Lake Whitney State Park
Lake Whitney State Park
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Popular with fisherman for stripers and small mouth bass.
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8 within 6 miles
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.0
99 reviews
Excellent
43
Very good
39
Average
9
Poor
0
Terrible
8
Rita
Smithville, TX7 contributions
Sep 2022 • Couples
Clean quiet state park. Water was easily accessable and crystal clear. Very pleasant river bottom pea gravel and sand. I was in a LONG pull thru space. The entire loop was easy in and out. Lots of tenting areas available in the park. Super clean facilities, new aluminum picnic tables with some covered, fire ring and manicured lots with pretty level parking.
Written September 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dramadollie
Lewisville, TX23 contributions
Oct 2015
Upon arriving I knew this would definitely not make my fave list, but I was hoping for a relaxing time in spite of the close and wide-open campsites. The first evening was going fine, when at 10pm a group of horrible humans decided to camp next to (and I mean less than 20 ft away) our hoped for oasis. I should have known it was trouble when their loud party lasted till 4am, but hey I'm a fun girl and to each their own - right? There were several ranger patrols that came through but the party animals quieted down briefly till the obvious patrol had departed. Then fired up the party once again - all night long. We began hearing personal disgusting remarks directed at myself and my partner the next morning while we were outside cooking breakfast. The horrible neighbors were apparently behind the times on inclusiveness and equal rights and began targeting us with hate. We became afraid and went to the ranger station with our concerns. They told us they would take care of it. But they didn't. The slurs got worse and worse and we decided to stay in the camping trailer most of the day to try and feel safe. By the afternoon the group was wasted and belligerent. My partner went to the office (crying this time) after one very nasty rude comment sent our way loud and clear. I began packing up even though we had paid for 3 nights and spent only one, even though it was now sunset and our drive home two hours, even though neither us or our dogs had yet had dinner - I packed as fast as possible. My partner was escorted back to our campsite by state police who then waited for us to finish packing after talking briefly with the group next door. They offered to move us to another site, but the proposed site was just around the corner. We no longer felt safe at Lake Whitney State Park and chose to leave. We were refunded the two unstayed nights, and to the rangers credit I think they tried to help and were pleasant to us. However, weren't the wrong campers the ones that had to leave? And, shouldn't a law officer investigate a situation by asking our OTHER neighbors what they witnessed? Oh well, we lived to camp another day. That day will DEFINITELY never be at LWSP.
Written October 14, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jacob
1 contribution
Jul 2019 • Friends
The park rangers pulled over at 8:30 PM to inform them of the public consumption and dog leash laws, which we were unaware of. We followed their instructions. However, the rangers then decided that since we're young people (21-25), we were suspicious and proceeded to insist on an extensive search of ALL of our bags and cars until 11 PM (2.5 HOURS!), even interrogating us and insisting on searching through each car. We had not done anything wrong and the extensive search was completely unnecessary - and we weren't causing any trouble whatsoever. When we got there, we thought the shelter and the view were great, but being hassled and having mine and my friends' privacy violated by the rangers completely ruined the first and only trip I'll be taking there. The park rangers are out to get you for even the most innocuous violations, and I am appalled by the experience I had.
Written July 8, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
cerad_13
Dallas, TX1 contribution
May 2014 • Friends
This was the worst camping experience I've ever had in my life, and considering the amount of Texas State Parks there are, I would recommend going ANYWHERE but here. I'm a photographer and wanted to take some photographs of the May 23rd meteor shower (during memorial day weekend). I quickly made a reservation for a covered shelter for my group of 5 + dog for only one night. A friend and I got there around 5:30 PM, and the rest got there a short time later. After moving our bags into the covered shelter, we were sitting around the campfire and the members of our party who were of age were drinking beers. The park rangers pulled over at 6:30 PM to inform them of the public consumption and dog leash laws, which we were unaware of. We followed their instructions and the drinkers poured out their drinks and we put the dog on a leash. However, the rangers then decided that since we're young people (18-22), we were suspicious and proceeded to insist on an extensive search of ALL of our bags and cars until 9 PM (2.5 HOURS!), even interrogating me about an empty pill case keychain in my car that had residue in it from Tylenol. We had not done anything wrong and the extensive search was completely unnecessary - we were there to see the stars and weren't causing any trouble whatsoever. When we got there, we thought the shelter and the view were great, but being hassled and having mine and my friends' privacy violated by the rangers completely ruined the first and only trip I'll be taking there. The park rangers are out to get you for even the most innocuous violations, and I am appalled by the experience I had.
