If you are looking for a smaller lake for boating and camping near the DFW Metroplex, then allow us to share one of our best secrets with you, Bardwell Lake!
During our visit, we learned that all of the Army Corp of Engineers parks have been closed due to Government funding cuts on recreation, except for High View Park. The other parks are scheduled to open April 1st, 2015. Hopefully, this isn’t a joke!
Check out My Mommy Tips for making the most of your visit!
1. Know Before You Go
A day pass for a vehicle is $4, and gives you access to all the parks (when open). For only $30, you can purchase a year long pass to ALL Army Corp. of Engineer parks. Visit Recreation.gov for a list of all parks.
2. Camping
There are several RV and tent camping sites, all along the lake. I like this because we can leave our boat tied up and keep a watch on it. We really liked Campsite #47, which was close enough to walk down to the water, and tie off a boat, but not too close to worry about little children wandering off. There is also plenty of space to throw a football or frisbee, or fly a kite.
Each campsite comes with a covered picnic table and grill.
Restrooms are located near the tent camping sites. Always bring toilet paper and soap, because you never know.
The kids enjoyed riding bikes around the camping loop.
3. Swim Beach
A roped off swim beach is the place to be during the summer! The beach is composed of small pebbles which have been brought in. You may not be able to build a sandcastle, but they are fun for hauling in toy dump trucks and in sand shovels.
There are a couple of covered benches at the swim beach, but no tables or shade. Bring an easy up to create your own swim beach “camp”.
No lifeguards are on duty. Swim at your own risk. Don’t forget your life jackets.
Bring floats for lounging, and avoiding the typical Texas lake ooze on the bottom.
4. Fishing
Shore fishing is allowed in the park. Anyone 17 or older requires a valid fishing license.
High View Marina offers paid fishing on their docks. They have a monthly crappie fishing tournament, also.
Check out their “Family Ties” hand tied lures they make and sell while you are there. For more information, click HERE.
5. High View Marina
Located inside the park, you can purchase gas (for boat) and basic necessities at the marina.
More To Do in Ennis
High View Park on Bardwell Lake is one of 4 lakefront parks operated by the Army Corp. of Engineers that offer camping, boating, swimming and hiking. Click HERE to read more.
Bluebonnet Park has a great fishing pond, hiking trail, playground and ball fields. Click HERE for more information.
Firehouse Grill in downtown Ennis is a wonderful small town restaurant! The chicken fried steak was terrific, as was the homemade buttermilk pie! The staff was terrific, too! It’s the go-to place after a day at the park or before a movie at the Galaxy! Click HERE to visit their website.
Dinner and a movie couldn’t be better, unless it’s at the Galaxy Drive In! Every movie is a double feature, and they even have a putt putt course during the summer for before the movies! Click HERE for more information.
Meadowview Nature Area is only open in April, and a terrific place to go see and photograph bluebonnets, with a beautiful backdrop of Lake Bardwell. Part of the famous Ennis Bluebonnet Trails, the street signage reads Bluebonnet City Park.
High View Park
262 High View Marina Rd, Ennis, TX 75119
(972) 875-5711
Click HERE for reservations and more information
Keep Having Fun in the TEXAS Sun!
Michelle
