Cleburne State Park: A Texas Hidden Gem
Cleburne State Park has easily put itself in my top three favorite state parks in North Texas. And it’s a park that is not talked about often. In fact, I have driven past it many times but never considered stopping.
In an attempt to discover more of the beautiful places around me, I have made it my quest to visit as many of the Texas State Parks as possible. Starting with those closest to my home in North Texas. That is how we ended up at Cleburne State Park, the most underrated state park.
Read Next:
Best State Parks in North Texas for an Outdoor Getaway
Unsure what to expect, we pulled up soon after the park opened on Saturday morning, and it wasn’t long after that we were met with hilly trails and breathtaking views of Cedar Lake, which happens to be fed by natural springs.
Needless to say, I was pleasantly surprised by this park! It has quickly made its way on to my list of favorite outdoor spaces near DFW.
The hiking and swimming options in the park are some of the best in the area and you’ll not be disappointed by this hidden gem.
The History of Cleburne State Park
The area surrounding Cleburne State Park was first used as a favorite hunting grounds for different Indian tribesmen. Perhaps, the densely wooded area with multiple fresh water sources surrounded by vast plains was what made this area ideal for hunting and finding food. This land was also used by Comanches who used this area to raid settlements to the Southwest and then escape back to the their northern territories.
In the early 1850s, the nearby town of Kimball was settled, the first town in Johnson County. Kimball was strategically situated on the junction of the Chisholm Trail and the Brazos River. Many herds of cattle from across Texas were driven through this area on the way to markets in the north. This area was a favorite camping spot for many ranchers on their journey to market.
In 1934, the beautiful area of Cleburne State Park was recognized as an ideal spot for a local park by a few local business men. And in 1935, the park was given over to State Parks Board with the understanding that the park would be developed by both the Civilian Conservation Corp (CCC) and the National Park Service. Between 1935 to 1940, construction was started on a dam, a water tower, bathhouses, a shelter, nature trails, and a residence for the park’s superintendent.
Probably the biggest addition to the park by the CCC was the building of the dam. This creation of the dam formed Cedar Lake which is enjoyed by locals and visitors today.
How to Get to Cleburne State Park
Cleburne State Park is very easy to get to from Dallas/Fort Worth.
From Dallas take I-35E S onto US-67 S towards Cleburne. Continue on US-67 for almost 53 miles and then turn left onto PR-21. After 6 miles, the park entrance will be on your right.
From Fort Worth take I-35W S and take exit 37 to merge onto SH-174 S towards Cleburne. After 13 miles, turn right onto Pipeline Road and merge onto US-67. Continue for about 8.5 miles and then turn left onto PR-21. After 6 miles, the park entrance will be on your right.
When to Visit Cleburne State Park
Cleburne State Park can be enjoyed by visitors year round.
Spring – Great time for camping and hiking. Best time of year to see wildflowers.
Summer – Best time of year to visit for swimming and cooling off in Cedar Lake.
Fall – Another great time for camping and hiking. In early fall, the water should still be warm enough to swim but nights are starting to cool off making it the perfect time for camping.
Winter – Texas has very mild winters and it’s not unheard of to get an 80 degree day even in January. A warm weather winter day is perfect for hitting the trails at Cleburne State Park. You’ll also experience fewer insects, and that’s a win.
What to Pack for Cleburne State Park
1. Good Hiking Shoes
Some of the trails in North Texas’ State Parks can be pretty rock and uneven.
When hiking around North, it’s super important to wear sturdy hiking shoes or sandals on the trails. I wear brands like Merrell Moab 2 Mid Ventilator, Teva Universal Trail (trail sandal), and Timberland Mt. Maddsen Mid Waterproof. My husband, who is very prone to ankle injuries, wears Salomon X Ultra Low GTX and swears by them.
I love being able to switch between a solid hiking boot and a trail sandal with excellent traction on easier hikes. I’m very prone to blisters and having different shoes to change into makes a world of difference.
2. Water Bottle & Hydration pack
Texas can get HOT, so it’s important to stay hydrated on hiking trails.
To keep your drink extra cold, go with a Hydroflask, which is vacuum-sealed and keeps your liquids cold for up to 24 hours. If you’re looking for something a bit more lightweight, go with the traditional Nalgene.
On longer hikes, fill up your Ospry Hydraulics Reservoir to keep your water easily accessible & hands free. My favorite day pack that accommodates a hydration bladder is the Osprey Mira 22 Hydration Pack.
3. Trail Snacks
Make sure you bring enough energy-boosting food to get you through the day. Some of our favorite trail and adventure snacks are the traditional PB&J, grapes, trail mixes, Go Macro Bars, and RX Bars.
Don’t forget a cooler to keep your food cool. We love our Coleman Steel Belted Cooler and take it with us on just about every adventure. It’s been all around the country with us.
