Fort Richardson State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Fort Richardson, near Jacksboro, Texas, was the largest U.S. military facility in the 1800s, and visitors can see several of the original buildings that are now national historic landmarks. The park opened in 1968 and is a popular destination for fishing and boating in Lake Richardson. It has two areas: the historical buildings in the south unit and most recreational opportunities located around the lake in the north unit. After exploring the park, consider visiting the Jack County Museum to learn more about this area's history.
Spring 42–82 F
Summer 67–95 F
Fall 52–87 F
Winter 30–58 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Fort Richardson State Park
There are 41 camping spots at Fort Richardson State Park. The spots are around two loops. Only four campsites have sewer hookups, but showers and restrooms are near the campground. Most sites are back-in, but some pull-through sites are available. Each site comes with a fire ring and picnic table.
What to Do at
Fort Richardson State Park
Visitors looking to tour the fort in the south unit can opt to go on a guided tour held twice daily or take a self-guided tour. You can also find many things to do at the north unit, including hiking, fishing, biking, geocaching, and nature viewing. The two lakes in the south unit and Lost Creek offer many opportunities for water play. In addition, there are over 12 miles of equestrian trails to explore and outstanding places to go biking.
Fishing
Lake Jackson in Fort Richardson State Park is a fantastic place to go shore fishing. Consider baiting your hook with crankbaits, Texas-rigged plastics, and topwater baits to fish for largemouth bass. The best fishing is usually near native aquatic vegetation. Anglers can also catch white crappie and white bass in the 116-acre lake, with a few anglers bringing home catfish.
Nature Watching
Take an early morning hike along the Lost Creek Trail, and you may see northern bobwhites, Western meadowlarks, and American kestrels zipping through the air. Especially at sunrise and sunset, you may see white-tailed deer coming in to get a drink from the creek. If you hear the grass rustling, look because you may see a nine-banded armadillo. Overnight campers sometimes get lucky enough to glimpse a bobcat. You may also spot great blue herons, kingfishers, and osprey diving for fish as you explore the nearby Lost Creek Reservoir.
Flora and Fauna
There are several ecosystems at Fort Richardson State Park. Much of the park near Lake Jackson is native prairie. This is a beautiful place to visit in the spring when the gayfeathers, asters, Maximilian sunflowers, wild indigos, and compass plants bloom. While hiking, you will wind through pecan and oak trees.
Hiking
In addition to the 9nine-mile-long Lost Creek Trail, the Rumbling Spring Trail running along Lost Creek is a terrific place to hike. There are some limestone rocks on this trail, so watch your step. While hiking along this route, enjoy hearing the babbling sounds of the creek and seeing the natural springs.
Swimming
Head to the beach in the north unit to take a dip on a hot summer day. There are no lifeguards on duty, so swim at your own risk. A water spigot nearby makes it easy to rinse off before getting in your vehicle. Additionally, there are restrooms nearby.
Boating
Fort Richardson State Park staff maintain a two-lane boat ramp on the southwest side of Lost Creek Reservoir. This boat ramp, near the campground, is a terrific place to start a boating adventure on the lake. Since officials have discovered hydrilla, one of the world's most invasive aquatic plants, in this lake, you should wash and dry your boat before moving it to ensure that you don't transport hydrilla to another location.
Biking
The 9-mile Lost Creek Trailway is a fabulous place for a bike ride. You will ride by two lakes and along a creek. The north end of this trail ends near the swimming beach.
How to Get to
Fort Richardson State Park
Getting to Fort Richardson State Park from Jacksboro, TX, is a breeze. Head south on TX 281 for about two minutes. Then, turn right on Park Road 61, and look for the park on your right.
Entering Fort Richardson State Park
This park is open every day from sunrise to sunset. There are parking lots in both the north and south units. Many of the lots have accessible parking spaces available.
Fort Richardson State Park Entry Fee (visitors 13 and older) : $4.0
Frequently Asked Questions About Fort Richardson State Park
Fall is a fantastic time to visit Fort Richardson State Park. The weather is often warm enough to swim, the trees are colorful, and the fish are biting.
The largest mammal visitors often see at Fort Richardson State Park is white-tailed deer, and you may also spot armadillos and bobcats. This park is home to many bird species, and hikers may see flocks of wild turkeys.
Campers will find camping spots near Lake Jackson at Fort Richardson State Park. Most sites come with water and electrical hookups.
Reservations are not always required at Fort Richardson State Park, but they are highly recommended. RV and trailer camping starts at $20 per night.
Leashed pets are allowed in some areas of Fort Richardson State Park. They cannot enter the lake, be on the swimming beach, or enter the fort area.