Fort Richardson State Park, Historic Site & Lost Creek Reservoir State Trailway
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Try your luck fishing at Quarry Lake or at Lake Jacksboro, at our north park unit. -
Tour the surviving buildings at Fort Richardson, including the post hospital. -
Learn about army medical practices and equipment at displays in the post hospital. -
Bring the family for a swim and picnic at our North Park. -
Buffalo Soldiers were among the Army personnel stationed at Fort Richardson to protect settlers. -
Experience life on a frontier Army post on tours or at special events.
On the Texas Frontier
Soldiers at Fort Richardson protected settlers along the Texas frontier. Today, you can walk in the footsteps of those soldiers. But you can also camp and explore the countryside they protected on foot, bike or horseback.
Things to Do
Don’t miss our main attraction, the grounds and buildings of Fort Richardson, established in the 1860s. But that’s not all you can do here!
Our north park has a swim beach, trails, kayak launch and campsites.
The fort
Several original buildings still stand today at what was once the largest U.S. Army installation. Learn about the fort and the people who lived and worked here on a self-guided walking tour or ranger-led program.
Camping
Stay overnight at a cabin or campsite. Restrooms with showers are in the park. Reserve the group camp for a gathering of friends or family.
The park has five campsites for horseback riders next to the trailway.
Trails
Twelve miles of trails are open to all users – hikers, bikers and horseback riders.
The nine-mile (one-way) Lost Creek Reservoir Trailway winds along scenic Lost Creek and the shores of two lakes. It ends at our north park.
Learn more on our Trails Information page.
Fishing
Try your luck fishing at two lakes! You do not need a fishing license to fish from shore or pier in a state park.
Quarry Lake is behind park headquarters. TPWD stocks the lake with bass, catfish and (in winter months) trout.
At North Park, you can fish Lake Jacksboro from the shore or launch a kayak (you’ll need a fishing license to fish from a boat). This park has a restroom (no shower) and water-only campsites.
Swimming
Take your family to North Park to swim in Lake Jacksboro. The park has a sand beach, covered tables, water spigots and restrooms (no showers).
We do not have lifeguards. Read through our swimming safety tips before your visit.
Geocaching
Search for geocaches hidden across the park. Learn more on our Geocaching page, then hit the trail!
Get involved!
We need your help!
- Volunteer
- Join the Friends of Fort Richardson – contact the park for information.
- Donate to the Texas Parks & Wildlife Foundation.
Ranger Programs
We offer programs and special events throughout the year. Check our Events page for the schedule.
Fort tours
Tours are free with park admission.
Historic buildings are open Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., for self-guided tours.
We offer guided tours Tuesday through Friday at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
The buildings are not climate controlled. Be prepared for the weather; we encourage morning tours in the summer.
Kids
Become a Junior Ranger when you visit:
- Borrow an Explorer Pack loaded with tools for exploring the park.
- Pick up a free Junior Ranger Activity Journal. Complete tasks to earn a badge.
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