Big Lake on the Prairie

Halfway between Dallas and Oklahoma City is Lake Arrowhead State Park, on the north shore of a 16,200-acre lake. Create memories as you explore the lake and prairie here.

Things to Do

Fishing is a big draw, but you can also camp, hike, bike, ride horses, nature watch, swim, paddle, boat, water-ski, geocache and play disc golf!

This quiet park is 15 minutes south of Wichita Falls, just off highways 281 and 287. 

Fishing & Boating

The main catches here are crappie, bass and catfish. You do not need a license to fish from shore or pier within the park; you will need a license to fish from a boat. Borrow a fishing pole at headquarters and try your luck!

We have nine boat ramps, a lighted fishing pier and a fish cleaning station.

• Detailed fishing and lake information for Lake Arrowhead
• Lake Arrowhead State Park Fishing Tip Sheet

Exploring trails

Explore this part of the Rolling Plains Ecoregion of Texas on over five miles of multiuse trails (hiking, biking and equestrian).

• Dragonfly Trail’s half-mile loop is a great introduction to the park.
• Onion Creek Trail (the park’s longest at 4.4 miles) wanders near the lake, weaves through part of the disc golf course, and continues to the north side of the park with views of the spillway, native grasses and wildflowers.
• Mesquite Ridge Trail connects the campground to Onion Creek Trail. It’s a great vantage point for catching a Texas sunset!

Camping

Reserve a campsite for an overnight stay. The park’s water and electric campground has a unique layout: eight loops with six campsites per loop; four sites are pull-through. We also have 19 water-only sites, a primitive walk-in camping area, and an equestrian camping area.

Park restrooms are accessible; one (in the water-electric campground) also has showers. The park has a dump station.

Birding

Many bird species rely on the habitat around Lake Arrowhead, and birders have identified over 200 species here.

Download Birds of Lake Arrowhead SP: A Field Checklist | PDF. Save on your device or in the cloud and check off species as you see them!

Equipment loaners

Borrow binoculars (limited number), discs for the golf course (ask for a scorecard!) and fishing poles (bring your own bait) at headquarters.

Get involved

Ask at headquarters about volunteering and joining our Friends group.

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

Ranger Programs

We offer day and night hikes, nature study, arts in the park, touch tables, atlatl and more! Check our Events page for upcoming programs.

Annual events include fishing contests on the first Saturday in June, a disc golf tournament, Christmas in the Park, and First Day Hikes.

Kids

Become a Junior Ranger!

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

Area Attractions

• River Bend Nature Center
• Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge (Oklahoma)
• Wichita Falls - The city’s many annual events include the Hotter ‘N Hell Hundred bicycle ride. Wichita Falls is also home to Midwestern State University and Sheppard AFB.
• Henrietta, the county seat of Clay County