Purtis Creek State Park

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Purtis Creek State Park

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Bass Fishing and More . . .

Our 355-acre lake is a bass fishing destination, but fishing is not all we offer. Come to swim, boat, paddle, camp, explore nature or relax. We’re just an hour southeast of Dallas.

Things to Do

You’ll find plenty to do at Purtis Creek State Park. You can boat, hike and bike, camp, geocache and picnic. Rent our picnic pavilion for your next gathering.

Fish

Our lake features catch-and-release largemouth bass, as well as catfish and crappie that you can take home. We have fishing piers, fish cleaning stations and boat ramps. Overnight fishing costs $2 per person (if you are not camping); the permit expires at 6 a.m. You do not need a fishing license to fish here.

Take your family fishing! We lend rods, reels and tackle boxes for use in the park.

Boats

Bring your own boat. We allow 50 motorized boats on the lake at a time, with an “idle only” speed limit and a no-wake policy.

Bring your own kayak or canoe, or rent one of our kayaks. Rentals, including paddles and lifejackets, are available at a self-service kiosk on a first-come, first-served basis.

Camp

Choose from 59 campsites with water and electricity, five walk-in tent sites, or 13 primitive hike-in sites.

Hike and bike

Tackle the 4.1-mile Wolfpen Hike and Bike Trail. The 1.7-mile Beaver Slide Nature Path takes you along the lakeshore. Or explore the short, easy Solar Trail along the dam.

Shop

The park store sells supplies, outdoor equipment, bait, gifts and ice.

Get involved

We need your help! Ask at headquarters or visit our Volunteer page.

Support state parks by donating to the Texas Parks & Wildlife Foundation.

Ranger Programs

We offer guided hikes, paddling basics classes, nature programs and more. Ask about special programs for groups. See our Events page for upcoming programs.

Connect with us on Facebook.

Area Attractions

Athens offers museums, restaurants and more. Stop by the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center, a TPWD site that showcases aquatic life and sport fishing.

The many attractions of Dallas are 60 miles northwest of the park.

Other nearby activities:

14225 FM 316 N.
Eustace, TX 75124

Latitude: 32.353794

Longitude: -95.993554

(903) 425-2332

Entrance Fees
  • Adult: $5 Daily
  • Child 12 Years and Under: Free
Hours

Open daily,
6 a.m. – 10 p.m.


Park office:
8:15 a.m. - 4:45 p.m.

 

We often reach capacity, and recommend reservations for both camping and day use. To guarantee entry, reserve passes online or by calling the customer service center before you visit.

Busy Season

March through November and every first Monday weekend

Climate

January average low temperature is 36 degrees. July average high temperature is 96 degrees. Wettest months are April and May. First freeze occurs late November. Last freeze occurs mid-March.

National Weather Service forecast for this area