4. Sun and Bug Protection
The sun in Texas is hot. Protect yourself from the sun with sunscreen. This Sun Bum sunscreen is so light and easy to fit in your pack. Also, it’s super protective against the sun. It’s also reef friendly, so save it for your next trip to the beach!
In addition to sunscreen, make sure you protect your face with a sun hat. I really enjoy wearing this Vintage Style Cap from Amazon. It has tons of colors to choose from, I’ve been loving the yellow.
Sunglasses are never a bad idea, either.
The bugs in North Texas can be rather pesty so protect yourself with this Plant-Based Bug Repellant which smells more like lemons and less like deet.
5. Lightweight & Moisture-Wicking Clothes
Make sure to choose moisture-wicking clothing (aka NOT cotton), to pull the sweat away from your body and stay cool and dry while hiking.
These Icebreaker T-Shirts have been a favorite of mine recently, they’re excellent at keeping you dry. And the best part is that they don’t stink even after a long sweaty day on the trail!
6. The Fun Stuff
I don’t like to visit a Texas State Park without a hammock, like this Eno Double Nest Hammock. I also don’t go on any adventure without my Nikon d3500 DSLR camera.
What To Do at Cleburne State Park
Make sure you see these three notable sights during your visit:
Take a Walk to the Historic CCC Spillway
The spillway is the most iconic feature of the park. Not only is it a beautiful feature but also has historical significance. The spillway was built by Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC).
In 1935, the City of Cleburne donated land for development of the state park and members of the CCC transformed the land into a recreational oasis. In addition to the dam and spillway, Cedar Lake, and the park road, the 200-man camp also built entrance portals, a park residence, a maintenance area, and outdoor fireplaces.
The area around the spillway is beautiful. During our visit, we started to see dark storm clouds roll in so we didn’t stick around for long to avoid the rain.
Make sure you see the spillway during your visit to Cleburne State Park!
Watch Wildlife from the Camp Creek Bridge
Another installation of the Civilian Conservation Corps, the Camp Creek Bridge is a great spot to grab a picture or watch for wildlife. Keep an eye on the creek below and you may be able to spot a crawdad or two. We spotted four crawdads from our vantage point on the bridge.
Side note: Do you say crawdad, crawfish, or crayfish? Let me know in the comments below!
Cast a Fishing Line at Crappie Cove Fishing Area
One word that can be used to describe Crappie Cove is peaceful. This portion of the lake was very calm and serene and kinda made me wish I had brought a blanket and a good book.
Crappie Cove is also the best place in the park for bank fishing.
Take a Hike on One of Cleburne State Park’s Trails
Cleburne State Park is my new favorite hiking spot! I plan to come back here many times to condition for summer hiking. You will find a few trails that are actually quite strenuous and hilly (which is hard to come by in this part of Texas).
Fossil Ridge Trail – This trail hugs park boundary and is made up of many ups and downs and a variety of landscapes. The trail is 2.5 miles one-way and can be combined with the Coyote Run Trail & Spillway Trail for a full loop of the park. Consider this trail is you’re looking for a high-mileage and more challenging route.
Spillway Trail – This trail offers the best view of the three-tiered spillway made by the CCC out of the Comanche Peak limestone.
Coyote Run Nature Trail – Connecting to both the Spillway Trail & Fossil Ridge Trail, this nature trail has a great view of Cedar Lake. There are many ups and downs on this very rocky trail.
Camp Creek Loop – The main feature of this trail is the Camp Creek Bridge built by the CCC. Continue on the trail for views of bur oaks and five-lobed Virginia creeper vines along the West Camp Creek.
Crappie Cove Fishing Trail – A short trail that hugs the banks of the lake. A great place for a stroll right on the waterfront.
Kayak in Cedar Lake
The water in Cedar Lake is perfect for kayaking. Bring your own kayak or rent one from the self-serve kiosk near the swimming area. The kiosk takes credit cards only and offers kayaks or stand-up paddle boards.
Go for a Swim in Cedar Lake
If you visit in the summer time, you have to take a dip into Cedar Lake. Although it was still too cold to swim during our visit, I was very impressed with the quality of the water. The lake is fed by natural springs so the water is very fresh and clear.
There is a designated swimming area on the north side of the lake that will fill up pretty quickly so get there early to enjoy it with fewer crowds. But either way, it’s worth it.
Cleburne State Park is a gem and I hope you make the time to visit!
Make sure you check out other state parks in the area. Check out this post on the best state parks in North Texas!
More Texas Adventures
- Get Outdoors at Lake Mineral Wells
- Eisenhower State Park – Exploring the Texas – Oklahoma Border
- Guadalupe Mountains – The Top of Texas
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