Closest first
The list shows up to 10 closest parks within 500 miles; if none are within that range, it shows the 3 nearest overall. Distances are straight-line miles from the city center to approximate park coordinates. Drive times are rough estimates based on distance, not live routing; ferry, traffic, road closures, and seasonal access can change a trip. Confirm routes and current conditions with the National Park Service before you go. Open the app for parks near wherever you are right now.
- 1 Hot Springs · Arkansas · 26+ trails · $20 / vehicle247 mi · ~5 hr drive estimate
- 2 Carlsbad Caverns · New Mexico · 6+ trails · $15 / person453 mi · ~9.5 hr drive estimate
- 3 Big Bend · Texas · 150+ trails · $30 / vehicle453 mi · ~9.5 hr drive estimate
- 4 Guadalupe Mountains · Texas · 80+ trails · $25 / vehicle475 mi · ~10 hr drive estimate
Planning a trip from Dallas
By our rough distance-based estimate, Hot Springs is within about six hours by road. Actual travel times vary; check a current route and reserve campsites or lodging ahead in peak season.
Each park page covers popular trails, camping, entrance fees, and the best time to visit. In ParkAtlas, the home screen shows unvisited parks within reach of your current location and lets you log the one you pick.
Common questions
What is the closest national park to Dallas?
Hot Springs National Park, about 247 miles away (~5 hr drive estimate).
Which national parks near Dallas work for a weekend trip?
Our rough drive-time estimate puts these within about six hours: Hot Springs. Check a current route before planning.
How many national parks are within 500 straight-line miles of Dallas?
4 of the 63 U.S. national parks are within 500 straight-line miles of Dallas.
Plan your trip
The practical bits for a Dallas start — so more of the weekend goes to the trail.
Road-trip kit from Dallas
The car is the base camp. From the full gear list; links support ParkAtlas.
YETI Tundra 45 cooler
Holds ice for days between towns with grocery stores.
See on Amazon →
Syncwire MagSafe phone mount
Snap the phone on, navigate hands-free, snap it off at the trailhead.
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WeatherTech windshield sunshade
Desert parking lots are brutal. The car is bearable when you get back.
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Anker portable charger
Offline maps and photos eat batteries faster than you'd think.
See on Amazon →