Lake Mineral Wells State Park
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Lake Mineral Wells State Park
Swimming hole in Mineral Wells, Texas · Lake
A swim beach on a 640-acre lake, plus rock climbing and a 20-mile trailway. Entry $7 for ages 13+, kids 12 and under free.
Typical season: Late spring to early autumn for swimming; busy season mid-March through mid-November. Open daily 6 a.m.–10 p.m.
About Lake Mineral Wells State Park
Lake Mineral Wells pairs a proper swim beach with a lot of park around it. The beach sits in the day-use area on the 640-acre lake, next to the boat ramp and the park store, in a 3,282.5-acre park in the Western Cross Timbers, about 45 minutes west of Fort Worth. This was once health-resort country — Mineral Wells grew famous for its mineral waters — and the park still has that unhurried, come-and-stay feel. A swim is only the start of the day. Anglers get six fishing piers and a tackle loaner program, with no licence needed inside the park; paddlers can rent canoes, kayaks and paddle boards; climbers head for Penitentiary Hollow, a small sandstone canyon that is one of the few natural rock climbing venues in North Texas. On land there are 12.8 miles of park trails plus the 20-mile Trailway rail-trail to Weatherford, and 108 campsites and 15 screened shelters if you stay over.
Key facts
Highlights
- Swim beach on a 640-acre lake in the day-use area, by the boat ramp and park store.
- Penitentiary Hollow — one of the few natural rock climbing areas in North Texas.
- 20-mile Trailway rail-trail linking the park to Mineral Wells and Weatherford, on top of 12.8 miles of park trails.
Access & fees
Entry costs $7 per day for everyone 13 and older; children 12 and under are free, and a $70 Texas State Parks Pass covers entry for pass holders. The park is 4 miles east of Mineral Wells on U.S. Highway 180 and is open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Reserve before you go: TPWD says the park often reaches capacity and recommends reservations for both camping and day use. The swim beach is an easy walk from day-use parking, in the same area as the boat ramp, fishing pier and park store.
Stay safe
- There are no lifeguards — TPWD lists lake swimming as “(no lifeguards)”, so swim at your own risk and supervise children closely.
- Swim at the designated swim beach in the day-use area, and follow posted park rules.
- Trails and the climbing area can close in wet weather — check conditions with the park on the day of your visit.
- The park may close occasionally for wildlife management activities — check the park page for closure notices before you travel.
Map & location
FAQs
How much is entry to Lake Mineral Wells State Park?
$7 per day for ages 13 and older; children 12 and under are free. A Texas State Parks Pass ($70/year) covers the entry fee.
Can you swim at Lake Mineral Wells State Park?
Yes. TPWD lists swimming among the lake activities and the park has a swim beach in the day-use area, by the boat ramp and park store. There are no lifeguards.
Do I need a reservation?
It is recommended for both camping and day use — the park often reaches capacity, so reserve passes online or through the customer service center to guarantee entry.
Editorial review & methodology
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Photo: The park’s sandy swim beach with swimmers in Lake Mineral Wells, park store and day-use parking behind, by Larry D. Moore, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
Sources: Texas Parks & Wildlife Department. Last verified: 30 October 2026.
Safety
- There are no lifeguards — TPWD lists lake swimming as “(no lifeguards)”, so swim at your own risk and supervise children closely.
- Swim at the designated swim beach in the day-use area, and follow posted park rules.
- Trails and the climbing area can close in wet weather — check conditions with the park on the day of your visit.
- The park may close occasionally for wildlife management activities — check the park page for closure notices before you travel.
At a glance
Fee$7 per day ages 13+; children 12 and under free
Nearest townMineral Wells
Best seasonLate spring to early autumn
GPS32.812655, -98.043368
Nearby spots
- Dinosaur Valley State Park — ≈41 mi
- Cleburne State Park — ≈48 mi
Sources & updates
Last verified: 30 October 2026
Source: Texas Parks & Wildlife Department
Researched by: Swim Hole Finder team
Methodology: How we verify listings →
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