In addition to providing the City of Cleburne, Texas, with an abundance of recreational opportunities, Lake Cleburne is also an essential water source. Tucked away in the Prairies and Lakes area, this reservoir is well known for its great bass fishing, producing enough four- to five-pound bass to draw anglers in on a regular basis. The lake’s many boat ramps bustle with activity as pleasure boaters engage in water skiing, tubing, wakeboarding, and other water sports. Canoes and kayaks explore the brush-covered shoreline and its numerous coves and inlets while families enjoy picnicking and children swim in designated areas.
Since Wardville, the original county seat of Johnson County, is now covered by the reservoir, the history of Lake Cleburne is inextricably linked to the development of the city. Created by damming the Nolan River, Lake Cleburne spans over 1,500 acres and reaches a depth of 64 feet. Texas Parks and Wildlife have stocked the lake with various fish species, including largemouth bass, white bass, channel catfish, blue catfish, flathead catfish, white crappie, and sunfish.
Facilities at Lake Cleburne are designed to support a wide range of activities. Four boat ramps around the lake provide easy access, ample parking, picnic tables, and areas for stretching out. Although there are no designated beach areas, swimming is permitted at one’s own risk, as no lifeguards are on duty. Plans include improving facilities to maximize the use of the shoreline. Lake levels can fluctuate by up to two feet annually, and prolonged droughts have recently lowered water levels. However, once sufficient rain returns, the lake is expected to recover quickly, maintaining enough water for most activities.
At the north end of the lake is Buddy Stewart Park, which has baseball and soccer fields in the early stages of development, picnic tables, and a new pavilion. A bird-watching area features bird feeders behind a wooden fence with peepholes, allowing for bird observation and photography. The park is a favored launch site for canoes and kayaks, providing access to the lake and the river.
While Lake Cleburne’s waters are murky, they remain clean. On weekends, the lake is bustling with boaters, so fishermen often visit during the week to avoid crowds. The lake, technically over four miles from the City of Cleburne, has become almost a part of the city’s landscape. A municipal golf course along the eastern shore offers stunning lake views from every hole, and Lakeshore Drive hosts high-end homes overlooking the water.
Though there is no camping at Lake Cleburne, nearby areas in Johnson County offer private campgrounds and RV parks. Cleburne State Park, five miles west, provides camping sites, walking trails, a small spring-fed lake for fishing and swimming, and over five miles of mountain bike trails. Dinosaur Valley State Park, north of Glen Rose, features some of the world’s best-preserved dinosaur tracks, visible when the river is low.
Cleburne’s rich history in the Old West is showcased at the Chisholm Trail Outdoor Museum along the lake’s western shore. The museum includes the oldest log courthouse in Texas and various reconstructed buildings typical of an 1850s Texas town. The town hosts multiple festivals and activities throughout the year, ensuring there’s always something to do, from antique hunting during the bi-annual Antique Alley and Yard Sale to the Goatneck 100k Bike Race and Pioneer Days.
Cleburne offers a variety of lodging options, from chain hotels to bed & breakfasts and ranch stays. Only an hour southwest of Dallas-Fort Worth, the city provides all necessary amenities and a friendly, small-town atmosphere. Plan your visit to Lake Cleburne to enjoy its many offerings.