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Cleburne State Park |
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5800 Park Road 21,
Cleburne TX
76031 817/645-4215
History: Cleburne State Park is a 528-acre park that encompasses a lively
116-acre, spring-fed lake. Located southwest of Fort Worth, in Johnson County,
the park was acquired from the city of Cleburne and private owners in 1935-36
and was opened in 1938.
The region surrounding Cleburne State Park was a favorite hunting ground for
many Indian tribesmen, since it comprised densely wooded country amidst plains
and included several clear water springs. The Comanches used this area as a
trail from the northwest to raid the homesteads in the south. The Indians would
lead two fresh horses as they rode a third one, switching to a fresh horse as
each one was winded. In this manner they would escape their pursuers.
Their concealed trail was last used for a raid on Kimbell (now known as Kimbell
Bend) which, built in 1851, was the first town in Johnson County. Kimbell was
established on the Chisholm Trail at its crossing on the Brazos River. Vast
herds of cattle from the southern ranches in Texas crossed at Kimbell Bend going
north to the markets. The park, located eight miles north of Kimbell Bend, was
also a good camp site for the cowboys who drove cattle on the Chisholm Trail.
Earthen Dam Built by CCC in 1935
In 1934, this beautiful valley of springs was recognized as a picturesque
locality for a park. A group of local businessmen, interested in its
development, secured it for the State Park Board to establish a state park. In
1935, Civilian Conservation Corps (C.C.C.) Company 3804 of the federal
government moved into the park site to start developing a park
The enrollees built a small earthen dam to impound the park's 116-acre lake,
with a beautiful masonry, three-level spillway, then cleared a three-mile-long
scenic roadway around the lake. A concession building, boathouse, and bathhouse
were built in 1936, with additions in 1940.
The park residence, water tower, and interior furnishings display a variety of
handcrafted wood and metal ornaments.
Activities: Cleburne State Park mountain bike trails offer 5.5 miles of
beautiful scenery with a variety of challenges for all experience levels. The
terrain on the trail is as diverse as the hills. You will experience treacherous
down hills, fast smooth flats, and everything in between. The technical and
wooded trails form an entire loop that has made this trail one of the favorites
for mountain bikers in training or those who enjoy a challenging ride. The trail
will trail will test your skills and endurance and is well worth your time!
Fishing and boating the clear blue waters of Cedar Lake is a wonderful way to
spend the day with your family.
Note: Boats cannot exceed a speed of 5 miles per hour on this lake and personal
watercraft (i.e. jet skis, seedoos, etc.) are not allowed.
* Check the Calendar of Events for this park.
* More Information on outdoor activities from the Experience Texas page.
Area Attractions: Nearby attractions include Dinosaur Valley State Park,
Meridian State Park, Lake Whitney State Park, Acton State Historic Site; Fossil
Rim Wildlife Center; Texas Amphitheater featuring "The Promise;" Six Flags over
Texas theme park and water park; Texas Ranger baseball in Arlington; three golf
courses (Squaw Valley Golf Course, Nolan River Country Club, and Cleburne
Municipal); and Lake Pat Cleburne.
Facilities: Whatever your camping needs may be, Cleburne State Park has a
special place for your family. All campsites in the park provide a picnic table
and grill along with a campfire ring for those evening get-togethers, that
campers enjoy so much. Screened shelters can be found nestled in among the
cedars and within view of beautiful Cedar Lake. Back-in campsites with utilities
and shelters accommodate up to 8 people and combination of motor
vehicles/trailers not to exceed two. Restrooms with hot showers are nearby.
Group Camp consists of a 2 group barracks (men's and women's) with twin beds and
mattresses; you provide bed linen and pillows. It sleeps a total of 44 people.
The dining hall and kitchen seat approximately 70 people (folding tables and
chairs). The kitchen is furnished with a commercial size cook stove with griddle
top, commercial size refrigerator with no freezer, stainless steel sinks,
cabinets, work tops and electric outlets. You furnish dishes, pots and pans and
silverware. The rear of the building has a patio with a large grill and picnic
tables. All buildings are heated but no air-conditioning. There are ceiling
fans. |
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