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Firewood Quarantine

July 7, 2022 - This county is under a quarantine to prevent the spread of the emerald ash borer to other areas of the state. This means movement of firewood is restricted. 

Please buy firewood where you burn it to prevent the spread of diseases and pests.

Contact the park for more information.

Reservations Recommended

June 1, 2022 - We strongly encourage you to purchase day passes in advance for the summer months, weekends, school breaks and holidays. Day-use passes often sell out throughout the summer.

Only the swimming pool and day-use areas are open. The rest of the park is closed for renovations.

Rainy Season

During the rainy season (May - September) we recommend contacting the Barton Warnock Visitor Center for updates on road conditions before visiting the park.

Extreme Heat Warning

May 31, 2022 - The park is located in a hot desert climate with no shade. Summer temperatures (May -September) will be over 100 degrees by late morning. We recommend being off trail by 11 a.m. Carry and drink plenty of water. Please hike and camp responsibly.

Sauceda Closure

May 31, 2022 - The Sauceda Ranger Station gift shop and permitting station is closed. A ranger is on duty for emergencies only. Showers and restrooms are open.

• Check in for camping, the bunkhouse, and day passes at Fort Leaton or Barton Warnock.
• Call either of these sites or email us with questions.
• Detailed park maps, portable toilet systems and souvenirs are only available at Fort Leaton or Barton Warnock.
• The ranger at Sauceda will not collect fees or make reservation changes. 

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

Closures

These areas are closed:

• 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 that area.
• The cabins and cabin area are closed through early summer 2022 due to construction projects. 
• The old golf course parking lot and golf course area on the north and south side of Park Road 1A will be closed until late summer 2022 for a construction project.

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

Rainy Season

During the rainy season (May - September) we recommend contacting the Barton Warnock Visitor Center for updates on road conditions before visiting the park.

Extreme Heat Warning

May 31, 2022 - The park is located in a hot desert climate with no shade. Summer temperatures (May -September) will be over 100 degrees by late morning. We recommend being off trail by 11 a.m. Carry and drink plenty of water. Please hike and camp responsibly.

Sauceda Closure

May 31, 2022 - The Sauceda Ranger Station gift shop and permitting station is closed. A ranger is on duty for emergencies only. Showers and restrooms are open.

• Check in for camping, the bunkhouse, and day passes at Fort Leaton or Barton Warnock.
• Call either of these sites or email us with questions.
• Detailed park maps, portable toilet systems and souvenirs are only available at Fort Leaton or Barton Warnock.
• The ranger at Sauceda will not collect fees or make reservation changes. 

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.

Construction/Lake Closure

Jan. 1, 2022 - The Buescher State Park Lake is closed for construction. The project should be complete sometime in 2023.

Access to the lake and lakeshore is closed, and fishing and boating are not available. Campgrounds and trails are open.

Expect construction noise, construction traffic on the roadways, and possible road closures.

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

Firewood Quarantine

July 7, 2022 - This county is under a quarantine to prevent the spread of the emerald ash borer to other areas of the state. This means movement of firewood is restricted. 

Please buy firewood where you burn it to prevent the spread of diseases and pests.

Contact the park for more information.

Headquarters Closed

Aug. 16, 2022 - Park headquarters will be closed on Aug. 16 and 17. Please make reservations online or use the self-pay station.

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.

Firewood Quarantine

July 7, 2022 - This county is under a quarantine to prevent the spread of the emerald ash borer to other areas of the state. This means movement of firewood is restricted. 

Please buy firewood where you burn it to prevent the spread of diseases and pests.

Closures 

July 2, 2021 - 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.

Contact the park for more information.

Boat Ramp Use Limited

June 28, 2022 - The boat ramp is closed to boats requiring a trailer to load or unload due to low water level. Only kayaks and hand loaded/unloaded watercraft are allowed to use the ramp. Contact the park for more information. 

Camping Area Closure

The Liberty Grove and Granny’s Neck camping areas will be closed from Aug. 22 - 26, 2022 for maintenance. 

