Lake Brownwood State Park

Located on over 500 acres of beautiful wooded shoreline, Lake Brownwood State Park surrounds the man-made Lake Brownwood, a 7,300-surface-acre body of water that’s been hosting public recreation for over 60 years. Lake Brownwood began as an effort to bring jobs back to the community after the worst of the Great Depression, being built primarily by the Civilian Conservation Corps.

The six miles of hiking trails were some of the first things built by the CCC, and as you walk along them you'll see public benches emblazoned with their now-defunct logo. These trails are all friendly to dogs, save for the 2.89 Nopales Ridge Trail. This particular stretch was designed with cycling in mind and isn't appropriate for pets.

Lake Brownwood is popular throughout the year for water skiing, jet skiing, and paddleboarding. Paddleboard rental is available at the lake's main office, as well as information on the lake's yearly swim classes. There are several pavilions available for rental immediately adjacent to the lake, as well.

Something special offered by Lake Brownwood State Park is their cabins. Built in the mid-1930s, these handbuilt stone cabins come complete with a fireplace, full plumbing, and air conditioning. Adjacent to these cabins is rental halls, designed in the same style. All of these buildings are available for rental through the Texas Parks' office. Dogs are strictly prohibited from entering these structures unless otherwise noted.

Dogs are prohibited from the shoreline with the exception of every third Thursday, during which Texas then opens up the beach for dogs to play on. Called “Beach Rovers," this event is sponsored by the local SPCA and is used to help bring awareness to local shelters while providing free public entertainment. If you’re interested in volunteering, more information can be found at the Texas SPCA’s local website, as well as their Texas in-person offices.