Cleburne State Park encompasses 528 scenic acres surrounding the spring-fed waters of Cedar Lake at 5800 Park Road 21 in Johnson County, providing 13 miles of shaded hiking and biking trails, lakeside camping, air-conditioned cabins, and historic 1930s Civilian Conservation Corps architecture just 45 miles southwest of Fort Worth.
The park offers an approachable outdoor escape where families can swim in calm waters, anglers can fish without a license from an accessible pier, and mountain bikers can navigate limestone ledges. Its compact layout makes combining trail hikes with afternoon water activities easy.
Key takeaways
- Adult day-use entry costs $6 for guests 13 and older, while children 12 and under enter free of charge.
- Operating hours run from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily, with advance reservations recommended during peak weekends.
- Cedar Lake covers 116 spring-fed acres with a strictly enforced no-wake policy that bans jet skis.
- Bank and pier anglers can fish without a Texas state fishing license inside park boundaries.
- Overnight options include 58 campsites, six screened shelters ($30/night), and three cabins ($60/night).
| Amenity / Facility | Cost / Fee | Key Features | Reservation Rule |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult Day Use | $6 per adult daily | Lake access, trails, picnic areas | Day passes recommended online |
| Child Day Use (0–12) | Free ($0) | Playgrounds, swimming beach, pier | Included with accompanying adults |
| Campsites (Water/Electric) | $20 to $30 nightly | 30/50-amp power, water, fire ring | Reserve up to 5 months ahead |
| Screened Shelters (6 units) | $30 nightly | Electric hookup, picnic table, grill | Sleeps up to 8 guests |
| Cabins (3 units) | $60 nightly | AC, heating, bunks, outside water | 2-night minimum on weekends |
| Cedar Lodge Group Hall | $200 daily | Kitchen, dining space, lake views | Day-use gatherings and reunions |
Cleburne State Park at a Glance
This peaceful nature sanctuary sits in the rolling limestone hills of north-central Texas. Originally established during the Great Depression, the property balances historical Civilian Conservation Corps craftsmanship with recreational outdoor amenities.
Visitors enjoy swimming along the shores of Cedar Lake, hiking beneath shady cedar elm and oak trees, and observing local wildlife across wooded ridges. The destination remains popular with day trippers seeking nature without long drives into the Hill Country.
Because daily capacity fills quickly during spring and summer months, planning ahead is critical. Reserving your day passes or overnight sites through official channels guarantees entry on high-demand dates.
Park Map, Hours, Fees, and Day-Use Passes
The entrance station charges a $6 adult entrance fee, grants free entry to children 12 and under, and operates daily from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM at 5800 Park Road 21. Visitors holding a Texas State Parks Pass receive free entry for themselves and their vehicle passengers throughout the year.
Studying the Cleburne State Park map before arrival helps orient drivers to the park road system, boat launch ramps, and trailheads located along the lake perimeter. Maps are available online and at the contact station upon check-in.
Per the Texas Parks and Wildlife Cleburne State Park portal, advance reservations are recommended to prevent turning away vehicles during capacity closures. Daily Cleburne State Park hours remain consistent throughout all four seasons, giving hikers early morning trail time.
Travelers comparing regional getaways will find this location among the best state parks near Dallas and Fort Worth for quick weekend escapes. Its position ten miles southwest of Cleburne ensures simple transit along US Highway 67.
Cedar Lake Water Activities, Kayaking, and Fishing Rules
Cedar Lake covers 116 spring-fed acres with designated swimming zones, self-service kayak rentals, an ADA fishing pier, and a no-wake policy that prohibits jet skis. These water management guidelines protect paddlers and maintain shoreline clarity.
The lake provides an ideal setting for Cedar Lake fishing, welcoming bank anglers and paddlecraft to pursue largemouth bass, channel catfish, crappie, and sunfish. Visitors fishing from the shore or pier inside park boundaries do not need to purchase a Texas fishing license.
According to the TPWD Cedar Lake Fishery Profile, underwater habitat structures and submerged brush piles create productive cover for game fish across depths reaching 64 feet. The covered fishing pier features wheelchair-accessible ramps from adjacent ADA parking spaces.
While larger reservoirs dominate guides to the best lakes in Texas, Cedar Lake offers a quiet, spring-fed retreat protected from heavy powerboat wakes. A self-service rental kiosk at Cedar Lodge lets guests rent single kayaks, double kayaks, and paddleboards on demand.
