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Last Updated on November 26, 2024 by Paul Clayton
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A Guide on Where to Go Off Roading in Texas
Texas is one of the best states for off-roading, hands down. It has every type of environment you can think of, including cold mountains, arid deserts and tropical forests. There’s always a new trail to discover in the Lone Star state. This comprehensive guide includes all the best off-roading trails, parks and networks in Texas that you need to experience firsthand.
281 Country Club
San Antonio, Texas
Pricing: $20 per vehicle for day passes, $60 for one-month memberships
Regulations: helmets required for non caged bikes
Restrictions: no firearms, no glass containers, no riding after dark without lights, no trucks in ATV areas, no riding through grass areas
The 281 Country Club is a haven for all outdoor enthusiasts. Along with campgrounds and grilling areas, the club has a collection of off-road trails for jeeps, trucks, UTVs and ATVs. The club has multiple ponds and streams, so mudding is the most popular off-road activity here. This place is also one of the few parks encouraging night riding, making it a great club for experienced off-roaders.
Barnwell Mountain Recreation Area
Gilmer, Texas
Pricing: $30 day pass for nonmembers, $15 for members of the Texas Motorized Trails Commission, free for active-duty service members and children aged 6 and under
Regulations: helmets required at all times for bikes and ATVs, hardtop or roll cage required for all 4x4s, OHVs or trail buggies, 15 mph speed limit, all ATV age limits enforced
Restrictions: no open carry or shooting, no double-riding on ATVs and motorcycles, no winching to synthetic structures, no vehicles louder than 95 decibels, no trail riding after 10 p.m., no trailblazing
Barnwell Mountain is a massive off-road recreational area featuring about 1,800 acres of forested terrain. The club has a strict no-trailblazing policy, but following this rule won’t be an issue. Barnwell’s main trail network includes about 50 miles of some of the most well-maintained paths in the entire state. You can spend all day here without riding the same trail twice.
Blue Creek Bridge OHV Area
Sanford, Texas
Pricing: $16 Texas OHV decal and free National Park Service ORV permit required (both must be renewed yearly)
Regulations: helmets required at all times for bikes and ATVs, all minors must drive with an adult passenger, ATVs must have a whip and flag
Restrictions: no night riding, no trailblazing, no excessive tire spinning
Blue Creek Bridge is an off-roading area stretching for about 10 miles around the Blue Creek basin. This off-roading spot is just a small part of the greater Lake Meredith National Recreation Area, so the trails are lightly maintained and pose a real challenge. They’re mostly desert trails, but you will also go through some wooded areas.
Brushy Creek Motor Farm
Royse City, Texas
Pricing: $20 day passes for adults, $10 for children aged 10 and under
Regulations: helmets required at all times for bikes and ATVs, all minors must drive with an adult passenger, lights are highly recommended but not required
Restrictions: no night riding (except on Saturdays), no trailblazing in certain areas
Brushy Creek is a small but prosperous trail network with about eight miles of ATV trails, MX tracks and deep mud holes. The trail conditions have greatly improved in recent years, including more small jumps, berms, water crossings and many other obstacles. No matter what off-road vehicle you drive, you’re in for lots of fun at Brushy Creek.
Buffalo Springs Lake
Lubbock, Texas
Pricing: $21 per vehicle day passes, $142 per adult for season passes
Regulations: must complete an ATV training course before riding, helmet and eye protection required, all children under age 14 must be under adult supervision, children ages 6-11 may only use under 70cc engines, children ages 12-14 may use 70-90cc engines, children aged 16+ may use above 90cc engines.
Restrictions: ATVs not allowed on bridges, bar ditches, thoroughfares or public roads, no glass containers, no night riding, no trailblazing
As you can tell by the regulations, Buffalo Springs Lake is an off-roading park with high standards. The 13 miles of trails include various well-maintained terrains for riders of all ages. This place welcomes every type of off-road vehicle you can think of, making it a perfect place for a family off-roading adventure if you want to bring kids along. They won’t want to miss the amazing views from the park’s 3,100-foot elevation.
Childress ATV Park
Childress, Texas
Pricing: $15 day passes
Regulations: helmets required at all times, ATVs, UTVs and SXSs only allowed in certain areas
Restrictions: no night riding, no trailblazing
Childress is 16 miles of biker heaven. Although this place accepts other types of off-road vehicles, dirt bikes, trail bikes and two-stroke motorcycles are the only ones without any trail restrictions. There is no max engine size, so you will see some powerful bikes during your stay. The motocross tracks are the main attraction, consisting of many small jumps and berms. If off-road biking is your preference, you’ll have a blast here.
