Abilene State Park is one of the parks that was built by the Civilian Conservation Corp (CCC) and opened in 1934. It is known for the historic swimming pool that was built by the CCC. The park is 530 acres and includes Lake Abilene.
Location:
150 Park Rd 32, Tuscola, TX 79562
Abilene State Park is located 16 miles southwest of Abilene, Texas.
From Abilene take FM 89 from Abilene to Buffalo Gap, then turn onto Park Road 32 until you see the park entrance.
Cost:
The entry fee for Abilene State Park is $5 for per person over the age of 13. There is free admission for people ages 12 and under.
The swimming pool requires an additional ticket. The entry fee for the swimming pool is $4 per person for ages 6 and up, with free admission for anyone 5 and under.
There are additional fees for overnight stays which vary depending on the type of lodging or campsite. The prices vary depending on peak season or off season.
To save money when visiting Abilene State Park, I recommend looking at a Texas State Parks Pass. The pass costs $70 a year. The benefit of the pass is that it allows the pass holder, and any passengers in their vehicle to enter the park without paying the day use fee.
Reservations:
While not technically required, I recommend making reservations as soon as you know your plans. Campsites and other lodging can book up quickly especially for weekends and summers.
Reservations can be made for day use, the swimming pool, and lodging. Reservations for day use can be made up to one month in advance. Reservations for camping open up one year in advance.
Realistically this park is unlikely to need a reservation in advance for day use, but if it is at capacity, you will be turned away. The swimming pool area does reach capacity, and if you are hoping to swim in the pool you should make reservations in advance for that.
Reservations can be made online at: https://texasstateparks.reserveamerica.com/camping/abilene-state-park/r/deDetails.do?contractCode=TX&parkId=1200091
Swimming at Abilene State Park
Abilene State Park has swimming available in both the lake and the pool.
Lake Abilene
Swimming is available in Lake Abilene. Swimming in the lake is at your own risk and it is important to exercise caution swimming in a natural lake. The lake is open from sunrise to sunset every day.
The park also offers fishing, kayaking, and canoeing at the lake.
Swimming Pool
Abilene State Park is known for the historic swimming pool that was built in the 1930’s by the civilian conservation corp.
The swimming pool is open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays during the summer season. An additional ticket is necessary for accessing the swimming pool area, and reservations should be made in advance. The tickets are $4 per person ages 6 and up.
Staying at Abilene State Park
In addition to campsites, the state park also has more structured lodging available.
Most of the campsites have a picnic table, fire rings, and water. Some of the sites have electricity or other amenities for a full RV hookup.
Yurts
For a more unique experience you can rent a yurt to stay in. The smaller ones are $50 per night and hold up to five people. There is a larger one that is $75 per night and holds up to eight people.
They have electricity, beds – but you have to bring your own linens – and microwaves and refrigerators. There are no pets allowed.
There is no restroom inside the yurt, but they are available nearby.
Restrooms at Abilene State Park
There are restroom facilities available throughout the park. The campsite loops have restrooms that have showers in them.
There are also restrooms in the swimming pool area.
Hiking Trails
There are seven trails at the state park. Most of the trails are very short and easy trails of less than a third of a mile. Pets are allowed on trails if they are on a leash and cleaned up after.
The longest and most difficult trail is Abilene Dam Road which is 3.5 miles long. The trail is only moderate difficulty and goes around the lake. Animals along the trail include roadrunners, deer and beavers.
Eagle Trail is ADA accessible and only 0.2 miles long. The trail has benches to stop and rest along the way.
What is there to do at Abilene State Park?
There are many activities at the park. You can fish, swim, hike, or kayak. There are picnic tables, fire pits as well as a volleyball court and horseshoe pit.
What to do near Abilene State Park
Visit Buffalo Gap
Buffalo Gap is a small town located on the way between Abilene and the park. Inside the town is the Taylor County History Center which has preserved buildings from when Buffalo Gap was a frontier community. Admission is $7 for adults.
You can pick up snacks for your camping trip at Stewart Grocery and top off your car with gas. They offer to go food during a limited window of time around the lunch hour.
You can get a nice breakfast or coffee at the Gap Cafe in town or a steak dinner at the Perini Ranch Steakhouse.
Visit Abilene
Abilene is located 16 miles from the park and is a city of 125,000 people. Abilene is home to three different colleges and is known as the Storybook Capital of America.
There are many nice restaurants in Abilene as well as historical and cultural activities.
Frontier Texas is an interactive museum that also functions as the visitor center for Abilene and the Texas Forts Trail. Tickets to the museum are $10 for adults.
Fort Phantom Hill is the remains of the 1851 army base. It is open during daylight hours and is free to enter. It is located at 10818 FM 600 Abilene, Texas 79601
Where to stay when visiting Abilene State Park
The best place to stay for visiting the park is in the park itself. There are a range of different affordable campsites with different levels of amenities available.
If you do not want to stay in the park itself there are plenty of options that are not too far away from the park.
In the nearby town of Buffalo Gap there are several vacation rentals available. It is a relaxing and quiet town that would make an excellent weekend getaway.
Further from the park, but still not too far, is the city of Abilene. There are many hotels available to stay at in Abilene.
If you are trying to find a hotel in Abilene for staying at the park I recommend staying in the area near the Mall of Abilene. This area has lots of restaurants including a drive through Starbucks and is near Redbud Park which I really like a lot. There are a lot of hotels in this area, so hopefully you will be able to find something that works great for you.
Some hotels you might like:
MCM Elegante Abilene
This hotel has an indoor heated pool and lots of meeting areas making it good for a large group.
Hilton Garden Inn Abilene
Courtyard by Marriot Abilene Southwest / Abilene Mall South
Holiday Inn Express
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham
This is a pet friendly hotel.