Fort Richardson State Park & Historic Site

Introduction of Fort Richardson State Park & Historic Site

The Fort Richardson State Park, Historic Site, and Lost Creek Reservoir State Trailway is not only one of the Texas State Park system’s longest names. It’s also one of the most important, especially for people in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area, and one of the most enjoyable.

Residents of Jacksboro purchased the remains of Fort Richardson in the 1960s and turned the facility over to the state. The centrepiece of Fort Richardson State Park, Historic Site, and Lost Creek Reservoir State Trailway is a collection of seven fully restored fort buildings. However, as the name suggests, there is more to this place than history. A clean, well-stocked lake draws swimmers and fishermen from all over. Fishing is also permitted beneath a beautiful bridge that spans Lost Creek. There are also miles of hiking trails for people of all ages and skill levels. These trails include a multi-use trail that is extra wide and designed for hikers, bikers, and horseback riders.

Along the banks of Lost Creek, this park has about a dozen RV camping spots. In a quiet and isolated area of the park, there is a mix of rustic camping sites and full-hookup sites. So, whatever your camping interests are, Fort Richardson State Park is likely to have what you’re looking for.

Fort Richardson State Park & Historic Site Camping

There are 18 water and electrical RV hookups on the other side of Lost Creek. These more accessible locations are located closer to the main park road. They are mostly back-in sites, with a few pull-throughs thrown in for good measure. In the centre of the campground is a large multi-trail parking area. RV campers can use the nearby West Camping Loop’s restrooms and showers. The East Campground has an outdoor volleyball court in addition to trail access.

On the west side of Lost Creek, there are 19 mostly pull-through campsites. These RV parks all have electrical and water hookups. There are also four additional full hookup sites available. They are also shady, spacious, level, and quiet. Each site has its own picnic table and fire ring with a grill. So you can eat outside or have a good old-fashioned campfire. A restroom and shower area, an RV dump station, and hiking trail access are among the campground amenities.

Fort Richardson State Park & Historic Site Activities

Birding

The park’s main birding area is the quarter-mile Kicking Bird Loop Trail. If you’re wondering, the trail was named after a Kiowa chief, not Graham Greene’s memorable character in Dances with Wolves. There are many colourful songbirds in the area, especially during the spring and fall migratory seasons. Larger birds, such as Great Blue Herons, are frequently seen in the sky. Summer is also very busy due to the abundance of native birds in the area trees. The Oak Ridge Trail in the North Unit is also a good place to take your RV to see birds and wildlife. With so much to see, don’t forget to bring your binoculars with you.

Hiking

The nine-mile Lost Creek Reservoir State Trailway connects the main and north units of the reservoir. The moderate trail is a little longer than expected, but it is mostly flat. It passes by the fort as well as some interesting historical sites, such as an old railroad depot that operated from 1898 to the 1970s. Try the half-mile Lost Creek Nature Trail for something completely different. Depending on when you visit, it runs in a straight line parallel to Lost Creek or the Lost Creekbed. The easy trail is suitable for strollers and wheelchairs. The 1.46-mile Prickly Pear Trail, which is a good place to leave your rig and explore the Northwest Texas prairie, gets an honourable mention.Any of these routes are excellent options for getting out of the campervan for a while.

Swimming

There is no designated swimming area at Quarry Lake. So, if you want to go swimming, the entire lake is yours. The majority of the beach is sandy. The northern section has both sand and trees for shade. Because most of the fishermen are on the opposite side of the lake, this is where most of the swimmers congregate. The lake is shallow, with a gently sloping bottom and almost no undercurrents. The park’s North Unit, which is located on the shores of Lake Jacksboro, has a swimming area. This swimming beach is close to a parking area for RVs and trailers, as well as a restroom and changing area.

Fishing

Fishing from the shores of Quarry Lake or Lost Creek does not require a licence. In fact, neither fishing equipment nor money is required. At the park headquarters, free loaners are available. The headquarters building is conveniently located on the shores of Quarry Lake, next to a large RV parking area. There’s also a store selling firewood, ice, and souvenirs. This lake is heavily stocked with trout, and there is usually a five-per-day limit. The best fishing spot, according to most people, is near the park road. Other anglers make their way past Fort Richardson to Lost Creek. A pool beneath the bridge almost always has water in it. The remainder of Lost Creek is occasionally dry, but when there is water, there are usually fish.

Fort Richardson State Park & Historic Site Location

Fort Richardson is located outside of Jacksboro, a quiet town in Northwest Texas about 30 miles northwest of Fort Worth. Highway 199, which connects these two locations, passes through some Last Picture Show-Esque towns like Springtown and Joplin. If you want to take the scenic route, take US 180 west to Mineral Wells and then US 281 north to the park.

Highway 199 is probably the best route to take for the most part. The Fort Worth section of the Jacksboro Highway was known for its many nightclubs where people enjoyed legal and quasi-legal activities between the 1930s and 1950s. The first-ever Texas Hold ‘Em games allegedly took place here, with characters such as “Amarillo Slim” Preston gathered around the tables.

Highway 199 is now primarily a two-lane asphalt road. It is, however, very straight and has very wide shoulders. As a result, driving is simple, and visibility is excellent. Only sharp curves can be found west of Springtown. Although Jacksboro is not a large town, weary RV travelers can get gas and groceries here.

Fort Richardson State Park has plenty of large vehicle parking. The fort, lake, sheltered picnic area, and major trailheads all have parking areas.

Parking

Parking is available

Public Transport

Public Transport is not available