Fort Richardson State Park is known for the historic Fort Richardson, which was built in the 1860s. At one time, Fort Richardson was the largest installation of the U.S. Army.
Location
228 State Park Road 61, Jacksboro, Texas 76458
Cost
The entry fee for Fort Richardson State Park is $4 per person over the age of 13. There is free admission for people ages 12 and under.
The fort tours are included in the entry fee for the park.
There are additional fees for overnight stays which vary depending on the type of lodging or campsite.
To save money when visiting Fort Richardson 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
Reservations can be made in advance online. Reservations can be made for campsites or for day use. Reservations should be made as soon as you know your plans, especially for spring and fall.
This is a popular park that often reaches capacity, even for day use. If you do not have a reservation you may be turned away at the gate.
Staying at Fort Richardson State Park
Campsites
Campsites with water are $20 per night. These campsites are not in the main park area, but are in the North Park area, which is three miles away.
Campsites with electricity are $20 per night in the East Camping Loop. These sites have a picnic table and fire ring with a grill. There is a water hookup and electric hookup. Restrooms with showers are in the vicinity.
Campsites with electricity are $20 per night in the West Camping Loop. These sites have picnic tables, and fire rings with grills. There are hookups for electric and water. Restrooms with showers are in the vicinity.
Full hookup campsites are $25 per night. They are in the West Camping Loop. The sites have picnic tables and a a fire ring with a grill. The sites have full hook ups for water, electric, and sewer.
Cabins
Cabins are available for $45 per night. They have electric and air-conditioning as well as a picnic table and fire ring. There are bunk beds to sleep up to five people and tents and RVs are allowed onsite.
There is no restroom in the cabin, but restrooms with showers are in the vicinity. The sites have full hookups for electric, water, and sewer.
Dogs are not allowed in the cabin itself, but are permitted outside of the cabin.
Group Facilities
There is a walk up group campsite available for rent with picnic tables and fire rings with grills. The site has picnic tables, water, and restrooms in the vicinity.
There is a pavilion available for rent at $50 per day. The pavilion has a covered roof, picnic tables, lights, and a grill. Restrooms are in the area.
Equestrian Campsites
Equestrian sites are $20 per night. They have a picnic table and fire ring with a grill. There is a horse pen and hookups for water and electric.
Restrooms in Fort Richardson State Park
There are bathrooms provided throughout the park. Restrooms in some of the camping loops have showers. Restrooms in North Park do not have showers.
Hiking Trails
Most of the trails in the park are hiking only and are fairly short.
The Lost Creek Reservoir State Trailway allows for biking and equestrian use as well. The trail is 9 miles long. The trail runs from the main section of the park with the fort to the North Park, where the swimming area is. The trail goes along Lost Creek.
What is there to do at Fort Richardson State Park?
Visit the fort. There is no additional charge besides the day use fee for the park. There are many historic buildings that are open for either guided tours or self-guided tours.
You can fish in Quarry Lake and Lake Jacksboro. Fishing licenses are not required for fishing from the shores of a state park.
North Park has a swimming area on the shore of Lake Jacksboro. There is a beach area and tables. There are areas along the trailway where you can swim in Lost Creek which runs along the trail in some places.
You can kayak in the lake.
Go out on the trails. The trailway allows horseback riding and bike riding as well as hiking.
Dogs at Fort Richardson State Park
Fort Richardson State Park allows dogs into the park. Dogs must be on a leash in public areas of the park including on hiking trails. Owners must clean up after their dogs.
Dogs are not allowed inside any of the buildings, including cabins and bathrooms. Dogs are allowed in the area outside the cabins, but not inside the cabin.
What to do near Fort Richardson State Park
Jacksboro, Texas
The park is on the outskirts of Jacksboro, Texas. The main part of the park and historic site is to the south of the town, and the North Unit is to the north of the town. The trailway runs between the two parks on the right side of the town. The town has restaurants and hotels.