Navasota River Crossroads

On the banks of the Navasota, the past and the present collide. Two ecosystems meet here, too, and you can explore it all on foot, bike or kayak. Fort Parker State Park is just 90 miles south of the DFW Metroplex.

Things to Do

Enjoy swimming, fishing, hiking and biking, camping, picnicking, bird and nature watching, paddling and geocaching. Host your group gatherings here, as well. Fort Parker offers some of the best sunsets in Central Texas, so bring your camera!

Before you visit:

• Review our rules for pets.
• Learn about water safety.

Hiking and biking

Explore seven miles of trails on foot or bike. Learn about the plants in the park along the .6-mile Bur Oak Trail.

See many park highlights along the two-mile Springfield Trail: the Springfield Cemetery, the Navasota River Springs that feed the river, the dam built by the Civilian Conservation Corps, and spring-fed Lake Springfield.

Fishing

Drop a hook in 750-acre Fort Parker Lake, three-acre Lake Springfield, or the Navasota River. Catch channel and blue catfish, white and black bass, and crappie.

No fishing license is needed to fish from shore on our lakes or the river, or from a boat on the lake. You will need a license to fish from a boat on the river.

We have two boat ramps (one on the river and one on Fort Parker Lake), two fishing piers and a fish cleaning station. We loan fishing gear for use in the park.

Get detailed fishing and lake information for Fort Parker Lake.

Paddling

Paddle Fort Parker Lake and the Navasota River by canoe or kayak. Take the 5.3-mile Limestone Bluffs Paddling Trail to experience both.

Bring your own or rent one of our watercraft (weather permitting).

If you are planning to rent our watercraft for a youth group, please fill out the youth group compliance form and bring a signed parental consent form for each minor.

Camping

Stay overnight at a campsite, screened shelter or cabin. Sites are scattered around the lake’s edge, and most are near a restroom with showers.

Cabins don’t have beds or bathrooms but do have air-conditioning. 

Pets are not allowed in the screened shelter or cabin areas. 

Group gatherings

Rent one of our group sites for your next reunion or summer campout. The barracks complex has a dining hall, game room and dorms; it sleeps 86 people. We also have a recreation hall, pavilion and primitive group camp.

Pets are not allowed in the barracks complex or recreation hall.

CCC

Men of the Civilian Conservation Corps built Fort Parker State Park. They constructed the dam that formed Fort Parker Lake and the buildings and roads in the park. Learn more on The Look of Nature: Fort Parker State Park.

Get involved!

Ask at headquarters how you can help. Or you can:

• Find a volunteer job
• Join the Friends of Fort Parker State Park
• Donate at the park or online to the Texas Parks & Wildlife Foundation

Ranger Programs

Rangers lead a variety of programs. Learn about them on our Events page or contact the park for special tours.

Learn more:

• Nature page
• History page
• Interpretive Guide to Fort Parker State Park | PDF
• Fort Parker SP Bird Checklist | PDF

Kids

Become a Junior Ranger! Pick up a free Junior Ranger Activity Journal at the park. Complete tasks to earn a badge.

Area Attractions

Be sure to visit Old Fort Parker (learn more on our History page).

Confederate Reunion Grounds State Historic Site is five miles northwest of the park.