Do I have to have a Lake Activity Permit for a Fishing Tournament?

Yes. Click here for a link to the Lake Activity Permit Request Form

Which camping park is closest to Ennis?

High View Park

When are the camping parks open?

High View Park is open year-round. Mott and Waxahachie Creek Park are seasonal parks April 1st to September 31st. Seasonal weather such as flooding events can cause closure.

How Long can I stay at Bardwell?

You may stay at Bardwell Lake(meaning any stay at any campground on Bardwell Lake is included) for up to 14 days in a given 30 day window. With the exception of America The Beautiful Passes, no discounts are given for camping.

Which boat ramp is open 24 hours a day? Which ones are free to access?

Little Mustang is open 24 hours a day, and is free to access.

If I arrive after 10:00pm at a camping park, will I be able to get in the park?

No, our parks are open from 6:00am until 10:00pm, after that the parks are closed for security purposes. You may leave but will not have access to re-enter unless you park at the gate (do not block the entrance or exit) and have to walk back to your site.

What kind of birds have been documented at Bardwell Lake?

Click below on the following link: Bardwell e-bird list

Is Geocaching allowed at Bardwell Lake?

Yes, the US Army Corps of Engineers at Bardwell Lake permits geocaching upon project lands in keeping with its mission to provide quality public recreational activites. Before placement of a geocache on Corps of Engineers managed lands, a permit application must be submitted to the Bardwell Lake Project Office and approved. Permits are subject to conditions. Please contact the Bardwell Lake Project Office, 972-875-5711, Monday - Friday 7:30-4:00 for more information and permit application. Geocaches on Corps of Engineers managed lands are monitored and any unpermitted geocaches will be removed until such a time a permit request is received and approved.

Is Metal Detecting allowed at Bardwell Lake?

Metal detecting is NOT ALLOWED anywhere on Bardwell Lake.

Can I collect arrowheads or geodes? Can I dig for artifacts?

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has a responsibility for ensuring that properties of a cultural, historical, or traditional nature located on Corps lands are preserved and managed appropriately. Removal of any artifcat, prehistoric or historic, from Federal lands is a violation of both Federal regulations and Federal law. Conviction for digging for artifacts can result in both substantial financial penalty which could be as much as a $250,000.00 and incarceration of up to five years. It is all of our responsibilities to ensure that the cultural resource present at Bardwell Lake are protected. To prevent the destruction of these sensitive resources and prevent possible prosecution, please leave any artifacts where you see them and report their presence to the lake office.

What is the firewood policy?

Firewood Alert: Bardwell Lake is included as a firewood quarantine area. When camping or picknicking at this recreation area, please purchase your firewood from a vendor who sells certified heat-treated firewood. Don't bring firewood from home. Help prevent the spread of Emerald ash borer and other invasive pests.