Lake Colorado CityState Park - Texas |
Lake Colorado City State Park is located southwest of Colorado City, Texas. The park is in the Mesquite Plains, a subdivision of the western Rolling Plains. This area was originally an open grassland with scattered woody plants. Now mesquite dominates these plains.
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Trails Map of Lake Colorado City State Park (SP) in Texas. Published by Texas Parks & Wildlife.
brochures
Campground Map of Lake Colorado City State Park (SP) in Texas. Published by Texas Parks & Wildlife.
Trail Map of Lake Colorado City State Park (SP) in Texas. Published by Texas Parks & Wildlife.
Interpretive Guide to Lake Colorado City State Park (SP) in Texas. Published by Texas Parks & Wildlife.
Official Texas State Parks Guide. Published by Texas Parks & Wildlife.
Official Texas State Parks Guide (español). Published by Texas Parks & Wildlife.
Lake Colorado City SP
https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/lake-colorado-city
Lake Colorado City State Park is located southwest of Colorado City, Texas. The park is in the Mesquite Plains, a subdivision of the western Rolling Plains. This area was originally an open grassland with scattered woody plants. Now mesquite dominates these plains.
For assistance using this map, contact the park.
Lake Colorado City
State Park
TexasStateParks.org/App
#TexasStateParks
TexasStateParks.org/SocialMedia
#BetterOutside
LEGEND
CR 258
CR 262
To I-20
CR 252
Headquarters
To I-20
CR 254
Restrooms
CR 248
CR 256
Lake
Colorado City
State Park
PLEASE NOTE
Showers
FM 2836
• All vehicles must be parked in designated areas only.
Water Only Sites
Lak
rad
• A maximum of eight people permitted per campsite.
Guests must leave the park by 10 p.m. Quiet time from
10 p.m. – 6 a.m.
TEXAS
• GRAY WATER AND BLACK WATER MUST BE
DISCHARGED ONLY AT DUMP STATIONS.
oC
ity
CR 307
Mor
g
Pow an Cre
er P ek
lant
163
To C
olora
do C
ity
CR 317
olo
CR 319
N
• Public consumption or display of any alcoholic beverage
is prohibited.
eC
1
CR 31
• CHECK OUT time is 12 p.m. or renew permit by 9 a.m.
(pending site availability).
FM 1229
Water and Electric Sites
Dump Station
1
Recreation Hall
Interpretive Trail
• Only one unit per site is permitted to hook up to utilities.
• Pets must be kept on leash. Please pick up after them.
Gate Closes at 10 p.m.
Picnic Area
• Gathering of firewood is prohibited.
• Campfires are permitted only in fire rings provided at each site.
Group Picnic Pavilion
Cabin 11
Area
WATER ACTIVITIES
• Swim at your own risk. NO LIFEGUARD on duty.
& Colorado City
Residence
Maintenance
97
98
95
99
96
78
Sites with 50 AMP
Hookups
Lake Colorado City
FM 2836
4582 F.M. 2836
Colorado City, TX 79512
(325) 728-3931
TEXAS
163
2.1 miles
Playground
ke
• Stop the spread of invasive species.
CLEAN, DRAIN and DRY your boat.
hing
102
101
100
6
Fishing Pier
Wa
103
• Personal watercraft are not allowed in the swimming area
and must observe the No Wake rules, particularly in the
boat-launch area. Personal watercraft are not allowed
to tie up in boat-launch area.
3
4
5
Boat Ramp
is
re F
• If your vessel will not start, clear the ramp area.
Mesquite Circle
Camping Area
2
No
• Have your vessel ready to launch before getting to ramp area.
Launch your vessel and clear the ramp area. Do not block
ramp area. No boat clean-up or swimming are allowed in the
ramp area.
Parking
Sho
BOAT LAUNCH PROTOCOL
9
60
67 64 62
8
7
66
58
615956
68
57
70
63
48
54
72
50 51
47 65
74
55
76 75
69 44
78
53
71
46
1
49
4
0
52
77 73
3 1
45
126
37
33
5
35
42
41 43
125123
127
31
39
86 4 2
7
121
10
29 36 38
34
9
119 7
128
0
12 14 32
11
24 12 118
27 28
1
11
115
16 30
Rolling Hills
1m
116 4
ile 122
18
113
25
1
1
20
26 Camping Area
111
2
1
1
22
13
109
110
15
8
0
1
1719
23
107
06
1
21 24
Lakeview
105
Camping Area 104
ke
Wa
• Children must be supervised by an adult who can swim.
