Katie’s Woods Park

Welcome to Katie’s Woods Park

Lake Grapevine, Texas

Park Hours: 5 am to 10 pm

Fee: No fee required for park day-use, but boat ramp fee required if launching a boat

Located just minutes from the bustling streets of Historic Downtown Grapevine, Katie’s Woods Park offers a serene escape into the natural beauty of North Texas. Often considered a “hidden gem” compared to the larger, high-traffic parks on Lake Grapevine, this 50-acre destination is a favorite for local anglers, hikers, and boaters seeking a quieter experience.

Whether you’re planning a weekend fishing trip or a peaceful sunset hike, this summary explores everything you need to know about Katie’s Woods Park.

Prime Boating and Water Access

For many visitors, the main draw of Katie’s Woods is its superior boat launch facilities. The Katie’s Woods Boat Ramp is widely regarded as one of the best on the south side of the lake due to its protected location within a deep-water cove.

  • Dual Ramp System: The park features a standard two-lane concrete ramp for normal lake levels and a dedicated high-water ramp. This ensures that even during rainy seasons when other ramps may close due to flooding, Katie’s Woods often remains accessible.
  • Wind Protection: Because the ramp is nestled in a cove, it is shielded from the heavy southern winds that can make launching difficult at more exposed parks like Oak Grove.
  • Ample Parking: The park provides 47 trailer-accessible parking spaces. However, because of its popularity with local boaters, these spots tend to fill up early on summer weekends and holidays.

Hiking the Katie’s Woods Trails

If you prefer land-based adventures, the Katie’s Woods Trails offer some of the most scenic views in the Grapevine trail system. Unlike the paved paths found in nearby urban parks, these trails provide a more rugged, “wooded” feel.

  • Moderate Terrain: Spanning approximately 2.1 miles, these trails are rated as “moderate.” They wind through thickets of Cross Timbers oaks and lead hikers toward sandstone cliffs.
  • Cliffside Vistas: One of the park’s best-kept secrets is the rocky shoreline. The trails lead to elevated points that overlook the water, offering a perfect vantage point to watch the sunset or gaze across the cove at the Gaylord Texan Resort and the Glass Cactus.
  • Connectivity: For those looking for a longer trek, these paths connect to the broader Grapevine trail network, allowing for miles of exploration along the southern shoreline.

Fishing and Shoreline Recreation

Anglers frequently flock to Katie’s Woods for its diverse shoreline. The rocky coves and sandstone outcroppings provide excellent structure for fish, making it a premier spot for bank fishing.

Common species caught at Katie’s Woods include:

  • Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass
  • White Bass (Sand Bass)
  • Channel Catfish
  • Crappie

The park’s “passive recreation” design means you won’t find bustling playgrounds or swimming pools here. Instead, it offers a small, natural swim area and a handful of covered picnic tables, making it ideal for a low-key family lunch or a quiet afternoon with a book by the water.

Logistics: Fees, Hours, and Rules

To maintain the park’s pristine condition, the City of Grapevine manages it as a designated fee area. As of 2026, the following logistics apply:

Entry and Boat Fees

  • Day Use: The park area itself is generally free for day-use visitors (hikers and picnickers).
  • Boat Launch Fee: There is a standard fee of $10 per launch ($20 on July 4th and holiday weekends).
  • Payment Method: The park is strictly credit/debit only. You can pay at the digital kiosk, via the Flowbird app, or through “Scan to Pay” signs located at the entrance.

Hours of Operation

  • General Park Hours: 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
  • Boaters: The boat ramp remains open 24 hours for vehicles with boat trailers, allowing for early-morning launches and late-night fishing trips.

Location

Katie’s Woods Park is conveniently located at 1700 Katie’s Woods Drive, Grapevine, TX 76051. It is easily accessible via Dooley Road, making it a quick trip for residents of Grapevine, Southlake, and Colleyville.

Why Visit Katie’s Woods Park?

While Meadowmere Park is known for its “WhoaZone” water park and Oak Grove is known for its massive sports complexes, Katie’s Woods Park is defined by its tranquility and natural topography. It is the park you choose when you want to avoid the crowds, launch your boat with ease, or enjoy a sunset from a rocky cliff.

Its proximity to the Gaylord Texan also makes it a unique spot for “people watching” from a distance—you can enjoy the quiet of the woods while watching the lake’s activity across the water.

Located at:

1700 Katie’s Woods Loop

Grapevine, Texas 76051

Katie's Woods Park Lake Grapevine