Fort Richardson State Park, Historic Site & Lost Creek Reservoir State Trailway

Fort Richardson State Park, Historic Site & Lost Creek Reservoir State Trailway

  • Fort Richardson Quarry Lake
    Try your luck fishing at Quarry Lake or at Lake Jacksboro, at our north park unit.
  • Fort Richardson Post Hospital
    Tour the surviving buildings at Fort Richardson, including the post hospital.
  • Fort Richardson Hospital Interior
    Learn about army medical practices and equipment at displays in the post hospital.
  • North Park at Fort Richardson
    Bring the family for a swim and picnic at our North Park.
  • Buffalo Soldiers
    Buffalo Soldiers were among the Army personnel stationed at Fort Richardson to protect settlers.
  • Fort Richardson Reenactors
    Experience life on a frontier Army post on tours or at special events.

On the Texas Frontier

Soldiers at Fort Richardson protected settlers along the Texas frontier. Today, you can walk in the footsteps of those soldiers. But you can also camp and explore the countryside they protected on foot, bike or horseback.

Things to Do

Don’t miss our main attraction, the grounds and buildings of Fort Richardson, established in the 1860s. But that’s not all you can do here!

Our north park has a swim beach, trails, kayak launch and campsites.

The fort

Several original buildings still stand today at what was once the largest U.S. Army installation. Learn about the fort and the people who lived and worked here on a self-guided walking tour or ranger-led program.

Camping

Stay overnight at a cabin or campsite. Restrooms with showers are in the park. Reserve the group camp for a gathering of friends or family.

The park has five campsites for horseback riders next to the trailway.

Trails

Twelve miles of trails are open to all users – hikers, bikers and horseback riders.

The nine-mile (one-way) Lost Creek Reservoir Trailway winds along scenic Lost Creek and the shores of two lakes. It ends at our north park.

Learn more on our Trails Information page.

Fishing

Try your luck fishing at two lakes! You do not need a fishing license to fish from shore or pier in a state park.

Quarry Lake is behind park headquarters. TPWD stocks the lake with bass, catfish and (in winter months) trout.

At North Park, you can fish Lake Jacksboro from the shore or launch a kayak (you’ll need a fishing license to fish from a boat). This park has a restroom (no shower) and water-only campsites.

Swimming

Take your family to North Park to swim in Lake Jacksboro. The park has a sand beach, covered tables, water spigots and restrooms (no showers).

We do not have lifeguards. Read through our swimming safety tips before your visit.

Geocaching

Search for geocaches hidden across the park. Learn more on our Geocaching page, then hit the trail!

Get involved!

We need your help!

Ranger Programs

We offer programs and special events throughout the year. Check our Events page for the schedule.

Connect with us on Facebook and Instagram.

Fort tours

Tours are free with park admission.

Historic buildings are open Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., for self-guided tours.

We offer guided tours Tuesday through Friday at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

The buildings are not climate controlled. Be prepared for the weather; we encourage morning tours in the summer.

Kids

Become a Junior Ranger when you visit:

228 State Park Road 61
Jacksboro, TX 76458

Latitude: 33.206158

Longitude: -98.156966

(940) 567-3506

Entrance Fees
  • Adult: $4 Daily
  • Child 12 Years and Under: Free
  • Group Adult: $2 Daily
Hours

Open daily.

 

We often reach capacity and highly recommend reservations for both camping and day use. To guarantee entry, reserve passes online or by calling the customer service center before you visit.

Busy Season

Spring and fall

Climate

January average low temperature is 32 degrees. July average high temperature is 97 degrees. Average rainfall is 28 inches.

National Weather Service forecast for this area
Elevation

1100 feet