Waxahachie Ck

Bardwell Lake

Waxahachie Creek Park is on the western shore of Bardwell Lake, less than an hour south of the Dallas-Fort Worth area in north-central Texas. City-dwellers frequent the park's campground and day-use area to enjoy outdoor activities without going far from home.

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.

Waxahachie Creek Park offers something for everyone with 65 campsites with water and 30-amp electric service, seven non-electric picnic sites and one reservable group pavilion, which can accommodate up to 200 people. There is also a day use area for visitors who are not camping overnight. The boat ramp at the upper end of the park is very shallow at normal lake level and not suited to launch ski boats or larger vessels. The boat ramp at the lower end of the park is suitable for all types of boats at normal lake level and has a courtesy dock for loading and unloading boats.

Need to Know

• The entrance station is open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Day use closes at 9:00 pm
• Visitors with a pink 'visitor' car pass must exit the park by 10 p.m. daily
• To reserve an equestrian site, guests must have a horse with them and proof of a current Coggins test at all times
• Swimming pools, sprinklers and water slides are not allowed

• Nothing may be nailed or screwed into trees or other plants.

• A permit is required for special events or activities occurring in the park; applications must be submitted no later than 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
• All camping vehicle passes must be returned to the gate house upon final departure and check-out
• Reservations made with a discount pass require presentation of the pass with valid photo ID upon check-in and re-entering the park. For more information about discount passesClick Here
• All boats are subject to inspection for Zebra mussels, an invasive aquatic species; For more informationClick Here
• 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.

• Restroom adjacent to campsites 15-37 is closed at this time due to water line damage sustained during winter storm. Anticipated re-open date of May 1st, 2021.

Natural Features

The park is located on the upper reaches of the lake, near the mouth of a main tributary, Waxahachie Creek. The word "Waxahachie" is believed to be the Tonkawa Native American word for "Buffalo Creek."

The lake's waters provide a refreshing break from the Texas heat and enormous blooms of 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.

The Bardwell Lake equestrian and multi-use trail begins at this facility. It provides over 13 miles of trails for horseback riding, biking or hiking. Visitors should be advised that the trail is located within a designated hunting area from September through March.

Contact Information

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930 BOZEK ROAD 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 travel three miles southwest to Bozek Road. Turn right at Bozek Road and travel 1.5 miles to the Waxahachie Creek Park entrance complex.

Available Campsites

• Site 56, Loop WCRE, Type Standard Electric
• Site 09, Loop WCRE, Type Standard Electric
• Site 24, Loop WCRE, Type Standard Electric
• Site 11, Loop WCRE, Type Standard Electric
• Site 87, Loop WCRE, Type Equestrian Electric
• Site 15, Loop WCRE, Type Standard Electric
• Site 25, Loop WCRE, Type Standard Electric
• Site 33, Loop WCRE, Type Tent Only Electric
• Site 26, Loop WCRE, Type Standard Electric
• Site 27, Loop WCRE, Type Standard Electric
• Site 16, Loop WCRE, Type Standard Electric
• Site 04, Loop WCRE, Type Standard Electric
• Site 21, Loop WCRE, Type Standard Electric
• Site 07, Loop WCRE, Type Standard Electric
• Site 14, Loop WCRE, Type Standard Electric
• Site 88, Loop WCRE, Type Equestrian Electric
• Site 17, Loop WCRE, Type Standard Electric
• Site 03, Loop WCRE, Type Standard Electric
• Site 55, Loop WCRE, Type Standard Electric
• Site 10, Loop WCRE, Type Standard Electric
• Site 02, Loop WCRE, Type Standard Electric
• Site 22, Loop WCRE, Type Standard Electric
• Site 12, Loop WCRE, Type Standard Electric
• Site 53, Loop WCRE, Type Standard Electric
• Site 32, Loop WCRE, Type Tent Only Electric
• Site 35, Loop WCRE, Type Tent Only Electric
• Site 86, Loop WCRE, Type Equestrian Electric
• Site 58, Loop WCRE, Type Standard Electric
• Site 23, Loop WCRE, Type Standard Electric
• Site 54, Loop WCRE, Type Standard Electric
• Site 08, Loop WCRE, Type Standard Electric
• Site 06, Loop WCRE, Type Standard Electric
• Site 19, Loop WCRE, Type Standard Electric
• Site 01, Loop WCRE, Type Standard Electric
• Site 28, Loop WCRE, Type Standard Electric
• Site 05, Loop WCRE, Type Standard Electric
• Site 13, Loop WCRE, Type Standard Electric
• Site 57, Loop WCRE, Type Standard Electric
• Site 34, Loop WCRE, Type Tent Only Electric
• Site 18, Loop WCRE, Type Standard Electric
• Site 29, Loop WCRE, Type Standard Electric
• Site 20, Loop WCRE, Type Standard Electric
• Site 89, Loop WCRE, Type Equestrian Electric
• Site 31, Loop WCRE, Type Tent Only Electric