An oasis in north Texas, Martin Creek Lake State Park is a water lover’s dream. You’ll find acres of open waters for boating and jet skiing, and a lake that is well stocked with a wide variety of fish.
You’ll find plenty out of the water at Martin Lake Creek State Park. The miles of hiking trails let you explore the loblollies and pines that surround the lake. And there’s a wide variety of wildlife in the park, no matter what time of year you visit.
If you want more information on all of the plants and animal species in the park, you can take part in one of the park’s interpretive programs. The two RV campgrounds offer a wide range of campsites for you to choose from for your rig, all of them featuring electrical hookups and access to showers and restrooms. Stay for a weekend or stay for a week. There’s always something for you to explore at Martin Lake Creek State Park.
Located in north Texas, Martin Creek Lake State Park is a quick drive from multiple major cities in the state. If you are coming from Dallas, take I-20 east out of the city, and you will arrive at the park in a little over two hours. The park is located near the border with Louisiana. If you are driving from Shreveport, take I-20 west and TX-43, and you will arrive at the park in around an hour.
The park’s campgrounds are just a quick drive from the entrance, and there are no RV restrictions on any of the park’s main roads. There are several parking lots located throughout the park. The largest one is located near the boat ramp.
There are two main pet-friendly campgrounds in the park: Bee Tree and Broken Bowl. These campgrounds are right next to each other, and feature the same amenities. The sites all have electrical hookups, and there are a few sites that also have full hookups. The sites also all have a picnic table and a fire ring with a grill. The park allows dogs in the campground, but you’ll have to keep them leashed.
There are showers and restrooms located within the campground. The main hiking trails can be accessed from just outside both of the campgrounds. The park’s main areas are also within walking distance.
All of the campsites can be reserved online. The sites can be booked same day, and reserved up to five months in advance. If you want to book one of the full hookup sites, you should consider doing so well in advance. And if you are coming during peak times in the summer, you should also book as early as possible, as the sites fill up quickly.
The park has excellent boating. Boats with motors are allowed, so you’ll be able to water and jet ski. Boat ramps make getting your vessel onto the water easy.
The lake has a long, winding shoreline that is beautiful when explored by kayak. And those looking to water ski will find plenty of room on the lake, even during popular summer months.
If you don’t want to bring your own boat along with your campervan, you can rent a canoe from the park office located near the water.
Bring your camera along and capture images of the park’s flora and fauna. The forests are a sight to behold in the fall, and make for excellent pictures as the leaves begin to turn and the colors come alive.
There are also old pine plantations found in the park. The ordered rows of trees can lead to some interesting optical illusions that you can capture on camera. Or hike out to the Island Trail for some of the best views of the lake.
If you want a more structured tour of the park’s natural sights, take part in one of the park’s interpretive programs. You’ll get a guided tour of the plant and wildlife species that are found in the park. You can also download the park’s interpretive guide online before your visit.
Availability varies depending on the time of year, so check with the park office. The interpretive programs are usually available on Saturdays, but there may be additional programs during peak season.
The park also makes a great RV destination for those that want to enjoy the region’s plant and wildlife. You’ll find a wide variety of hardwood tree species in the park, as well as loblolly and pine.
You’ll also see plenty of wildlife, with species including white-tail deer, armadillos, gophers, nutria, and swamp rabbits. And bird watchers will find a wide variety of species, such as great blue herons, great egrets, northern cardinals, bobwhites, and green-backed herons.
There’s a network of trails leading throughout the park for those looking to explore the area on foot. The hardwood forests with loblolly and pine make for scenic and relaxing hikes.
Take the Harmony Hill trail and you’ll see a cemetery with graves dating back to the early 19th century. Or cross the bridge and hike the Island Trail loop.
Hiking is best during the milder times of year. Visit the park in spring for a pleasant hike to shake off the winter. Or come in fall for an explosion of color.
The trails are easy to access from the main RV campgrounds, so you’ll be able to get from your campervan to the trail in minutes.
Martin Creek Lake State Park is also an excellent fishing spot, with the waters of the lake populated by a wide variety of fish species. You’ll find crappie, catfish, sunfish, and largemouth bass. The park is host to various bass tournaments in the winter, so the boat ramp can get crowded if you come this time of year.
The fishing is great year round, but anglers will have the most luck with largemouth bass in late winter and early spring. If you plan on fishing during the summer, you’ll get the most bites early in the morning and at evening.
All of the fish in the lake are subject to state fishing regulations.
