San Angelo State Park, adjacent to the city of San Angelo, Texas, is a large park of 7,677 acres sitting on the shores of the O.C. Fisher Reservoir. This parcel of West Texas range land became a state park in 1995. San Angelo State Park offers several unique activities and experiences for the visitor. Most of the land that makes up the park will remain undeveloped, in part protecting archeological findings dating back some 18,000 years which includes Indian rock art and ancient animal tracks. Check with the park for a tour schedule to visit the Permian animal tracks and Indian petroglyphs. Part of the Official State Longhorn Herd makes it’s home here. Also in residence is a bison herd. Inquire for tour times to view the Bison and Longhorn herds. 50 species of mammals are known at the park including prairie dog towns, and you may visit a bird watching station to spot any of the 350 species of birds that frequent the park. There are 50 miles of hiking trails, mountain biking trails and equestrian trails, 20 miles for backpackers as well as developed campsites with water and electricity. There is boating on the lake, boat ramps available and a fishing platform and dock being developed.
San Angelo State Park may be entered from a South or North Entrance. We drove in through the South Entrance, closest to the city of San Angelo for a day trip. The ranger at the entrance gate was very friendly and quite informative explaining all of the features of the park. Sadly, as we explored the camping loops on the south side of the park, we found them in need of maintenance, the bathrooms in general were in desperate need of cleaning and in a state of general disrepair. Camping fees range from $8 for a primitive backpacking site to $18 per night for a developed site with water and electric. Be aware that little to no shade exists at any of the campsites, not a good thing in the hot Texas summers. I would recommend this park for day use but would hesitate to make it an overnight camping destination. A park entrance fee of $3 per person for ages 13 and up applies or an annual Texas State Parks Pass is accepted in lieu of the entrance fee. From the city of San Angelo, Texas access the south entrance to the park by way of U.S. Hwy 67 south to FM 2288. San Angelo State Park may be found on the web at sasp@tpwd.state.tx.us 325-949-8935
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San Angelo State Park Texas, camping San Angelo State Park, Official Texas Longhorn Herd, bison herd West Texas, bird watching West Texas, prairie dog towns Texas State Parks, hiking trails Texas, primitive camping Texas, Indian petroglyphs Texas
