Mott

Bardwell Lake

Mott Park is located on the western shore of Bardwell Lake, less than an hour south of the Dallas-Fort Worth area in north-central Texas.

The lake has favorable fish and wildlife habitats, providing plenty of opportunities for fishing and hunting, and great locations for camping, boating and hiking. Deer, armadillo, rabbit, squirrel and a variety of bird species inhabit the area.

Mott Park offers 33 campsites with water and 30-amp electric hookups and seven picnic sites. The group camping pavilion has four 30-amp electric and water connections and may accommodate 100 people and four RVs. The facility also has a day use area for visitors who are not camping overnight. Additional amenities include a swimming area with benches, two fishing areas, public restrooms with showers, one four-lane boat ramp and a courtesy dock.

Need to Know

The entrance station is open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Day use and swim beach close at 9:00pm
Visitors with a pink 'visitor' car pass must exit the park by 10 p.m. daily
Swimming pools, water slides and sprinklers are not allowed
Nothing may be nailed to trees or other plants.
A permit is required for special events or activities occurring in the park; applications must be submitted 10 days prior to the event; Contact Bardwell Lake Office at 972-875-5711 for more information from Mon.-Fri., 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Multiple site rentals may be made by advance reservation only; walk-up customers may not rent additional sites for family or friends expected to arrive later
All camping vehicle passes must be returned to the gate house upon final departure and check-out
Reservations made with a discount pass require the discount pass and proper photo ID upon check-in and re-entering the facility; Click Here to learn more about discount passes
All boats are subject to inspection for Zebra mussels, an invasive aquatic species; Click Here to learn more
Don't Move Firewood: Protect your forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. Visit Dontmovefirewood.org for further information.

Natural Features

The park is grassy and partially forested with plenty of open space where children can play. The lake's blue water provides a refreshing break from the Texas heat, while bright bluebonnets and other wildflowers surround the lakeshore each spring.

Nearby Attractions

Numerous amenities, as well as cultural and historical attractions, lie in the nearby cities of Dallas and Fort Worth.

Recreation

Many local fishermen consider Bardwell Lake one of the best kept secrets in the state. Bass fishermen seldom leave empty-handed. Crappie fishing is moderate, and catfish are usually excellent. The lake has a marina with fishing piers, two of which are enclosed (a small fee is charged for the use of these facilities), and there are several designated hunting areas around the lake, including those for duck hunting.

Contact Information

Default

957 FM 985 ENNIS TX 75119

Phone Number

For campground inquiries, please call: 972-875-5711

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip

Driving Directions

From Ennis, Texas: From Interstate 45, exit onto U.S. Highway 287 Bypass (Exit #247). Travel 4.5 miles and exit at the Bardwell Lake exit sign. Turn left onto Highway 34 and go 3.5 miles southwest. Turn left onto FM 985 and go 1.6 miles southeast to the entrance. The park is located on the left side of the road.

Available Campsites

Camp, RV, and Explore Outdoors

Recreation.gov is your gateway to explore America's outdoor and cultural destinations in your zip code and across the country. We provide tools and tips to discover new adventures through a one-stop shop for inspiration and ideation, trip planning, information sharing, and reservations. Find incredible places and experiences that help you bring home a story through Recreation.gov!