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Boat Rentals Closed

June 16, 2021 - Kayaks and canoes are not available to rent from the park at this time.

Baby Pool Closed

The baby pool will not open until at least June 23, 2021, due to repairs.

Check back for updates or contact the park for more information.

Pool Reopens June 26

June 14, 2021 – The swimming pool and day-use areas of the park will reopen on Saturday, June 26. The rest of the park will remain closed for renovations. Learn more about the pool reopening on Balmorhea FAQs.

Purchase day passes in advance to guarantee entry. 

Check here for updates, or our Twitter feed, and Facebook page, for more information.

Road Closure

June 9, 2021 - Due to recent rains, Fresno Canyon Rd. and Rincon 1, 2,  and Fresno Canyon are closed. The historic Crawford-Smith ranch house is closed to motorized vehicle access.

Phone & Web Outage

June 9, 2021 - Internet and phones at the Sauceda ranger station are intermittently working. If you are unable to reach us by phone, feel free to email us. We will respond when able.

Check back for updates or contact the park for more information.

Closures

These areas are closed until further notice:

• The Orange Trail
• The 10-acre lake dam is being rebuilt. Construction began in January 2021 and should take about two years. During this time, expect loud construction noise in the lake and cabin areas.

Check here for updates or contact the park for more information. 

Battleship Transfer

On Aug, 1, 2020, operational control of the Battleship Texas, was transferred to the Battleship Texas Foundation. 

The Battleship Texas is closed for a lengthy repair project.

No reopening date has been set. Read more about the upcoming repairs in our news release:: Battleship Texas Closes to the Public Aug. 26.

Road Closure

June 9, 2021 - Due to recent rains, Fresno Canyon Rd. and Rincon 1, 2,  and Fresno Canyon are closed. The historic Crawford-Smith ranch house is closed to motorized vehicle access.

Phone & Web Outage

June 9, 2021 - Internet and phones at the Sauceda ranger station are intermittently working. If you are unable to reach us by phone, feel free to email us. We will respond when able.

Check back for updates or contact the park for more information.

Park Capacity Closures

We usually reach full capacity on weekends, school breaks, holidays and some weekdays. People without reservations are not allowed in the park when we reach capacity. To guarantee entrance, reserve passes online, or by calling the customer service center, before you visit.

Nature Center Closure

June 21, 2021 - The Nature Center will close on July 5th for renovations. The closure may last until the end of August 2021.

Elm Lake Area Road Closure

The section of Park Road 72 that goes to the Elm Lake area will close beginning May 16. The Elm Lake area and its Pavilion will not be accessible by vehicle during the road closure, which is expected to last until the end of June, 2021.

Visitors can still access the area by using the trails. The closest parking is at the Nature Center which is a ~1.45-mile walk to the Elm Lake Pavilion.

Restrooms and water fountains in the Elm Lake area will also be closed. Please bring plenty of water for you and your pets on the trails.

Check back for updates or contact the park for more information.

Construction/Lake Closure

May 31, 2021 - Beginning in late June at the earliest, the Buescher State Park Lake will be closed for construction until 2023. During this time, fishing and boating will not be available in the Park. Expect construction traffic and noise on the roadways.

Check back for updates or contact the park for more information.

Water Issues

Mar. 10, 2021 - Water availability may be intermittent and water may not be available at some sites.

Telephone issues

If you have trouble reaching us on our main telephone line, please call (972) 291-6641. We are having issues with the main phone line.

Flooding & Other Closures 

June 1, 2021 - These areas are closed due to flooding:

• All boat ramps at the park and for Joe Pool Lake
• Some individual campsites.
• Most day use picnic tables and sites are inaccessible

These areas are closed for construction/repairs:

• The day-use area near the Lakeview camping loop, until 2022 at the earliest for construction. This closure includes the North Boat Ramp, beach swim area, area restrooms,  and the jetty portion of Loop J.
• J-loop day-use area (near Penn Farm) 
• Pavilion
• Some camping areas

Trail access depends on weather and trail repairs; please see our Facebook page for updates.

Check back for updates or contact the park for more information.

Lake Conditions

May 5, 2021 - Due to low lake levels and vegetation along the shoreline, there is limited access for swimming and bank fishing.

Check back for updates or contact the park for more information.

Trail Status

Trails are closed to equestrian users after rainfall. Check conditions before you come by calling the park.

Check back for updates or contact the park for more information.

Single-lane Water Crossing 

May 7, 2021 - The creek crossing near the boat ramp is down to one lane; If you have an extra-wide RV, please contact the park for more information.   

Check back for updates or contact the park for more information.

Paddler Notice

The Devils Back paddler take-out is closed due to road construction. The closure is scheduled to end in late spring/summer of 2021. Permit itineraries that do not included Devils Back are not affected. 

Check back for updates or contact the park for more information.

