Oakdale Park

For many Texans, the open road and the freedom of RV living are deeply intertwined with the spirit of the Lone Star State. Finding an RV park that not only accommodates your rig but also offers a rich tapestry of activities and a strong sense of community is a true find. Oakdale Park, nestled in the charming town of Glen Rose, Texas, is precisely one such destination. Praised by visitors as a "jewel in the heart of Texas," this historic park combines the convenience of modern RV amenities with a nostalgic charm and a wealth of family-friendly attractions both on-site and nearby. This article aims to provide a clear, engaging, and informative overview of Oakdale Park, specifically tailored for locals in Texas who are seeking their next memorable RV adventure or a peaceful retreat.

Texas boasts a diverse landscape, from its sprawling prairies to its rolling hills, making it a prime destination for RV travel. What sets Oakdale Park apart is its unique blend of history, recreation, and accessibility. Established in 1925, it holds the distinction of being one of the oldest RV parks in the state and is even listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This legacy is felt throughout the park, from its vintage feel to its centennial celebration. Unlike many transient RV stops, Oakdale Park fosters a vibrant atmosphere with a focus on family fun and community engagement, offering activities like live music and pancake breakfasts. Its strategic location, just an hour and a half west of Dallas and within walking distance of downtown Glen Rose, makes it incredibly convenient for a "shakedown cruise" or an extended stay. This overview will delve into the specifics of Oakdale Park, highlighting what makes it an exceptional choice for Texans looking to explore their own backyard.

Oakdale Park is ideally situated at 1019 NE Barnard St, Glen Rose, TX 76043, USA. This prime location places it in the very heart of Glen Rose, a town famously known as the "Dinosaur Capital of Texas." The park's accessibility is one of its most compelling features, making it a convenient destination for travelers from across the state.

For those coming from the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, Oakdale Park is approximately an hour and a half drive west of Dallas, making it an easy weekend getaway. It is conveniently located just off Highway 67 and Highway 144 (Barnard Street), two major routes that provide straightforward access. Whether you're approaching from Cleburne, Granbury, or Stephenville, clear directions are available, guiding visitors directly to the park's entrance.

What truly sets Oakdale Park's location apart is its walkability to key Glen Rose attractions. Right across the street, campers can find Big Rocks Park, a natural geological wonder on the Paluxy River, offering unique opportunities for climbing, wading, and relaxation. The historic downtown Glen Rose, with its quaint shops, local eateries like the Shoo-Fly Soda Shop, and the Somervell County Courthouse, is also within comfortable walking distance. This allows visitors to immerse themselves in the local charm without needing to drive their RV or tow vehicle. Furthermore, world-renowned attractions such as Dinosaur Valley State Park and Fossil Rim Wildlife Center are just a short drive away, typically within 10-20 minutes, providing endless entertainment for families and nature enthusiasts. The combination of easy highway access, walkability to local gems, and proximity to major attractions makes Oakdale Park an exceptionally well-located and accessible RV destination in Central Texas.

Oakdale Park, a historic and well-regarded RV park, offers a comprehensive suite of services designed to ensure a comfortable, convenient, and enjoyable stay for all its guests, from short-term visitors to long-term residents.

• Full Hookup RV Sites: The park boasts 120 full hookup RV sites, providing 30/50 amp electrical service, water, and sewer connections at each site. This ensures that RVs of various sizes can enjoy all the comforts of home. Many sites are pull-through, offering ease of access and maneuverability, even for larger rigs up to 45 feet.

• Clean Restrooms and Showers: Oakdale Park provides well-maintained and clean restroom and shower facilities for guests, ensuring a comfortable experience for those using their RVs or opting for tent camping.

• On-Site Laundry Mat: A convenient on-site laundry facility is available, allowing campers to easily refresh their clothing during their stay.

• Large Swimming Pool ("The Oakdale Plunge"): A major highlight is "The Oakdale Plunge," a historic 330,000-gallon swimming pool, touted as Texas' biggest RV park swimming pool. It offers a refreshing escape during warm Texas days.

• On-Site Store and Supplies: A small store is available for essentials, RV supplies, ice, and even propane filling, minimizing the need to leave the park for basic needs.

• Dining Options: The park features a small bar/grill on the pool deck, serving burgers, quesadillas, salads, and a variety of drinks. Additionally, they sometimes offer special events like pancake breakfasts on Sunday mornings (weather permitting).

• WiFi Access: Stable WiFi is available throughout the park, allowing guests to stay connected, stream entertainment, or manage work remotely.

• Banquet/Meeting Facilities: The historic "Oakdale Casino," a nearly 100-year-old dance hall, has been updated into an event center, offering banquet and meeting facilities for groups and rallies.

• Pet-Friendly Environment: Oakdale Park is explicitly pet-friendly, with numerous dogs often present. The park provides self-serve stations for waste bags, promoting responsible pet ownership.

