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    Little Elm Park

    4.3 (45 reviews)
    Open 10:00 am - 9:00 pm

    Little Elm Park Parks Photos

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    Karen 2.

    they had a fun christmas lights drive thru display here though it was a bit overpriced imo.

    Beach
    Cole C.

    What a great little sandy swimming beach. It's fun for all ages until around 3pm when DFW's version of the Jersey Shore rolls in. The place goes from peaceful to TRASHY in the span of about 15 minutes. Until then: The beach area is small but we had no trouble grabbing a good sized spot on a June Saturday at 9:30am. Bring sand toys, inflatable rafts, footballs, and your own form of shade. The swimming area is large, but stays shallow quite a ways out. There are free life vests to borrow if you need one. Alcohol is permitted, as long as it's not in a glass. I did see police patrolling. The bathrooms are completely inadequate for the number of people who swarm the beach. Ladies: expect to wait. But they aren't the worst public bathrooms, and in fact are a lot better than the beach bathrooms I'm used to. There are showers by the entrance to hose off the sand when you leave. Parking on a weekend is $10 and THEY DON'T TAKE CASH. Weird! I saw a few reviews comparing Little Elm Park to CA beaches ("these ain't no california beaches" or something like that). I am a native San Diegan who just left 32 years by the beach to move to Texas, so if anyone knows CA beaches it's me. Is this anything like going to the beach in CA? Kinda. I mean, there is sand. There is swimming. There is sun, and there is even the occasional wave when a big boat drives by. On the other hand, the sandy shore is tiny (only 25' or so from the water to the sidewalk in some areas). The water is murky, and only gets browner as you shuffle around in it. The lake bottom is a clay-like substance - not sand - and the water is WARM. But who cares?! There are plenty of great things about swimming at a lake that the CA beach can't touch. For example, try peacefully floating around in a Dollar Tree inflatable raft with a beer in your hand. You'll be tossed overboard in 30 seconds flat - if the police don't get to you first for illegal possession of alcohol on a beach. The lake doesn't pummel you under it's waves or wrap you with it's seaweed. The sand is soft. The clay is squishy under your feet. There are no sharks or stingrays. These are all great things! My advice for the California transplant is to let go of your Pacific Ocean standard and just enjoy the lake for what it is. FUN. (Just plan on leaving before 3)

    Facing the north side of the park, west of the playground on June 20, 2020.
    Cassandra R.

    Little Elm Park has become our family staple for our "lake days." We moved to DFW from San Diego almost a year and a half ago, so yes, I'll be commenting on the unfair comparison to the beaches. When you pull in there's a road about 15-20 cars long before the first parking lot. On the weekends you'll pay $10 (currently only via card) to park. There's a huge lot to the left that is closer to the beaches. Once you turn into the west parking lot (near the playground), if you pull through, there's a one way circle near a few buildings (these are bathrooms and a grill). The circle is the best parking, in my opinion. After you park you've got a choice of setting yourself up on the sand or on the grass. The lake is clay bottomed (because--nature). So we bring swim shoes--sometimes they help, sometimes they get stuck and we peel them off. There are water sports for rent at the northern parking lot on the left (north north after you pass the playground and trees) once you enter from the south. You can rent paddle boards or kayaks. We bring an inflatable inter tube and an inflatable kayak. My husband and I have 2 boys currently 4 and 7 years old. We love a day at the lake. We bring a cooler (with lunch, snacks, drinks, beer), a canopy, camping chairs and a wagon to tote it all. In comparison to CA beaches, they're different. The beach is shorter than a SoCal beach. There is grass and trees up to the water (and in the water if it rains too much before you go). There are no waves and it's warm). It could be said I like it better because I'm not stressed from finding parking before we get there. Lost star because though the bathrooms are cleaner than most, they aren't great. The water is murky and the beach is relatively small. It's still really good, but it doesn't give me the pride I would need for 5 stars.

    #lakefrontlittleelm
    Grace Z.

    Great trails for walking and biking around the lake. Plenty of parking, but spread out so of you're trying to get a good parking spot closer to the lake beach then arrive early or at slower times.

    Ronak S.

    We did the hike at Little Elm Lakefront Trail for 7.7 miles and it was a nice hike. There weren't many scenic views of the lake but the terrain was flat and it was an easy hike. Overall, fun experience and good way to get active near the area.

    Just in time to catch sunset at the beach!
    Xavier M.

    A great, peaceful day at Little Elm Beach. They've added a lot more sand to make the beach area larger since the last time we visited, Pre-COVID.

    Welcome to Little Elm
    Chana J.

    Holiday on 10 miles away. Crazy to know that this park is only a few miles from West Frisco : Plano. It's like a hidden gym to this new suburbanite in Frisco Tx. The trails and lake views makes for a relaxing hike, bike or stroll with the family or pet. An array of options await, tons of sand volleyball courts, green space, "beach" , covered pavilion and small hill to kick back and enjoy a picnic or a game of horseshoe. The boat ramp is easy to navigate and DFW Surf is onsite for kayak rentals. Truly a fun time can be had, only a few miles away from the city.

    Moth!
    Shane Y.

    Yes, this park is great for all the reasons that the other reviewers have listed. But allow me to introduce a new perspective: it's perfect for those of you guys out there (however few there are) who are looking to collect insects. That's right! This park has one of the largest variety of insects I've seen. And I'm being genuine here. I'm not veiling this review as a criticism. I'm one of those weirdos who are actually interested in insect collection, and let me tell you, this place is perfect for that. In about 25 minutes, I spotted at least 30 different families of insects. And let me emphasize again about the large assortment of insects found here. From dragonflies(yes both Libelluloidea and Aeshnoidea) to bees (not just your typical honeybees!) to barklice to beetles and of course the ever ubiquitous hemipterans! I was truly astounded from amount I saw. And almost all I saw were not dangerous or poisonous so collect away! If you or someone you know is looking to start an insect collection, make Little Elm Park your first stop. You won't regret it!

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    3 years ago

    Beautiful! Love it. Huge beach. Tons if nature. Nice playground. Lots of parking.

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    9 years ago

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    3 years ago

    It is super cool and the the park is very fun the sand is very soft and smooth the zip line is fast and fun

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    4 years ago

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    3 years ago

    I miss the days of not having to pay for parking. It's not a bad park, but it's a shame to have to pay to use the area most of the time.

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    5 years ago

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    9 years ago

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    3 years ago

    clean and nice place !!! me and husband came here and we both loved it!! we're definitely coming back again

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    7 years ago

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    8 years ago

    A public park that started charging $10 for parking / entry!! I thought our tax money pays for the parks, roads and schools?

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    Ask the Community - Little Elm Park

    Are dogs allowed?

    Hi there! Yes, dogs are allowed in the park (on a leash). No dogs are allowed on the beach. -- Erin

    View All 4 Questions

    Review Highlights - Little Elm Park

    A great, peaceful day at Little Elm Beach.

    Mentioned in 2 reviews

    Read more highlights

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    Little Elm Park - parks - Updated May 2026

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