High Water Level Closures

June 2, 2021 - The swim beach, boat ramps and fishing piers are closed until further notice, due to high lake levels.

OHV Trails Closed

The OHV trails are closed due to wet conditions.

Check back for updates or contact the park for more information.

Reservations Required

Advanced reservations for day passes and overnight stays are required on weekends, school breaks and holidays. While not required on regular weekdays, we usually reach capacity every day. To guarantee entrance reserve passes online, or by calling the customer service center, before you visit.

Critical Shortage / Water Outage in June

May 12, 2021 - Due to ongoing drought, potable water is extremely limited. Restrooms may be closed, but portable toilets will be made available. While drinking water is available, please bring your own to help us conserve water during your next visit.

Beginning June 4, no water will be available in the park due to repairs to our water system from the winter storm  in February. The repairs are projected to be completed on or about July 1, 2021. Please bring enough water for your visit. Bottled water will be available for sale at Park HQ, in vending machines and in the office.

Trail Closures

Get trail status updates here, or on our Facebook page or Twitter feed.

Trail Closure

April 1, 2021 - The Big Brown Creek Trail is closed for repairs. 

Boat Ramp Closed

March 10, 2021 -  Falcon's boat ramp is closed due to low water levels. 

Road Closure

June 9, 2021 - Due to recent rains, Fresno Canyon Rd. and Rincon 1, 2,  and Fresno Canyon are closed. The historic Crawford-Smith ranch house is closed to motorized vehicle access.

Phone & Web Outage

June 9, 2021 - Internet and phones at the Sauceda ranger station are intermittently working. If you are unable to reach us by phone, feel free to email us. We will respond when able.

Check back for updates or contact the park for more information.

Flooding

June 7, 2021 - Water only campsites (40-49) and the Scout Camping Wilderness area are closed due to flooding. 

Check back for updates or contact the park for more information.

Trail Closure

March 11, 2021 - The Ron Coleman Trail is closed until further notice for restoration.

Reservations Recommended

Advance reservations are recommended (even for those with park passes).  Reserve online or call the Customer Service Center before you visit. Spanish-speaking agents are available at the CSC. Carry your pass (either a printed or digital version) with you while in the park.

Other restrictions:

• No groups larger than 10 (except those in the same family or household).
• We strongly encourage you to wear face coverings while in the park.

Check back for updates.

Beach Side Closed Until 2022 

Feb. 24, 2021 - The beach side area of the park (south of FM 3005) is closed to all visitation until 2022 due to renovations. The bay side (north of FM 3005) is open.

Closures

June 8, 2021 -These areas are closed through at least June 24, due to flooding:

• Goliad Paddling Trail
• San Antonio River Trail
• Longhorn and Vaquero camping areas

Jacales camping area is closed through June 10. 

Check here for updates or contact the park for more information.

Area Closures

March 10, 2021 - Turkey Sink camping area is closed until further notice, due to new restroom construction. 

Check back for updates or contact the park for more information.

Detours in Place

March 17, 2021 - Due to construction on Interstate 45, you'll need to use detours to reach the park. Find those directions on our Maps page. 

Restroom Closed

Feb. 22, 2021 - The Little Beach Restroom in the day-use area is closed until further notice, due to storm damage.

Cable TV Outage

June 2, 2021 - There is currently no cable service at the lodge through at least the end of June. 

Check back for updates or contact the park for more information.

Trail Section Closed

June 16, 2021 - The Onion Creek Trail south of the disc-golf course is closed while the lake level recedes. Check here for updates or contact the park for more information.

New Gate Hours

Beginning May 24, 2021, we will be implementing gate closure hours from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. daily.

Late-arriving campers and overnight anglers will need to contact the office during office hours to get the gate code. 

Lake Caution Advised

Boaters are advised to take extra caution while operating watercraft on the lake, due to the unusually low water levels. We recommend use of shallow bottom boats at this time.

Reservations Recommended 

This park and many others often reach capacity; reservations are highly recommended for both camping and day use. To guarantee entrance reserve passes online, or by calling the customer service center, before you visit.

Opossum Bend Boat Ramp Closed

Dec. 22, 2020 - The Opossum Bend Boat Ramp is closed due to low lake levels. The Mesquite Boat Ramp is open at this time.

Check back for updates or contact the park for more information.

Trail Closures

June 17, 2021 - Some trails in the Birch Creek Unit are closed due to lake flooding.

Trailway: Equestrian use is not currently permitted from the Birch Creek Unit. One mile of the trailway is open for hiking.

Please observe trail closure signs. 

Check back for updates or contact the park for more information.

Park Closed 

June 10, 2021 - The park is closed through Wednesday, June 30, due to lake flooding. Check here for updates. 

Pool Closed

June 16, 2021 - The swimming pool is closed until further notice, due to mechanical failure. Repairs are underway. We apologize for the inconvenience.

Check back for updates or contact the park for more information.

