Abilene State Park

4.41

128 reviews

150 PARK ROAD 32, TUSCOLA, Texas, 79562, United States

Featured in:RV Camping Texas Swimming Camping Texas Family-Friendly Campgrounds Texas

Quick Facts

1,988 ft

Price

$5/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Direct Line site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

1,988 ft

Price

$5/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Direct Line site

Official Website

Get Directions

Abilene State Park

$5.00 - $5.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Day-use fee is $5 per person for individuals aged 13 and older. Additional fees apply for campsites, yurts, and other amenities.

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$24.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$90.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.41

Recommended

Based on 128 reviews

932 Google reviews

Most mentioned

privacycleanshowersrestrooms

Some mention

noise

"Overall, Abilene State Park is highly praised for its cleanliness, friendly staff, and well-maintained facilities. Reviewers also appreciate the variety of activities and accommodations."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

150 PARK ROAD 32, TUSCOLA, Texas, 79562, United States

Abilene State Park

150 PARK ROAD 32, TUSCOLA, Texas, 79562, United States

Driving directionsFrom Abilene: Take FM 89 Southwest 16 miles through Buffalo Gap. The park is 5 miles southwest of Buffalo Gap. From Dallas/Ft Worth: Take I 20 West to Abilene. Take Loop 322 to Buffalo Gap exit. Take FM 89 Southwest 16 miles through Buffalo Gap. The park is 5 miles southwest of Buffalo Gap.

Access is via FM 89 Southwest and Loop 322, which are paved. The roads are accessible year-round.

Nearby places

- Abilene: 16 miles Southwest (~20 minutes) - Buffalo Gap: 5 miles Southwest (~10 minutes)

Nearby supplies

Supplies such as groceries, fuel, and camping essentials are available in Buffalo Gap (~5 miles away). Larger stores and services are in Abilene (~16 miles away).

Best Time to Camp at Abilene State Park

Experience the park's distinct seasonal personalities throughout the year. Winter brings crisp, dry days with the occasional magical dusting of snow transforming the landscape. Summer temperatures soar to a toasty 97°F, but the humid air carries the scent of wildflowers and warm earth. For the most comfortable camping experience, visit during the mild springs when wildflowers carpet the ground, or in autumn when the changing leaves paint the canopy in warm hues.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.5 / 5

Summer is busiest; pool and lake activities attract crowds but pool closures and heat are issues.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Milder weather and good hiking/birding make fall attractive and less crowded than summer.

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Mild weather, active wildlife and pleasant trail conditions make spring a top season.

Best

Winter(Dec-Feb)

4.0 / 5

Top 24% in TX

Crisp, dry days, occasional dusting of snow, serene atmosphere and strong stargazing.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: User reviews suggest summer as the busiest season.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round; pool availability seasonal.
Current Alerts: Pool is closed due to maintenance as of recent reviews. Burn bans in effect during certain seasons.

About Abilene State Park

Escape to Abilene State Park, where ancient oaks and towering pecans create a shaded sanctuary in the heart of Texas. This versatile outdoor haven welcomes every type of adventurer with accommodations ranging from cozy yurts and screened shelters to traditional tent camping and full-service RV sites. Wind through scenic hiking trails, cast a line into peaceful waters, or cool off in the seasonal swimming pool after a day of exploration.

Abilene State Park offers a variety of camping options including tent sites, RV sites, yurts, and group accommodations.

Historical SignificanceStep back in time among the enduring legacy of the Civilian Conservation Corps, whose skilled hands shaped this park during the 1930s. Their masterful stonework lives on in the historic pool house and charming picnic areas, where generations of families have gathered to create memories. These Depression-era structures stand as monuments to American craftsmanship and the enduring spirit of conservation.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the park's distinct seasonal personalities throughout the year. Winter brings crisp, dry days with the occasional magical dusting of snow transforming the landscape. Summer temperatures soar to a toasty 97°F, but the humid air carries the scent of wildflowers and warm earth. For the most comfortable camping experience, visit during the mild springs when wildflowers carpet the ground, or in autumn when the changing leaves paint the canopy in warm hues.

ElevationThe park's gentle terrain offers an accessible outdoor experience for visitors of all abilities, with subtle changes in elevation that create interesting vistas without challenging climbs.

Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a living cathedral of majestic live oaks, aromatic cedars, and sprawling pecan trees that filter the Texas sun into dancing patterns of light and shadow. Lake Abilene serves as the park's centerpiece, its shores offering tranquil spots for reflection and wildlife watching. While recent years have seen lower water levels, the lake continues to provide a serene backdrop for your outdoor adventures.

