Escape the Crowd: The Best Free Public Pickleball Courts in Dallas
Last updated: January 2026
We get it. You love the vibe at Cole Park, but you hate waiting 45 minutes to play one game to 11. If you are serious about getting reps in, you need to head north. The suburbs of North Dallas are home to the city’s best-organized and most accessible free courts.
1. Campbell Green (Far North Dallas)
Located near Hillcrest and Campbell Rd, Campbell Green is the "Cole Park" of North Dallas, but with a major difference: It is about the sport, not the scene.
- The Courts: 6 Dedicated Pickleball courts with permanent nets and lights.
- The Culture: This is where the 3.5+ and 4.0+ players grind. The skill level here is generally higher than the social crowds in Uptown. It is less about taking selfies and more about third-shot drops.
- The Efficiency: Because the crowd is more experienced, the rotation system (paddle stacking) moves incredibly fast. You will play twice as many games here in an hour compared to Uptown.
2. Fretz Tennis Center (Far North Dallas)
Just down the street from Campbell Green is Fretz Tennis Center. While famous for tennis, they have embraced the pickleball boom.
- The Setup: Fretz has added dedicated pickleball lines to several courts and often hosts league play.
- The Bonus: Because it is a staffed facility (unlike the unstaffed public parks), the courts are immaculately maintained. If a net breaks at a park, it stays broken. If a net breaks at Fretz, it gets fixed.
- Cost: Note that Fretz may charge a small reservation fee ($3-$5) depending on the court usage, unlike the completely free parks, but the guaranteed reservation is worth it.
3. Churchill Park (Near 635)
Located near 635 and Hillcrest, Churchill Park is the perfect "Overflow" option. If Campbell Green is hosting a local tournament or is packed, Churchill is 5 minutes away.
- Vibe: Quieter and more neighborhood-focused. It’s a great spot for drilling with a partner or playing singles where you want the court to yourself for an hour.
4. Comparison Table
| Park | Area | Type | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Campbell Green | Far North | Dedicated (Free) | Competitive Rec Play |
| Fretz Center | Far North | Managed (Low Fee) | Reservations / Reliability |
| Churchill Park | North Dallas | Shared (Free) | Drilling / Overflow |
5. Frequently Asked Questions
Are there bathrooms at Campbell Green?
Yes. Campbell Green has a recreation center on-site with restrooms, though they are only accessible during the rec center's operating hours. Plan accordingly for late-night play.
Do I need to bring a net to Churchill Park?
Usually, no. Churchill Park has permanent nets on its dedicated courts. However, if you are playing on the overflow tennis courts that have pickleball lines, you will need a portable net.
Is Campbell Green lighted?
Yes. The courts have lights that run until 10:30 PM. It is one of the most popular spots for evening play in North Dallas.
Level Up Your Game
The players at Campbell Green are no joke. If you find yourself getting smashed in open play, it's time to refine your strategy. Golden Racket Academy offers private coaching in North Dallas to help you move from the 3.0 courts to the 4.0 courts.