Plan for wildlife, hiking, and picnics in East Texas State Parks!
East Texas, also known as the Piney Woods Region, boasts lush pine forests, wildlife, and beautiful flowering dogwood trees in season. And the more you see, the more you’ll want to see. State parks in this region reign just the same. Check out these East Texas state parks and start planning your visits. When you get the time, read all about these East Texas towns worth visiting repeatedly!
East Texas State Park Tips:
Every Texas State Park has its rules that we all need to follow. It helps keep our parks clean and family-friendly.
- Fishing from a pier or shore, a fishing license is not required in Texas State Park. But on a boat – you’ll need one.
- Most state parks reach capacity for day trips and camping, so call ahead for reservations into the park or make them online.
- Every state park charges admission. Most allow children 12 and under for free.
- A Texas State Park membership allows everyone in your car free admission.
- All state parks celebrating the 100 Years of Texas State Park charge NO FEE on the day of the celebration.
- Most parks offer a Ranger program for kids.
- Geocaching in state parks is fun because what you are looking for will be in its spots, unlike some wild rides you go on via the app.
East Texas State Parks To Visit
Most state parks have cabins to rent or areas to pitch a tent, but I may need more than a screened cabin with no restroom if you’re like me. When I do, I look for East Texas lakes with cabins.
1. Atlanta State Park – Atlanta, TX
Atlanta State Park sits on the shores of Wright Patman Lake in the far northeast corner of Texas. Pines trees and hardwoods shade the park, providing color year-round.
Things To Do In the Park
- fish for catfish
- camp
- birding
- waterskiing
- swim
- picnic
- wildlife viewing
- geocache
- hike on roads, trails, & shoreline
What To Know
Entrance Fee: $3
The busy season is summer, and it is best to make reservations online, especially for camping.
Park store: Yes
Attractions Nearby
- O’Farrell Country Winery
- Atlanta Historical Museum
- Lake Wright Patman
2. Caddo Lake State Park – Jefferson, TX
Caddo Lake State Park is considered one of Texas’s most beautiful state parks. It’s different than any other state park we have and so surreal with all the cypress trees and Spanish moss hanging all over the trees. It’s kind of spooking at night.
Things To Do
Canoe, fish, and boat can explore the picturesque bayou and many bald cypress trees sprawled on each side. You can also picnic, camp, and geocache. Yes, alligators are out there …but you’ll probably never see them. Canoe rentals are available for rent at the park.
Hike the Caddo Forest Trail.
What To Know
Entrance Fee: $4
Park Store: Yes
A boat tour is one of the best ways to see and get to know the bayou. It’s pretty darn cool. Several outfitters do this. The one I used is no longer in business.
Attractions Nearby
- The town of Jefferson has many historic homes, beautiful quaint BNBs, and an excellent general store.
- Scarlett O’Hardy’s Gone With The Wind Museum
- Lake O’ The Pines
- The Excelsior House Hotel
- Historic Jefferson Railway
3. Daingerfield State Park – Daingerfield, TX
Daingerfield State Park is southwest of Texarkana and offers a blanket of beautiful autumn colors with its tall trees and forest. The park is located in Morris County, one of the smallest counties in Texas. Many magazines have noted that Daingerfield State Park is the most gorgeous state park in the fall. It’s worth a trip to see.
Things To Do
Wander the trails, paddle Little Pine Lake, camp, hike, geocache, fish on the pier, rent a pavilion, and more.
What To Know
Entrance Fee: $4; make a reservation online, even for a day trip.
Park Store: Yes, and get your worms there!
Attractions Nearby
- Country club
- Cinema
4. Huntsville State Park, Huntsville, TX
Huntsville State Park is a wooded recreational area southwest of town. Enjoy yourself among the majestic pine trees and natural beauty of East Texas, just a short drive north of Houston, in the Sam Houston National Forest.
Things To Do
Rent a canoe, explore the trails, and relax by the lake for a fabulous day. Picnics, water sports, and fishing for crappie, perch, catfish, and bass are popular outdoor activities, too.
Screen shelters for camping are available.
What To Know
Entrance Fee: $7
Park Store: Yes. Gator Junction has plenty of things should you forget something.
Attractions Nearby
- Lots of museums
- Visiting Center
- Scenic drives
- Wineries
5. Lake Bob Sandlin State Park – Pittsburgh, TX
Lake Bob Sandlin State Park is known for great fishing, massive trees, tall grasses, and fascinating native plants and animals.