Creekside Offroad Ranch
Splendora, Texas
Pricing: $20 per vehicle for day passes
Regulations: helmets not required but strongly recommended, riders under age 18 must be under adult supervision, 5 mph speed limit in parking and camping areas
Restrictions: no open carry, no glass containers, riding double strongly discouraged, no night riding, no trailblazing
Creekside is the Houston area’s premier off-road park. It sits along the banks of the scenic Peach Creek and has some of the state’s most beautiful and challenging trails. You’ll find 350 acres worth of lightly maintained hills, woodlands, sand and mud that pose a real test to novice riders. Creekside is known for its generous off-road vehicle accommodations, including 12 full-service RV campsites. This means lots of guests bring in some big and heavy vehicles. If you want to bring an oversized ride, it’s recommended to use a gated utility trailer to safely unload the vehicles and make life easier for yourself and the park staff.
Eisenhower State Park
Denison, Texas
Pricing: $5 day passes for riders 13 and older, children 12 and under ride free, Texas OHV decal required
Regulations: helmets and eye protection required at all times, only dirt bikes, trail bikes, ATVs, UTVs, quads and four-wheelers
Restrictions: OHVs can’t be wider than 50 inches, no night riding, no trailblazing
Eisenhower State Park consists of five miles of excellent hard-pack trails that mostly run through a state forest, so they are well-maintained and well-supervised. You can find paths for every experience level, from the Pee Wee practice area to the challenging Timber Rattler Run. You’ll also find many scenic views here, including prairies, meadows, high bluff overlooks and amazing views of the nearby Lake Texoma.
Escondido Draw Recreation Area
Ozona, Texas
Pricing: $30 day pass for nonmembers, $15 for members of the Texas Motorized Trails Commission, free for active-duty service members and children aged 6 and under
Regulations: helmets required at all times for bikes and ATVs, hardtop or roll cage required for all 4x4s, OHVs or trail buggies, 15 mph speed limit, all ATV age limits enforced
Restrictions: no open carry or shooting, no double-riding on ATVs and motorcycles, no winching to synthetic structures, no vehicles louder than 95 decibels, no trail riding after 10 p.m., no trailblazing allowed
Escondido Draw is one of the state’s biggest off-road parks, with more than 60 miles and 3,400 acres of trails. Riders encounter just about every type of terrain, so all ATVs are welcome. The park’s most popular area is the rocky desert trail network that takes you up to a 2,200-foot elevation. Escondido also hosts many off-roading events, such as motocross races, enduro circuits and jeep festivals.
Gator Run Offroad Park
Tatum, Texas
Pricing: $10 day passes, $15 weekend passes, $10 per bike, $25 per truck, children aged 5 and under ride free
Regulations: all riders must sign a release waiver upon entry, issued wristbands must be worn at all times, helmets not required but strongly recommended
Restrictions: no glass containers, double riding strongly discouraged, no riding past 8 p.m., no trailblazing
Gator Run is another massive ATV park, with more than 50 miles and 5,200 acres of the gnarliest trails in the state. You’ll find obstacle courses, holes, dunes, deeply forested hills, water crossings and 70 deluxe campsites scattered throughout the network. The park is only open from Friday to Sunday but allows all types of off-road vehicles, including monster trucks.
General Sam’s Offroad Park
Huntsville, Texas
Pricing: $20 day passes, $40 weekend passes
Regulations: riders under age 18 must have a notarized waiver signed by parent or guardian, issued wristbands must be worn at all times
Restrictions: no dirt bikes allowed, no firearms, no glass containers, no night riding, no trailblazing
General Sam’s packs more than 60 miles of trails into just 706 acres, so this place is always brimming with action. The terrain includes six spring-fed creeks, resulting in plenty of water crossings, swamps, mud holes and swimming areas. You’ll also find some impressive dunes and rolling pine woods that give any off-road vehicle a challenge — except for dirt bikes, which aren’t allowed. There is even a merchandise store that provides ATV and SXS parts.
Hidden Falls Adventure Park
Marble Falls, Texas
Pricing: $30 day passes for adult drivers, $18 day passes for adult passengers, $18 day passes for minor drivers, $6 day passes for minor passengers, children ages 6 and under ride free
Regulations: riders under 18 must have a notarized waiver signed by parent or guardian upon entry, riders 15 and under must have adult supervision at all times, vehicles must have placards in full visibility at all times
Restrictions: no firearms, no glass containers, no vehicles louder than 85 decibels, no night riding, no trailblazing
Hidden Falls is Texas’s biggest off-roading haven, with over 240 miles of trails and 3,000 acres of parkland. This place has it all — dunes, mud holes, hard-pack trails, obstacle courses, guided tours, motocross races, monster truck rallies and more. There are even UTV and dirt bike rentals. There is just one downside — the park is only open from Thursday through Sunday. You’re certainly in for an action-packed weekend here.
