Abilene State Park – Lake Abilene in Tuscola, Texas (Taylor County)

Download a Park MapMake Reservations at the Park

About the State Park

Details of Park Entrance Signs & Rockwork | Photo credit: Texas State Archives

Abilene State Park is a 529-acre park located on the eastern shore of Lake Abilene in Tuscola, Texas in Taylor County. Activities include: bicycling, boating, camping, fishing, hiking, geocaching, nature study, picnicking, swimming, and wildlife observation. The park’s swimming pool is open during the summer months.

Wildlife viewing opportunities exist for white-tailed deer, raccoons, nine-banded armadillos, foxes, Eastern fox squirrel and rock squirrel, Eastern cottontail, and coyotes.

The park is densely wooded with a variety of native trees, including: mesquite, juniper, cedar, native pecan, elm, live oak, hackberry, Texas red oak and redbud. Many bird species may be observed, including Mississippi kite, greater roadrunner, Northern cardinal, and Northern mockingbird.

Anglers in Lake Abilene may catch bass, crappie, catfish, and perch.

• Lake Abilene Current Water Level – U.S. Geologic Survey (USGS)

History

Tonkawa and Comanche used to camp along Elm Creek, which flows through the park, while hunting migrating buffalo (American bison). The natural pass known as “Buffalo Gap” is located 5 miles northeast of the park. ¹

The park’s swimming pool and concession building were built in the mid-1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), a national public work relief program responsible for many of the enduring improvements in state and national parks. Other CCC-built structures in the park include screened shelters, water tower, and entrance gate.

For more information on the Civilian Conservation Corps’ work at Abilene State Park, visit The Texas State Library and Archives Commission’s collection of over 60 architectural and survey drawings from the park.

Location

Located on Lake Abilene in Taylor County about 15 miles southwest of Abilene. From Abilene, take FM 89 Southwest for 16 miles through Buffalo Gap. The park entrance is 5 miles southwest of Buffalo Gap, accessible from Park Road 32.

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Hours

Open 7 days a week year-round from 8 AM to 10 PM for day use activities.

Check for restricted park access before any trip.

Fees

A park entrance fee is charged per day — $5 per person for adults 13 years of age and older. (Listed fees may be inaccurate at certain times of year due to seasonal changes. Contact the park directly to confirm fees.)

Campsite and other facility fees are in addition to the park entrance fee.

Visit parks often? Learn about the $70 Texas State Parks Pass which exempts the passholder, and the passengers in their vehicle, from the entrance fees at all Texas State Parks.

Reservations

Events

Check the Wild Texas Events Calendar for activities scheduled at the park.

Tuscola, Texas Weather

Photo Gallery

Official Contact Information

The State Park is managed by the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department.

Abilene State Park – Lake Abilene 150 Park Road 32 Tuscola, TX 79562 Telephone: (325)572-3204 TPWD Park Info: 1-800-792-1112