Tyler State Park | Texas

Lakeshore Trail

Mike’s Score: I really enjoyed this park. Solid hiking trails surrounding a pleasant lake. Something about Tyler State Park feels nostalgic. Great facilities and tons of camping options at a good price. Highly recommend. 5/5

Location

Street Address: 789 Park Rd. 16 | Tyler, TX 75706-9141

HQ Coordinates: Latitude: 32.482180 | Longitude: -95.283396

Phone number: (903)597-5338

Park Description

Tyler State Park is a popular retreat developed in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps. Nestled in the Pineywoods of East Texas, the park’s heavily wooded hills surround a 64-acre spring-fed lake. The park’s centerpiece lake accommodates fishing and swimming, as well as canoes and slow-moving boats. Foot trails circle the lake, and mountain bikers will enjoy the challenging bike trails.

Camping: The park provides options for both RV and tent camping. There are 100 campsites available, equipped with water and electricity, as well as restrooms with showers nearby. Additionally, the park offers primitive camping for those seeking a more rugged experience.

Hiking: Hikers can explore over 13 miles of scenic trails that wind through the park's pine and hardwood forests. The trails vary in difficulty, offering options for both casual strolls and more challenging hikes. One of the highlights is the Whispering Pines Trail, a 2.5-mile loop that showcases the park's natural beauty.

Fishing: Fishing enthusiasts will find plenty to enjoy at Tyler State Park, which features a 64-acre spring-fed lake stocked with catfish, bass, and perch. Anglers can fish from the shore or bring a non-motorized boat to explore the lake's waters. A fishing pier and fish cleaning station are also available for convenience.

Supplies: The park store offers a wide variety of souvenirs, bait, snacks, ice, and crafted products. Boats are available to rent. Free Wi-Fi connection is available at the park store.

Open year round. Self-pay station available for after-hours visitors. Park superintendent/law enforcement in residence on site.

Forest Diversity

Positioned where two ecosystems meet, Tyler State Park is home to a mix of plants and animals. Plant communities of the Pineywoods and Post Oak Savannah provide habitat for all kinds of wildlife, including typical East Texas mammals. Throughout the park, you may spot white-tailed deer, raccoons, fox and gray squirrels, gray foxes, coyotes, and opossums.

Bird life is as varied and changing as the seasons. Resident bird species like Pileated Woodpeckers, Brown-headed Nuthatches, and Pine Warblers are park specialties. In spring, look for vibrant orioles, tanagers, warblers, and vireos as they migrate north. Summer months bring Indigo and Painted Buntings. Winter and fall see the return of sparrows, kinglets, and the tiny Winter Wren. Over 200 species of birds ether call Tyler State Park home or pass through during migration seasons.

Redbud and flowing dogwood trees wake the forest from its winter slumber with pink and white highlights along the forest edges. Prairie wildflowers like brown-eyed susans, spiderwort, butterfly weed, verbena, yucca, goldenrod, and purple coneflower add color and fragrance to the open forests.

Source | Texas Parks & Wildlife

Source | Texas Parks & Wildlife

Source | Texas Parks & Wildlife