Lake Rita Blanca State Park

Once the northernmost state park in Texas, Lake Rita Blanca Park is now owned and maintained by the City of Dalhart, Texas. Lake Rita Blanca is 150 acres and a great place for bird watching, especially over the winter months. The more than 1600-acre parkland around the lake offers many different outdoor recreation activities for visitors to explore and enjoy.

Visitors to Lake Rita Blanca Park may hike, bike, or ride horses on the trails through the park, tent camp in spots around the lake, or bring children for some play time on the playground equipment. Additionally, the park has a new nine-hole disc golf course. There is also a new picnic pavilion with a staging area

Part of the lake is stocked with trout. Fishing is open year-round, but Texas Parks and Wildlife rules require visitors to carry a valid fishing license. The park is open daily, but the playground closes at 10 PM. Campers must pay $3 per person. For additional information, contact the City of Dalhart at 806-244-5511. The City of Dalhart continues to make improvements to the park, some of which have been completed already and some are currently underway.

If you bring your dog with you on your visit to Lake Rita Blanca Park, always be sure to keep them on a leash no longer than six feet in length at all times. In addition, you should never allow your dog to dig, disturb wildlife, or become a nuisance to other visitors. Also, always clean up after yourself and your furry friend.

If you go hiking with your dog, always come prepared with plenty of water for you and your pet. Be alert and wary of hazards on the trail, and as with any park or recreation area, come prepared with your own doggy waste bags and always place used bags in proper trash containers. In North Texas, Rita Blanca Park offers many different activities to spend the day or a weekend enjoying the great outdoors with your family and furry companions.