Longhorn Cavern State Park is open

Please visit the park's main website, VisitLonghornCavern.com, for the latest operational updates and information. 

Pool Closed 

June 2, 2021 - The swimming pool is currently closed, but will open as soon as lifeguards can be hired. An opening date has not been set. Check back for updates.

Walnut Ridge Closure

Beginning June 1, 2021, the entire Walnut Ridge Unit will be closed for two months. All roads, facilities, Nature Center, day-use areas, trails, boat ramps, campsites, cabins and shelters in this area will be closed to visitors.

Check here for updates or contact the park for more information. 

Park Road Closure

May 21, 2021 - A portion of Park Road 44 is closed through June 25 due to flood damage. Watch for closure signs; ask at headquarters about detours. 

Plan Your Visit

Please read through our COVID-19 safety recommendations before your visit.

Most parks reach capacity on weekends, holidays and some weekdays. Make reservations for day passes and camping to guarantee your entry.

Park HQ Moved

The Dunagan Visitor Center is closed for renovations. The park office is now at the Sandhills Picnic Pavilion.   

Check back for updates or contact the park for more information.

TX-236 Road Closure

May 28, 2021 - Hwy. TX-236 is closed near the south end of the park. The main entrance to the park can be reached by approaching TX-236 from the north via FM-107 or FM-2671.

Trail Hours and Closures

3.5 miles of trails are open for hiking but the following areas have modified hours or are closed:

• The gate at the south end of park is closed indefinitely.
• HQ restrooms close at 4:30 p.m.
• Campground restrooms will close for cleaning: See park for posted closure times.

Check back for updates or contact the park for more information.

No Entry After 5 p.m., November through April.

From November through April, the park closes at 5 p.m.  

Lighthouse Cabin Closure

May 25, 2021 - The Lighthouse Cabin is closed for repairs and improvements. We have not set a reopening date. 

Check back for updates or contact the park for more information.

Restrictions

March 10, 2021 - We are open for day-use visits Wednesday through Sunday; camping is allowed every night.

We are operating at limited capacities. All day-use and camping slots are usually filled in advance. To guarantee entry to the park, please make a reservation online, or by calling the customer service center, before you visit.

Park gates are closed from noon to 2 p.m. Day-use visitors should plan to arrive during their selected time slot, to assure entry into the park.

Area Closures

June 7, 2021 - The following areas are closed:

• The Isle du Bois unit fishing pier and some campsites will be closed until conditions improve
• Buck Creek, Pecan Creek and Pond Creek boat ramps
• The Johnson Branch unit boat ramp is closed due to flooding, and the two day-use area restrooms (near the swimming area) are closed for repair
• The Greenbelt section of equestrian trail south of Hwy 428.
• The Greenbelt multiuse trail from 2 miles south of Hwy 428 Park to Hwy 380 Park (which is also closed)

Check back here or contact the park for more information.

Low Lake Level

April 26, 2021 - O.C. Fisher Reservoir is at 6 percent full now. You can still launch a boat, but trailer tires will run off the end of the ramp. 

The boat ramp may be intermittently blocked by work barges. A dredge project is underway on the lake through the end of May. 

North Shore Gate Locked

Check in at the South Shore entrance to get the gate code for the North Shore.

Check back for updates or contact the park for more information.

Closures 

June 8, 2021 - The east beach access and the Gambusia Trail are closed. Check back for updates or contact the park for more information.

Park Open for Day Visits

The park is closed to camping and is only open for day visits, due to a repair project. Designated trails are open. Reserve passes online or by calling the customer service center before you visit.

We are now leading small group tours (10 people or less). You must reserve tour tickets in advance online.

Check back for updates or contact the park for more information.

Observation Tower Closed

May 2, 2021 - The John Jacob Observation Tower is closed for repairs.

Check here for updates or contact the park for more information. 

Boil Water Notice

June 17, 2021 - The park is open, but under a boil water notice. Bring your own water or equipment to boil water for cooking and drinking. Check here for updates.

Trail Closures

June 10, 2021 - The park is open, but all trails remain closed. Expect standing water and taller than normal grass in campsites. There will be ongoing maintenance in the park; expect chainsaw noise and other cleanup work, due to recent storm damage. 

Check here for updates or contact the park for more information. 

Closures

Feb. 25, 2021 - The Blackjack Campground and the Northside Day Use Area Bathhouse are closed for repairs.

Construction

Construction has begun on a new Park Headquarters and Visitors Center and is taking place next to the Cedar Point Camping Area. Campers in Cedar Point should expect construction noise during daylight hours after 7 a.m.

Check here for updates or contact the park for more information.

Closures

June 9, 2021 - A few areas are closed:

• Village Creek, Tupelo, and Yaupon Loop trails 
• Swimming area 

Check here for updates or contact the park for more information. 

April 1, 2020 – The tram is closed.