🧭 Know Before You Go: Copper Breaks State Park
| Parking | Equestrian campsites come with their own parking area and a large water tank for horses. |
|---|---|
| Entry & permits | The Big Pond equestrian campsites are open to all campers, not only riders. |
| What you'll actually see | The Medicine Mounds are on private property - trespassing is prohibited. |
| On-site services | The 60-acre lake is a no-wake zone and jet skis are not allowed. |
| Seasonal access | Star parties run monthly April through November, with further night-sky programs year-round. |
Source: tpwd.texas.gov (verified July 2026). Rules and seasons change — confirm before you go.
🌤 Weather at Copper Breaks State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40–87 °F | 68–99 °F | 38–90 °F | 27–60 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Copper Breaks State Park, 1 mi away, elevation 1,475 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Home to two picturesque bodies of water and over ten miles of trails, Copper Breaks State Park is the perfect place to escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Situated within a 3 hour drive of Oklahoma City, Lubbock and Amarillo, the park was once owned by the Comanche and Kiowa Native Americans.
As one of only two Texas state parks to be designated as International Dark Sky Park, it is a very popular destination to see the Milky Way among crystal clear skies.
In daylight hours, opportunities for boating, fishing, swimming and hiking are also aplenty. While those who want to stay the night, are able to choose from a wide range of RV, trailer and hike-in, tent camping options.
Activities
Whilst at the park there are plenty of outdoor pursuits you can engage in.
Outlined below is just a handful of some of the major recreational activities the park is renowned for.
Stargazing at Copper Breaks State Park
The clarity of the skies over Copper Breaks State Park have to be seen to be believed.
At night, the darkness is all encompassing, which makes spotting constellations and other celestial bodies very easy. So be sure to bring your telescope with you when you come here.
If you don’t know an Orion from a Scorpius, it would be a good idea to coincide your stay with the ‘Star Walk’.
This takes place once a month between April and October and involves a park host taking you on a short hike and pointing out various star formations to you with a laser.
Boating at Copper Breaks State Park
Spread across 60-acres, Copper Breaks Lake is a lovely spot for a hike.
The lake is usually quite serene, so offers excellent conditions for kayaking, canoeing and SUP.
At the northern end of the lake you will find a launch ramp which should help you get into the water.
If you don’t own a kayak, or forgot to bring it with you, they are available to rent at the park during the warmer months of summer months.
Swimming at Copper Breaks State Park
For those who want to escape the punishing heat of the Texan sun, the lake has a designated swimming area on its eastern side, close to the Cottonwood Group Campground.
As the water is very clear and clean, quite a few people enjoy a paddle here at any given time.
Please note, this swimming area is not patrolled by lifeguards, so you will need to practice caution should you decide to enter the water.
Fishing at Copper Breaks State Park
Possessing two bodies of water, the park is a very popular destination for angling. So you will definitely want to bring your gear with you.
Fishing takes place at Copper Breaks Lake and Big Pond, both of which are home to a huge range of aquatic life.
The lake tends to be a more popular spot to cast a line, and also has a pier you can utilize.
However, at both, you will be able to catch the likes of rainbow trout, catfish and muskellunge, as well as small and largemouth bass in abundance.
Hiking at Copper Breaks State Park
As its landscape is semi-arid, hiking is slightly different at Copper Breaks State Park than at other state parks in the USA.
Given its topography, many of the trails tend to take place on flat ground. Passing through areas with open fields replete with bunched grasses, wildflowers and shallow juniper breaks, as well as cottonwood and mesquite trees.
Here are some of the most popular trails at Copper Breaks State Park:
- trail 1 – Short Bull Canyon Trail. Length: 1.1 mile Degree of Difficulty: easy
- trail 2 – Long Bull Canyon Loop. Length: 2.4 miles Degree of Difficulty: moderate
- trail 3 – Rocky Ledges Loop. Length: 1.6 miles Degree of Difficulty: challenging
Pets at Copper Breaks State Park
Pets are welcome to join you at Copper Breaks State Park. Texas State Parks rules apply: keep your pet on a leash no longer than 6 feet, in a car or in a crate, and stay with it at all times, including at your campsite. Pets are not allowed in park buildings (that includes restrooms, cabins and screened shelters) or in the water and on the land around a designated swim area, and you need proof of a current rabies vaccination (Texas Parks and Wildlife, as of October 2026).
For park-specific pet restrictions, contact the park office.
Camping at Copper Breaks State Park
For those looking for overnight accommodation, the campgrounds at Copper Breaks State Park offer plenty of options across several sites.
For those wanting RV or trailer sites that come with 30-amp or 50-amp electricity and water, you will find 24 sites available at the Comanche Camping Area. Each of these sites come with individual picnic tables, waist-high grills and fire rings with grills. They are also situated near comfort stations.
Over at the Kiowa Camping Area there are also 11 campsites that come with water, as well as the same amenities on offer at Comanche. It also boasts a lovely playground for children to enjoy too.
If you are visiting the park with your horse you can also choose to stay at any of 14 campsites with water that are located in the Big Pond Equestrian Camping Area. To stay here however, you will have to prove that your horse has had a negative Coggins test within the previous 12 months.
All sites come with the same amenities that are available at the other camping areas, although there is no hot water or showers in the restrooms.
For those who prefer primitive camping you will find 6 hike-in sites near the west end of the dam on Lake Copper Breaks.
There are also 9 group camps at Big Pond and Cottonwood which can all accommodate a maximum of 8 people, as well as overflow campsites too.
Park Location
Copper Breaks State Park
777 State Hwy Park Rd 62,
Quanah, TX 79252
Phone: 940.839.4331
Map
Video
Here is a short YouTube video showcasing several attractions at Copper Breaks State Park:
Explore More Texas State Parks
Copper Breaks 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.
Make it a road trip: Pair a visit with Caprock Canyons State Park (elsewhere in the state) or Lake Arrowhead State Park (elsewhere in the state).
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Copper Breaks State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are welcome at almost all Texas State Parks on trails and in campgrounds, but must be on leash, in a car, or in a crate at all times and may not be left unattended.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- 6 ft maximum leash required at all times
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets are not allowed in the water or on land around designated swim areas
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Pets are not permitted in any state park buildings, including motels, cabins, screened shelters and group facilities
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Several parks restrict dogs in specific areas (Big Bend Ranch, Enchanted Rock, Government Canyon, Hueco Tanks); proof of current rabies vaccination required
Are dogs allowed at Copper Breaks State Park?
Pets are welcome at almost all Texas State Parks on trails and in campgrounds, but must be on leash, in a car, or in a crate at all times and may not be left unattended. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via tpwd.texas.gov. More: Texas state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
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