Swim Beach at Doctors Creek Closed

July 19, 2022 - The swim beach in the Doctors Creek unit of the park is closed due to low lake levels. Please visit the South Sulphur unit to swim. Contact the park for more information.

Trail Alerts

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

Bridge Construction Project:

March 21, 2022 - The bridge between Big Pond and Lake Copper Breaks is under construction. The bridge is closed, and the creek crossing is on an unpaved, possibly uneven road. The project is expected to continue until late summer.

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

Firewood Quarantine

July 25, 2022 - This county is under a quarantine to prevent the spread of the emerald ash borer to other areas of the state. This means movement of firewood is restricted. 

Please buy firewood where you burn it to prevent the spread of diseases and pests.

Trail Closure

July 21, 2021 - The CCC Trail is closed for repairs. 

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

Access Permits Unavailable 

June 15, 2022 - Devils River Access Permits (DRAPs) are unavailable until further notice.

Low water levels and extreme heat have caused safety and environmental impact concerns. Water flow conditions in Devils River are well below recommended levels for paddling trips. We will continue to monitor river conditions and will reevaluate once we receive some significant rainfall.

Permits that have already been purchased are not affected but are encouraged to reschedule. Contact the park for more information.

Low River Flow

March 21, 2022 – River flow is low. Expect to encounter more obstacles and to have to drag your watercraft in places.

View real time river data at:

• Baker’s Crossing
• Pafford Crossing

Paddler Notice

Sept. 17, 2021 - The Devils Back paddler take-out is closed due to road construction. Permit itineraries that do not include Devils Back are not affected. 

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

Water Quality Alert

June 17, 2022 - Due to extremely high temperatures, lack of rain, and low water levels in the Paluxy River, the water quality is very poor. Please use caution and avoid all stagnant or standing water. Avoid getting river water in your nose or mouth as it may contain dangerous amoebas.

Facility Closures

Utility work on the Armadillo Hill Camping Loop is underway, and will continue through Dec. 31, 2022. Most sites and the restrooms in the loop are closed. Restrooms are available in other areas. 

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.

Trail Closures

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

Conserve Water!

Due to dry conditions, we urge you to use water wisely when you visit. Bring your own drinking water or you can buy bottled water at headquarters.

Boat Ramp Closed

Jan. 1, 2022 - Falcon's boat ramp is closed due to low water levels. 

Boat Ramp Closed

Aug. 10, 2022 - The boat ramp is closed due to low water levels. Contact the park or check back for updates.

Rainy Season

During the rainy season (May - September) we recommend contacting the Barton Warnock Visitor Center for updates on road conditions before visiting the park.

Extreme Heat Warning

May 31, 2022 - The park is located in a hot desert climate with no shade. Summer temperatures (May -September) will be over 100 degrees by late morning. We recommend being off trail by 11 a.m. Carry and drink plenty of water. Please hike and camp responsibly.

Sauceda Closure

May 31, 2022 - The Sauceda Ranger Station gift shop and permitting station is closed. A ranger is on duty for emergencies only. Showers and restrooms are open.

• Check in for camping, the bunkhouse, and day passes at Fort Leaton or Barton Warnock.
• Call either of these sites or email us with questions.
• Detailed park maps, portable toilet systems and souvenirs are only available at Fort Leaton or Barton Warnock.
• The ranger at Sauceda will not collect fees or make reservation changes. 

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

Recreation Hall Restrooms Closed

June 7, 2022 - The restrooms at the Group Recreation Hall are closed due to renovations. Check back for updates.

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.

Conserve Water!

June 17, 2022 - Due to extremely dry conditions, we urge you to use water wisely when you visit. Bring your own drinking water. Shower use may be limited.   

Tick Alert

May 17, 2022 - Beware of ticks. Wear insect repellent and check for ticks daily.

Wi-Fi Outage

Aug. 9, 2022 - Wi-Fi is currently unavailable in the park. Check back for updates.

Road Work

Beginning May 23, 2022, park roads will be under maintenance. Please observe all barricades and traffic signs and be prepared for delays.

