Lake Whitney State Park
| Lake Whitney State Park | |
|---|---|
Day use area at Lake Whitney State Park | |
| Location | Hill County, Texas |
| Nearest city | Whitney, Texas |
| Coordinates | 31°55′52″N 97°21′24″W / 31.93111°N 97.35667°W |
| Area | 775 acres (314 ha) |
| Established | 1954 |
| Visitors | 105,178 (in 2025)[1] |
| Governing body | Texas Parks and Wildlife Department |
| Website | Official site |
Lake Whitney State Park is a state park located in Hill County, Texas, United States near Whitney, Texas. The 775 acres (314 ha) park opened in 1965 and is managed by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.[2]
History
Lake Whitney was created in 1951 when the United States Army Corps of Engineers constructed a dam on the Brazos River in order to prevent flooding in downstream communities such as Waco.[2]
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department leased 775-acres along the east shore of Lake Whitney for Lake Whitney State Park from the United States Department of the Army in 1954.
Recreation
The park has facilities for fishing, swimming, boating, water skiing, nature study, bird watching, and geocaching. There are 2.1 miles (3.4 km) of trails in the park that can be used for hiking and cycling. The park rangers lead nature programs throughout the year.[3]
Overnight camping facilities include tent and recreational vehicle sites and screened shelters. The recreational vehicle sites have water, electricity and sewage hookups available.
Nature
Animals
Mammal species includes white-tailed deer, common raccoon, eastern fox squirrel, eastern cottontail, Mexican long-nosed armadillo, gray fox, coyote, and bobcat.
The park hosts nearly 200 species of birds such as bald eagle, American white pelican, greater roadrunner, great blue heron and little blue heron.[4]
Plants
The park lies on the Washita Prairie, and features both grasslands and woodlands. Some trees species are cedar elm, post oak, Texas live oak and sugar hackberry.
See also
References
- ^ Christopher Adams. "What is the most visited state park in Texas? Here's the top 10 countdown for 2025". KXAN.com. Retrieved March 7, 2026.
- ^ a b "Lake Whitney State Park History — Texas Parks & Wildlife Department". tpwd.texas.gov. Retrieved June 12, 2021.
- ^ "Lake Whitney State Park — Texas Parks & Wildlife Department". tpwd.texas.gov. Retrieved June 12, 2021.
- ^ "Lake Whitney State Park Nature — Texas Parks & Wildlife Department". tpwd.texas.gov. Retrieved June 12, 2021.