Lake Buffalo OHV Area
Iowa Park, Texas
Pricing: $16 Texas OHV decal and free National Park Service ORV permit required (both must be renewed yearly)
Regulations: helmets required at all times for bikes and ATVs, all minors must drive with an adult passenger
Restrictions: no vehicles louder than 96 decibels, no night riding, no trailblazing, no excessive tire spinning
The Lake Buffalo OHV area is a five-mile trail network in the greater Buffalo Creek Reservoir, which belongs to the Texas Parks & Wildlife Commission. The rocky desert trails are lightly maintained, so be prepared for a bumpy ride. Lake Buffalo is a perfect place for amateur riders to hone their skills on moderately challenging trails with various obstacles.
Lake Mackenzie ATV Trails
Silverton, Texas
Pricing: $5 day pass for riders and vehicle, $16 Texas OHV decal required
Regulations: all riders must sign release waiver upon entry, 20 mph speed limit, riders aged 6-11 may use under 70cc engines, riders aged 12-15 may use 70-90cc engines, riders 16 and older may use over 90cc engines, riders must always travel in groups of two or more, full-size OHVs must have hard tops or roll cages, approved spark arrestors required, helmets and eye protection required at all times
Restrictions: no 4x4s, jeeps or trucks allowed, no vehicles louder than 96 decibels, no bottles or glass containers, no night riding, no trailblazing,
Lake Mackenzie contains about 35 miles of trails meant for smaller off-road vehicles due to the park’s proximity to nearby communities. Despite the size and noise limits, this place has high-quality dirt, sand and hard-pack trails for any experience level. The paths converge at Lake Mackenzie’s 3,100-foot peak elevation, where you get an amazing view of the park. This place is safe, affordable and a great choice for a family off-roading adventure.
Lake McClellan UTV/ATV Area
Groom, Texas
Pricing: $5 day pass for riders and vehicle, $16 Texas OHV decal required
Regulations: helmets and eye protection required at all times, only dirt bikes, trail bikes, quads ATVs and UTVs allowed on the trails
Restrictions: no 4x4s, dune buggies, jeeps or trucks, no glass containers, no night riding, no trailblazing
Lake McClellan belongs to the Texas Forest Service, so the 10 miles of trails are lightly maintained for conservation purposes. Trail conditions can vary widely throughout the year, so you’re always in for a new adventure at this off-roading park. The Lake McClellan reservoir is currently dried up, so the loose dirt trails are riding faster than usual. This place is a must-visit if you drive a dirt bike or compact ATV.
Lighthouse Hill Ranch
Johnson City, Texas
Pricing: $35 per vehicle for overnight pass, day passes not available
Regulations: riders under 18 must be accompanied by an adult, helmets and eye protection required at all times
Restrictions: no firearms, no glass bottles, no 4x4s, jeeps or trucks, no night riding, no trailblazing
Lighthouse Hill Ranch is primarily known for its high-end glamping suites, but it also has more than 50 miles of some of the most beautiful terrain in Texas. There are numerous springs, ponds and waterfalls, so mudding is highly recommended. The hard-pack trail network takes you through picturesque woodlands and prairie landscapes. Lighthouse Hill might not be extreme enough for off-road enthusiasts, but it’s a perfect getaway for casual off-roaders.
MARS Offroad MX Park
Edinburg, Texas
Pricing: $10 day pass for 65cc bikes, $20 day pass for bikes, ATVs and trucks above 65cc, $5 for passengers and spectators
Regulations: all riders must sign participant waiver upon entry, riders must wear designated wristbands at all times, minors must be accompanied by an adult
Restrictions: no tandem riding, no spectators allowed to stand on the trails, no night riding, no trailblazing, no riding past closed gates
MARS is an eight-mile trail network packed with off-roading activities, including a primary motocross racetrack, ATV trails and youth riding areas. It’s a very well-rounded outdoor recreation park that caters to families first. Adult riders can explore the trails alone, but solo riding requires more gear and preparation than riding with a group. That’s why MARS strongly recommends that families stick together.