Designated
Swimming Area
10
No
• No pets or glass containers are allowed in swimming area.
TPWD receives funds from the USFWS. TPWD prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, disability, age, and gender, pursuant to state and federal law. To request an accommodation or obtain
information in an alternative format, please contact TPWD on a Text Telephone (TTY) at (512) 389-8915 or by Relay Texas at 7-1-1 or (800) 735-2989 or by email at accessibility@tpwd.texas.gov. If you believe you have been
discriminated against by TPWD, please contact TPWD, 4200 Smith School Road, Austin, TX 78744, or the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office for Diversity and Workforce Management, 5275 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041.
© 2023 TPWD PWD MP P4506-096E (2/23)
Cabins
This publication can be found at tpwd.texas.gov/spdest/parkinfo/maps/park_maps/
PARK RESERVATIONS
TexasStateParks.org ParquesDeTexas.org
(512) 389-8900
Proud Sponsor of
Texas State Parks
For assistance using this map, contact the park. For a web version of the map text, visit our Trails Information page.
For information on #TexasStateParks, visit texasstateparks.org
Sign up today for free email updates: texasstateparks.org/email
/TexasStateParks
@TPWDparks
@TexasStateParks
Sponsor: Whole Earth Provision Co.
LESLIE MCGUIGAN
INTERPRETIVE GUIDE
LAKE
COLORADO CITY
Scaled quail
WELCOME TO LAKE COLORADO
CITY STATE PARK! THIS OASIS
ON THE WEST TEXAS PLAINS
PROVIDES UNLIMITED OPPORTUNITIES TO APPRECIATE THE
O U T D O O R S . E N J O Y A STAY IN
ONE OF THE LAKE-SIDE M I N I CABINS, SEE WILDLIFE AND
VIEWS OF THE LANDSCAPE O N
THE HIKING TRAILS, OR SPEND
TIME WITH FAMILY AT ONE OF
THE MANY PICNIC SITES.
SEASONALLY,
YOU
MAY
PARTICIPATE IN A PUBLIC
HUNT OR FISHING AT THE
Today, Lake Colorado City State Park provides a safe
and diverse location for visitors to recreate on the West
Texas Plains. Plants and wildlife benefit from the fluctuating water of the lake, while the grasslands and mesquite forests are a home for many species. Texas Parks
and Wildlife staff practice conservation to preserve the
ecosystem, such as prescribed burns and chemical and
mechanical removal of invasive species.
While you are here:
• Check with park staff for the best way to enjoy the
park seasonally.
• Leave No Trace of your visit. Throw away all
trash and observe the wildlife without disturbing.
• Leave any artifacts where they are found, and alert
park staff to their presence.
• Ask about volunteer opportunities, special events,
or conservation efforts at the site.
• Please keep all pets on leashes no more than six
feet and clean up pet waste.
• Be kind and respectful of other visitors.
Lake Colorado City State Park
4582 FM 2836, Colorado City, TX 79512
(325) 728-3931 • www.tpwd.texas.gov/lakecoloradocity
LAKE. THE NIGHT SKIES ARE
PARTICULARLY STUNNING AT
THIS SITE.
© 2023 TPWD. PWD BR P4506-0096H (7/23)
TPWD receives funds from DHS and USFWS. TPWD prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin (including limited English
proficiency), disability, age, and gender, pursuant to state and federal law. If you believe you have been discriminated against by TPWD, visit tpwd.texas.
gov/nondiscrimination or call (512) 389-4800 for information on filing a complaint. To obtain information in an alternative format, contact TPWD on a Text
Telephone (TTY) at (512) 389-8915, by Relay Texas at 7-1-1, (800) 735-2989, or by email at accessibility@tpwd.texas.gov. If you speak a language other
than English and need assistance, email lep@tpwd.texas.gov. You can also contact Department of the Interior Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Civil
Rights, 1849 C Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20240, and/or U.S. Department of Homeland Security Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties (CRCL),
Mail Stop #0190 2707, Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave., S.E. Washington, D.C. 20528.
