Search State Parks

Burn Ban

Dec. 10, 2021 - No wood fires are allowed. You may use charcoal or containerized fuel stoves (i.e. propane) for cooking. Contact the park for the latest information.

Scheduled Park Closures

The Lake Abilene area of the park will be closed on these dates:

• From 10 p.m. on Jan. 13 until 6 a.m. on Feb. 1, 2022.

Only drawn permitted hunters will be allowed in closed areas during these dates. 

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

Pool Open

June 26, 2021 – The swimming pool and day-use areas of the park are open. The rest of the park is closed for renovations. 

• Learn more about the pool reopening on our Balmorhea FAQs page.
• Purchase day passes in advance to guarantee entry. 
• Check here or on our Twitter feed or Facebook page for updates.

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. 

Fort Leaton Closure

Fort Leaton State Historic Site is closed until May 2022 for renovations. We have relocated to a mobile office across the street on FM 170, about 700 feet west of the fort. Look for the signs directing you to the office. For more information call the Barton Warnock Visitor Center at (432) 424-3327 or Big Bend Ranch State Park at (432) 358-4444.

Sauceda Closure

Nov. 3, 2021 - The Sauceda Ranger Station gift shop and permitting station is temporarily closed. A ranger will be on duty to answer questions and for emergencies. Showers and restrooms will be 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, as the phones at Sauceda are temporarily unavailable.
• Detailed park maps, portable toilet systems and souvenirs are only available at these two sites.
• The ranger at Sauceda will not collect fees or make reservation changes. 

Campsite Closures

Sept. 16, 2021 - The main road into the park is now passable by two-wheel-drive vehicles, but roads to some campsites remain closed due to water damage. Please observe closure signs for your safety.

Scheduled Interior Closures

The interior areas of the park, including all sites and trails accessible from Sauceda, will be closed on the following dates:

• From 10 p.m. on Jan. 2 until 8 a.m. on Jan. 7, 2022
• From 10 p.m. on Jan. 30 until 8 a.m. on Feb. 4, 2022

Only drawn, permitted hunters will be allowed in the closed areas during this time. 

Sites and trails on the river corridor, the Contrabando trails and all sites along FM 170 (River Rd.) will remain open. Backcountry camping will be available south of Crawford-Smith and along the Rancherias Loop. Fresno Canyon trails south of the Chimney Rock cut-across, Closed Canyon and Hoodoos trails,  river access, and Cienega Area North of Casa Piedra Road are open; including all roads in this area and the Alamito and Casa Ramon campsites (extremely difficult, 4x4 vehicle required to access).

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

Oct. 1, 2021 - The Buescher State Park Lake is closed for construction. The project should be complete sometime in 2023.

During the closure, there will be no public access to the lake or lake shore and fishing and boating will not be available. Campgrounds and trails will be open. Expect construction noise, construction traffic on the roadways, and possible road closures during this time

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

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.

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.

Trail Alerts

Trails are closed to equestrian users 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. 21 to 8 a.m. Jan. 24
• 10 p.m. Feb. 4 to 8 a.m. Feb. 7

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

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.   

Bridge Construction Project:

Starting Jan. 24, 2022, the bridge between Big Pond and Lake Copper Breaks will be under construction. The bridge will be closed, and the crossing will be moved to an unpaved, possibly uneven road. The project is expected to take about six months. Please observe all barricades and traffic signs. Expect some construction noise during the week.

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

Trail Closure

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

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

Paddler Notice

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

Park Closure

The entire park will be closed Dec. 31 to 8 a.m. Jan. 28.

Only permitted hunters and paddlers engaging in permitted overnight paddling trips down the river will be allowed in during this time.

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

Utility Work Notice

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.

Scheduled Closures

The entire Natural Area will close on the following dates: 

• From 3 p.m. Jan. 31 until 2 p.m. Feb. 4, 2022 

No entry after 12:30 p.m. on Jan. 31. Only drawn permitted hunters will be allowed in during these dates. 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 Water Shortage

Oct. 29, 2021 - Water may not be available due to an ongoing project to improve the water system. This project is planned to be completed by March of 2022. 

Portable toilets are available. We encourage you to bring enough water for your visit. You can also buy bottled water at park headquarters during office hours (8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.), or from the vending machines outside.

Trail Closures

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

Trail Closure

July 27, 2021 - The Big Brown Creek Trail is closed for repairs. 

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.

Road Project Closures

Jan. 6, 2022 - Please drive with caution, follow all posted signs and watch for road crews and heavy machinery due to ongoing construction projects.

Roadwork on the bayside of the park is underway through March 31, 2022. All campsites and lodging are closed.

Some day-use sites will be open, but areas and facilities open will vary by roadwork location. For up-to-date information on closures, call the park: (409) 737-1222. 

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.

Contact the park for more information.

Trail Closure

The Ashe Juniper Trail will be closed on the following dates:

• Feb. 7-11

Please observe closure signs for your safety. Only permitted hunters will be allowed in this area on these dates.

Contact the park for more information. 

Paddling Trail Access

Jan. 11, 2022 - The Paddling Trail is open with bank access only. The floating platform is undergoing repairs.

