Martin Creek Lake State Park

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Martin Creek Lake State Park

  • Women hiking in the woods
    Hike under tall trees - pets on leashes welcome!
  • kid teaching fishing to younger kid
    Make family memories while trying new activities like fishing, paddling and hiking.
  • campsite on the lakeshore
    Set up camp on the lakeshore.
  • people crossing bridge
    Attend a ranger program to learn about the park and its residents.
  • cabin
    Reserve a cabin or screen shelter for your stay.

Peace Among the Pines

Just 20 miles southeast of Longview you’ll find a peace­ful place in the East Texas woods: Martin Creek Lake State Park. Fish for bass or catfish, walk the trails, or sit quietly and watch a sunset over the lake.

Things to Do

We offer year-round fishing, camping, paddling, lake swimming, hiking and biking, water-skiing, picnicking, geo­caching and nature photography. Reserve our picnic pavilion for your next group gathering.

If you plan to swim, read through our swimming safety tips before your visit. We do not have lifeguards.

Fishing & Boating

The power plant on Martin Creek Lake keeps waters warm year-round. Anglers reel in largemouth bass, crappie, channel catfish, yellow catfish, tilapia and sunfish.

We have a boat ramp, lighted fishing pier and a fish cleaning station. We also rent canoes.

You do not need a fishing license to fish from shore or pier in a Texas state park. Bring your own fishing gear or borrow ours!

Many fishing tournaments are held at the park in the winter. During these tour­na­ments, the boat ramp area may be crowded; please check our list of fishing tour­na­ments for dates.

Get detailed fishing and lake infor­mation for Martin Creek Lake.

Trails

We have nearly four miles of hike and bike trails. Follow the footsteps of early Texans as you explore the park.

The Old Henderson Road Loop traces a former trade route for travelers between Henderson and Shreveport. On the 1.5-mile Harmony Hill Loop, look for remnants of the community of Harmony Hill, now a Nationally Reg­is­tered Historic District.

Learn more on our Trails Information page.

Camping

Choose from campsites with water and electricity or primitive campsites situated on an island. We also have screened shelters and cabins.

Ranger Programs

We offer programs on the park’s history and nature. Check our Events page for the schedule. Contact the park to arrange a program for your group.

Learn more about the park on our Nature and His­tory pages, and by downloading our Interpretive Guide | PDF.

Connect with us on our Facebook page and on Instagram @martincreeklake.

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

Area Attractions

Nearby attractions include Starr Family Home State His­toric Site, Texas State Railroad, and the historic cities of Marshall, Longview, Kilgore, Carthage and Henderson.

9515 County Road 2181D
Tatum, TX 75691-3425

Latitude: 32.277950

Longitude: -94.566051

(903) 836-4336

Entrance Fees
  • Adult: $4 Daily
  • Child 12 Years and Under: Free
Hours

Open daily,
6 a.m. – 10 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.


The office closes on Thanksgiving Day at noon, and all day on Dec. 25.    

Busy Season

Spring and summer

Climate

January average low is 35 degrees. July average high is 94 degrees. Average rainfall is 46.5 inches.

National Weather Service forecast for this area
Elevation

385 feet