Waxahachie Ck

WAXAHACHIE CK

Overview

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.

Facilities

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.

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.

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.

Nearby Attractions

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

Important Notices

By using U.S. Army Corps of Engineers parks, you agree to adhere to the written policy of EP 1165-2-316, Title 36. See Here.
All U.S. Army Corps of Engineers campgrounds are a maximum use of 14 days within a consecutive 30-day period per water resource project, which includes all of Bardwell Lake's parks.
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.
All U.S. Army Corps of Engineers campgrounds are a maximum use of 14 days within a consecutive 30-day period per water resource project, which includes all of Bardwell Lake's parks.
50 amp services are available only for 50 amp campers. 30 amp services are available only for 30 amp campers. Converters/“dog bones” are not allowed.

Notifications and Alerts

Updates to the Bardwell Lake Camping Fees Effective January 1, 2026.
Camping Fees: Bardwell is well below comparable surrounding facilities and will increase fees to become more aligned with the area. There will be an increase on 30 Amp sites by $10.00, bringing the total to $28.00 per night. Sites with 50 Amp will increase by $8.00, bringing the total to $30.00 per night. The total increase at the beginning of the year will be to $28.00 and $30.00 In addition to that ALL Bardwell Lake Parks will be CARD ONLY.
Day Use: No change regarding the $5.00 Day Use Fee.
Thank You,
Bardwell Lake Customer Service Representative

Available Activities

Horseback Riding - Horseback Riding
Hiking - Hiking
Camping - Camping
Boating - Boating

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.

Contact Information

Phone: 972-875-5711

930 BOZEK ROAD
ENNIS, TX 75119

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip

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!