Outside Dallas Is A Hidden Park Known For Hosting One Of The World's Biggest Spider Webs

Everything is bigger in Texas, and that includes the spider webs. Depending on whether you're an arachnophobe or find the eight-legged creatures fascinating, this article will either be a warning or a guide for your next trip. Last chance: Look away if spiders give you the heebie-jeebies.

In August of 2007, Lake Tawakoni State Park in East Texas hosted one of the world's largest spider webs created by the Guatemalan long-jawed spider and several other species. Rangers stumbled upon the massive web while exploring the trails and quickly realized they'd discovered something amazing. The web was so large that it engulfed entire trees and covered about 200 yards of land. "What ran through my mind was that this looked like something out of a low-budget horror movie," explained Park Superintendent Donna Garde to ScienceDaily, "but I was looking at something five times as big as what you'd see on a Hollywood set." 

Although the gauzy expanse looked frightening, it was likely caused by a natural occurrence known as a "mass dispersal event". This happens when thousands upon thousands of young spiders release silk and become airborne. When they land, the silk threads form a carpet, hanging from branches and coating the woods. Another theory is that the spiders worked together to form a mega-web. Although the web disintegrated after a few months, it drew attention to Lake Tawakoni State Park's underrated beauty and variety of outdoor activities.

Located an hour outside Dallas, Lake Tawakoni State Park boasts 376 acres of wooded land overlooking Lake Tawakoni's serene waters. With over 5 miles of shoreline, it's an ideal destination for swimming, fishing, boating, kayaking, and discovering why you should try stand-up paddleboarding. Anglers can fish for largemouth bass, catfish, striped bass, crappie, and white bass from the shore or launch a craft from the four-lane boat ramp. Before visiting the park, check the events page for activities, including ranger-led hikes and kid-friendly fishing days. 

The well-maintained campgrounds (Spring Point Camping Loop and White Deer Reach Camping Loop) offers full hookup sites, partial hookup sites (water and electric), and one group site with a fire ring, picnic tables, and access to clean restrooms. Shaded by oaks, almost all the sites have lake views and feel private. Choose sites 52-58 for some of the best lake views in the park. If you need bait and tackle, a fishing pole rental, snacks, or firewood, stop by the Trading Post.

Outdoor enthusiasts have access to almost 5 miles of trails ranging from easy to moderate. Birders can't miss Spring Point Trail, a 0.4-mile-long path that takes you through the woods to the beach. You might spot an egret, a heron, or a belted kingfisher if you're quiet. For a shady hike through old-growth oaks, try the 1.5-mile Blackjack Trail. Although it can get busy during the weekends, this trail is a good choice for families due to the mostly flat terrain. 

Although the giant spider web from 2007 has vanished, some campers report finding excess spider silk on their vehicles in the morning. Simply brush the webs off your car or RV with a towel, and keep in mind that dew droplets make the threads look bigger. If you're very afraid of spiders, you might want to just plan a day trip to avoid any overnight spider surprises.

Lake Tawakoni State Park is home to many white-tailed deer, some of which might be overly friendly. Don't feed the deer or any other wildlife, and try to keep your site clean so you don't attract the critters. In terms of pets, dogs are allowed at the campground, but they must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet.

If you're looking for more lakefront charm outside of Dallas, visit this underrated park in Texas that has a family-friendly hidden beach with tons of activities. It's only 45 minutes outside the city and offers a water park, jet skis, wakeboarding, and other watersports unavailable at Lake Tawakoni State Park. However, for peace and solitude within an hour of Dallas, choose this lesser-known state park that's a lakeside escape with beautiful campsites and trails.