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Scheduled Park Closures

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

Scheduled Park Closures 

The entire park will be closed on the following dates:

• From 10 p.m. on Nov. 29 until 6 a.m. on Dec. 3, 2021
• From 10 p.m. on Dec. 6 until 6 a.m. on Dec. 10, 2021
• From 10 p.m. on Jan. 14 until 6 a.m. on Jan. 18, 2022

 Only permitted hunters allowed in the park during these dates.

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 the lake and cabin areas.
• The cabins and cabin area will be closed due to construction projects from July 27, 2021, through early spring 2022. 

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.

Poor Interior Road Conditions

June 28, 2021 - Due to recent rains the unpaved main road into the interior of the park is only passable with a 4-wheel drive, high-clearance vehicle. Travel to the interior of the park is discouraged at this time. If you attempt to drive to the interior please use extreme caution and drive very slow.

Fresno Canyon Rd. and Rincon 1, 2,  and Fresno Canyon are closed. The historic Crawford-Smith ranch house is closed to motorized vehicle access.

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 Oct. 10 until 8 a.m. on Oct. 15, 2021
• From 10 p.m. on Oct. 17 until 8 a.m. on Oct. 22, 2021
• From 10 p.m. on Nov. 28 until 8 a.m. on Dec. 3, 2021
• From 10 p.m. on Dec. 5 until 8 a.m. on Dec. 10, 2021
• From 10 p.m. on Jan. 2 until 8 a.m. on Jan. 7, 2022
• From 10 p.m. on Jan. 9 until 8 a.m. on Jan. 14, 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).

Phone & Web Outage

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.

Scheduled Park Closures

The entire park will be closed on these dates:

• From 12 p.m. on Nov. 15 until 8 a.m. on Nov. 19, 2021
• From 12 p.m. on Dec. 13 until 8 a.m. on Dec. 17, 2021

 Only permitted hunters allowed in the park during these dates.

Nature Center Closure

July 20, 2021 - The Nature Center is closed for renovations. The closure may last until approximately mid-September, 2021. 

Elm Lake Area Road Closure

The section of Park Road 72 that goes to the Elm Lake area is closed. 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 July, 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

July 23, 2021 - The Buescher State Park Lake will close for construction which is currently scheduled to start Aug. 16, 2021. 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.

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.

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.

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

Scheduled Closures

The entire park is closed on the following dates:

• From 10 p.m. on Nov. 5 until 5 p.m. on Nov. 7, 2021
• From 10 p.m. on Nov. 9 until 2 p.m. on Nov. 12, 2021
• From 10 p.m. on Dec. 7 until 2 p.m. on Dec. 10, 2021
• From 10 p.m. on Dec. 14 until 2 p.m. on Dec. 17, 2021
• From 10 p.m. on Dec. 27 until 2 p.m. on Dec. 29, 2021

Only permitted hunters will be allowed in during these dates. 

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.

Trail Closure

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

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

Anthrax Outbreak

July 18, 2021 - Parts of West Texas, including Devils River State Natural Area, are experiencing a natural Anthrax outbreak.

It is very rare for people to contract this disease in North America but you should still be cautious. If you visit, do not touch dead wildlife and immediately report carcasses to park staff. Wear insect repellent, as deer flies may spread this infectious disease to humans. Contact the Natural Area 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.

Closures

July 24, 2021 - The swim beach, fishing piers and boat ramps are closed due to high water levels.

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. Oct. 18 until  2 p.m. Oct. 22, 2021 
• From 3 p.m. Nov. 8 until  2 p.m. Nov. 12, 2021 
• From 3 p.m. Dec. 6 until  2 p.m. Dec. 10, 2021 
• From 3 p.m. Dec. 20 until  2 p.m. Dec. 23, 2021 
• From 3 p.m. Jan. 31 until  2 p.m. Feb. 4, 2022 

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

July 1, 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.

We encourage you to bring enough water for your visit. Bottled water will be available for sale at Park HQ, and in vending machines.

Trail Closures

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

Scheduled Closures

The entire park is closed on these dates:

• From 5 p.m. on Dec. 26 until 1 p.m. on Dec. 31, 2021
• From 5 p.m. on Jan. 4 until 1 p.m. on Jan. 7, 2022

Only permitted hunters will be allowed in during these dates. 

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

Trail Closure

July 27, 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. 

Scheduled Park Closures

The entire park is closed on the following dates:

• From 5 p.m. on Oct. 31 until 8 a.m. on Nov. 7, 2021
• From 5 p.m. on Nov. 28 until 8 a.m. on Dec. 12, 2021

Only permitted hunters will be allowed in during these dates. 

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.

Paddling Trail Notice

July 28, 2021 - The floating platform for the paddling trail is out of the water due to a recent flood. Check here for updates or contact the park for more information.

Trail Closure

July 28, 2021 - Portions of Warbler Way Loop are closed for water repairs. Check here 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.