This publication can be found at tpwd.texas.gov/park-pubs
STATE PARK
C O L O R A D O
C I T Y
S T A T E
LESLIE MCGUIGAN
L A K E
P A R K
UNPREDICTABLE
WATER
Lake Colorado City was created in 1949 when the Texas
Electric Service Company constructed a dam across
Morgan Creek just before it joins the Colorado River.
The original purpose of the dam was to provide a municipal water supply for Colorado City and cooling water for
condensers to produce electricity. At the time, it was the
largest body of water in the West Texas/Midland-Odessa
area. In 1971, 500 acres along the lake’s southwestern
side was leased to the state to develop a park. Lake
Colorado City State Park opened the following year.
AN OASIS
IN THE BASIN
Water conservation is especially important in West Texas
for people and wildlife. Today, Lake Colorado City’s
water comes only from rainfall. In years of drought, lake
levels are low. When weather conditions are favorable for
golden algae blooms, fish can die off in large numbers.
While not harmful to humans, pets, or livestock, golden
algae can sometimes be toxic to fish.
Lake Colorado City State Park lies within the
rolling mesquite plains of the Permian Basin. The
area contains some of the most diverse plants and
wildlife of the state, as well as providing economic
benefits such as farming, wind energy, and oil and
gas production. The state park is one of the few
areas where this habitat is conserved.
A LIFELINE
ON THE PLAINS
T
he water of Morgan Creek and the
Colorado River have been important to
life for many years. Prior to colonization,
the land surrounding Lake Colorado City State
Park was roamed by mammoth, followed by bison
and pronghorn.
Evidence of Native American use, such as dart
and arrow points, stone tools, and piles of mussel
shells, have been found in the area. If you find
an artifact, please leave it where it lies and alert
park staff.
In the 19th century, Colorado City was a popular
spot for buffalo hunters, who sold the hides and
bones. This led to the nickname “The Mother City
of West Texas,” as the bustling town became a
center for railway commerce. The fruits of bison
hunts, agriculture and ranching were shipped east
and west from Colorado City.
The site falls within the Central Migratory Flyway,
where many birds find shelter and water during
migration. In fact, over 300 species of birds have
been recorded in the park.
-Official-
FACILITIES
Get the Mobile App:
MAPS
ACTIVITIES
TexasStateParks.org/app
T O Y O T A
T U N D R A
The Toyota Tundra is built to explore the great outdoors.
No matter what the weekend throws at you, your Tundra
takes it on with ease. | toyota.com/tundra
Official Vehicle of
the Texas Parks &
Wildlife Foundation
CONTENTS
4 100 Years of Texas Parks
6 Parks Near You
8
90 Checklist
DIRECTORY
TEXAS PARKS AND WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
52
68
20
38
60
30
84
68
David Yoskowitz, Ph.D. Executive Director
Rodney Franklin State Parks Director
Mischelle Diaz Communications Director
TPW COMMISSION
Arch “Beaver” Aplin, III, Chairman
Lake Jackson
Dick Scott, Vice-Chairman Wimberley
James E. Abell Kilgore
Oliver J. Bell Cleveland
Paul L. Foster El Paso
Anna B. Galo Laredo
Jeffery D. Hildebrand Houston
Robert L. “Bobby” Patton, Jr. Fort Worth
Travis B. “Blake” Rowling Dallas
T. Dan Friedkin, Chairman-Emeritus Houston
Lee Marshall Bass, Chairman-Emeritus Fort Worth
52 Panhandle
Plains
48 State Parks Map
Special thanks to Toyota and advertisers, whose
generous support made this guide possible.
Texas State Parks is a division of the Texas Parks
and Wildlife Department.