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

Closures

• Sept. 21, 2021 - Boathouse and boat rentals are closed for renovations.
• Feb. 22, 2021 - The Little Beach Restroom in the day-use area is closed until further notice, due to storm damage.

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

Restaurant Closed

The Black Bear Restaurant will be closed Jan. 31 through Feb. 11, 2022. 

Area Closures

All trails, the primitive area and the youth group area will be closed on the following dates:

• From 10 p.m. Jan. 10 to 2 p.m. Jan. 13
• From 10 p.m. Jan. 17 to 2 p.m. Jan. 20
• From 10 p.m. Jan. 24 to 2 p.m. Jan. 27

Please observe closure signs for your safety. Only permitted hunters will be allowed in these areas during these times.

Contact the park for more information.

Prescribed Burns Planned

Prescribed burns are planned for November 2021 through April 2022. Some areas may be closed during these burns, and smoke may impact your visit. Smoke will be visible from far away and may linger in the area for multiple days. Contact the park for more information. 

Boil Water Notice

Jan. 27, 2022 - The park is under a boil water notice. Please bring your own water or be prepared to boil any water you use for cooking and drinking.

Roadwork Notice

Dec. 6, 2021 - Zaffirini Road will be closed intermittently from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays. Please use the Spillway Gate on Henry Cuellar Road to access the boat ramp, pier and campgrounds.

Lake Caution Advised

July 28, 2021 - Exercise extra caution while launching, removing or operating watercraft on the lake, due to very low water levels. We recommend use of 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.

Lake Access Closed 

Sept. 26, 2021 - Due to a presumed blue-green algae bloom, lake access from the park is closed until further notice.

Check here for updates.

Shelter Closure

Shelters 1-15 will be closed Jan. 1 – Feb. 28, 2022 for maintenance and repairs.

Trailway Closure

Jan. 20, 2022 - The Trailway is closed from FM 1195 in Mineral Wells to the Garner Trailhead in Garner for repair. No public access is allowed through Jan. 31, 2022. Please observe closures for your safety.

Contact the park for more information.

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. 

Restroom Closure

Restroom 4 (servicing the 400 camping loop) will be closed on Jan. 25 and 26, 2022 for maintenance. Other restrooms in the park will remain open.

Prescribed Burns

Prescribed burns are planned January through April. These operations and associated smoke may impact your visit. Some camping areas, facilities, trails, and day-use areas will experience heavy smoke and may be closed for public safety. Contact the park to learn how this may affect your stay.

Discs Unavailable

Dec. 30, 2021 - Disc sales and rentals are unavailable.

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

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.

Trail Closure

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

Low Water Crossing Closed

Dec. 8, 2021 - The low water crossing is closed until further notice. Contact the park for updates.

Campsite Closures

Campsites with electricity and water will be closed from April 1, 2022 through May 31, 2022 due to a wastewater treatment plant project. Check here for updates or contact the park for more information.

Boil Water Notice

Jan. 27, 2022 - The park is under a boil water notice. Please bring your own water and be prepared to boil any water you use for drinking and cooking. 

Greenbelt Closures

Oct. 27, 2021 – The Greenbelt Equestrian trail and Paddling Trail is closed from 2 miles south of the Hwy. 428 Park to the Hwy. 380 Park. Equestrian users may use the multiuse trail in that section.

Check back here or contact the park for more information.

Prescribed Burns

Prescribed burns are planned December 2021 through April 2022. These operations and associated smoke may impact your visit. Some camping areas, lodging facilities, trails, and day-use areas may be closed for public safety. Smoke will be visible from far away and may linger in the area for multiple days. Contact the park to learn how this may affect your stay.

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 6 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.

Schedule Park & Area Closures 

From 2 p.m. on Jan. 17, 2022 until 8 a.m. on Jan. 21, 2022, the Bell’s Trailhead and the North Concho area are closed.

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

Closures 

Trail

Aug. 9, 2021 - The Gambusia Trail is closed. 

Paddling Trail 

The Advanced Paddling Trail in the Marsh Unit will be closed Sundays, Wednesdays and Fridays on the following dates:

• Dec. 12-Jan. 30

East Beach 

East Beach will be closed on the following dates:

• 6 a.m. Jan. 12 through noon Jan. 14
• 6 a.m. Jan. 26 through noon Jan. 28
• 6 a.m. Feb. 9 through noon Feb. 11
• 6 a.m. Feb. 23 through noon Feb. 25

Only permitted hunters will be allowed in the closed areas during these dates.

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. 

Scheduled Closures

The entire park is closed on the following dates:

• From 5 p.m. on Jan. 16 until noon on Jan. 20, 2022
• From 5 p.m. on Jan. 30 until noon on Feb. 3, 2022

Only permitted hunters will be allowed in during these dates. 

Construction Notice

Starting late August 2021, construction began on two improvement projects:

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

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

Campgrounds, trails, and bird blinds will be 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.

Trail Closures

Aug. 16, 2021 - The Opossum Loop is closed. Please observe closure signs for your safety.

Construction

Feb. 4, 2021 - 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.