Outdoors recreation in Dallas?

[J_Curd]

I am moving to northeast Dallas soon, and I am pretty bummed that Im losing my camping/hiking areas and outdoor rifle range. I can handle a public rifle range, but I'd like 2-3 miles of hiking to a remote campsite where I wont be trifled with for having firearms or practicing wilderness skills.

Can any of you give me some advice? I don't know many people in the area.

Thanks much in advance.

 

[dougo83]

I don't recall ever going to any of these parks unles sI went as a youngin, but TPWD usually has some pretty decent trails and whatnot:

Dallas and Fort Worth area:

http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/prairies_and_lakes/dallas_and_fort_worth/

Austin:

http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/prairies_and_lakes/dallas_and_fort_worth/


Also, check out the local county parks...they can be hit or miss, but some of the less maintained ones tend to be the best IMHO...

 

[TXBulldawg]

Can any of you give me some advice?

Aside from advising you to stay far, far away, if you absolutely must come to Dallas, I'd recommend the approximately 4-hour drive to the Ouachita National Forest in southeastern Oklahoma for what you're wanting.

About 4 hours south of Dallas is the Davy Crockett National Forest. I've never been there, so I can't really tell you anything about it.

A little closer to home are two different sections of the LBJ/Caddo National Grasslands. One is north of Decatur (NW of Dallas) and the other is north of Bonham (NE of Dallas). I don't know their policies on firearms.

You won't be carrying anything openly in any of Texas' state parks.

I personally like the Garland Public Shooting Range (highly recommend you avoid going on the weekends), but you won't be shooting any full metal jacket rifle ammunition at any Dallas area outdoor gun range, if that means anything to you. The two exceptions are Gibson's Outpost in far BFEast Mesquite, and Ralph's range in Tom Bean (near Sherman).

Welcome to Dallas... you have my condolences.