Cleburne State Park is a 528-acre Texas state park in Johnson County, Texas operated by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. The park includes the 116-acre, spring-fed Cedar Lake that was created by construction of an earthen dam by the Civilian Conservation Corps. The park is reached via US 67 to Park Road 21.
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We stayed here and took a day trip to dino valley. We were with our girl scout troop and had a shelter and nearby tent site. The shelter was great for extra cover during rain showers and is screened in. I think the tents were warmer since we could zip up all the netting. Lots of good trail options. We didn't fish but it looked like a great place to do so since it had fishing trails and docks. The state park does special events on some Saturdays, we were able to visit the native American heritage tables with animal hides and sample native American handmade tools/bags/games. Both kids want to go back.
You can buy fire wood (credit card vending) rent kayaks (credit card vending) and borrow fishing poles (headquarters inside store at entry)at the park. Ask the rangers about jr ranger books, backpack kit and scavenger hunt options for the kids.
Wear appropriate hiking attire, the best trails require some steep areas and river crossings...bring backup in case you fall in. I'm not in the best shape and could navigate fairly easily so I would say they are entry level with the right grippy hiking shoes shoes but some are not for anyone unsure on their feet.
Great option for when dino valley camping fills up...or as it's own destination. Mainstays Farm is nearby and does fall and Christmas events if you want something else to do. There is a little dinner really close to the park entrance (looked good enough didn't try it) and town is just 15 to 20 min away if you forget something or don't want to make...
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Pretty place, didn't see completely every single spot, and definitely should have explored by the water more, but as my interest was exploring some of the Arthropod diversity, I was slightly disappointed seeing so much juniper environments, which seem to be pretty untouched by anything but ants... The hardwood spaces with lots of ground cover of varying flora seemed to be much better in terms of diversity. I'd also lost my phone lens so I didn't get many pics.
The mushroom diversity here was pretty crazy though! Haha
Anyway, 4 dollar entry fee or something... Not insane, but for me, not gonna be returning here soon unless perhaps simply to hike. Definitely a good place for walking, bringing family, fishing, exploring the water, etc. Big beautiful lake in the center and was a really cool space!
It's a great place to visit, but due to my desire for density and diversity of insects to photograph, I was a bit disappointed to see most of the stuff there I could find at home.
Cool flowers, neat trees and creeks and rocks, and other things to admire. Decent trails. I liked the vibe for sure, very woody and fairly wild, but more old hardwood environment is my preference and more untamed.
Apologies for the yapping, but that's some of the details.
Should also add there are camping grounds as well which are also sadly surrounded by juniper environments which boast little in terms of what I wanted to see.
Family friendly, cool place and worth a trip if you've been wanting something...
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When I arrived I was told the bike trails were closed. I asked why because I was there the day before on a walk with my wife and kids and saw people biking. I was told that it's because the trails were wet. I told them how the trails weren't wet at all when I was there the day before. They agreed to let me bike on the perimeter trails. I biked the entire 8.1 miles and there was no mud whatsoever and part of the connecting trails to the rest of the perimeter.
Afterwards I informed them that there wasn't any mud whatsoever. The trails were as dry as can be. The bike trails closed sign remained in place. I guess if you want to be sure that you can bike at Cleveland State Park you might want to call first. Otherwise you might be gambling that you drive all that way for nothing. I was almost turned away. If I hadn't been there the day before to know the condition of the trails they wouldn't have let me biked. I guess they don't check the condition of the trails themselves?
I'm glad they let me bike afterall, but if I had the guess the bike trails closed sign is still up. Why I don't know, but I'm don't feel very confident about buying an annual pass or even going as often if I don't even know if I would be able to bike here or not.
Also the connection of the green trail to the yellow trail is washed out and very difficult to find to continue the perimeter loop. There needs to be better signage in that area...
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