Hiking Trails, Mountain Biking Loops, and the CCC Spillway
The recreation area features nearly 13 miles of multi-use trails, including the technical Camp Creek mountain biking loop and the scenic Spillway Trail leading to a 1930s hand-carved limestone waterfall. Routes cater to both casual walkers and experienced trail runners.
Exploring the network of Cleburne State Park trails takes visitors through juniper woodlands, upland prairie, and rocky ridge crests. The 5.7-mile Camp Creek Loop provides challenging downhills and technical rock gardens popular with regional mountain bikers.
The signature landmark is the three-tiered limestone spillway, hand-cut by CCC enrollees during the 1930s. Following rainfall, water flows across the tiered masonry levels, creating an impressive cascade that draws landscape photographers.
Hikers seeking rocky terrain can easily compare these wooded limestone paths with trails around Dinosaur Valley State Park camping cabins located 30 miles west in Glen Rose. Both locations feature scenic limestone geology typical of the Paluxy and Brazos river valleys.
Campsites, Screened Shelters, Cabins, and Group Facilities
Lodging spans 58 electric and water campsites, six screened shelters at $30 nightly, three air-conditioned cabins at $60 nightly, and group barracks accommodating up to 44 guests. This variety makes the grounds well-suited for both individual campers and organized group retreats.
Guests planning Cleburne State Park camping can choose between back-in and pull-through sites equipped with 30-amp and 50-amp electrical hookups, potable water, fire rings, and nearby hot showers. Several premium sites also provide direct sewer connections for RV travelers.
Renting one of the Cleburne State Park cabins provides an affordable alternative to tent camping. Each climate-controlled cabin accommodates up to eight guests on sturdy bunk beds and includes interior electricity, outdoor grills, and picnic tables.
Outdoor enthusiasts exploring the best state parks in Texas with cabins appreciate these air-conditioned units situated close to the water. Cabin guests must bring their own sheets, blankets, pillows, and cookware during their stay.
History of CCC Company 3804, Geology, and Wildlife Watching
Built in the 1930s by Civilian Conservation Corps Company 3804, the reserve features native limestone construction, oak-juniper savannahs, and diverse wildlife including white-tailed deer and songbirds. The historic masonry structures remain fully functional nearly a century later.
As documented in the Texas State Historical Association Cleburne State Park entry, Civilian Conservation Corps Company 3804 developed the park infrastructure between 1935 and 1940. Enrollees quarried local limestone by hand to build the earthen dam impounding Cedar Lake, as well as the stone concession building known today as Cedar Lodge.
Geologically, the area lies in a transition zone between the Grand Prairie and the Western Cross Timbers. Visitors commonly spot armadillos, foxes, wild turkeys, and migrating warblers among the bur oak and post oak groves.
Park rangers frequently lead interpretive nature walks along the shoreline, explaining regional ecology and conservation practices. These guided outings provide great educational value for visiting school groups and scout troops.
Regional Comparisons and North Texas State Park Itineraries
Located within an hour’s drive of Fort Worth, this destination pairs naturally with dinosaur trackway explorations at nearby state parks and paddling across North Texas waterways. Its central location allows travelers to design multi-park road trips.
While mega-parks frequently headline roundups of the top 10 best state parks in Texas, this scenic site delivers a compact and manageable experience for day trippers. Families can explore the trails in the morning, swim during the midday heat, and finish with a campfire dinner.
Combining this stop with visits to Lake Whitney or Acton State Historic Site creates an enriching weekend journey through Texas history. The combination of quiet water, shaded trails, and historic craftsmanship makes it a memorable outdoor stop.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does day-use entry cost at Cleburne State Park?
Adult entry costs $6 per day for guests 13 and older, while children 12 and under enter for free. Annual Texas State Parks Pass holders and their vehicle passengers enter without paying the daily entry fee.
Do visitors need advance reservations before visiting?
Yes, advance reservations are strongly recommended for both day use and overnight stays through the Texas State Parks reservation system, especially on weekends and holidays when the grounds routinely reach maximum visitor capacity.
Can you fish in Cedar Lake without a license?
Yes, under the Texas Parks and Wildlife Free Fishing in State Parks program, visitors can fish from the banks or the ADA-accessible covered fishing pier without purchasing a Texas fishing license.
Are there rental cabins at the park?
Yes, the site offers three rustic cabins for $60 per night plus daily entry fees. Each cabin sleeps up to eight people on two sets of bunk beds and features air conditioning, heating, electricity, an outdoor picnic table, and a fire ring.