Cover illustration: Brad Woodard, bravethewoods.com
Texas State Parks Official Guide, Nineteenth Edition © TPWD PWD BK P4000-000A (3/23)
TPWD receives funds from DHS and USFWS. TPWD prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin (including limited English
proficiency), disability, age, and gender, pursuant to state and federal law. If you believe you have been discriminated against by TPWD, visit tpwd.texas.
gov/nondiscrimination or call (512) 389-4800 for information on filing a complaint. To obtain information in an alternative format, contact TPWD on a Text
Telephone (TTY) at (512) 389-8915, by Relay Texas at 7-1-1, (800) 735-2989, or by email at accessibility@tpwd.texas.gov. If you speak a language other than
English and need assistance, email lep@tpwd.texas.gov. You can also contact Department of the Interior Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Civil Rights, 1849 C
Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20240, and/or U.S. Department of Homeland Security Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties (CRCL), Mail Stop #0190 2707,
Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave., S.E. Washington, D.C. 20528.
In accordance with Texas State Depository Law, this publication is available at the Texas State Publications Clearinghouse and/or Texas
Depository Libraries.
WELCOME
from Rodney Franklin, State Parks Director
This year is very special for Texas State Parks: We are
celebrating our 100-year anniversary in 2023. More and
more Texans are discovering the beauty of State Parks and
exploring the outdoors in new and adventurous ways. Our
teams across the state are incredibly excited to welcome
outdoor enthusiasts, especially those who have yet to
discover what our parks have to offer. The variety of Texas’ lands is unmatched; from
the mountains of west Texas to the Gulf shores, the Texas State Park system celebrates
and preserves the natural and cultural treasures that make Texas such a special place.
The 640,000-plus acres that make up the state park system are nearly as diverse as
the people of Texas. Since 1923, our mission has been to help connect our visitors with
the outdoors. As we honor those who have come before us, I invite a new generation to
be a part of the story of the lands that connect us all.
There is more to enjoy in our parks than you know, so please join us in our celebrations
and activities. Every day we look for new and better ways to ensure your state parks are
welcoming to every Texan, regardless of their background or experience being outside.
I hope you’ll visit soon and often, while bringing
your friends and family along. YOU are a natural and
we’re looking forward to celebrating the 100-year
anniversary of state parks with you!
WHAT’S NEW IN STATE PARKS
Galveston Island State Park reopened the
beachside of the park with a new headquarters,
campsites, restrooms, and more.
Bastrop State Park unveiled an extensive new
group of trails, the “Tree Army Trails,” many of
which are ADA-accessible.
Improvements and major repairs are planned for
Indian Lodge, Tyler, Inks Lake, Cedar Hill, South
Llano River, Eisenhower and several other state parks
All-terrain “GRIT” wheelchairs are now available at 10 parks with more adaptive
equipment on the way to help people of all abilities experience Texas State
Parks. Learn more about our accessibility efforts, page 14.
More information: TexasStateParks.org/whatsnew
100 Years of Texas Parks
The crown jewels of
Texas road trips started
as an unfunded wish list
before the Depression.
Back in 1923, Governor Pat Neff realized
rising numbers of new car travelers
needed places to camp overnight on
multi-day trips. Neff convinced the state
legislature to create a six-member State
Parks Board, half men, half women.
Isabella, the Governor’s mother, and her
family donated acreage on the Leon
Guía de
Parques
INSTALACIONES
Descarga la
Aplicacíon Móvil
MAPAS
ACTIVIDADES
texasstateparks.org/app
¡Los niños
entran gratis!
La entrada es gratis para los niños de
12 años y menores.
Encuentra un parque:
parquesdetexas.org
Contenido
Estero Llano Grande SP
2 Actividades y Programas
4 Parques Cercanos
6 Lugares para Quedarse
8 Tarifas y Pases
9 Directorio
10 Mapa de Parques
18 Instalaciones y Actividades
BIENVENIDO
Rodney Franklin, Director de Parques
Texas tiene algunas de las tierras públicas más diversas del país, con una
gran riqueza natural y cultural. La vida silvestre está por todas partes,
los paisajes florecen con belleza, y la historia es abundante. Sus parques
estatales son parte del legado que nos enorgullece. La gente de Texas ayuda a asegurar ese
legado para las generaciones futuras al visitar y ser voluntarios. ¡Gracias!
Estos más de 630,000 acres exhiben algunos de los grandes tesoros del estado. Los parques
nos ayudan a crear recuerdos con la familia y a encontrar consuelo en la naturaleza. Los
parques fortalecen las economías locales y unen a las comunidades. Sobre todo, los parques
nos permiten pasar tiempo al aire libre para recargar energías, estar saludables y relajarnos a
nuestra manera.
