Abilene State Park
150 Park Road 32
Tuscola TX 79562
325/572-3204
History: Abilene State Park, southwest of Abilene, in Taylor County, is among a low range of hills called the Callahan Divide, in the extreme western portion of North Central Texas. Acquired in 1933 by deed from the City of Abilene, the park's total acreage is 529.4.
Original park construction was done by the Civilian Conservation Corps (C.C.C.) in the early 1930's. A portion of the official Texas longhorn herd and one buffalo are located on site. Comanches frequented what is now the park, using the groves of native pecan trees as campgrounds, much like the present park's picnic area.
Activities: The park offers camping, hiking, nature study, swimming (summer), picnicking, fishing in Buffalo Wallow Pond in the park and nearby Lake Abilene, and biking and walking on park roads.
Interpretive Programs: Held both on and off site. Nature trail tours are given upon request. Call the park for more information.
Watch
video of Abilene State Park.- Check the Calendar for events and access restrictions scheduled within the next 3 months.
- More Information on outdoor activities from the Experience Texas page.
Area Attractions: Fort Griffin State Historic Site; and Buffalo Gap, which was the original Taylor County Seat (1878) and one of the early frontier settlements through which passed the famous Butterfield Stage Route (also called the Southern Overland Mail Route). (Buffalo Gap was also on the Western or Goodnight Loving Trail over which pioneer Texas cattlemen drove their herds to the Kansas railhead. This traffic is understandable, considering Buffalo Gap lies at a natural pass through a chain of hills.) Other nearby points of interest include Lake Abilene, the Grace Cultural Center with the Abilene Fine Arts Museum, Historical Museum, and Children's Museum; Paramount Theater; Abilene Zoological Gardens; Dyess Air Force Base's vintage aircraft; Buffalo Gap Historic Village; and a monthly art walk in downtown Abilene.
Facilities: Facilities include restrooms with and without showers; a playground area; a summertime 40' x 110' swimming pool; a 10' x 30' wading pool for children; a game area with a sand volleyball pit; a horseshoe pit; a basketball goal; a large open area for baseball, soccer, football, and kite flying.
The park has recently added 3 yurts (enhanced shelters). The yurts have a double/single bunk bed with mattresses, fold out sofa, a microwave, & a night stand. Outside they have a picnic table, fire ring, and water spigot. One of the yurts is ADA accessible.
There are developed campsites with water nearby with a table, a grill, individual site parking; campsites with water; campsites with water and electricity; a group trailer area (sites with water and electricity); large trailer sites with water and electricity; a one-mile nature trail; trailer dump stations; and screened shelters. Special rates are available; seasonal camping fees December through February. There are group recreation halls for day or overnight use (air-conditioned); group day-use areas (picnic tables under moderate shade. The swimming pool and concession are open Thursday - Sunday, from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Pool hours are 11 AM - 7 PM. The Swimming pool is available for rental - inquire at the park headquarters. There is no fee for swimming with paid entry. The park staff operates a Texas State Park Store where they sell ice, T-shirts, caps, wildlife posters, and other items.
- Fees
- Map
of Park
(PDF 164 KB)
Check
availability/make reservations on-line for Abilene S.P.
You can also make e-mail reservations, fax
reservations or phone
reservations.
Natural Features: Abilene is in a semi-arid region of short prairie grass, brushland, and wooded stream valleys of mesquite, juniper, cedar, native pecan, elm, live oaks, hackberry, Texas red oak, red bud, and various other plants, and wildflowers.
Wildlife observation and photography include white-tailed deer, raccoon, armadillo, fox, squirrel, cottontail rabbit, and a large variety of birds including Mississippi kite, roadrunner, cardinal, hummingbird, mockingbird, and many others. Popular fish include bass, crappie, catfish, and perch.
More information on wildlife mentioned here:
Elevation: 1738.
Weather: July average high is 95; January average low is 31
; first/last freeze: November 19/March 23.
Schedule: 7 days a week year-round. Busy Season: March through November. Check the Calendar for events and access restrictions scheduled within the next 3 months.
Directions: To reach the park,
travel 16 miles southwest of Abilene, through Buffalo Gap, on FM 89, then on
Park Road 32 to the park
entrance. Detailed
location
map for Abilene State Park. (PDF 26.9 KB)
Latitude (degrees, minutes, seconds) N: 32° 14' 26.34" Longitude (degrees,
minutes, second) W: 99° 52' 44.65"
Current conditions including, fire bans & water levels, can vary from day to day. For more details, contact the park.
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, 4200 Smith School Road, Austin, TX 78744