Things To Do
Swim, fish, paddle, and boat on the lake. Or picnic, hike, camp, geocache, mountain bike, and enjoy nature.
There is a stocked trout pond, and anglers can try their luck fishing for largemouth bass, catfish, and crappie.
What To Know
Entrance Fee: $5
Park Store: Yes, as well as souvenirs, bug spray, and camping supplies.
Become a Junior Ranger – grab a free activity journal and complete the tasks to earn a badge.
Attractions Nearby
- The Farmstead – home, barn, antiques
- Museum
- Governor Hogg Shrine in Quitman, TX
- winery
- shopping
- restaurants
6. Lake Livingston State Park – Livingston, TX
Lake Livingston is one of the largest lakes in Texas. You’ll find that Lake Livingston State Park is a refreshing place to get away from Houston – about an hour north.
Things To Do
The lake has a good amount of white bass for everyone to fish, hiking trails through the forest, and you can camp under the trees. Alligators live there! If you’re looking for a fun place to stay the night or a weekend, check out this East Texas resort – Two Creeks Crossing. It’s only about 20 minutes from the state park.
What To Know
Entrance Fee: $6
Pioneer and Settler Day – A frontier-themed park day with programs covering how people lived and worked in the pioneer era.
Attractions Nearby
- Big Thicket National Preserve
- Sam Houston National Forest
- Polk County Museum
- Lake Livingston
7. Martin Creek Lake State Park – Tatum, TX
Martin Creek Lake State Park is just twenty miles southeast of Longview, where the fishing is good and the hiking trails await your arrival!
Things To Do
Year-round waterskiing, paddling, lake swimming, 4 miles of hiking and biking, waterskiing, picnicking, geocaching, and nature photography.
What To Know
Entrance Fee: $4
Reserve a picnic pavilion for your next group gathering.
Attractions Nearby
- Starr Family Home State Historic Site
- Texas State Railroad
- Pecan Pie Festivals
- Jingle Bell Bop & Shop
- Marshall, Texas
8. Martin Dies, Jr. State Park – Jasper, TX
Neches and Angelina rivers meet deep in the piney woods, creating wild and diverse forest habitats. Explore the lake, sloughs, and forest trails of Martin Dies, Jr. State Park at the edge of the Big Thicket—an excellent place for family reunions.
Things To Do
Paddle, hike, bike, geocache, tent camp. Ranger programs consist of nature and night hikes, learning about animals, plants, and trees of the forest: art activities, paddling tours, star parties, and more.
What To Know
Entrance Fee: $4
Attractions Nearby
- Historic Jasper
- Angelina National Forest
- San Rayburn Reservoir
- Bird & Butterfly Inn
- Jasper’s Fireman’s Museum
- Museums and art centers
- Town of Woodville
9. Mission Tejas State Parks – Grapeland, TX
See a replica of the first Spanish mission.
Things To Do
Enjoy the peaceful piney woods at Mission Tejas State Park, located at the north end of the Davy Crockett National Forest. While you’re here, look for remnants of settlers who claimed the area, see the home built by pioneers in the early 1800s, and more.
What To Know
Entrance Fee: $3
Bring plenty of water for the 8.5 hiking trails. Also, check out the guided tours offered.
Attractions Nearby
- Caddo Mounds State Historic Site
- Varner-Hogg Historic Site
- Texas State Railroad
- Davy Crockett National Forest
- Texas Forestry Museum
10. Tyler State Park
Tyler State Park features a spring-fed lake, tall trees, and historic structures. You will love this peaceful getaway in east Texas!
Things To Do
Canoe the lake, fish, walk through the woods, or hike the trails, and don’t forget your binoculars to watch for birds. You can tent camp or camp in screen-in shelters, which I did many years ago – the kids loved it.
What To Know
Entrance Fee: $6
Attractions Nearby
- Tyler – the “America’s Rose Capital” of Texas
- Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center in Athens
- 1st Monday Canton
11. Village Creek State Park – Lumberton, TX
The heavily forested park sits along Village Creek, one of the few free-flowing creeks in Texas.
Things To Do
Camp, picnic, fish, hike, mountain bike, geocache, and study nature. Tent camp, bring your RV, or rent an 8-person cabin.
What To Know
Entrance Fee: $4
Park Store: Yes
Attractions Nearby
- 12. Big Thicket National Preserve
- Sabine Pass Battleground State Historic Site
PIN IT!
