State Parks Near Waco, Texas

4 state park units lie within 50 miles of Waco. The closest is Mother Neff State Park, about 23 mi southwest of town. 1 park is within 25 miles, close enough for an evening visit.

Closest park
Mother Neff State Park23 mi southwest
Within 25 miles
1of 4 within 50 mi
With camping
44 with cabins
Dog-friendly
0pets allowed

State parks near Waco, nearest first

Straight-line distance from central Waco; driving distance is usually longer.

  1. Mother Neff State Park

    23 miles southwest · Moody, Texas · State Park

    Visitors come for historic sites, hiking, and picnicking. The official site lists about 3.5 miles of trails. For overnight stays there are 20 campsites (RV sites with full hookups and showers). There are also cabins for rent.

    1 alert20 campsitesCabins/lodgingHiking$2 per adult

    Hours, fees and rules for Mother Neff State Park →

  2. Lake Whitney State Park

    28 miles north · Whitney, Texas · State Park

    Things to do include mountain biking, winter sports, canoeing and kayaking, boating, and swimming. On the water side, there is a boat ramp.

    1 alert137 campsitesCabins/lodgingSwimmingHikingFishingBoating$5 per adult

    Hours, fees and rules for Lake Whitney State Park →

  3. Meridian State Park

    38 miles northwest · Meridian, Texas · State Park

    Visitors come for historic sites, canoeing and kayaking, boating, swimming, and fishing. On the water side, there is a boat ramp, a fishing pier, and boat or kayak rentals.

    24 campsitesCabins/lodgingSwimmingHikingFishingBoating$5 per adult

    Hours, fees and rules for Meridian State Park →

  4. Fort Parker State Park

    39 miles east · Mexia, Texas · State Park

    Visitors come for mountain biking, historic sites, canoeing and kayaking, boating, and swimming. Facilities for water recreation include a boat ramp and boat or kayak rentals.

    1 alert35 campsitesCabins/lodgingSwimmingHikingFishingBoating$5 per adult

    Hours, fees and rules for Fort Parker State Park →

Best picks by activity

Camping near Waco

  1. Mother Neff State Park 23 mi southwest · 20 campsites
  2. Lake Whitney State Park 28 mi north · 137 campsites
  3. Meridian State Park 38 mi northwest · 24 campsites
  4. Fort Parker State Park 39 mi east · 35 campsites

Cabins and lodging near Waco

  1. Mother Neff State Park 23 mi southwest · Cabins or other roofed stays
  2. Lake Whitney State Park 28 mi north · Cabins or other roofed stays
  3. Meridian State Park 38 mi northwest · Cabins or other roofed stays
  4. Fort Parker State Park 39 mi east · Cabins or other roofed stays

Swimming near Waco

  1. Lake Whitney State Park 28 mi north · Beach, pool or swim area
  2. Meridian State Park 38 mi northwest · Beach, pool or swim area
  3. Fort Parker State Park 39 mi east · Beach, pool or swim area

Hiking near Waco

  1. Mother Neff State Park 23 mi southwest · Hiking trails listed
  2. Lake Whitney State Park 28 mi north · Hiking trails listed
  3. Meridian State Park 38 mi northwest · Hiking trails listed
  4. Fort Parker State Park 39 mi east · Hiking trails listed

Fishing near Waco

  1. Lake Whitney State Park 28 mi north · Fishing listed
  2. Meridian State Park 38 mi northwest · Fishing listed
  3. Fort Parker State Park 39 mi east · Fishing listed

Questions about state parks near Waco

What is the closest state park to Waco?

Mother Neff State Park is the closest, about 23 miles southwest of Waco in a straight line. Next are Lake Whitney State Park and Meridian State Park.

How many state parks are near Waco?

4 state park units are within 50 miles, and 1 within 25 miles. That includes parks, recreation areas, historic sites and natural areas run by the state.

Which state parks near Waco have camping?

4 parks list camping, the nearest being Mother Neff State Park, Lake Whitney State Park and Meridian State Park. Check each park page for site types, hookups and how to reserve.

Are dogs allowed at state parks near Waco?

None of the parks listed here say dogs are allowed. Check each park page before bringing a pet.

Are there free state parks near Waco?

None of the nearby parks list free entry; most charge a daily vehicle fee or accept an annual pass. Fees are on each park page.

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Built from official park data and updated as parks change; this list was last rebuilt Oct 30, 2026. Features shown are those the official source lists. Filter these parks on the map.