When I told everyone we were spending Spring Break at Fort Richardson State Park, I got a bunch of “Eww, why would you go there?” or “I wouldn’t go there” or “I’d find somewhere else to do”.
When I booked our spring break vacation, Fort Richardson State Park was the only State Park that had an opening. Actually, they had a lot of openings. After hearing everyone’s comments I started getting a little nervous until we got there!
Fort Richardson State Park is situated right outside of the small little town of Jacksboro in North Texas. It offers camping, hiking, and fishing (although my husband swears there is no fish in the fish pond). Additionally, it is the home of Fort Richardson Historic Site an old federal fort that was established after the Civil War.
It was built in 1867 and provided protection for settlers from Indians on the North Texas Frontier. The fort remained in operation until May of 1878. The original fort housed more than 5,000 United States Army soldiers and had over 60 buildings. The remaining buildings, which you can tour for free, are the post hospital, morgue, bakery, guardhouse ruins, magazine, enlisted men’s barracks (reconstructed), commanding officer quarters, commissary, and ruins of the quartermaster supply.
Camping
We booked an RV site which was spacious and beautiful. There are a few that are full hookups, however, most are just electric and water. The tent sites were also spacious and shaded. We never had an issue in the entire week that we stayed and enjoyed our first time camping in our RV experience tremendously! Each site also includes a fire ring and picnic table. Bathrooms have showers and appeared to be cleaned daily. For those wondering, we stayed at Site 19 and it was awesome!
Hiking
There are a couple of trails within the park and a long trail that connects the park to Lost Creek Reservoir.
The Lost Creek Reservoir State Trailway is a multi-use trail that runs through the city of Jacksboro and is 9 miles long. Me and my daughter decided to ride our bikes for about 4 miles of it. I am extremely happy we decided not to hike, there is hardly any shade at all, and while you do go through part of the city, it does have some nice scenery. I do, however, wish it would have been more of a nature trail, but it was a great workout! Make sure to take plenty of water and a camera.
Rumbling Spring Trail is an easy .45 mile trail with GORGEOUS scenery! Bring your camera. It runs along a creek, which you can also fish in.
Lost Creek Nature Trail is an easy .46 mile trail that runs opposite of the Rumbling Spring Trail.
Prickly Pear Trail – Easy 1.46-mile loop, however, it is in the prairie area so there is no shade. Hike early in the morning if visiting in the hotter months and take water! We did not do the entire trail as it was hot and found the scenery bland.
Kicking Bird Trail – An easy .27 mile loop. Not much to see, but it is shaded.
Tips
I suggest combining Rambling Spring Trail and Lost Creek Nature trail to make a loop. In total it is a little over a mile.
Fishing
There is a stocked fishing pond (my husband disagrees about it being stocked) and a creek that you can fish at.
Tips
The closest Wal-Mart is a 45-minute drive, so come prepared. There is a Dollar General & Tractor Supply. I am guessing there is also a grocery store as well but we didn’t see it.
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