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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.

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.

Trail Notice

March 27, 2023 - The Rancherias Backpacking Loop will be closed April 17-19, and will reopen April 20. 

Road Conditions

March 19, 2023 - The interior district of the park is open. The main road leading to the Sauceda Ranger Station has a few muddy areas. Four-wheel-drive may be needed in some areas east of Sauceda. Please use caution. 

The Road to Nowhere and Lower Shutup trailhead are closed until further notice. Be prepared:  All roads are rugged and unpaved.

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.

Road Construction

March 20, 2023 - Park Road 1C, the scenic drive between Bastrop and Buescher state parks, will be closed on the following dates due to road work:

• March 23-24 (Thursday and Friday)
• March 27-30 (Monday through Thursday).

Traffic Alert

March 14, 2023 - Expect delays entering and exiting the park from March 20 until the end of May due to construction by AT&T. Traffic will be reduced to one lane between 7:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday during this time.

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. 

Trail Notice

March 27, 2023 - The Rancherias Backpacking Loop will be closed April 17-19, and will reopen April 20. 

Road Conditions

March 19, 2023 - The interior district of the park is open. The main road leading to the Sauceda Ranger Station has a few muddy areas. Four-wheel-drive may be needed in some areas east of Sauceda. Please use caution. 

The Road to Nowhere and Lower Shutup trailhead are closed until further notice. Be prepared:  All roads are rugged and unpaved.

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.

Trail Run

We will be hosting a trail run on April 1, 2023. The park and trails will be very crowded, especially in the morning. We expect parking to be extremely limited. Day use reservations can only be purchased at the gate on the day of the event. Contact the park for additional 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.

Road Construction

March 20, 2023 - Park Road 1C, the scenic drive between Bastrop and Buescher state parks, will be closed on the following dates due to road work:

• March 23-24 (Thursday and Friday)
• March 27-30 (Monday through Thursday).

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. 

Prescribed Burn

March 29, 2023 - A prescribed burn is planned today in the South Sulphur Unit near the Bright Star camping area. All areas of the park remain open, but smoke will be in the air and may linger for several days. Contact the park or check back for updates.

Closures

March 3, 2023 - Part of the Cedar Creek trail is closed. Contact the park for updates.

Trail Alerts

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

Museum Closed

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

Prescribed Burns

A prescribed burn is scheduled for March 28, 2023 that will affect the Mountain View and Cedar Ridge camping loops. Contact the park or check back for updates.

Prescribed burns are planned during January - April 2023, depending on weather and other factors. Smoke may impact your visit. Some camping areas, lodging, trails, and day-use areas may be closed for safety. Contact the park to learn more.

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.

Baker's Crossing Closure

Beginning March 1, 2023 the Baker's Crossing launch will be closed due to low flow levels in Devils River. The San Pedro Point launch is still open. Contact the park or check back for updates.

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.

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.

Area Closures

March 17, 2023 - Certain areas of the park will be closed during a road resurfacing project. Dates may change as the project proceeds - check back for updates.

• April and May:
  • Day-use areas including the picnic area, swim beach and Elm Point restrooms
  • OHV trail
  • Trail from marker 9 to 13
  • Elm Point campground
  • Fossil Ridge campground and restrooms
• May 30 - July 15:
  • Screened shelters and cabin
  • Deer Haven restrooms
  • Recreation Hall
• July 16 - Aug. 25:
  • Bois d'Arc camping loop, restrooms and dump station
  • Boat ramp and lighted fishing pier
  • Cedar Hollow restrooms
  • Pavilion 1
  • Amphitheater
• Aug. 26 - Oct. 6:
  • Armadillo Hill camping loop, restrooms and dump station.

Other Closures

• Jan. 24, 2023 – The Ironweed OHV trail system is closed due to recent weather. 
• March 10, 2023 - The Deer Haven restrooms are closed for maintenance. Restrooms are available nearby at the Cedar Hollow camping area or park headquarters, and showers are available at the Bois D’ Arc camping area or in the day-use area.
• 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.

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.