Moss Creek Lake
Big Spring, Texas
Pricing: $5 per vehicle for Howard County residents, $20 per vehicle for out-of-county visitors
Regulations: dirt bikes and ATVs only, helmets and eye protection required at all times, all minors must drive with an adult passenger
Restrictions: no UTVs, SXSs, 4x4s, jeeps or trucks, no firearms, no glass containers, no night riding, no trailblazing
Moss Creek Lake is the main outdoor recreation area for the Big Springs community, so it has lots of vehicle restrictions to keep the park safe. However, there’s still lots to do on the five-mile trail network. You can travel up to the 2,350-foot peak, hone your driving skills on the hard-pack desert terrain or check out the 26 sheltered campsites throughout the network.
Mudbuddys ATV Park
Hallettsville, Texas
Pricing: $20 per vehicle, $6.50 per spectator
Regulations: call before you haul, helmets and eye protection must be worn at all times, minors must be accompanied by an adult, 4x4s, jeeps and trucks only allowed in the truck pit
Restrictions: no 4x4s, jeeps and trucks allowed on the trail network, no firearms, no glass containers, no night riding, no trailblazing
As the name suggests, Mudbuddys is all about mud. The 15-mile trail network is full of shady woodlands, water crossings and deep mud pits. It’s the perfect environment for dirty off-roading. Most riders leave the park covered with a thick layer of mud. For this reason, you’ll mostly see ATVs, UTVs and SXSs churning up the trails. If you drive one of these off-road vehicles, you’ll have an awesome time at Mudbuddys.
Northwest OHV Park
Bridgeport, Texas
Pricing: $20 per bike or ATV for residents, $25 per bike or ATV for out-of-towners, $35 for UTVs, jeeps and trucks, $16 Texas OHV decal required, discounts available for residents
Regulations: all riders must sign notarized waiver upon entry, helmets and eye protection required at all times, roll cage or hard top required for 4x4s, UTVs and trail buggies, spark arrestor not required but highly recommended
Restrictions: no night riding (except on predetermined weekends), no trailblazing
Northwest OHV Park is a relatively new off-roading destination, so the driving rules are relaxed and the trails are fresh. Regardless of your vehicle choice, you’ll enjoy exploring the 25 miles of diverse and challenging terrain. Northwest has quickly become famous for its night ride weekends offering some of the state’s best nighttime off-roading.
Red River Motorcycle Trails
Muenster, Texas
Pricing: $30 day pass for guests, $20 day pass for park members, $25 day pass for guests with member present
Regulations: riders must sign notarized waiver upon entry, helmets and eye protection required at all times, spark arrestor not required but highly recommended
Restrictions: no 4x4s, jeeps or trucks, no night riding, no trailblazing
Red River is an off-road motorcyclist’s heaven. It includes 25 miles of moderate to extremely challenging terrain, with various textures and some steep uphill and downhill sections. This trail network is so advanced that Red River has hosted three Last Man Standing off-roading events, which bring in the top enduro racers from around the world. All experienced bikers should visit this place at least once during their travels.
Rent a UTV Offroad Adventures
El Paso, Texas
Pricing: $144 per rental for solo drivers, $219 per rental for drivers with up to three passengers, $5 per hour fuel charge (military members and first responders exempt)
Regulations: all renters must go through 30 minutes of instruction and practice, all drivers must be 18+ years old, helmets and eye protection required at all times
Restrictions: switching drivers is not allowed, no firearms, no glass containers, no night riding, no trailblazing
Rent a UTV offers two rentals — the Polaris General XP4 Deluxe and RZR Turbo R4 Ultimate. These UTVs can take you throughout the park with an optional guided tour. Although the trails only comprise 13 miles, the park is 13,440 acres. A big chunk of that space consists of massive red dunes, which is why people also call this place Red Sands. Four-wheelers will have the best time here, but there are plenty of trails for bikes, too.
River Run ATV Park
Jacksonville, Texas
Pricing: $20 per rider day pass, children 10 and under ride free
Regulations: riders under 18 must be accompanied by an adult or have a waiver signed by parent or guardian, helmets required at all times
Restrictions: no firearms, no glass containers, no night riding, no trailblazing
River Run borders the scenic Neches River, which provides a great variety of terrain. You’ll encounter deep mud bogs, water crossings, steep inclines and pristine woodland trails. You’ll have a great time here regardless of your experience level or vehicle preference. When you’re done riding, consider staying at the 40 campsites scattered around the park.
