rocks on the shore of Lake Colorado City at Lake Colorado City State Park

Rocks on the shore of Lake Colorado City. Photo: Park Facebook Page.

Boasting over 500 acres of lush parkland and some five scenic miles of shoreline that skirts a beautiful lake, Lake Colorado City State Park, is the perfect place to go for your next nature getaway.

For those who enjoy recreational activities, it’s a veritable Disneyland. With the likes of kayaking, canoeing, SUP, swimming, fishing, hiking, birding, geocaching and photography all being available in abundance.

Set within the Mesquite Plains, which itself is a part of the western Rolling Plains, this Texas state park is also a nature lover’s paradise too. With hundreds of different species of flora and fauna being found within it.

Situated just 11 miles from Colorado City, and just under a 2 hour drive from Lubbock, it is a terrific place to rest, relax and rejuvenate your senses whilst taking a break from the frenetic pace of city life.

Should you want to camp there, you’ll find 78 campsites and 11 cabins, as well as a pavilion and group hall, which should make your stay a very comfortable one.

Activities

One of the park’s main drawcards is that it provides guests with several opportunities to enjoy the beauty of its landscape.

Here is just a small selection of some of the many activities you can do during your visit there.

Boating at Lake Colorado City State Park

With a boat ramp providing easy access, the sparkling waters of the lake are perfect for boating. There is plenty of surface area for you to cruise around in your preferred vessel, and the scenic views you will get of the shoreline are sensational.

If you do take a boat out onto the water, just remember the law requires all children aged 13 and under to wear a lifejacket.

As well as boats, watercraft like canoes, stand up paddle boards and kayaks are also very popular activities on the lake.

Should you not have these with you they are available to rent at the park.

Swimming at Lake Colorado City State Park

Close to the boat ramp you will find a designated swimming area which is perfect for those who want to cool off from the heat of the Texan sun.

This area is not lifeguarded and its depth gets to 51 feet. So if you do go for a dip you will need to exercise caution and will be doing so at your own risk.

To make it a safer environment for swimmers, watercraft are not permitted in this area and must also observe No Wake rules.

Fishing at Lake Colorado City State Park

Anglers from all over Texas come to Lake Colorado City State Park for the opportunity to enjoy some prime fishing.

Those who want to cast a line can choose to do so from an ADA accessible fishing pier, by the shoreline or a fishing barge.

Some of the fish you can expect to catch here include largemouth bass, red drum, perch, crappie and catfish.

If you intend to snare catfish, it is best to use prepared and live baits within the river channels, and close to the drop-offs. For those hoping to hook largemouth bass, you are recommended to use artificial baits and minnows in the bulrushes and in particular along the rip-rap on the dam.

Hiking at Lake Colorado City State Park

Hiking is always a good way to explore a state park and at Lake Colorado City State Park there are two fantastic trails you can tackle.

Covering a distance of 3 miles, these trails vary in length and degrees of difficulty but all showcase the park’s tremendous landscape.

The most popular and accessible of these trails to all visitors is the Cactus Cut Trail. Rated as easy to moderate, it runs for a mile in length and provides captivating views of Lake Colorado City and the Morgan Creek Power Plant, as it takes you through a terrain of cacti and brush.

For a more challenging trek, the moderately rated Roadrunner Loop Trail takes you on a 1.8 mile course through rugged and rough terrain. It guides you through to the Picnic Overlook which conveys fantastic views of the lake.

The Rock Ridge on this trail is a must see as it differentiates the lake from a secluded pond which affords you with a wonderful opportunity to spot birds and some of the park’s other wildlife including white-tailed deer, mallard ducks, raccoons, armadillos and squirrels.

Pets at Lake Colorado City State Park

Pets are allowed to join you at the park, although some restrictions do apply.

To determine what they are it is worth getting in touch with the main office for further details.

Camping at Lake Colorado City State Park

For visitors who want to spend a bit of time at the park there are several overnight accommodation options open to them.

All up there are 78 sites that come with hookups for water and electricity. Of these 9 are pull-through. Each of these sites come with their own picnic table and shade shelter. Situated near restrooms that have hot showers, they also have individual lantern posts and fire rings with grill.

In addition to these sites there are a further 34 which come with hookups for water that you can choose to stay at.

Should you prefer something a bit more upscale, there are 11 cabins available at the park too. These are equipped with air conditioning, ceiling fans and heaters. They also come with two sets of bunk beds, a dining table and a small refrigerator.

Park Location

Lake Colorado City State Park
Farm to Market 2836
Colorado City, TX 79512
Phone: 325.728.3931

Website
Reservations

Map

Video

Here is a short YouTube video showcasing several attractions at Lake Colorado City State Park: