The Great Outdoors

Experience the best biking, bird watching, nature tours, dog parks, horseback riding, fishing, and all the great outdoor activities that Abilene has to offer.

VISIT HERE for a detailed list of Abilene City Parks.

Star indicates an Abilene Chamber of Commerce member.

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Abilene Clay Sports

  • 1102 Spur 707, Abilene
  • 325-692-9002
  • Lakes
  • Lakes
Map

Abilene State Park

  • 150 Park Road 32, Buffalo Gap
  • 325-572-3204
  • Bird Watching | Nature Trails
  • Bird Watching | Nature Trails

This scenic park covers 1,612 acres along Elm Creek. Once a resting place for the Comanche Indians, visitors now find:

  • Modern camping and recreational facilities
  • Hiking and nature trails
  • Picnic sites, game area and children’s playground
  • Large swimming pool and a children’s pool - Open Memorial Day to Labor Day [Wed. - Sun, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.]
  • Photo opportunities and wildlife observation
  • Bicycle riding, fishing pond and lake

Entry Fees: $5-Ages 13 and over; $3-Texas residents Ages 65+ (Texas residents with Parkland Pass)

Camping Details: 41-wheeled camper/tent sites; 36-group trailer sites; 12-water only tent sites; 3 full hook-ups; 8-screened shelters; 2-air conditioned recreation halls; and 3-yurts. Prices vary per type of site.

Buck Creek Trails

  • 325-677-2453, Biketown
  • Biking

  • $15 per year per family

  • Biking

Abilene Bike Club membership is required to access the trails: $20 per year per family. Visit Biketown, 1789 Industrial Blvd., to join and get directions to the trail.

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Camp Able of Buffalo Gap

  • 1302 Pecan St., Buffalo Gap
  • 325-280-6053, Camp Able
  • Horseback Riding
  • Horseback Riding

An equine therapy and horse rescue nonprofit organization providing therapeutic riding and skill-based training to individuals with special needs. Offering both weekly equine-assisted therapy programs and special summer residential programs. All programs are by appointment only.

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Camp Barkeley Dog Park

  • E.S. 11th & Loop 322, Abilene
  • Dog Parks
  • Dog Parks

Open Daily: Dawn to dusk. Camp Barkeley is an off leash park with 2-areas, 1-acre for small dogs (under 30 lbs.) and 2-acres for large dogs. The park has people benches, water, and waste bags on-site. Restrooms for humans are located near the Nelson Splash Pad just across the road from the dog park. For a complete list of guidelines for the dog park, Click Here.

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Lake Kirby

  • Bird Watching | Nature Trails, Lakes
  • Bird Watching | Nature Trails, Lakes

Lake Kirby is primarily a fishing lake, but it is also a great place to see a wide variety of birds. The Common Moorehen is currently a year-round resident. Other birds sited include: ducks, gulls, pelicans, herons, egrets, desert cardinals, Verdind, Bell’s Vireo, sparrows and other migrating birds. The best place to bird is the east side on the lake, in the early morning, when the sun will be at your back. Other park amenities are: picnic shelter, playground, restrooms, baseball complex, softball complex, practice backstops, public boat ramp and fishing pier. No swimming or camping is allowed.

FISHING:
Aquatic Vegetation: Bulrushes
Predominant Fish Species: Largemouth bass, Channel & blue catfish, White crappie, Bluegill & green sunfish, Common carp
Recreation: Fishing boats only
Water Clarity: Red colored with visibility less than 12 inches

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Shockey Stables

  • 1049 CR 337, Abilene
  • 325-690-0585
  • Horseback Riding

  • Check our website for the most current rates.

  • Horseback Riding

Offering trail rides, riding lessons, horse boarding and summer camps for all ages

State Fishing Regulations

  • Lakes
  • Lakes
Map

SUP Abilene Lake Fort Phantom Kayak Rentals

  • #9 Cherokee Circle, Abilene
  • 325-269-1812
  • Lakes
  • Lakes

Kayak and paddleboard rentals.

Map

Lake Fort Phantom Hill

  • FM 600 - Westlake Rd., Abilene
  • 325-676-6217, City of Abilene
  • Biking, Bird Watching | Nature Trails, Lakes
  • Biking, Bird Watching | Nature Trails, Lakes

Primitive Camping Only: Johnson Park (5-sites) and Seabee Park (4-sites) flush toilets; no drinking water; fishing and board ramp; no fee or reservations (48 hour limit)

Aquatic Vegetation: Stargrass, bulrush, pondweed, smartweed.
Predominant Fish: Largemouth bass, white crappie, blue catfish, flathead catfish, white bass, hybrid striped bass, freshwater drum.
Recreation: Sail boating, water skiing, swimming at your own risk, excellent winds for wind surfing.
Water Clarity: Stained to muddy and red colored in the upper end

Seabee Park: • Designating five acres as wetlands adjacent to the current model airplane flying field • Large group pavilion • Picnic sites • Barbecue facilities • Natural Trails and viewing sites  • Lighting and parking areas.
Johnson Park: • Large group pavilion • Outdoor classroom • Playground • Sand volleyball court  • Picnic sites • Barbecue facilities • Kayak trail • Disc golf site • Open play field • Sidewalks and trails • Restrooms • New park road, parking, and lighting.
North Boat Ramp Area: • Extension of ramp for low water access and addition of a wave attenuation device • Parking and paving • Security lighting • Picnic area