 8 AM to 5 PM every Monday through Thursday, and from 8 AM until 7 PM, every Friday through Sunday, this recreational area also features UTV rentals, riding courses, and other maintenance-related services. For more details about TexPlex Park, visit their website at www.texplexpark.com.
13. Hidden Falls Adventure Park
If longer trails are your main preference for riding, then this ORV destination is what you shouldn’t be missing out on. With 3,000 acres of wood and hard-packed terrain, Hidden Falls Adventure Park features one of the longest ATV trails you can ever find in the Lone Star State.
The trail, which is a collection of maze-like twists and turns throughout the densely wooded park, is well-maintained and rated accordingly. Overall, considering the overall terrain, it’s a place suitable for all rider levels.
While visitors do not have to worry about permits or parking fees, the OHV course charges a $6 entry fee and a $25 riding fee. The amenities range from complete RV hookups, designated primitive camping grounds, and cabin rentals. Restrooms and shower areas are also available.
The park is open from 9 AM to 5 PM on Thursdays, 9 AM to 9 PM on Fridays, 8 AM to 7 PM on Saturdays, and 8 AM to 5 PM on Sundays. Feel free to visit the park’s website, www.hiddenfallsadventurepark.com, for more details and information.
14. Buffalo Springs Lake OHV Area
This OHV recreational park is the perfect go-to place for every outdoor adventurer. While the terrain consists mostly of hardpack with rocky surfaces on some sections, the park’s 13-mile trail is perfect for both novices, including riders with intermediate riding skills.
The park requires visitors to have an up-to-date Texas OHV decal. Also, there is an entry and riding fee of $11 each. The fee for primitive camping costs $12, while $20 for RV camping with water and electric hookups costs $20, and $30 with the inclusion of a sewer hookup.
While this family-friendly destination is an ORV park through and through, visitors may enjoy boating, fishing, and jet skiing. For more information, check out their website at www.buffalospringslake.net.
9 Other ATV Parks in Texas
Of course, the abovementioned ATV parks are just some of the popular ORV destinations known throughout the state. Those equally awesome ATV sites that made it on this list but are worth mentioning are as follows:
1. Escondido Draw Recreation Area
2. Trophy Club Park
3. Lake Mcclellan UTV/ATV Area Trailhead
4. Sam Houston National Forest
5. Lake Mackenzie ATV Trails
6. Eisenhower State Park
7. Blue Creek Bridge OHV Area
8. GSL Ranch
9. Lighthouse Hill Ranch ATV Park
Final Takeaway — 14 Best ATV Parks in Texas
For ATV enthusiasts, Texas seems to be a place that does not seem to run out of fun and adventure, as long as you know where to look. Whether you prefer a leisurely trail ride or enjoy riding aggressively across swathes of mud and swampy trails, the Lone Star State has it all. With the number of ATV parks found within Texas, there’s no doubt that you’ll run into one yourself even if you don’t have plans on riding.