Les invito a disfrutar de sus parques estatales,
explorando lo mejor de Texas con amigos y familia. Los
parques están aquí para todos. Nos pertenecen a todos.
¡Visítelos, diviértase y ayude a protegerlos para siempre!
Foto de portada: Estero Llano State Park, Chase Fountain
© 2021 TPWD PWD BK P4000-000A (5/21)
TPWD recibe fondos del Servicio de Pesca y Vida Silvestre de EE.UU. (USFWS
por sus siglas en ingles). TPWD prohíbe la discriminación por raza, color, religión,
nacionalidad de origen, discapacidad, edad y género, conforme la ley estatal y
federal. Para solicitar un acomodo especial u obtener información en un formato
alternativo, por favor contacte a TPWD en un Teléfono de Texto (TTY) al (512) 3898915 ó por medio de “Relay Texas” al 7-1-1 ó (800) 735-2989 ó por email a accessibility@tpwd.texas.gov. Si usted cree que TPWD ha discriminado en su contra, favor
de comunicarse con TPWD, 4200 Smith School Road, Austin, TX 78744, o con el
Servicio de Pesca y Vida Silvestre de EE.UU., Office for Diversity and Workforce
Management, 5275 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041.
De acuerdo con la Ley de Depósito del Estado de Texas, esta publicación está disponible en el centro de Distribución de Publicaciones del Estado de Texas y/o las
Bibliotecas de Depósito de Texas.
ACTIVIDADES Y PROGRAMAS
¿Qué puedo hacer en
los parques estatales?
¡Disfruta de un día de campo, visita un sitio histórico
o elige entre muchas otras opciones!
Bicicletas
Pedalea a lo largo de los
parques a cualquier velocidad,
en cualquier estilo, con cualquier grupo. Elige las rutas, el
tipo de terreno y las distancias que cumplan con tu zona
de confort.
Caminatas
Empieza con un circuito más
corto, avanza a terrenos más
difíciles o únete a una caminata guiada.
Pescar
Puedes pescar sin licencia en
tantos como 70 parques estatales. Muchos parques ofrecen
equipo para pescar a manera
de préstamo y eventos especiales para aprender a pescar.
Barcos
Renta canoas y kayacs y
explora uno de los senderos
acuáticos en Texas.
Nadar
Animales Silvestres
Acampar
Descubre aves, mamíferos y
plantas que tienen su hogar en
Texas. Muchos parques tienen
señalamientos y listados que
te ayudan a aprender más.
Encuentra un lugar que cumpla
con lo que quieres. Prueba
nuevas recetas, comparte historias favoritas y disfruta de
las estrellas.
2
Más información y reservaciones: parquesdetexas.org
Escape del calor en arroyos,
ríos, lagos, manantiales, piletas
y playas del mar.
Tu seguridad en el agua
es muy importante. Lleva
el chaleco salvavidas.
Aprende a nadar. Guarda
a los niños.
(512) 389-8900
¡Pregunta en tu parque cuáles
están disponibles!
Los niños
de 12 años
y menores
entran
GRATIS
Cielos Estrellados
Escapa de las luces de la ciudad y goza de
maravillosas vistas del cielo que no encontrarás
en ninguna otra parte. Ven a una fiesta de
estrellas o toma una excursión de constelaciones auto-guiada.
Familias en la Naturaleza
Elige un taller o diseña tu propia aventura. ¡Monta
una tienda de campaña, cocina al exterior, prende
una fogata y juega al exterior! Nosotros te
Toma una publicación gratuita de actividades o
pregunta por los paquetes gratuitos con los parques proporcionamos todo el equipo. No es necesario
tener experiencia.
participantes. Usa los binoculares, lupas, libros de
bosquejos y libros de guías para explorar el parque.
Mochilas para Exploradores
Soldados Búfalo de Texas
Descubre la historia con cuentos, vestuarios y
herramientas. Sigue la pista de un animal, pesca con
caña, cocina sobre una fogata, visita los fuertes y más.
Adéntrate en las historias de vida de aquellos que
sirvieron valientemente en los primeros regimientos
Áfrico-Americanos de las Fuerzas Armadas.
!
Seguridad en el Parque
Ten cuidado con el agua
Pre