Cleburne State Park
Texas

Cleburne State Park

Available Activities
  • Hiking
  • Camping
  • Swimming
  • Fishing
  • Boating
  • Wildlife Watching
  • Geocaching
  • RV
  • Cabins
  • Biking
  • Historic Sites
Verified by America’s State Parks Editorial Team – Updated February 2026

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 DetailsInformation
📐 Size116 acres
💧 Water SourceSpring-fed
🏊 SwimmingNorth side designated area
BoatsNo-wake speed only
🚫 PWCsNot permitted

CCC History (1935-1940)

CCC FeatureDetails
📅 Established1939 (land donated 1934)
👷 CompanyCCC Company 3804
🏛️ SpillwayThree-tiered masonry masterpiece
🌉 Camp Creek BridgeHistoric masonry/carpentry
🏠 BuildingsConcession, boathouse, bathhouse, residence

Camping – 58 Sites

Site TypeCountAmenities
Full Hookup20 sitesWater, electric, sewer
Water/Electric10 sitesWater + electric
Electric Only28 sitesElectric + nearby water
🏕️ PrimitiveAvailableRustic camping
Site AmenitiesIncluded
🪵 Fire RingYes (burn ban restrictions apply)
🍖 GrillYes
🧺 Picnic TableYes
🚿 ShowersHot showers nearby

Screened Shelters & Cabins

Lodging DetailsInformation
🏠 TypeScreened shelters, cabins
🚿 BathroomsShared (nearby restrooms)
🛏️ LinensNot provided (bring your own)
📅 Weekend Min2-night minimum (Fri-Sun)
💵 Deposit$50 at check-in

Trails – 13 Miles

TrailDistanceHighlights
🥾 Spillway Trail0.7 miCCC three-tiered spillway views
🥾 Camp Creek Loop1.1 miHistoric CCC bridge
🥾 White-tail Hollow1.9 miLake + dam views
🥾 Fossil Ridge2.5 miChallenging, park boundary
🥾 Cedar Lake Trail3.0 miScenic loop around lake
🥾 Limestone Ridge1.7 miRugged limestone cliffs

Park Information

DetailInformation
🕐 Hours7 AM – 10 PM daily
💵 Day Use Fee$6/person (13+)
📅 ReservationsHighly recommended

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

State Parks Team
Written by

State Parks Team

Editorial Team

The State Parks Team is a group of outdoor enthusiasts, researchers, and travel writers dedicated to showcasing America's state parks. Drawing on collective experience visiting parks in all 50 states, the team creates detailed guides, curated park lists, and practical tips to help visitors make the most of their state park adventures. Our mission: making America's state parks accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

Last updated: February 8, 2026

Park Location