Geological RegionSituated in Texas's distinctive Region 5, the park showcases a fascinating palette of rust-red rocks, golden sand, and rich earth that tells the story of ancient geological forces. This unique terrain supports the lush tree coverage that transforms the campground into a verdant retreat, offering a striking contrast to the surrounding landscape's rugged beauty.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

After 8:15 AM during office hours

Check-out

Before 4:45 PM during office hours

Stay Limit

14 nights

Guests Allowed Per Site

Several reviews mention 5-7 people fitting comfortably in yurts.

Groups

Group sites include facilities like a pavilion and large open areas, making them suitable for family gatherings or events.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutCircle camping areas, such as the Wagon Wheel section, provide a communal atmosphere. Pecan Grove offers shaded, spaced-out RV sites.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online or by calling the park directly.

Walk-in AvailabilityAvailable; users mention walk-up opportunities for night stays and RV sites.

Cancellation PolicyCancellations or modifications should be made as soon as possible to allow others access.

AccessibilityHandicap-accessible bathrooms are available, as noted by families who appreciated the ease of cleaning toddlers in these facilities.

Site SizeCampsites are described as spacious and well-shaded with significant distance between them, providing privacy.

PrivacyCampsites offer ample privacy, with natural brush and trees separating sites. Reviewers noted, 'Ample distance between campsites ensuring privacy.

Recommended SitesAvoid front tent areas due to noise from water treatment facilities. Opt for shaded, secluded sites in Pecan Grove or Brushy Trail areas.

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

The park provides a variety of recreational activities including hiking, fishing, bird watching, boating, and swimming in the lake. Additionally, there are opportunities for stargazing and wildlife viewing.

HikingThe park features several trails, including the 3.5-mile Dam Road Trail around Lake Abilene. Trails vary in length and difficulty but are generally easy and well-marked.

FishingFishing is available at Lake Abilene, with fish like perch and bass commonly caught. However, water levels were noted to be low in some reviews.

SwimmingSwimming is available in both the lake and a large pool. However, the pool is often closed for maintenance, and reviewers have mixed feelings about its availability.

BikingBiking trails are available and described as enjoyable and scenic, though no specific details about terrain are provided.

BoatingThe park offers boating opportunities, including rentals for kayaks and canoes. Lake Abilene is a no-wake lake.

Wildlife viewingWildlife such as deer, raccoons, and various bird species are commonly seen. The bird blind is a popular feature for bird watchers.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsWild hogs, coyotes, and low lake water levels are mentioned. Broken tree limbs in some trails pose safety concerns.

Active AlertsPool is closed due to maintenance as of recent reviews. Burn bans in effect during certain seasons.

Fire PolicyBurn ban in effect during certain seasons. Firewood must be purchased from vending machines.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are No explicit quiet hours mentioned.

Emergency ServicesNearest emergency services are in Abilene (~16 miles away), which includes hospitals and police stations.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are available, but specific details about their location and schedules are not provided.

Water FeaturesLake Abilene is located offsite, approximately one mile from the campground.

Camp HostHosts and park staff are frequently praised for friendliness and helpfulness.

Weather at Abilene State Park

Reviews

4.4

128 reviews

Recommended

Abilene State Park is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Overall, Abilene State Park is highly praised for its cleanliness, friendly staff, and well-maintained facilities. Reviewers also appreciate the variety of activities and accommodations.

Review Summaries

Based on 128 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean restrooms and showers, friendly staff, spacious campsites with privacy, well-maintained hiking trails, and unique accommodations like yurts.

Based on 128 reviews

Common Concerns

The pool's frequent closures, noise near certain campsites due to the water treatment plant, and low water levels at the lake.

Based on 128 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend staying in the back section of the park for quieter experiences and exploring the yurts during winter for a cozy stay. They also suggest purchasing the Texas State Park Pass for...

Based on 128 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter is highlighted for its serene atmosphere and unique experiences like stargazing and staying in yurts. Summer reviews often mention the pool and lake activities, although the pool's...

Based on 128 reviews

Camper Quotes

- 'Yurts are awesome in winter with domed plexiglass tops to see the stars.' - 'Great place for the family. The park staff and volunteers are AMAZING!' - 'The cleanest restrooms we've ever...

Based on 128 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

The Pecan Grove area and sites like #51 (described as the best for shade) and tent site #37 are specifically praised. Campers recommend avoiding the front tent area near the water treatment plant due...

Based on 128 reviews