|
|
Lake Mineral Wells view from Penitentiary Hollow, this shows the most of the lake looking north. The dam, boat ramp, swimming beach and store are far to the left. The campgrounds are nestled in the trees across the lake in the middle of the picture. About 50 miles west of Ft. Worth, just east of Mineral Wells, the Mineral Wells State Park surrounds the lake.
Impounded by this earthen dam in 1920 to increase the water supply for nearby Mineral Wells, this 663 acre lake has a maximum depth of 30 feet. This is a quiet place, personal watercraft are not allowed, and neither is water skiing or any form of sport towing. Boat speed must be reasonable and prudent, and only fishing by line is allowed, no nets or seines allowed, even for bait fish!
|
Lake Mineral Wells Map
Lake Mineral Wells Satellite Image
|
|
100 campsites, some with water and electricity, bathrooms with showers and a dump station make Mineral Wells State Park a great stopover for travelers and for longer stays. Almost none of the campsites are waterfront like this one, but they're shaded with the Black Jack and Post Oak trees of the Cross-Timbers forest. For camping reservations at Mineral Wells State Park call 512 389 8900
|
|
|
The sandy swimming beach near the dam is popular for family swimming. As in all Texas State Parks, no public consumption of alcohol. I didn't have time to sail Mineral Wells, but it looked like a fun place for a small sailboat. There are some hills all around so the wind may not be too good, but it's a nice location.
|
|
A fine boat ramp and store near the entrance provides rentals of paddle boats, canoes, kayaks and rowboats. You can rent an electric motor for the row boats if you don't want to row, or use the adjacent fishing dock.
|
 
|
|
Hiking trails on both sides of the lake allow you to experience the Cross Timbers forest and it's rugged terrain. In Penitentiary Hollow you'll find cliffs like this one that shelter the abundant wildlife. On the northeast of the lake are extensive trails for hiking, cycling and horseback riding. This is how you get to the primitive camping area. The Lake Minieral Wells State Trailway also stops at the park near the amphitheatre. This trailway, formerly the Weatherford, Mineral Wells & Northwestern Railroad which closed in 1992, runs from Mineral Wells 20 miles to Weatherford. The trailway can be accessed from trailheads in downtown Mineral Wells, the State Park, the farming community of Garner and Lake Cartwright on the northwest edge of Weatherford.
|
|
The outdoor Lone Star Amphitheater is used often in the park. Cowboy campfires with music and poetry, kid's wilderness survival, night sounds, night hikes, owl prowl and storytelling are some of the programs offered at the amphitheater, the big fire ring at Live Oak Campground, and Penitentiary Hollow.
|
|
|
