Bad behavior forced the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ (USACE) Fort Worth District to turn a primitive camping area into a day-use-only park.
North Park, located across the Canyon Lake dam from Outlook Park, is now closed to campers but will remain open to the public seven days a week from 8 a.m. to sunset.
USACE put a positive spin on the announcement, noting the change at North Park will provide expanded access for outdoor recreation including picnicking, shoreline access, hiking, and wildlife. Admission is free.
“North Park has long been a valued recreational area,” said USACE Canyon Lake Manager Brett Mazey. “Transitioning to a day-use park allows us to better protect natural resources at Overlook Park, a scenic observaton area which has experienced increase misuse as a day-use area. This change will also enhance visitor safety and provide more consistent public access throughout the year.”
North Park does not have a designated public swimming area.
A low-risk water entry area may be used for “informal water access,” USACE said in a statement. “Swimming is at your own risk.”
The adjacent eastern shoreline next to North Park has hazardous cliff features that present a sigificantly elevated risk of serious injury or fatality. This area is closed to the public and strictly off-limits.