Water and River Notices

June 27, 2022 - Due to dry conditions: 

• Campground showers are closed. No showers are available in the park until dry conditions improve.
• Please use water wisely when you visit. Bring your own drinking water or buy water from vending machines at headquarters and restrooms in the park.
• Expect low water level and flow rate in the river. 

Contact the park for more information.

Water Shortage

June 24, 2022 - The park is experiencing water shortages due to well maintenance. Please bring enough water for your stay if camping or visiting. New reservations for camping are not available until repairs are completed.

Closures

• May 9, 2022 - The Prairie Branch Fishing Pier is closed for a construction project. The Coloneh Fishing Pier is open.
• April 22, 2022 - The swimming platform is closed due to low lake levels.
• March 4, 2022 - Boathouse is closed for renovations. Kayak rentals are available near Lake Raven. Other boat rentals will resume when the boathouse reopens.
• Feb. 22, 2021 - The Little Beach Restroom in the day-use area is closed until further notice, due to storm damage.

Lodge Construction

Feb. 16, 2022 - Raven Lodge is under construction. Please obey all posted signs.

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

Store Closure

The park store will be closed Aug. 22 - 26, 2022. Grocery items, souvenirs, boat rentals and live bait will not be available during this time. Contact the park for more information.

Low Lake Levels

March 5, 2022 - The lake levels are low. The boat ramp may not be suitable for all types of watercraft. Please use extra caution when launching, removing or operating and watercraft on the lake. We recommend shallow bottom boats at this time.

Boat Dock Removed

July 28, 2021 - The boat dock has been removed pending future replacement.

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

Restroom Closures

May 31, 2022 - The restrooms and showers in the Lakeview camping area are closed. Restrooms and showers near the cabin area and Rolling Hills/Mesquite Circle areas are open. 

Check here for updates.

Opossum Bend Boat Ramp Closed

June 15, 2022 - 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.

Low Lake Level

Aug. 17, 2022 - Water levels at the boat ramp are very low. We do not recommend launching large boats. Please use caution and watch for exposed trees and stumps.

Water Outages

Aug. 8, 2022 - The park is experiencing water supply issues. We may not have water available at times.

We are not taking new reservations until this issue is resolved. Contact the park if you have questions reservations already made. 

Check back for updates.

Primitive Campsite Closure

July 20, 2022 - The primitive (hike-in) campsites are closed due to excessive heat and fire danger. 

Trailway Closure

Jan. 20, 2022 - Part of the trailway, from FM 1195 in Mineral Wells to the Vietnam War Memorial, is closed. Please observe closure signs for your safety.

Firewood Quarantine

July 7, 2022 - This county is under a quarantine to prevent the spread of the emerald ash borer to other areas of the state. This means movement of firewood is restricted. 

Please buy firewood where you burn it to prevent the spread of diseases and pests.

Contact the park for more information.

Low Lake Level

July 29, 2022 - The lake level is extremely low. Most boats will not be able to launch from the Nails Creek Boat Ramp.

Headquarters & Park Store

The Birch Creek unit headquarters and store will have reduced hours July 26 and 27, 2022. 

Facility Closures

• Oct. 1, 2021 - The fishing jetty/pier is closed due to damage.
• June 17, 2021 - Some trails in the Birch Creek Unit are closed due to lake flooding.

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

The swimming pool is closed for the 2022 season. 

Firewood Quarantine

July 25, 2022 - This county is under a quarantine to prevent the spread of the emerald ash borer to other areas of the state. This means movement of firewood is restricted. 

Please buy firewood where you burn it to prevent the spread of diseases and pests.

Hen House Ridge Closure

Beginning June 1, 2022 the Hen House Ridge unit will be closed for road repairs (including campsites, lodging, day-use areas, restrooms, boat ramps and trails). All other areas of the park will remain open.

Check back for updates.

Water Quality Alert

July 19, 2022 - We have detected blue-green algae in Onion Creek. Please visit our Swimming Safety webpage to learn more.

