Best Places for Off-Roading Near Orange, TX

There’s nothing quite like off-roading in a four-wheel-drive vehicle that’s made to handle mud and water obstacles, climb the toughest terrain, and challenge the skill of the driver. Texas is full of off-road parks that deliver all of these elements and offer a place for you to park your RV or camp in a tent under the wide-open skies. Here at Granger Chevrolet, we want to share our list of favorite off-roading parks to help you have a good time on your days off.

These off-road parks are a great place to take your off-road vehicle, side-by-side, all-terrain vehicle, or dirt bike out for a day or weekend of fun. All parks charge an entry fee that is subject to change, so be sure to call ahead to find out about the going rate. At Granger Chevrolet, we want you to have fun, and always use your safety gear when off-roading.

Gator Run Offroad Park

Image via Flickr by mybulldog License CC BY 2.0

Gator Run, also known as Alligator Run, bills itself as “The biggest, baddest off-road park in Texas.” Located in Easton, Texas, the park is open year-round and offers riding trails and extreme terrain. It allows almost every kind of off-road vehicle into the park including ATVs, UTVs, trucks, Jeeps, and dirt bikes. Gator Run also has RV campsites that can be reserved in advance and free primitive campsites for tents along with restrooms, showers, pressure washers, air pumps, and other comforts.

The park consists of 5,200 acres and visitors to the park will find sand drags, mud pits for monster trucks, dune climbs and jumps, an obstacle course, and other challenging trails. There are a few restrictions and rules for the park, including engaging in polite behavior and not getting into fights. If you’re not sure your vehicle will be allowed in Gator Run Offroad Park, call ahead to ask.

Barnwell Mountain Recreational Area

The Barnwell Mountain Recreational Area is located 5 miles north of Gilmer, Texas, and is operated by the Texas Motorized Trails Coalition. It’s considered one of the best off-highway parks in the U.S. The park covers 1,850 acres made up primarily of forested land. Off-road vehicles allowed in the park include motorcycles, OHVs with a current Texas Parks & Wildlife OHV sticker, and ATVs. The park is open every weekend starting at noon on Thursday and closing at 6:00 p.m. on Sunday. RV and primitive campsites are available for rent.

There are about 50 trails that offer various types of off-roading challenges for enthusiasts. Drivers who want to enjoy a scenic view as they make their way through the trails have quite a few options while those who want to put their vehicle’s modifications to the test can pick from multiple trails that push 4x4s to their limit. Always observe the park rules in order to have a fun time and finish the challenges without damaging your vehicle or yourself.

Rabbit Creek Offroad

Rabbit Creek Offroad is located in Kilgore, Texas, and is open seven days a week for off-roading activities and camping. It consists of 980 acres and is about 2 square miles in size. The landscape is mostly wooded, and the trails are designed for driver skill levels that include easy, intermediate, experienced, and expert. Vehicles allowed in the park include motorcycles, ATVs, UTVs, and side-by-sides.

Rabbit Creek features a lot of mud pits and bogs, water crossings, and trails full of varied terrain to provide the kind of challenge you’re seeking. You’ll cross under bridges, climb inclines on dirt trails, and get to enjoy the wooded scenery as you travel through the park.

Sloppy Bottom Park

Sloppy Bottom Park is a small park consisting of 100 acres situated in Streetment, Texas. The park welcomes all types of four-wheel vehicles but does not allow motorcycles or dirt bikes. However, you can bring your Jeep, SUV, dune buggy, and sand rail to explore the park. Drivers get to experience wooded trails, sloppy terrain, and mud pits to put their 4×4 driving skills to the test. Getting stuck in the mud is to be expected when traveling the trails at Sloppy Bottom Park.

The park features RV campsites with hookups along with primitive campsites. It frequently holds events that combine live music, BBQ, fireworks, and guided night rides through the trail system. A concession stand serves hot food that hits the spot after a long day of riding, and there’s a swimming hole for all to enjoy.

Xtreme Off-Road Park and Beach

Xtreme Off-Road Park and Beach in Crosby, Texas, combines the thrill of driving off-road trails with recreational activities that are fun for everyone. It welcomes dirt bikes, motorcycles, ATVs, UTV and side-by-sides, dune buggies, SUVs, and Jeeps. ATV and UTV rentals are available at the park. Drivers and riders will encounter hill climbs, small lakes, mud bogs, wood trails, and competition trails to test a driver’s skill. The trails themselves include loose dirt, hard pack, mud, rocks, and sand, and are designed for novice and amateur drivers.

RV and camping sites are available, and campers can choose the option to go primitive or rent a tent site along one of the lakes and enjoy full hookups. It’s advisable to make a reservation for a campsite as the sites fill up quickly. Several beaches and BBQ spots are available throughout the park for guests to use. The park is open seven days a week, weather permitting, and a valid ID is required to enter the park.

This concludes the list of our favorite places to go off-roading in the area around Orange, Texas. Did we miss a park that you think we should include? Get in touch with us to let us know about it, and we’ll make sure to add it in our next update. In the meantime, stop into our dealership to check out the latest in Chevrolet models that are hitting the showroom floor and take one out for a spin. You might find your next 4×4 vehicle that’s perfect for off-road activities on our lot.