The Outdoors in DeSoto, Texas
DeSoto is a close-in suburb in southern Dallas County, and it keeps a solid set of parks along with a couple of standouts — a nature preserve with real trails and a covered BMX track. Cedar Hill State Park and Joe Pool Lake are a short drive west.
Here's where to get outside in and around DeSoto.
Grimes Park
Grimes Park is one of DeSoto's main outdoor spots, with walking trails, sports facilities, picnic areas, and an expansive playground built for kids of all ages, with swings, slides, climbing walls, and monkey bars. It's a family favorite and a busy weekend park.
Grimes Park is also home to DeSoto BMX (formerly Metroplex BMX), a covered track built for BMX racing. Friday race nights have free admission for spectators, and it draws riders from across the region.
Nature Preserves and Trails
For a quieter outing, the 75-acre Windmill Hill Nature Preserve has tranquil trails through natural terrain, and the 3.6-mile Roy Orr Trail system links five urban parks across the city for a longer walk, run, or ride.
Together they give DeSoto a real network of trails and natural areas beyond the ballfields, connecting neighborhoods and parks for everyday recreation.
Cedar Hill State Park Nearby
Just west of DeSoto, Cedar Hill State Park sits on Joe Pool Lake with more than 1,800 acres of hiking and mountain-biking trails, camping, and lake access for fishing, swimming, and boating. It's one of the best state parks near Dallas.
Between DeSoto's own parks and trails and the big state park a few minutes away, an outdoor day here can be anything from a neighborhood trail walk to a full day on the lake.
City & County Parks
Municipal and county parks, greenspaces, and recreation areas in and around DeSoto.
- Mosley Park
- Zeigler Park
- Elerson Park
- Grimes Park
- Briarwood Park
- Pyburn Park
- Willow Run Park
- Louis Nichols Park
- Little Shenandoah Park
- Waterview Park
- Marcus Harrington Park
- Hulcy Park
- Windsor Park
- Heritage Park
- Meadow Stone Park
- Cedardale Park
Source: © OpenStreetMap contributors
Lakes Near DeSoto
Lakes and reservoirs within about 30 miles of DeSoto, by approximate straight-line distance. Access, boating rules and camping vary by lake, so check with the operator before you go.
- Joe Pool Lake · ~9 mi
- Mountain Creek Lake · ~10 mi
- White Rock Lake · ~18 mi
- Lake Arlington · ~21 mi
- Bardwell Lake · ~24 mi
- Lake Ray Hubbard · ~28 mi
State Parks & Natural Areas Near DeSoto
Public lands within reach of DeSoto — state parks, natural areas, and historic sites managed by Texas Parks & Wildlife — with approximate straight-line distance from town.
- Cedar Hill State Park · Dallas County ~7 mi
- Cleburne State Park · Johnson County ~47 mi
- Ray Roberts Lake - Greenbelt Unit State Park · Denton County ~50 mi
- Lake Tawakoni State Park · Hunt County ~53 mi
- Purtis Creek State Park · VanZandt County ~53 mi
- Ray Roberts Lake - Elm Fork Unit State Park · Denton County ~53 mi
- Lake Whitney State Park · Hill County ~54 mi
- Ray Roberts Lake - Isle du Bois Unit State Park · Denton County ~54 mi
- Ray Roberts Lake - Jordon Unit State Park · Denton County ~56 mi
- Ray Roberts Lake - Pond Creek Unit State Park · Denton County ~56 mi
Distances are approximate straight-line miles from DeSoto. Source: Texas Parks & Wildlife Department — park locations
FAQ: Outdoors in DeSoto
DeSoto has Grimes Park with its playground and covered BMX track, the 75-acre Windmill Hill Nature Preserve, and the 3.6-mile Roy Orr Trail linking five parks. Cedar Hill State Park on Joe Pool Lake is a short drive west.
DeSoto BMX (formerly Metroplex BMX) at Grimes Park is a covered track built for BMX racing. Friday race nights have free admission for spectators.
Yes. Cedar Hill State Park, on Joe Pool Lake, is a short drive west of DeSoto, with more than 1,800 acres of hiking and mountain-biking trails, camping, and lake access for fishing, swimming, and boating.
East Texas guides — an easy drive from DeSoto
Weekend trips, lakes, festivals and small-town food east of the metroplex.
Best Lakes in East Texas
A fact-checked guide to 17 East Texas lakes, from Lake Fork's trophy bass and Caddo Lake to Toledo Bend, Sam Rayburn and Lake Tawakoni. Sizes, species, access and rules come from TPWD.
Read Guide →Best Hiking Trails in East Texas
East Texas hiking trails checked against park and Forest Service sources: Tyler, Daingerfield, Mission Tejas and Martin Creek Lake state parks, the Four C Trail and the Sawmill Trail.
Read Guide →East Texas State Parks Guide
Twelve East Texas state parks from TPWD: Tyler, Caddo Lake, Atlanta, Lake Bob Sandlin, Tawakoni, Purtis Creek, Cooper, Martin Dies Jr. and more. Camping, cabins and passes.
Read Guide →Fishing in East Texas: Complete Guide
A sourced guide to fishing Lake Fork, Lake Palestine, Cedar Creek and Lake Athens: bass slot limits, where TPWD says the fish are, and Texas license rules.
Read Guide →Business Owner?
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