ABILENE STATE PARK
Abilene State Park, southwest of Abilene, in Taylor County, is among a low range of hills called the Callahan Divide, in the extreme western portion of North Central Texas. Acquired in 1933 by deed from the City of Abilene, the park's total acreage is 529.4.
Abilene is in a semi-arid region of short prairie grass, brushland, and wooded stream valleys of mesquite, juniper, cedar, native pecan, elm, live oaks, hackberry, Texas red oak, red bud, and various other plants, and wildflowers.
Wildlife observation and photography include white-tailed deer, raccoon, armadillo, fox, squirrel, cottontail rabbit, and a large variety of birds including Mississippi kite, roadrunner, cardinal, hummingbird, mockingbird, and many others. Popular fish include bass, crappie, catfish, and perch.
Original park construction was done by the Civilian Conservation Corps (C.C.C.) in the early 1930's. A portion of the official Texas longhorn herd and one buffalo are located on site. Comanches frequented what is now the park, using the groves of native pecan trees as campgrounds, much like the present park's picnic area.
There are developed campsites with water nearby with a table, a grill, individual site parking; campsites with water; campsites with water and electricity; a group trailer area (sites with water and electricity); large trailer sites with water and electricity; a one-mile nature trail; trailer dump stations; and screened shelters. Special rates are available; seasonal camping fees December through February.