Abilene State Park Campground sits 15 miles outside Abilene in West Texas, where rolling hills and scrubland create varied camping terrain. The park spans over 500 acres with elevation changes offering distinct camping zones. The region experiences hot summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F and mild winters, making spring and fall optimal for outdoor recreation.
What to do
Swimming and water recreation: The seasonal pool at Abilene State Park Campground attracts visitors during summer months. According to a visitor, "We stayed in a tent only spot for 8 days in Dec. Really quiet even with a trail behind us. Lots of winding beautiful trails. One of the cheaper Texas State Parks so the trails aren't very long."
Wildlife viewing: Dawn and dusk offer prime opportunities for spotting local wildlife. "We saw feral hogs a few times at dusk. Really loved it," notes a camper who felt safe even walking after dark.
Geocaching opportunities: First-time explorers can try this outdoor treasure hunting activity. A visitor mentioned, "There were hiking trails and it was our first experience with geocaching."
Historical structures: Explore the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) buildings constructed in the 1930s. "Excellent campground/state park. Lots of trees, trails and roads. Interesting CCC structures from the 30's," shares a camper who enjoyed the historical elements.
What campers like
Quiet weekday camping: For those seeking solitude, mid-week stays offer significantly less crowded conditions. A camper noted, "Had the place to ourselves M-F, but weekends were packed with disrespectful and noisy campers who littered, cut through sites, let their children run/scream well past dark."
Family-friendly accessibility: The park layout keeps facilities within reasonable distances. "The bathrooms were within walking distance and weren't spotless, but were clean for a campground bathhouse," reports a visitor who appreciated the convenience.
Spacious sites at COE Hords Creek Lake Lakeside Park: Located about an hour from Abilene, this alternative offers well-spaced accommodations. "Very big well spaced lakeside sites. Wanted to add more days but the weekends book full. Plan ahead and book early," advises a regular visitor.
Shade coverage: Most sites feature tree cover that provides relief during summer heat. "Both sites had oak tree shade and picnic tables and were paved with asphalt," shares a winter visitor who stayed twice during their trip.
What you should know
Limited trail system: The hiking network is compact compared to larger parks. "One of the cheaper Texas State Parks so the trails aren't very long," mentions a regular visitor.
Seasonal temperature variations: Summer brings intense heat, especially in yurt accommodations. According to one camper's experience, "The yurt had electricity, a mini fridge, fan, and a small air conditioner. Even with the AC on it was well over 90° in the yurt."
Playground considerations: The play equipment may not meet expectations for some families. "The playground isn't very good but you are 20 minutes from Abilene with oodles of great parks and a small zoo," suggests a parent who stayed for 8 days.
Weekend crowds at Flatrock Park: This alternative camping area sees significant visitor increases Friday through Sunday. "This RV campground is beautiful and away from any road or city sounds and light pollution. This would be 5 stars but there are very few full hookup spots with sewer," notes a camper who enjoyed the quiet setting.
Tips for camping with families
Specialized shower facilities: Parents with young children should seek out specific bathroom buildings. "The real hidden gem was in the bathroom by the yurts. They have a disabled shower. So it's within reach and the showerhead is lower. Awesome to use to clean my toddler without getting drenched," shares a parent who discovered this convenient feature.
Day trip options: Plan excursions into Abilene for expanded recreation. "You are 20 minutes from Abilene with oodles of great parks and a small zoo," recommends a camper who found on-site activities limited for children.
Bike-friendly environment: The compact layout works well for families with bicycles. A visitor noted, "We take our bikes to get around. I've gone to Lakeside Hords Creek Lake since I was young for family reunions and camping and I love it. It's always so peaceful and I love to watch the deer that roam around."
Thorny terrain awareness: Watch for natural hazards when walking with children. "Trees aren't too tall for providing shade, and there are tons of mesquite trees, so watch out for thorns while you're walking," warns a former college student who frequently visited the park.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Choose Oak Grove over Pecan Grove when possible. A camper reported, "Our first site was in Oak Grove which I thought was much superior to Pecan Grove, site-wise. Pecan Grove 66 was by some nice warm clean bathrooms and showers but the site was up a steep slant."
Hookup limitations: Prepare for partial connections at most sites. "Sites are electric and have water and 50/30 but no sewer. There's a simple dump station," explains an RVer who stayed multiple times.
Spacing between sites at Lake Stamford Marina: This alternative glamping area near Abilene offers waterfront options with varied site quality. "Their website says $35 a night, but it was actually $70 per night, plus $20 to use dump station. Site is just a picnic table you park next to. Electricity on end and water on the other, not together," warns a visitor who found the pricing misleading.
Loop reconfiguration awareness: Recent campground redesigns have changed the site layout. "When I got there, I realized they had reconfigured what was 32 separate sites with their own pedestal to 16 sites with a pair of pedestals each, nicely spread out," explains a camper who stayed in the Wagon Wheel section for nine nights.
