Bois D'Arc Loop

More Information:

  • Fannin County                                               
    www.co.fannin.tx.us
  • City of Bonham                                         
    www.cityofbonham.org
  • City of Ladonia                
    (903) 367-7011
    www.cityofladonia.com

Caddo National Grasslands - Bois D'Arc Unit
PPWE 113

This site is open daily, and developed camping is available at the site.
An entrance fee or donation may be required.

Bois D'Arc Trailhead: From the intersection of US 82 and SH 78 in Bonham, go north on SH 78 for 0.8 mile to FM 273. Turn right (north) on FM 273 and follow it 5.9 miles to FM 1396. Go right (east) on FM 1396 for 7.2 miles to FM 2029. Turn left (northwest) for 3.8 miles to FM 409. Turn right (east) on FM 409 and travel 2.5 miles to the Bois D'Arc Trailhead.

A walk or ride along the Bois D'Arc Trail offers an introduction to the mosaic of habitats composing Caddo National Grasslands. Birds seen along the trail include Summer Tanager, Painted Bunting and Field Sparrow. Look for Eastern Bluebird in open areas. Remember to check the numerous Carolina Chickadee and Tufted Titmouse flocks for neotropical migrants and the occasional nuthatch. White-tailed deer are common and coyotes or bobcats are occasionally seen. A variety of butterflies, including Red-spotted Purple, can also be seen along the trail.

Coffeemill Lake: From the intersection of SR 82 and SR 78 in Bonham, go north on SR 78 for 0.8 mile to FM 898. Turn right (north) on FM 898 and follow it 5.9 miles to FM 1396. Go right (east) on FM 1396 for 7.2 miles to FM 2029. Turn left (northwest) for 3.8 miles to FM 409. Turn right (east) on FM 409 and travel 3.4 miles to Coffeemill Lake.

Scan the lake in late summer for wandering terns, including the endangered Interior Least Tern, which occasionally visit the lake from nesting habitats along the Red River. Check the campground at the north end of the lake for woodland species such as Summer Tanager and Eastern Wood-Pewee. The more open areas attract insect eaters such as Eastern Kingbird and Purple Martin. Several species of dragonflies, including Slaty and Widow Skimmers, can be seen along the lakeshore.

Lake Crockett: From the intersection of SR 82 and SR 78 in Bonham, go north on SR 78 for 0.8 mile to FM 898. Turn right (north) on FM 898 and follow it 5.9 miles to FM 1396. Go right (east) on FM 1396 for 7.2 miles to FM 2029. Turn left (northwest) for 3.8 miles to FM 409. Turn right (east) on FM 409 and travel 6.2 miles to Lake Crockett (west), continue 0.8 mile across the dam to Lake Crockett (east).

Green and Great Blue Herons frequent the undisturbed banks and terns can appear from time to time. Look for a variety of waterfowl during winter. The woodland surrounding the lake resounds in birdsong early in the day. Listen for Yellow-billed Cuckoo and Eastern Phoebe. The lake attracts numerous dragonflies such as Slaty Skimmers and Eastern Amberwings along the shore and Halloween Pennants in the fields.

Lake Fannin: From the intersection of FM 2029 and FM 273 in Telephone, go west on FM 273 for 6.8 miles to PR 34. Follow PR 34 for 1.8 miles to Lake Fannin.

The lake provides habitat for a variety of waterfowl in winter and during migration, although Wood Ducks can be found year-round. In summer Green Herons nest in the trees along the banks and numerous Eastern Tiger and Giant Swallowtails sip from the moist banks. Dragonflies are numerous along the shore and over the water, and the woodlands around the lake host Summer Tanager, Painted Bunting and Blue-gray Gnatcatcher.

(940) 627-5475

Latitude: 33.7595
Longitude: -95.9531

Lake Bonham
PPWE 113A

This site is open daily, and developed camping is available at the site.

From Bonham, take FM 273 East 1.2 miles to RR 1. Go right, and travel 2 miles to the entrance on the left.

Built in 1969, the 1,020-acre lake is a primary source of water for the city of Bonham. There is plenty of room for water activities such as fishing and water skiing. The lake is also a favorite of local and migrating wildlife. The emergent vegetation such as cattail, pondweed and American lotus attracts a variety of native and migrating birds and other wildlife.

Lake Bonham is also very popular among local anglers as it is stocked with largemouth bass, channel catfish and crappie. Statewide fishing regulations apply and boaters must purchase a Lake Bonham boating permit, available at the lake. Campsites are available with concrete pads, water and electricity.

(903) 583-7555
www.cityofbonham.org

Latitude: 33.6425
Longitude: -96.1366

Bonham State Park
PPWE 113B

This site is open daily, and developed camping is available at the site.

To reach the park, go 1.5 miles southeast of Bonham on Hwy. 78 to FM 271, and then continue 2 miles southeast on FM 271; enter on PR 24.

The park is situated in the Blackland Prairies region of Texas. The terrain is dominated by grassland interspersed by woodlands. More luxuriant woodlands occur along water courses and the lake's shoreline. Although the park's grasslands are no longer pristine, they are recovering nicely and have small areas dominated by little bluestem and bushy bluestem. The woodlands are composed of Texas oak, eastern red cedar, bois d'arc and eve's necklace, with sugarberry, cottonwood, black willow and green ash becoming more common along the creeks and lakeshore. Numerous wildflowers and flowering shrubs cover the gently rolling prairie in the spring, and stands of cedar and mixed hardwoods provide a panorama of multicolored leaves in the fall. The lake shoreline provides habitat for beaver, raccoon, opossum and a number of visiting songbirds. Although a few woodland birds are permanent residents, visitor and migrant species outnumber them.

(903) 583-5022
www.tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/bonham

Latitude: 33.5431
Longitude: -96.1503

Caddo National Grasslands - Ladonia Unit
PPWE 113C

This site is open daily, and developed camping is available at the site.

From Ladonia, head west on Hwy. 34 to CR 3900, head south 4.6 miles to Unit 53 gate.

The Ladonia Unit 53 offers an opportunity to see the native Blackland Prairie ecosystem. The unit is being restored to its native Blackland Tall Grass Prairie condition that existed at the time the Caddo Indians were settled in the area.

Visitors can enjoy the spectacular experience of viewing the springtime show of wildflowers as they compete for attention with magnificent sightings of migratory neotropical birds from Central and South America. Wildlife, such as white-tailed deer, small mammals, coyotes, bobcats, red fox, bobwhite quail, turkey, waterfowl and songbirds abound.

(903) 328-9597
www.fs.usda.gov/detail/texas/about-forest/districts/?cid=fswdev3_008440 

Latitude: 33.4146
Longitude: -96.0213