Cleburne State Park
Cleburne State Park is a Texas hill country treasure featuring the 116-acre spring-fed Cedar Lake, historic CCC masonry craftsmanship from the 1930s, and nearly 13 miles of trails through cedar-covered limestone hills. Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps from 1935-1940, this park showcases iconic Depression-era architecture including a stunning three-tiered spillway, Camp Creek Bridge, and original stone structures still in use today.
🔥 Burn Ban in Effect – January 2026
- No open fires (wood or charcoal) – effective since Jan 20, 2026
- Propane/containerized fuel stoves: ALLOWED for cooking
- Prescribed burns: Oct–Apr may close some areas; call ahead
Cedar Lake – 116 Acres
| Lake Details | Information |
|---|---|
| 📐 Size | 116 acres |
| 💧 Water Source | Spring-fed |
| 🏊 Swimming | North side designated area |
| ⚓ Boats | No-wake speed only |
| 🚫 PWCs | Not permitted |
CCC History (1935-1940)
| CCC Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| 📅 Established | 1939 (land donated 1934) |
| 👷 Company | CCC Company 3804 |
| 🏛️ Spillway | Three-tiered masonry masterpiece |
| 🌉 Camp Creek Bridge | Historic masonry/carpentry |
| 🏠 Buildings | Concession, boathouse, bathhouse, residence |
Camping – 58 Sites
| Site Type | Count | Amenities |
|---|---|---|
| ⚡ Full Hookup | 20 sites | Water, electric, sewer |
| ⚡ Water/Electric | 10 sites | Water + electric |
| ⚡ Electric Only | 28 sites | Electric + nearby water |
| 🏕️ Primitive | Available | Rustic camping |
| Site Amenities | Included |
|---|---|
| 🪵 Fire Ring | Yes (burn ban restrictions apply) |
| 🍖 Grill | Yes |
| 🧺 Picnic Table | Yes |
| 🚿 Showers | Hot showers nearby |
Screened Shelters & Cabins
| Lodging Details | Information |
|---|---|
| 🏠 Type | Screened shelters, cabins |
| 🚿 Bathrooms | Shared (nearby restrooms) |
| 🛏️ Linens | Not provided (bring your own) |
| 📅 Weekend Min | 2-night minimum (Fri-Sun) |
| 💵 Deposit | $50 at check-in |
Trails – 13 Miles
| Trail | Distance | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 🥾 Spillway Trail | 0.7 mi | CCC three-tiered spillway views |
| 🥾 Camp Creek Loop | 1.1 mi | Historic CCC bridge |
| 🥾 White-tail Hollow | 1.9 mi | Lake + dam views |
| 🥾 Fossil Ridge | 2.5 mi | Challenging, park boundary |
| 🥾 Cedar Lake Trail | 3.0 mi | Scenic loop around lake |
| 🥾 Limestone Ridge | 1.7 mi | Rugged limestone cliffs |
Park Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| 🕐 Hours | 7 AM – 10 PM daily |
| 💵 Day Use Fee | $6/person (13+) |
| 📅 Reservations | Highly recommended |
Frequently Asked Questions
Wildlife & Nature
Cleburne SP — 528 acres on Cedar Lake. The park’s Cross Timbers ecoregion (an ancient forest belt once called the “impenetrable” barrier by early explorers), lake, and limestone support white-tailed deer, armadillos, and Texas horned lizards.
Nearby Attractions
Cleburne — adjacent. Johnson County — surrounding. Fort Worth — 30 miles north.
Can I have a campfire at Cleburne State Park?
Currently NO—a burn ban is in effect since January 20, 2026. Open, ash-producing fires using wood or charcoal are prohibited. However, propane and containerized fuel stoves are permitted for cooking. Always check current conditions before your visit as burn bans can be lifted or extended based on weather conditions.
What did the CCC build at Cleburne State Park?
CCC Company 3804 (1935-1940) transformed this land into a state park. Their impressive works include: the earthen dam that created Cedar Lake, a stunning three-tiered masonry spillway, the historic Camp Creek Bridge, a three-mile scenic roadway around the lake, the concession building, boathouse, bathhouse, entrance portals, and nature trails still in use today.
Can you swim in Cedar Lake?
Yes! A designated swimming area is available on the north side of the 116-acre spring-fed Cedar Lake. The water is noted for being fresh and clear. No lifeguard is on duty—swimming is at your own risk, and children must be supervised by adults. Personal watercraft (PWCs) are not allowed, and boats must maintain no-wake speed.
Do the cabins have bathrooms?
No. The screened shelters and cabins at Cleburne State Park do not have private bathrooms. Shared restroom facilities with showers are located nearby. Bed linens are not provided—bring your own. A 2-night minimum stay is required for Friday-Sunday bookings, and a $50 deposit is collected at check-in.
Are trails open during prescribed burns?
Not always. Prescribed burns are conducted between October and April for ecosystem management. These may lead to temporary closures of camping areas, lodging, trails, and day-use areas for visitor safety. If visiting during these months, contact the park directly to check which areas may be affected before your trip.
🏛️ Texas CCC History & Hill Country Beauty
Swim in spring-fed Cedar Lake, explore 1930s CCC masonry, and hike limestone ridges through cedar brakes. Visit the official Cleburne State Park website for current burn ban status and camping reservations.
Explore More Texas State Parks
Cleburne State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Texas. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Texas guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
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