Written May 24, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Patricia L
Dallas, United States3 contributions
Oct 2015 • Solo
Do not recommend to campers who like peace and quit11
Stayed in the tent campsite that have water and electricity.
All was going well till Friday night at 10pm a large group came in and set up there tents using flood lights - okay give them time to set up and they will surely quit down.
Oh no- they were just getting started - loud conversations, kids playing and very large pit fire to go with. Theses people did not stop til 5am - yes 5am. The ranger never drove down into Blue Birds section of the park from 10pm til the next morning around 6:30am! The next day was even worse! These people started making fun of and using slur comments about a gay couple camping next door. The ranger came - the gay couple left. The losers got to stay!! - He did find 3 cases of beer(empty) and 3 other cases were strung out all over the campsite and made them pick them up. But never, I mean NEVER said anything about Friday night's fiasco! I know that, I and two other campers told the office on Saturday morning. I'm glad my grandchildren did not stay, I told my daughter this is NOT a secure park. So this messed up my whole families plan for the weekend!!!!!
Stayed in the tent campsite that have water and electricity.
All was going well till Friday night at 10pm a large group came in and set up there tents using flood lights - okay give them time to set up and they will surely quit down.
Oh no- they were just getting started - loud conversations, kids playing and very large pit fire to go with. Theses people did not stop til 5am - yes 5am. The ranger never drove down into Blue Birds section of the park from 10pm til the next morning around 6:30am! The next day was even worse! These people started making fun of and using slur comments about a gay couple camping next door. The ranger came - the gay couple left. The losers got to stay!! - He did find 3 cases of beer(empty) and 3 other cases were strung out all over the campsite and made them pick them up. But never, I mean NEVER said anything about Friday night's fiasco! I know that, I and two other campers told the office on Saturday morning. I'm glad my grandchildren did not stay, I told my daughter this is NOT a secure park. So this messed up my whole families plan for the weekend!!!!!
Written October 12, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Beamersdaddy
Irving, TX1 contribution
Mar 2013
Officer Chris Bishop was rude. We were the only campers in our campground. It was totally deserted! He walked up on us at midnight made two in my group pour our their alcoholic beverage. Everything was totally cool. Until they , under their own observation decided to harass. Never again folks! Stay away!
Written April 28, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
630CarlosB
Slaton, TX2 contributions
Apr 2013 • Family
I would NOT recommend this park to anybody. My brothers and I chose this park because of it's central location, from our home towns; literally, not even 5 minutes when we arrived at our campsite, Ranger Bishop went STRAIGHT to our campsite to warn us about our "public display of alcohol". Our beers were in koozies, protecting them from site. We asked if we could put our beer in cups, he responded by saying that the alcohol would still be out in public and that we would need to drink in our tents... What a JERK! Now, I'm sure your're right, we don't have to have alcohol to have fun..but we are Adults, not babies. We are not loud or irresponsible people..we respect others, nature and mainly OURSELVES. The next morning, Ranger Bishop advised us of another location where apparently "people have been having good luck catching fish there". We decided to go and check this area out, which was near the boat ramp section. From the boat ramp, we walked about 200 yards off the side when, what do you know, literally, not even 5 minutes later, he comes Ranger Bishop. Bishop was trying to "play it off real cool", but it was apparent that he was looking for alcohol. There were 2 families placing their boats in the water; he didn't even bother to check and see if THEY had any alcohol in their boats. Now, I don't want to be out of line but the boaters skin color and ours were different..you figure that one out. All in all, I got to spend time with my brothers but I will never go to, recommend, or even dream of Lake Whitney State Park..I'm glad I'm home.
Written April 7, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paul A
Edmond, OK1 contribution
Mar 2013 • Couples
My boyfriend and I drove from Oklahoma to Texas to find a cool place to camp. We ended up at Lake Whitney State Park at 7 am ready to enjoy the last few days of our spring break. When we showed up we walked into the ranger station to pay our fees and you would've thought we were checking into a hotel. First we were asked if we made a reservation. We said no and were afraid the park would be full. The woman sighed and said "well lets just see if there is anything available." She pulled out a map to show us where the TWO spots were taken in the whole camp. So we picked our spot and then had to wait in the parking lot for an hour to wait for the ranger to do his morning rounds. When we finally got to check in the woman informed us we would be paying the camping fee, plus the park entrance fee which was $5 bucks. But not only for the carload, but $5 per person, per day on top of the $14 a day to camp. We just thought this was a little overkill. We expected the $14 camping fee, but the woman very rudely kept stating $5 per person, per day. So note that our grand total for TWO nights of primitive camping cost 48 dollars, almost as much as a night at a cheap hotel! But we were tired and paid it and went on to pitch our tent. Overall the park is pretty. The one mile nature trail was nothing more than a cleared grass path with tire marks. Make sure you buy their overpriced firewood before they close because you can't gather your own despite the abundance of driftwood that makes walking along the lake nearly impossible. I would go again if I wasn't a college kid looking for some outdoor fun. It's for sure a little overpriced for that. We had a good time but ended up leaving in the middle of the night due to high winds. We payed for a good adventure I guess! Definitely family friendly.
