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Boat Ramp Closure

Aug. 25, 2022 - The boat ramps are closed due to the low lake level. Contact the park or check back for updates.

Lake Closure

The lake will be closed on the following dates:

• 10 p.m. Jan. 6 to 6 a.m. Jan. 23
• 10 p.m. Jan 26 to 6 a.m. Jan 30

Only permitted hunters will be allowed on the lake on these dates. 

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 passes often sell out throughout the summer.

The park's overnight facilities are closed for renovations.

Contact the park for more information.

Road Conditions

Jan. 8, 2023 - The main park road to the Sauceda Ranger Station is open for all vehicles. The road east of Sauceda is accessible by 2WD high clearance vehicles. The Road to Nowhere and Lower Shutup trailhead are closed until further notice. All roads are rugged and unpaved. Be prepared.

Sauceda Ranger Station

Jan. 1, 2023 - The Sauceda Ranger Station is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays. Limited services are available. 

• 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.
• Souvenirs and concessions are only available at Fort Leaton or Barton Warnock.
• Sauceda staff may collect fees, print permits and make reservation changes on a limited basis
• Shower, restrooms and ice are available 24/7

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

Closures

Dec. 21, 2022 - 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.

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

Closures

The interior of the park will be closed on the following dates:

• 8 p.m. Jan. 29 to 8 a.m. Feb. 3

Only permitted hunters will be allowed in the park on these dates. 

Road Conditions

Jan. 8, 2023 - The main park road to the Sauceda Ranger Station is open for all vehicles. The road east of Sauceda is accessible by 2WD high clearance vehicles. The Road to Nowhere and Lower Shutup trailhead are closed until further notice. All roads are rugged and unpaved. Be prepared.

Sauceda Ranger Station

Jan. 1, 2023 - The Sauceda Ranger Station is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays. Limited services are available. 

• 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.
• Souvenirs and concessions are only available at Fort Leaton or Barton Warnock.
• Sauceda staff may collect fees, print permits and make reservation changes on a limited basis
• Shower, restrooms and ice are available 24/7

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

Bathrooms Closed

Jan. 25, 2023 - The bathrooms are closed due to freezing weather. Contact the park or check back for updates.

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.

Visiting the Park

We highly recommend reserving day passes in advance for weekends and holidays. If your plans change, please modify or cancel your reservation to allow someone else to visit. 

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

Prescribed Burns

Jan. 3, 2023 - We plan to conduct prescribed burns over the next four months. Burns can happen when weather and other factors are favorable.

Fire operations and smoke may impact your visit. Some camping areas, facilities, trails and day-use areas may be closed. Contact the park to learn how this may affect your stay.

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.

Invasive Ants

Argentine ants have been identified in some campsites in the park. These invasive ants do not sting. Please be prepared to treat around your vehicle and camping equipment.

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is working with experts to reduce the number of ants without harming the park's natural resources. Learn more about the Argentine ant. 

Check back for updates or 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. 

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 horseback riders after rainfall. Check conditions before you come by calling the park. 

Park Closures

The park will be closed on the following dates:

• 10 p.m. Jan. 27 to 8 a.m. Jan. 30
• 10 p.m. Feb. 10 to 8 a.m. Feb. 13
• 10 p.m. Feb. 24 to 8 a.m. Feb. 27

Only permitted hunters will be allowed in the park on these dates. 

Museum Closed

Sept. 22, 2022 - The museum at park headquarters is closed for renovations.

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.

Partial Trail Closure

Jan. 27, 2023 - The Indian Lodge trailhead is closed due to renovations at Indian Lodge and can be accessed from the Montezuma Quail Trail only. The trail is 1.5 miles round trip from that intersection. Contact the park for details.

Trail Closure

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

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

Renovations Closure

Indian Lodge, including the Black Bear Restaurant, is closed for renovations through January 2024.

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.

Del Norte Unit Closures

The Del Norte unit of the park will be closed on the following dates:

• 5 p.m. Dec. 12 to 8 a.m. Dec. 23
• 5 p.m. Jan. 2 to 8 a.m. Feb. 3

Only permitted hunters will be allowed in the park on these dates. 

Trails & Tracks Notice

Jan. 24, 2023 - All trails north of the river are closed due to rain. Tracks are only partially visible.