• Security: The park provides security measures to ensure a safe environment for all guests.

• Historic Status and Charm: Oakdale Park is unique as one of the oldest RV parks in Texas, celebrating its 100th anniversary, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This provides a distinctive, nostalgic atmosphere that sets it apart from newer, more generic parks.

• "The Oakdale Plunge" - Texas' Biggest RV Park Pool: The massive, historic swimming pool (330,000 gallons) is a central attraction. Its size and cleanliness are frequently highlighted by guests as a major draw, offering ample space for swimming and relaxation.

• Walkable to Downtown Glen Rose and Big Rocks Park: The park's location is a significant highlight, allowing guests to walk directly across the street to Big Rocks Park and the Paluxy River for geological exploration and wading. Downtown Glen Rose, with its quaint shops, restaurants, and historic square, is also easily accessible on foot, providing a true small-town experience.

• Proximity to Dinosaur Attractions: Oakdale Park serves as an excellent base for exploring Glen Rose's famous dinosaur-themed attractions. Dinosaur Valley State Park, with its authentic dinosaur footprints, and Fossil Rim Wildlife Center, a drive-through safari, are just a short drive away, offering fantastic family entertainment.

• Vibrant Community Activities: The park often hosts a variety of engaging activities, including live music performances, bluegrass festivals, dulcimer festivals, and even outdoor pancake breakfasts on Sunday mornings. A central fire pit and outdoor stage contribute to a lively and social atmosphere.

• Friendly and Helpful Staff: Numerous reviews consistently praise the staff for being friendly, helpful, and welcoming, contributing significantly to a positive guest experience.

• Diverse Accommodations: In addition to 120 RV sites, the park also offers 22 rustic cabins and bunkhouses, providing flexible lodging options for groups or those without an RV.

• Playground and Recreation Areas: A modern and well-loved children's playground, along with amenities like horseshoes, basketball, and volleyball, ensures plenty of recreational opportunities for families with children.

For inquiries, reservations, or more detailed information about Oakdale Park, please use the following contact details:

Oakdale Park

Address: 1019 NE Barnard St, Glen Rose, TX 76043, USA

Phone: (254) 897-2321

Mobile Phone: +1 254-897-2321

Website: It is recommended to visit their official website (e.g., oakdalepark.com) for online reservations, up-to-date event schedules, and the most comprehensive information on park policies and amenities.

Email: info@oakdalepark.com (as found on some directories)

When planning your visit, especially during peak seasons, holidays, or festival weekends, it is highly advisable to make reservations in advance due to the park's popularity.

For residents of Texas, Oakdale Park in Glen Rose is not just another RV park; it’s a quintessential Central Texas getaway that perfectly blends convenience, family fun, and a touch of local history. Its suitability for locals stems from a combination of its prime location, extensive amenities, and vibrant community atmosphere, making it an ideal choice for a wide array of Texan adventurers.

Firstly, the park’s location is a significant draw. Being only about an hour and a half west of Dallas, it offers an easily accessible escape for a weekend or extended stay, minimizing travel time and maximizing relaxation. This convenience makes it perfect for "shakedown cruises" for new RV owners or spontaneous family trips. The immediate proximity to Glen Rose's cherished attractions, especially being walking distance to Big Rocks Park and the charming downtown square, allows locals to fully immerse themselves in the unique character of this historic town without the hassle of driving. The short drive to world-renowned sites like Dinosaur Valley State Park and Fossil Rim Wildlife Center ensures that there’s always something exciting to explore for every age group, reinforcing Glen Rose's status as a family-friendly destination.

Secondly, Oakdale Park’s impressive array of services and features caters directly to the desires of Texas RVers and families. The full hookup sites with stable power and water provide the comfort and reliability that modern RVers expect. "The Oakdale Plunge," touted as Texas' largest RV park swimming pool, offers a fantastic way to beat the Texas heat, making it a perfect summertime retreat. Beyond the physical amenities, the park fosters a lively community spirit with regular events like live music, fire pit gatherings, and even Sunday morning pancakes, creating opportunities for connection and shared experiences that are often sought after in local Texas communities. The friendly and helpful staff consistently praised by visitors, further enhances the welcoming environment.

Finally, the park’s historical significance, being one of the oldest and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, adds a layer of depth and charm that appeals to Texans who appreciate their state's heritage. This unique character, combined with its well-maintained grounds and diverse recreational opportunities, makes Oakdale Park a "jewel in the heart of Texas" that truly offers something for everyone. Whether you're looking for a relaxing weekend by the pool, an educational family adventure, or a lively community experience, Oakdale Park in Glen Rose is an exceptional choice for locals seeking to explore and enjoy the best of Central Texas.

Oakdale Park

1019 NE Barnard St, Glen Rose, TX 76043, USA