Fossils near Waco, TX
7 of the mapped rockhounding spots within 150 miles of Waco report fossil. The closest is S side of US 287, about 63 miles out (1 hr 19 min drive).
Fossil collecting spots cluster around exposed sedimentary rock: road cuts, creek banks, quarries, and badlands where erosion keeps bringing fresh material to the surface.
Map of 7 fossil collecting spots within 150 miles of Waco, Texas
Closest fossils spots to Waco
- S side of US 287Ellis County, Texas63 mi · 1 hr 19 min driveFossil Leaf Prints
- General AreaEllis County, Texas66 mi · 1 hr 22 min driveFossilized Shark Teeth
- Whiskey Bridge (Brazos River)Burleson County, Texas73 mi · 1 hr 31 min driveFossil Snails, Fossilized Shells, Coral
- General Area N.E. Lake BridgeportWise County, Texas125 mi · 2 hr 37 min driveFossils
- Lyndon B. Johnson National Grassland (Black Creek Lake)Wise County, Texas128 mi · 2 hr 40 min driveFossilized Oysters, Agate, Petrified Wood
- Road cut on E side of US 87Gillespie County, Texas141 mi · 2 hr 56 min driveFossils
Types of fossils reported near Waco
Counts reflect how many spots in this radius mention each variety.
- Fossilized Oysters2
- Fossilized Shark Teeth2
- Fossils2
- Ammonites1
- Fossil Leaf Prints1
- Fossil Snails1
- Fossilized Shells1
Every fossil spot within 150 miles of Waco
Sorted by distance from Waco. Tap a row for directions, access status, and nearby trips.
| Spot | County | Minerals | Coordinates | Access |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S side of US 287US 287 | Ellis County |
| 32.4434, -96.9226 | Public |
| General AreaWest US Highway 287 | Ellis County |
| 32.4929, -97.0392 | Public |
| Whiskey Bridge (Brazos River) | Burleson County |
| 30.6267, -96.5439 | Public |
| General Area N.E. Lake Bridgeport | Wise County | 33.2619, -97.8508 | Public | |
| Lyndon B. Johnson National Grassland (Black Creek Lake) | Wise County |
| 33.3488, -97.6589 | Public |
| Road cut on E side of US 87South US Highway 87 | Gillespie County | 30.1611, -98.8934 | Public | |
| Ladonia Fossil Park | Fannin County |
| 33.4341, -95.9200 | Public |
Fossils near Waco FAQ
Where can I find fossils near Waco?+
7 mapped spots within about 150 miles of Waco report fossil. The closest is S side of US 287 in Ellis County County, roughly 63 miles away (1 hr 19 min drive). The full list with coordinates is on this page.
Can I collect fossils on public land near Waco?+
7 of the 7 spots here sit on land mapped as publicly accessible. Casual hand collecting of common rocks and minerals is allowed on most BLM and Forest Service land with limits set by the local field office; national parks and most state parks are closed to collecting. Confirm current rules with the managing agency before a trip.
Is it legal to keep fossils I find?+
On federal land, common invertebrate and plant fossils (shells, corals, trilobites, leaf prints) may be collected casually for personal use. Vertebrate fossils (bone, teeth, anything with a backbone) are protected on federal land and need a research permit. Private land follows the landowner's permission. When in doubt, photograph it, note the location, and ask the managing agency.
How far from Waco do I need to drive?+
The nearest fossil spot is about 63 miles out, and the farthest on this list is 149 miles. Most fall inside a normal weekend day-trip radius.
Keep exploring from Waco
Fossils near other cities
Hunt fossils around Waco with the map in your pocket
RockHoundR shows these spots on an offline map with public land overlays, geology layers, weather, and a log for your finds.