Reservations Recommended

We strongly encourage you to purchase day passes in advance for weekends, school breaks and holidays. Day passes sell out every weekend and holiday.

Boat Ramp & Pier Closed

July 13, 2022 - The boat ramp and fishing pier are closed due to low water levels in the lake. 

Park Closure 

The park will be closed July 27 through Aug. 25, 2022, for a road repair project. 

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.

Trail Hours and Closures

Jan. 1, 2022 - 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.

Hwy. 236 Closure

Beginning Sept. 7, 2021, Texas Hwy. 236, Oglesby Neff Park Road and County Road 338 will be closed south of the park for up to a year for bridge replacement. 

You can reach the main entrance of the park by accessing Hwy. 236 from the north via FM 107 or FM 2671.

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

Water Outage

Aug. 11, 2022 - Water is out in the park due to water line repairs, except for the restroom in the water only camping area. Bring plenty of drinking water for your visit. Portable restrooms and a shower will be available.

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

Trail Closure

Jan. 25, 2022 - The Ottine Swamp trail is closed for repairs.

Parking Lot Construction

Aug. 3, 2022 - The parking lots throughout the park will be under construction over the next two months. Please obey all traffic signs. Contact the park for details or check back for updates.

Trail Closures

July 13, 2022 - Select trails will be closed daily between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. due to extreme temperatures. Read the news release about the closures for more information.

Campsite Closures

Campsites with electricity and water will be closed from Sept. 5 - Jan. 31, 2023, due to a wastewater treatment plant project. 

Special Event Notice

Advance reservations are not available for September 7, 2022 due to a special event. The park will be open for walk-up visitors, but the falls area will be closed.

Trail Closure

Feb. 1, 2022 - The North Loop Equestrian Trail/Duck Pond are closed. 

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

Trail and Primitive Campground Closure

July 28, 2022 - The Longhorn and Lakeview hiking trails as well as the primitive campground will be closed from Thursday, July 28 until Monday, August 1, 2022 for maintenance. Contact the park for more information.

Firewood Quarantine

July 7, 2022 - This county is under a quarantine to prevent the spread of the emerald ash borer to other areas of the state. This means movement of firewood is restricted. 

Please buy firewood where you burn it to prevent the spread of diseases and pests.

Contact the park for more information.

Campground Alert

We are treating the campground with a weed preventative through October 2022. We will only spray on Mondays through Thursdays in unreserved campsites. The weed preventative will be safe as soon as it is dry. Please call the gatehouse at 325-949-4757 (select option 2) with any questions.

Sticker Bur Alert

We have lots of sticker burs in and around our campsites right now. Wear good shoes and be cautious with pets and children.

Low Lake Level

Oct. 30, 2021 - O.C. Fisher Reservoir is roughly 4 percent full now. You can still launch a boat, but trailer tires may run off the end of the ramp. 

North Shore Gate Locked

Check in at the South Shore entrance (362 S. FM 2288) to get the gate code for the North Shore.

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

Trail Closure

Aug. 9, 2021 - The Gambusia Trail is closed. Check back for updates or contact the park for more information.

Tower Open

Oct. 5, 2021 - The John Jacob Observation Tower is open, but the elevator is out of service. 

Contact the park for more information. 

Construction Notice

Construction is underway on two improvement projects:

• Replacement of the low-water crossing at the park's entrance, through the end of 2022.
• Construction of a new park headquarters, through early 2023.

Access to the river for tubing, paddling, fishing and swimming is available. Watch for signs or ask park headquarters about temporary river access points. River portage around construction is clearly marked.

Campgrounds, trails, and bird blinds are open and accessible.

Expect construction noise, construction traffic on the roadways, and possible road or lane closures at the park.

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

Construction

Feb. 4, 2021 - Construction of a new park headquarters and Visitors Center next to the Cedar Point Camping Area is underway. 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

May 26, 2022 - The Yaupon Loop trail is closed. Please observe closure signs for your safety.

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

April 1, 2020 – The tram is closed.