Scheduled Closures

The entire park is closed on the following dates:

• From 10 p.m. on Nov. 7 until noon on Nov. 10, 2021
• From 10 p.m. on Nov. 28 until noon on Dec. 1, 2021
• From 10 p.m. on Dec. 12 until noon on Dec. 15, 2021
• From 10 p.m. on Dec. 26 until noon on Dec. 29, 2021
• From 10 p.m. on Jan. 16 until noon on Jan. 19, 2021

Only permitted hunters will be allowed in during these dates. 

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

Scheduled Closure

The entire park is closed from noon on Dec. 7 until 6 a.m. on Dec. 10, 2021. 
Only permitted hunters will be allowed in during these dates. 

Detours in Place

July 26, 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

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

July 29, 2021 - The restaurant is closed due to ongoing mechanical issues. 

Cable TV Outage

Satellite television service installation is underway but not completed in all rooms,. TV service is available in the lobby.

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

Water Outage

July 23, 2021 - Water is not available in the day-use area around the boat ramp and swimming area; the restrooms and fish cleaning station in that area are out of service until the water line is repaired .

New Gate Hours

The park gate is closed 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. 

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

Scheduled Closures

The entire park is closed on the following dates:

• From 2 p.m. on Dec. 3 until 2 p.m. on Dec. 8, 2021
• From 2 p.m. on Jan. 9 until 2 p.m. on Jan. 14, 2022

Only permitted hunters will be allowed in during these dates. 

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

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.

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.

Trailway Closure

From July 26 through August 6, 2021, the Trailway section from the Garner Trailhead to Weatherford Trailhead is closed. The closure is for maintenance using heavy machinery. For your safety please do not use or access the trail during 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.

Scheduled Closures

The entire park is closed on the following dates:

• From 4:30 p.m. on Dec. 5 until 2 p.m. on Dec. 10, 2021
• From 4:30 p.m. on Jan. 2 until 2 p.m. on Jan. 7, 2022

Only permitted hunters will be allowed in during these dates. 

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 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.

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

Scheduled Closure

The entire park is closed from 8 a.m. on Dec. 17 until noon on Dec. 20, 2021. Only permitted hunters will be allowed in during these dates. 

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

Lighthouse Cabin Closure

July 5, 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.

Scheduled Closures

The entire park will close on these dates:

• From 10 p.m. on Nov. 15 until 8 a.m. on Nov. 19, 2021
• From 10 p.m. on Dec. 19 until 8 a.m. on Dec. 23, 2021 
• From 10 p.m. on Jan. 10 until 8 a.m. on Jan. 14, 2022

Only permitted hunters will be allowed in during these dates.

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

Area Closures

July 19, 2021 - The following areas are closed:

• Some campsites will be closed until conditions improve
• The Greenbelt section of equestrian trail south of Hwy. 455
• 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.

Park Closure Dates

The park will be closed on these dates:

• Sept. 3 through Sept. 5, 2021
• Sept. 10 through Sept. 12, 2021

The south side of the park will be closed on these dates:

• Sept. 18 and 19, 2021
• Sept. 25 and 26, 2021

Low Lake Level

July 16, 2021 - O.C. Fisher Reservoir is below 6 percent full now. You can still launch a boat, but trailer tires will 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 

The entire park is closed on the following dates:

• From 5 p.m. on Oct. 22 until 8 a.m. Oct. 25, 2021
• From 5 p.m. on Dec. 3 until 8 a.m. Dec. 6, 2021

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

All trails are closed on the following dates:

• From 5 p.m. on Nov 8 until 8 a.m. on Nov. 12, 2021
• From 5 p.m. on Dec. 13 until 8 a.m. on Dec. 17, 2021

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

Closures 

July 14, 2021 - The East Beach access and the Gambusia Trail are closed. 

On Sept. 18 and 19, 2021, the Marsh Unit will be closed; this includes the cabin, floating campsite, boat ramp and all paddling trails. Only permitted hunters will be allowed in the closed area during these dates.

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

Scheduled Closures

The entire park is closed on the following dates:

• From 5 p.m. on Nov. 15 until noon on Nov. 20, 2021
• From 5 p.m. on Dec. 6 until noon on Dec. 10, 2021

Only permitted hunters will be allowed in during these dates. 

Park Open for Day Visits

July 26, 2021 - 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. 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. 

Scheduled Closures

The entire park is closed on the following dates:

• From 5 p.m. on Nov. 8 until noon on Nov. 11, 2021
• From 5 p.m. on Nov. 21 until noon on Nov. 24, 2021
• From 5 p.m. on Dec. 6 until noon on Dec. 9, 2021
• From 5 p.m. on Dec. 27 until noon on Dec. 30, 2021
• From 5 p.m. on Jan. 3 until noon on Jan. 6, 2022
• 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

July 26, 2021 - Starting late August 2021, construction will begin 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

July 28, 2021 - Some trails are closed; watch for closure signs. Expect standing water and taller than normal grass in campsites. Maintenance work continues 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.