LAKE WHITNEY STATE PARK
The 1280.7-acre Lake Whitney State Park was acquired in 1954 by a Department of the Army lease and opened in May 1965; the state has control until 2003. The park is along the east shore of Lake Whitney west of Hillsboro in Hill County, and after the changing of the lake level, totals 955 acres.
The park is located on Lake Whitney near ruins of Towash, an early Texas settlement inundated by Lake Whitney. Towash Village was named for the chief of Hainai Indians, who moved into the area in 1835.
The park is located in the Grand Prairie subregion of the Black land Prairie natural region. It has open disturbed tallgrass prairie remnants with scattered groves of live oak and a small area of post oak/blackjack oak woodland. In the spring, bluebonnets, Indian paintbrushes, and over 40 species of wildflowers cover the roadside and landscape. Common animals include white-tailed deer, raccoons, and squirrels with fox, coyote, and bobcat occasionally being spotted. 194 species of birds have been spotted, including wild turkeys and bald eagles.
Anglers can enjoy bank or boat fishing, with options for catfish, crappie and striped bass. A fish cleaning station is available. White bass runs occur in the spring (March-May). Largemouth Bass are also present but less abundant.
Lake Whitney State Park is located near Hillsboro, Whitney
Lake Whitney State Park offers numerous picnic sites with tables and grills, some featuring lake views or shaded areas.
Birding enthusiasts can spot various species such as the Eastern Bluebird, Scissor-tailed Flycatcher and Painted Bunting. The park is a part of the Great Texas Wildlife Trails system, offering opportunities to see migratory birds like warblers in spring or fall. Birders may also encounter year-round residents including Northern Cardinals, Carolina Chickadees and Tufted Titmice. Raptors such as Red-Tailed Hawks are commonly seen soaring above.
Nearby points of interest include Cleburne State Park, Meridian State Park, Dinosaur Valley State Park, and Mother Neff State Park; The Confederate Museum; Texas Ranger Hall of Fame; and Fossil Rim Exotic Wildlife Ranch.
To reach the park from Interstate 35, take the Hillsboro exit. In Hillsboro take State Highway 22 west to Whitney; then follow the signs to Lake Whitney State Park. The park is located 3 miles west of Whitney on FM 1244 on the shore of Lake Whitney.
Took my nephews and daughter there to camp for Spring break. It was awesome. The lake is beautiful, and the campsites were nice and clean. Saw so many deer we lost count! Going back this year for some more fun!!
We took the kids from church there last year, and they had a blast. It is a beautiful and well-maintained park. We are going back next week.
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