Room to Roam

With two park units, you’ll find plenty of room to roam. Bring your fishing pole, your hiking shoes, your horse, your swimsuit–or heck, just bring yourself! We’re only 90 minutes northeast of Dallas.

Things to Do

Doctors Creek (on the north side of the lake) and South Sulphur (on the south side) offer tons of amenities. You can fish, picnic, swim, boat, water-ski, hike, bike, bird watch, study nature, stargaze, ride horses, geocache and camp. Rent one of our pavilions for your next group event. Take a virtual tour with our Interactive Trails Map. 

On the water

Fishing: Surrounded by the state park and wildlife management areas, the lake provides a peaceful fishing destination. We have boat docks, fishing piers, and fish cleaning stations. Remember, you do not need a fishing license to fish from shore in a state park!

• Lake and fishing information for Cooper Lake
• Water Safety Tips

Paddling: Bring your own boat, or rent a kayak or paddleboard at the South Sulphur Unit; you can reserve your rental up to one week in advance from the Paddle EZ website;

Stay overnight

Camp at one of our sites with water and electricity or at a walk-in campsite. We also have equestrian campsites at the South Sulphur unit. Both units have screened shelters and cabins. South Sulphur also has 14 cabins with kitchens and bathrooms.

Ride your horse

Bring your horse to the South Sulphur Unit (we require proof of negative Coggins). The 10.5-mile Buggy Whip Equestrian Trail crosses nearly 600 acres of shaded forest and thick vegetation, and takes you down hillsides and through creek gulches. Some parts of the trail are challenging. Come for the day, or camp in one of our equestrian campsites. Access the trail from your campsite.

Get involved

We need your help! Check our Volunteer page or ask at park headquarters.

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

Shop

The park store at Doctors Creek sells gift items. South Sulphur’s store sells souvenirs, books, ice and drinks.

Ranger Programs

We offer a variety of programs, from birding to stargazing. Check our Events page for upcoming programs. Learn more about the park on our Nature and History pages.

Connect with us on Facebook and Instagram at Cooper Lake Doctors Creek Unit and Cooper Lake South Sulphur Unit.

For the kids

Become a Junior Ranger!

• Pick up a free Junior Ranger Activity Journal at headquarters. Complete a certain number of tasks to earn a badge.
• Borrow a Junior Ranger Explorer Pack with tools for exploring the park.

Area Attractions

Sulphur Springs offers museums (including the Southwest Dairy Center and Museum) as well as restaurants and shopping. Or head north to Paris to visit the Sam Bell Maxey House. Get closer to nature at the Cooper Wildlife Management Area.