Written March 25, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MaryAnne-Zang
Keller, TX23 contributions
Lake Whitney is a well managed state park. The trails are short, less than 3 miles, so perfect for kids 10 and under. Beautiful clean lake with lots of shore line. However, not exactly my idea of camping. Designed more like sleeping outside. Sites are close together with hardly any trees. Tent sites are lined one after so there is no real quiet, relaxing, wildlife watching opportunities. If you want a more woodsy feel, this is not the place.
Written April 23, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TexAZsc
Round Rock, TX5 contributions
Oct 2013 • Family
We just returned from a great camping weekend at Lake Whitney State Park. The park was outstanding with lots of camping loops spread around the shore of the lake. The drought in central Texas is clearly evident, as the lake is barely visible around the peninsula near the Horseshoe Camping Loop and Two Bridges Trail.
A unique feature of this state park is the 2000 foot paved airstrip for small aircraft, located in the middle of the park. We only got to hear a single plane take off during the entire weekend. I was actually hoping to see more so my girls could watch them takeoff and land. Adjacent to the taxiway for the airstrip is an R/C airfield, as well. Park Road 47 makes a large loop around the airfield. The road is paved and in great condition. The traffic was light since cooler weather deterred many from the lake. The road was great for riding our bikes on and made a nice 3 mile loop for our rides. All of the camping loops extend from this park road, 8 in all, including 1 loop for day use and screen shelters.
Horseshoe Camping Loop, with 51 pull through sites is the only loop with sewer hook-ups. This was where we camped. The sites were pretty level side to side and generally level front to back. I could see a few campers with maybe a lego block under one side of the camper, but most sites were sufficiently level without them. The loop is heavily treed around the perimeter with a wide open meadow in the middle. The park rangers were very helpful in helping us pick out a site for our camper. Some of the sites do vary quite a bit in length, and the rangers keep a detailed description of each site, including info on when shade is present, the existence of trees that could impede awning or slide deployment as well as overall length and width of the parking pad. All the sites have a concrete picnic table and benches. Some of the sites also have a metal shade structure over the picnic area. All sites also have a fire ring.
Sunset Ridge Camping Loop is another popular choice for big rigs. Water and Electric are available on this loop, but no sewer. The sites in this loop had a great view of the lake, and as the name would imply, the sunset. This loop sits probably 10 feet or more above the lake on a ridge, so it is probably better for views than for lake access. Road Runner camping loop is the only other water and electric loop. The sites here are probably best suited for smaller trailers and pop-ups, but they might do in a pinch.
There are two hiking loops at Lake Whitney State Park. The first is Two Bridges Trail, an interpretive hiking trail loop. This trail is just under one mile in length. The trail could have been better marked, but the path is worn enough to follow without too much trouble. It appears that MOST people have done well to keep to the trail, although there is a clear path that is unmarked that extends from the Group Hall to the lake shore. The second trail is Towash Forest Trail. This trail is designated as a hike and bike trail. I didn't get to check this loop out, but the map indicates it is just over 1 mile, and also makes a loop.
As I mentioned, we really enjoyed this State Park. For us, the only real drawback was the distance. At about 2.5 hours away, it's quite a distance for a quick, weekend camping trip. Part of this is the fact that we live in the Austin area and are surrounded by fantastic state parks, many less than an hour away. For this trip, we were meeting family, who was coming down from north Texas, so this was pretty close to meeting the middle. If this park doesn't make it on our list as a regular favorite, it will only be because we are so spoiled by closer gems.
A unique feature of this state park is the 2000 foot paved airstrip for small aircraft, located in the middle of the park. We only got to hear a single plane take off during the entire weekend. I was actually hoping to see more so my girls could watch them takeoff and land. Adjacent to the taxiway for the airstrip is an R/C airfield, as well. Park Road 47 makes a large loop around the airfield. The road is paved and in great condition. The traffic was light since cooler weather deterred many from the lake. The road was great for riding our bikes on and made a nice 3 mile loop for our rides. All of the camping loops extend from this park road, 8 in all, including 1 loop for day use and screen shelters.
