Cleburne State Park Surrounds a Spring-Fed Lake Near Town

Cedar Lake is a clear, spring-fed 116-acre lake where boats stay at no-wake speed. A covered accessible pier gives anglers a shady edge, and the water is open for swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Nearly 13 miles of trail range around the lake for hiking and mountain biking.

The campground is more useful than rustic: every campsite has water and electricity, some have sewer hookups, and the park also has cabins and screened shelters. Look for the Civilian Conservation Corps handiwork while you are there. Workers arrived in 1935 and built the dam, a three-level masonry spillway, and the park road. TPWD says the park often reaches capacity, so reserve day use or camping before leaving home.