Rosita Flats OHV Area
Amarillo, Texas
Pricing: $16 Texas OHV decal and free National Park Service ORV permit required (both must be renewed yearly)
Regulations: helmets required at all times for bikes and ATVs, all minors must drive with an adult passenger, ATVs must have a whip and flag
Restrictions: no vehicles louder than 96 decibels, no night riding, no trailblazing, no excessive tire spinning
Rosita Flats includes about 20 miles of arid trails, which comprise a small part of the Lake Meredith National Recreation Area. Don’t let the name fool you — Rosita Flats reaches a maximum elevation of more than 3,000 feet. The lightly maintained desert terrain has plenty of small jumps, mud pits, dunes and other obstacles that pose a healthy challenge to experienced riders.
Sabine ATV Park
Burkville, Texas
Pricing: $10 day pass, $20 two-day pass, $30 three-day pass, children 12 and under ride free
Regulations: riders under 18 must be accompanied by an adult, helmets and eye protection required at all times
Restrictions: no jeeps or trucks, no firearms, no glass containers, no night riding, no trailblazing
Sabine ATV Park is a weekend-only destination, but the limited hours can be forgiven. This place has it all. The 3,000-acre park includes numerous mud holes and water crossings along the Sabine River, so mudding is the most popular activity. There are also well-maintained hard-pack woodland trails and challenging inclines. Sabine hosts many community events, including Mud Nationals and the Off-Road Life Mardi Gras Tour.
Sam Houston National Forest
New Waverly, Texas
Pricing: $16 Texas OHV decal and free National Park Service ORV permit required (both must be renewed yearly)
Regulations: helmets required at all times for bikes and ATVs, all minors must drive with an adult passenger, ATVs must have a whip and flag
Restrictions: no 4x4s, jeeps or trucks, no vehicles louder than 96 decibels, no vehicles wider than 50 inches, no night riding, no trailblazing
The Sam Houston National Forest is one of the biggest national parks in the United States, spanning more than 163,000 acres. The off-road trail network is about 80 miles of marked and unmarked pathways. With such a vast landscape, you can explore the park for days without using the same trail twice. Most are shaded wooded areas, but you’ll also find berms, loose dirt and other moderately challenging obstacles.
Sloppy Bottom Adventure Park
Streetman, Texas
Pricing: $13 day pass, $40 two-day pass, $50 three-day pass, children 10 and under ride free
Regulations: call before you haul
Restrictions: no dirt bikes or motorcycles allowed, no firearms, no glass containers, no night riding, no trailblazing
Sloppy Bottom recently opened as a weekend-only adventure park. The 100-acre property includes about five miles of swampy terrain that makes for a perfect mudding environment. There are also plenty of water crossings, shaded woodlands and hard-pack trails to give riders some variety. Sloppy Bottom maintains its old business as a musical performance site, so you might be able to catch a concert while you’re in town.
Twin Buttes OHV Area
San Angelo, Texas
Pricing: $12 day pass, $16 Texas OHV decal
Regulations: helmets required at all times for bikes and ATVs, all minors must drive with an adult passenger, spark arrestors required for all vehicles
Restrictions: no vehicles louder than 96 decibels, no night riding, no trailblazing, no excessive tire spinning
Twin Buttes is the last OHV area on this list on public land. It offers 15 miles of narrow single-track trails consisting of sand, hard pack and loose chunk rock. This network design makes Twin Buttes highly popular for off-roaders who ride dirt bikes and motorcycles. However, all off-road vehicle types are allowed. You might need a bigger vehicle to get through the prickly pear cacti and scrub brush that pepper the landscape.
Xtreme Off-Road Park
Crosby, Texas
Pricing: $20 day pass, extra $10 for jeeps and trucks, children 12 and under ride free
Regulations: all minors must be accompanied by an adult, helmets required at all times
Restrictions: no firearms, no glass containers, no night riding, no trailblazing
Xtreme Off-Road claims the title of the largest off-road park in the Houston area, containing more than 1,600 acres of wooded trails in the San Jacinto River Valley. There are shaded woodland trails, mud pits, beaches and everything in between. The only thing missing is elevation because the park is so close to the coast.
This place is a free-for-all, with almost no regulations and restrictions compared to other off-road parks. However, that means you need to be more aware of your surroundings. The trails are manageable for beginners, but many veteran off-roaders come here to practice tricks and test their vehicles’ limits.
Everything’s Bigger in Texas
There’s an old saying that everything is bigger in Texas, and that’s certainly true for the state’s off-road destinations. Even the “small” parks on this list are bigger than average compared to the rest of the country. Texans take their outdoor activities seriously. You can expect high-quality trails and service from all these destinations, whether public or private. Put together a road trip plan and add as many stops as possible for a memorable off-roading adventure.