Park Reopening

The park will reopen temporarily beginning March 14 for day visits only (no camping). Entry is free and on a first-come, first-served basis until the park reaches capacity. We are not taking reservations.

TPWD continues to pursue conversations to preserve both the park and Fairfield Lake for future enjoyment. We have received notification from Vistra that it will terminate the land lease for the park. Read more about the situation in our press releases:

• March 9 press release
• Feb. 14 press release

Thank you so much for supporting the park through the years. We truly enjoyed sharing this small piece of paradise with you.

Boat Ramp Closed

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

Controlled Burns Planned

Feb. 15, 2023 - Prescribed burns are planned through April 2023. During burns expect to see heavy smoke; smoke may linger for a few days after a burn.

Contact the park or check back for updates.

Trail Notice

March 27, 2023 - The Rancherias Backpacking Loop will be closed April 17-19, and will reopen April 20. 

Road Conditions

March 19, 2023 - The interior district of the park is open. The main road leading to the Sauceda Ranger Station has a few muddy areas. Four-wheel-drive may be needed in some areas east of Sauceda. Please use caution. 

The Road to Nowhere and Lower Shutup trailhead are closed until further notice. Be prepared:  All roads are rugged and unpaved.

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.

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.

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.

Area Closures

• 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. Reservations for 2024 will not be available until a reopening date has been set.

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.

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 August 2023. 

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.

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 low. Most boats will be unable to launch at the Nails Creek Boat Ramp.

Facility Closures

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

Trail Closure

All trails will be closed on Saturday, April 1, 2023 from 6:30 - 10:30 p.m. for a special event. Contact the park for details.

Golf Course Closure

The golf course will be closed beginning Monday, Feb. 20, 2023, for an irrigation system replacement. The project will take around three months. We will refund any tee time reservations during this time.

Contact the park for more information.  

Swimming Pool Closure

March 21, 2023 - The swimming pool is closed for the 2023 season due to repairs. Contact the park or check back for updates.

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.

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 Closure

The entire park will be closed beginning July 1, 2023 through the end of the year for improvements.

Closures

Jan. 6, 2023 - The following areas are closed:

• The gate at the south end of park 
• Pavilions (Rock Tabernacle, Breezeway, & Wood Tabernacle)
• Water-only campsites

Swimming and fishing are unavailable until flood repairs and cleanup are completed.

Restroom Closure

Restrooms and showers will be closed from 9 p.m. on Tuesday, April 4 to 9 a.m. on Wednesday, April 5, 2023, due to a scheduled disruption in our water service. Chemical toilets will be available near the bathhouse.

Trail Closure

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

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

Area Closure for “24 Hours in the Canyon” Event

The park will be closed south of the stables on June 3 and 4, 2023 for the '24 Hours in the Canyon' event. The Visitor Center, scenic overlook, Trading Post, Glamping, and Old West Stables will remain open. The only open trails will be the Pioneer Nature Trail Loop and the CCC/Triassic Trails.

Park Closed for Construction

Jan. 22, 2021 - The park is closed to all public access as road construction has begun. Check back for updates. 

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 Sept. 6 – Dec. 31, 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.

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.

Greenbelt Closures

March 31, 2023 - All hiking, biking and equestrian trails from 2 miles south of the FM 428 access to the U.S. Highway 380 access, which is also 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.

Boat Ramp Notice

March 22, 2023 - The lake is too low to allow boat launches from the boat ramp. Kayaks and canoes can still be launched from the ramp. 

Restroom Closure

March 27, 2023 - The Bald Eagle campground restroom is closed for plumbing repairs. The restroom near the Bald Eagle front gate is open.

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.

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

Jan. 1, 2023 - 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

Both walk-in campsites and water and electric campsites will be closed November 2023 through January 2024.

Closures

• Feb. 20, 2023 - Loop D is closed to bicycles due to ice storm damage and downed utility poles. Hikers should use caution. Loops A-C & EZ are open for hiking and biking.
• Campsites in the Dogwood Ridge, Hickory Hollow, Red Oak and Sumac Ridge campgrounds will be closed in March 2023 for road construction.
• The North Woods Pavilion will be closed March 1 - May 31 for 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.