Horseshoe Camping Loop, with 51 pull through sites is the only loop with sewer hook-ups. This was where we camped. The sites were pretty level side to side and generally level front to back. I could see a few campers with maybe a lego block under one side of the camper, but most sites were sufficiently level without them. The loop is heavily treed around the perimeter with a wide open meadow in the middle. The park rangers were very helpful in helping us pick out a site for our camper. Some of the sites do vary quite a bit in length, and the rangers keep a detailed description of each site, including info on when shade is present, the existence of trees that could impede awning or slide deployment as well as overall length and width of the parking pad. All the sites have a concrete picnic table and benches. Some of the sites also have a metal shade structure over the picnic area. All sites also have a fire ring.
Sunset Ridge Camping Loop is another popular choice for big rigs. Water and Electric are available on this loop, but no sewer. The sites in this loop had a great view of the lake, and as the name would imply, the sunset. This loop sits probably 10 feet or more above the lake on a ridge, so it is probably better for views than for lake access. Road Runner camping loop is the only other water and electric loop. The sites here are probably best suited for smaller trailers and pop-ups, but they might do in a pinch.
There are two hiking loops at Lake Whitney State Park. The first is Two Bridges Trail, an interpretive hiking trail loop. This trail is just under one mile in length. The trail could have been better marked, but the path is worn enough to follow without too much trouble. It appears that MOST people have done well to keep to the trail, although there is a clear path that is unmarked that extends from the Group Hall to the lake shore. The second trail is Towash Forest Trail. This trail is designated as a hike and bike trail. I didn't get to check this loop out, but the map indicates it is just over 1 mile, and also makes a loop.
As I mentioned, we really enjoyed this State Park. For us, the only real drawback was the distance. At about 2.5 hours away, it's quite a distance for a quick, weekend camping trip. Part of this is the fact that we live in the Austin area and are surrounded by fantastic state parks, many less than an hour away. For this trip, we were meeting family, who was coming down from north Texas, so this was pretty close to meeting the middle. If this park doesn't make it on our list as a regular favorite, it will only be because we are so spoiled by closer gems.
Written October 21, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wilma S
Doss, TX35 contributions
I like to fish and was wondering which sites are close to lake and have a lake view? I would be walking to go fishing. We have a 31' motor home but do not tow anything. Thank you
hernajoh81
Burleson, TX
Do you have to make a reservation or can you just pay at the front gate when you get there
Ltsteve35210
Birmingham, AL102 contributions
If you are planning on camping, I feel sure you need to reserve a spot.
Is the lake up our low
Vernon L
Dallas, TX31 contributions
The lake is at normal level and is the clearest I have seen in years. I just spent 2 weeks out there camping in my travel trailer.
Can you get phone service while camping if you have at&t or sprint?
Vernon L
Dallas, TX31 contributions
Yes, ATT has EXCELLENT service in the State Park.
Can you reserve a picnic table area to camp next to with a tent ? Will be there 26,27,28,29 and how much cost
first time to go there.we will be there July 9 till July 11..is the water low our is it good
Pamela C
2 contributions
The water is great there. It's clear and the cliffs are beautiful to look at. You will definitely enjoy your stay.
Is it open for the public
Barrett D
Texas, United States98 contributions
Yes, all Texas State parks are open to the general public, space and weather permitting. Some fees apply.
Is the lake open cause we want to go camping tomorrow
michael m
Fort Worth, TX653 contributions
Not sure, call the corps. Or maybe the state park at Whitney. If you are camping at the state park, better get there early or have resv as they get very busy. The Corp areas usually have something available. Make sure you go below the dam, pretty cool with all the gates open.
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Claim your listingLake Whitney State Park - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
Frequently Asked Questions about Lake Whitney State Park
- Hotels near Lake Whitney State Park:
- (6.16 mi) Thousand Trails Lake Whitney
- (2.45 mi) Best Lakefront, Amazing Sunset Home on Lake Whitney
- (2.68 mi) J's Place on Lake Whitney
- (2.76 mi) Large Lake Whitney Vacation Retreat w/Plenty of Activites on Property and Off!!!
- (2.72 mi) Lakehaven
- Restaurants near Lake Whitney State Park:
- (3.32 mi) Texas Great Country Cafe and Pie Pantry
- (3.32 mi) Tres Hermanos
- (2.62 mi) Shooky's on the lake
- (3.70 mi) Bobby's Burgers
- (3.18 mi) Montas Breakfast Burritos
- Attractions near Lake Whitney State Park:
- (2.11 mi) McCown Valley Park
- (2.56 mi) Reel Deal Lake Whitney Striper Guide
- (3.42 mi) White Bluff Golf Resort
- (4.28 mi) Thousand trails
- (3.55 mi) Brazos Street Market