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Bardwell Lake - COE/Waxahachie Creek
Overview
Waxahachie Creek Park is a scenic Army Corps of Engineers destination situated along the shores of Bardwell Lake. It offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and outdoor recreation, making it a favorite for travelers seeking a quiet escape from the urban sprawl of the Dallas-Fort Worth area. The park is characterized by its spacious campsites and a lush canopy of hardwood trees that provide ample shade during the hot Texas summers. This is a destination defined by its tranquil lakeside atmosphere and natural charm.
Location & Surroundings
Located just outside of Ennis, Texas, the park sits on the northwestern edge of Bardwell Lake. The surrounding terrain is a mix of dense oak and pecan forests and rolling shoreline. Visitors often note the serene atmosphere, where the sounds of the city are replaced by rustling leaves and the gentle lapping of water. The park’s position allows for stunning waterfront views and provides a sense of seclusion despite being conveniently close to major highways and city services.
Amenities & Park Features
The park features well-maintained campsites equipped with water and electric hookups, accommodating both small travel trailers and larger motorhomes. On-site facilities include modern restrooms with showers and a convenient dump station for travelers. For those who enjoy life on the water, the four-lane boat ramp provides easy access for fishing and water sports. Families often appreciate the available playgrounds and designated picnic areas that are tucked under the shade of the majestic trees throughout the grounds.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Outdoor enthusiasts will love exploring the Waxahachie Creek Hiking and Biking Trail, which winds through the woods near the park. Fishing is a major draw here, with the lake being well-stocked with hybrid striped bass and crappie. If you visit in April, the world-famous Ennis Bluebonnet Trails offer a breathtaking display of wildflowers nearby. Additionally, the high-octane excitement of the Texas Motorplex is just a short drive away for those seeking a different kind of adrenaline.
Who This Park Is Best For
This park is an ideal choice for nature lovers and families who prefer a more rustic, natural environment over a crowded concrete resort. It is a fantastic spot for birdwatchers and anglers looking for easy lake access. Because of its peaceful nature and proximity to the city, it is also perfect for weekend getaway travelers looking to unwind without sacrificing essential hookup amenities while staying in one of the most scenic, wooded settings in North Texas.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- Hunting Nearby (within 20 miles)
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Nic A
Always closed, people living there super rude about it like it’s their home private property. DO NOT GO unless you want to get treated poorly for trying to use a public lake. Both websites and Google will say it’s open but it’s not.
Bryan Davis
Went to Ennis TX and stayed at the COE Waxahachie Creek on Bardwell Lake. It just opened back up after being closed for a few years. They need to close it back down again and have contractors come in and modernize it. Looks like they installed new water lines. But the areas around the sites need to be mowed and reworked to make it more level and to make it easier to get campers in and out of especially with slides, very tight turns. The electric needs to be gone through and fixed. Two of our sites and another family had issues with power and had to move. The back up sites had worn out 30 amp outlets had to use 50 amp adapter. The gate host were nice and tried to help us find new spots to move to. Also one site played his music loud till after midnight Told the camp host about it, later found out from another camper that it was the camp host drunk adult son. Still was playing it loud the next night. Would be a great camp ground if it was brought up to speed. Checked out the other camp ground on the lake (High View and Mott) were better but the sites were short and not level for the most part. Went there to see the Blue Bonnets and attend the festival in Ennis. Which was worth the trip. Want to go back sometime to the festival and other activities that Ennis has but will find somewhere else to camp till the issues are fixed. Ennis should take it over and make it a city operated campground and make it nice.
Denise Higdon
Waxahachie Creek Park is an awesome place to camp!! We prefer this area over the other options. The amenities are great with beautiful trees. You can't go wrong choosing this park.
Charles Rudd
Sadly we have heard that Waxahachie Creek Park will not be opening up this camping season Not sure why but was looking to many weekends camping there this year 😞 heartbroken The other campgrounds do not have the big shade trees like this one
Greg Artz
Love the spots on this lakeside park. This is definitely on our top go to parks! Only bad thing is it is only opened 6 months of the year!