Martin Creek Lake State Park
Key Information
Contact Info
903-836-4336
Location
9515 Co Rd 2181D, Tatum, TX 75691, United States
Opening Hours
6am–10pm
Fee
Unavailable
Introduction of Martin Creek Lake State Park
Martin Creek Lake State Park is a water lover’s paradise in north Texas. There are acres of open water for boating and jet skiing, as well as a lake stocked with a variety of fish.
Martin Lake Creek State Park has plenty to offer away from the water. Hiking trails for miles allow you to explore the loblollies and pines that surround the lake. And, regardless of the season, the park is home to a diverse range of wildlife.
If you want to learn more about the park’s plants and animals, you can participate in one of the park’s interpretive programmes. The two RV campgrounds have a variety of campsites for your rig, all of which have electrical hookups and access to showers and restrooms. Stay for the weekend or for a week. Martin Lake Creek State Park always has something new to discover.
Martin Creek Lake State Park Camping
The park has two main pet-friendly campgrounds: Bee Tree and Broken Bowl. These campgrounds are adjacent to one another and offer the same amenities. All of the sites have electrical hookups, and a few have full hookups as well. Each campsite also has a picnic table and a fire ring with a grill. The park allows dogs in the campground, but they must be leashed.
Within the campground, there are showers and restrooms. The main hiking trails are accessible just outside both campgrounds. The main areas of the park are also within walking distance.
All of the campsites are bookable online. The sites can be reserved on the same day or up to five months in advance. If you want to reserve one of the full hookup sites, you should do so ahead of time. Also, if you are visiting during peak season in the summer, you should book as soon as possible because the sites fill up quickly.
Martin Creek Lake State Park Activities
Boating
The park has great boating. Boats with motors are permitted, so you can water ski and jet ski. Boat ramps make it simple to get your vessel onto the water.
The lake’s long, winding shoreline is stunning when explored by kayak. Water skiers will also find plenty of space on the lake, even during peak summer months.
If you don’t want to bring your own boat, you can rent a canoe from the park office, which is located near the water.
Hiking
For those who want to explore the park on foot, there is a network of trails that run throughout it. Hiking in the hardwood forests with loblolly and pine trees is both scenic and relaxing.
Take the Harmony Hill trail to find a cemetery with graves dating back to the early nineteenth century. Alternatively, cross the bridge and hike the Island Trail loop.
Hiking is best done during the warmer months of the year. In the spring, visit the park for a pleasant hike to shake off the winter. Come in the fall for a colour explosion.
The trails are easily accessible from the main RV campgrounds, so you’ll only need a few minutes to get from your campervan to the trail.
Fishing
Martin Creek Lake State Park is also an excellent fishing spot, with a wide variety of fish species inhabiting the lake’s waters. There are crappie, catfish, sunfish, and largemouth bass to be found. During the winter, the park hosts a number of bass tournaments, so the boat ramp can become congested.
The fishing is excellent all year, but anglers will have the most success catching largemouth bass in late winter and early spring. If you plan on fishing during the summer, the best times to go are early in the morning and late in the evening.
The lake’s fish are all subject to state fishing regulations.
Photography
Bring your camera and photograph the park’s flora and fauna. In the fall, the forests are a sight to behold, and they make excellent photographs as the leaves begin to turn and the colours come to life.
The park also contains old pine plantations. The ordered rows of trees can create some interesting optical illusions that can be photographed. Hike out to the Island Trail for some of the best lake views.
Martin Creek Lake State Park Location
Martin Creek Lake State Park, located in north Texas, is a short drive from several major cities in the state. If you’re coming from Dallas, take I-20 east out of town and you’ll be at the park in just over two hours. The park is close to the Louisiana border. If you’re coming from Shreveport, take I-20 west and TX-43 for about an hour to get to the park.
The campgrounds are only a short distance from the park’s entrance, and there are no RV restrictions on any of the park’s main roads. Several parking lots are located throughout the park. The biggest one is near the boat ramp.
Parking
Parking is available
Public Transport
Public Transport is not available