If you’re looking for a quiet, low-key spot to spend a few hours outdoors, Lockhart State Park might just be the perfect place. Tucked away in the BBQ capital of Texas, this small, rustic park offers just enough to fill a peaceful afternoon without the crowds. From fishing and hiking to a seasonal swimming pool, a kids’ playground, and even a 9-hole golf course, Lockhart State Park activities are simple but satisfying. It’s not a park you’ll get lost in—literally or figuratively—but it’s a great place to slow down, disconnect, and enjoy a little space to yourself.

Plan Your Visit

• Park Hours: Open daily from 8 AM to 10 PM
• Headquarters Hours: 8 AM to 5 PM
• Entrance Fee: $3 per adult; free for children 12 and under
• Address: 2012 State Park Road, Lockhart, TX

Tee Off at the 9-Hole Golf Course

One of the more unique Lockhart State Park activities is its historic 9-hole golf course. This course was originally built over 80 years ago during the Great Depression by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). It’s one of only three golf courses in our Texas State Parks!

You can reserve tee times online up to 30 days in advance. You can also make same-day golf tee times by visiting the park headquarters if the schedule allows.

To golf at Lockhart State Park, you will need to purchase a park entrance pass for $3.00, or present your Texas State Parks Pass, AND you’ll need to pay the course green fee, which is $10 for two rounds (18 holes).

The course is closed on Wednesdays for maintenance, but open year-round. You can rent golf carts for $20 and golf clubs for $7.00 at the headquarters office.

Find everything you need to know about golfing at Lockhart State Park here.

Cast a Line in Clear Fork Creek

Fishing is one of the most peaceful Lockhart State Park activities. Clear Fork Creek runs through the park and is home to sunfish, catfish, and bass. You’ll want to bring your own fishing gear, and you’ll still need to pay the $3 daily entrance fee if you don’t have a Texas State Parks Pass, but you do not have to have a fishing license to fish in the park.
When I visited in April, each little cubby along the creek had someone fishing, so it appeared to be a good place to fish.

Splash into the Seasonal Swimming Pool

Another unique thing to add to your Lockhart State Park activities list is the seasonal swimming pool! It’s typically open from Memorial Day through Labor Day and only costs $2 per person or $1 for children. If you’re visiting this park during the Texas summer months, taking a dip in this pool will be an awesome addition to your day.

Find everything you need to know about swimming at Lockhart State Park here.

Hit the Hiking Trails

Though the park is compact and not really a hiking destination, there are a few short hiking trails. Most of the trails are less than half a mile total, but many of them connect to one another to make a longer hike if you’d like. All in all, there is a little over 3 miles of trail in this park. The trails vary from easy to moderate and are perfect for a quick morning walk or late afternoon stroll.

As someone who loves hiking, I didn’t find any trails in this park that wowed me or left me with any lasting memories. I still enjoyed my slow, lazy graze through the park, though. I did see quite a few deer and some rabbits along my hike, which was nice.

Set Up Camp and Stay Awhile

There are 20 campsites available, full-hookup RV sites, and tent sites with electric available. No primitive camping spaces at this park. Camping here is peaceful and low-key, making it a perfect overnight stop for road trippers or weekend wanderers.

Each campsite has fire rings and picnic tables for your use.

If you do choose to stay the night, I want to warn you that the bathhouses are very primitive. We’re talking spiders on the wall, definitely keep shoes on while in the shower type of buildings.

Let the Kids Play

The park has a charming playground for children that’s shaded and located near picnic tables. There is a lot of space at this park for kids to play, and as a parent watching over your children, you can see them from pretty much any angle. It’s a great way to break up the day if you have little ones who need to burn off some energy.

If You Have Some Extra Time

After a day of exploring Lockhart State Park activities, visiting downtown Lockhart for some world-famous barbecue is a great way to wrap up your day. Officially designated as the “Barbecue Capital of Texas” by the Texas Legislature in 1999, Lockhart boasts several renowned barbecue joints that have been serving up mouth-watering meats for generations.

• Black’s Barbecue: Established in 1932, it’s one of the oldest barbecue restaurants in Texas.
• Smitty’s Market: A family-run restaurant in Lockhart for over 50 years has quickly become one of the favorites.
• Kreuz Market: Famous for its sausages and no-sauce policy, emphasizing the quality of the smoked meats.
• Chisholm Trail Bar-B-Que: A local favorite since 1978, offering a variety of smoked meats and homemade sides.

Each of these establishments provides a unique and authentic Texas barbecue experience, making them well worth the short trip into town. A good Google images search for any of these restaurants is sure to get your mouth watering!

If you’ve got more than a day and want to take a short, 35-minute drive, you can also visit McKinney Falls State Park! McKinney Falls offers over 10 miles of hiking trails, swimming holes, fishing, and more. It’s closer to the city, so it’s much more popular and not as quiet as Lockhart, but it allows for some additional adventure for your trip!

Read More: McKinney Falls State Park Activities – A Full Guide to the Park

Final Thoughts

Lockhart State Park may be small, but it packs a lot of charm and variety into its borders. While it might not be a destination park, the range of Lockhart State Park activities makes it perfect for a relaxing detour or weekend mini-adventure. With golf, swimming, hiking, fishing, and educational programs, there’s something here for just about everyone. And with the added bonus of legendary barbecue just minutes away, your visit to Lockhart promises to be a delightful blend of outdoor fun and culinary indulgence. Next time you’re on your way to get some world-famous BBQ or exploring Central Texas, take a little detour and enjoy all this cozy state park has to offer.