Water Quality Alert

Nov. 17, 2022 - The water quality is very poor due to lack of rain, contaminates from the Chalk Mountain fire, and low water levels in the Paluxy River. Please use caution and avoid getting river water in your nose or mouth.

Reservations Recommended

We often reach capacity and highly recommend reservations for both camping and day use. Reserve passes online or by calling the customer service center before you visit.

Trail Closure

Jan. 24, 2023 – The Ironweed OHV trail system is closed due to recent weather. Contact the park or check back for updates.

Restroom Closure

Jan. 18, 2023 - The Deer Haven Restrooms are closed for maintenance.  Restrooms are available nearby at the Fossil Ridge Camping Area, and showers are available at the Bois D’ Arc Camping Area or in the Day-use Area. 

Facility Closures

Jan. 18, 2023 - Utility work on the Armadillo Hill Camping Loop is underway. Most sites, the restrooms in the loop and the dump station are closed. Restrooms are available in other areas. 

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

Park Closures

The park will be closed on the following dates:

• 3 p.m. Jan. 30 to 2 p.m. Feb. 3

Only permitted hunters will be allowed in the park on these dates. 

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.

Road Conditions

Jan. 8, 2023 - The main park road to the Sauceda Ranger Station is open for all vehicles. The road east of Sauceda is accessible by 2WD high clearance vehicles. The Road to Nowhere and Lower Shutup trailhead are closed until further notice. All roads are rugged and unpaved. Be prepared.

Sauceda Ranger Station

Jan. 1, 2023 - The Sauceda Ranger Station is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays. Limited services are available. 

• 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.
• Souvenirs and concessions are only available at Fort Leaton or Barton Warnock.
• Sauceda staff may collect fees, print permits and make reservation changes on a limited basis
• Shower, restrooms and ice are available 24/7

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

Boat Rental Alert

Canoe and kayak rentals will not be available on Jan. 28 and 29, 2023.

Boat Ramp Alert

Oct. 22, 2022 - Please use caution at the Navasota River boat ramp. Low water levels may cause damage to boats and trailers.

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.

Beachside Dump Station Alert

Dec. 3, 2022 - The beachside dump station only has one lane open. The bayside dump station across the highway is fully open, but lines may be long.

Check back for updates or call the park at (409) 737-1222 for more information.

Feral Hog Notice

Sept. 6, 2022 - Beware of feral hogs. Do not leave food unattended. Hogs will get into ice chests.

Wi-Fi Outage

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

Water Alert

Jan. 10, 2023 - Water to the Wooded Area Camp Loop and restrooms will be shut off intermittently due to a water line break. A portion of the road on Warbler Way across from the Warbler restroom will also be closed (between sites 125 & 146).

You can fill freshwater tanks in the day use area. Water services & restrooms are open in the Bayfront Area Camp Loop.

Duck Season

Oct. 13, 2022 - During duck hunting season, please expect more boat traffic than usual.

Contact the park for more information. 

Climbing Ban Lifted

Climbing and bouldering is allowed beginning Friday, Jan. 27, 2023. Please caution and follow climbing ethics as there is still ice and snow on the mountain.

Area Closures

• Aug. 19, 2022 - The swimming area and swim platform are closed due to low water 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 Closure

Indian Lodge, including the Black Bear Restaurant, is closed for renovations through January 2024.

Partial Trail Closure

Jan. 27, 2023 - The Indian Lodge trailhead is closed due to renovations at Indian Lodge and can be accessed from the Montezuma Quail Trail only. The trail is 1.5 miles round trip from that intersection. Contact the park for details.

Restroom Closure

Jan. 26, 2023 - Restroom 8 (near Devil’s Waterhole area) is closed due to construction until mid-March 2023. Restroom 7 is closest open restroom. Contact the park or check back for updates.

Construction Noise

Oct. 6, 2022 - The new headquarters building is under construction near the West Loop camping area.  Expect loud noise from heavy equipment during daylight hours after 7 a.m. until Aug. 2023. 

No Hot Water

Dec. 1, 2022 - The restrooms do not have hot water. Check back for updates or contact the park for details.

Construction Alert

Nov. 2, 2022 - Expect road construction from late November to early summer. Some parts of the park will be closed during construction. Contact the park or check back for updates.

Boat Ramp Closure

Jan. 25, 2023 - The boat ramp is closed for repairs. Contact the park or check back for updates.

Restroom Closure

Nov. 16, 2022 - Restroom E (Rock Barn day-use area) and Restroom G (Lago Vista day-use area) are closed for repairs. Please use the restrooms at headquarters, the boat ramp, or Day-use Area H.

Construction Closures

The fishing pier, fishing pier restroom and Fishing Pier Road are closed due to construction through January 2023. 

Contact the park at (956) 725-3826 for more information.

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

Dec. 19, 2022 - The day-use restrooms are closed for winter to avoid pipe breakage. All other restrooms remain open. 

Check here for updates.

Water Outages

Dec. 8, 2022 - The park is experiencing ongoing water supply issues. Temporary repairs are allowing water to flow; however, water may not be available at all times and in all facilities. Please bring enough water for your visit.

We are not taking camping or day pass reservations until this issue is resolved. Contact the customer service center at (512) 389-8900 to cancel or modify your reservation. 

Check back for updates.

Trailway Closures

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

Oct. 13, 2022 - The lake level is extremely low. The Nails Creek Boat Ramp is closed. The Birch Creek Boat Ramp is open for small watercraft only.

Facility Closures

Jan. 1, 2023 - The fishing pier is closed due to damage.

Trail Closures

The Flag Pond Loop and Waldo’s Loop Trails will be closed from sunrise to noon daily from Dec. 10, 2022 to Jan. 29, 2023. 

White Deer Reach Camping Area Closure

The trail, restrooms, and all campsites in the White Deer Reach camping area are closed Jan. 9 - 30, 2023 for repairs.

Reservations Recommended

Jan. 15, 2023 - Reservations are highly recommended for boaters participating in the fishing tournament. Make reservations online and call (903) 836 - 4336 for the tournament schedule.

Low Lake Level

Jan. 3, 2023 - Both boat ramps are open but the lake is 2.5 feet low. Please use extra caution loading and unloading your boat and navigating the lake. Contact the park or visit the park’s Facebook page for the latest 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.

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 HQ Moved

Jan. 1, 2022 - 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.

No Water

Jan. 23, 2023 - Water is shut off to all campsites and restrooms in the camping loop due to a water line leak. The restrooms across from the park headquarters are open.

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.

Trail Closure

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

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

Prescribed Burns

Jan. 5, 2023 - Prescribed burns are planned January - April 2023. During burns, expect to see heavy smoke. 

Closures

• Campsites with electricity and water will be closed May 2 – June 30, 2023, due to a wastewater treatment plant project.
• Feb. 1, 2022 - The North Loop Equestrian Trail/Duck Pond are closed. 

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

No Internet

Jan. 21, 2023 - The park is experiencing an internet outage. Please contact park headquarters by phone at (940) 549-1803.

Boat Ramp Notice

Oct. 26, 2022 - The east side of the boat ramp is closed due to declining water level. The west side is open, but use caution when launching your boat. 

Road Construction Notice

Oct. 26, 2022 - If you are accessing the park from Highway 180, please note that road construction is underway on Park Road 33. Take Loop 252 in Caddo as a detour to avoid the roadwork. 

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.

Low Lake Level

Oct. 5, 2022 - The lake is extremely low. Most boats will not be able to use the boat ramp, but you may launch watercraft that runs very shallow. Please use caution. Trailer tires may run off the end of the ramp into potential washouts.

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.

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

Dec. 9, 2022 - 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.
• Construction of a new park headquarters.

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.

Campsite Closure

Walk-in and water & electric  campsites will be closed August to October 2023.

Trails Closed

Jan. 25, 2023 - All trails are closed due to recent rainfall. Contact the park or check back for updates.

Trail Closure

The EZ Loop, A Loop, B Loop, C Loop, and D Loop trails will be closed for the Running the Rose Trail Race from 5 p.m. Jan. 27 until 8 a.m. Jan. 29, 2023.

Campsite Closures

Sites in the Dogwood Ridge, Hickory Hollow, Red Oak and Sumac Ridge campgrounds will be closed in March 2023 for road construction.

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.