Martin Dies, Jr. State Park

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Park Activities

Trail through the forestForest Country offers serene waterways, lots of wildlife, and a deep woods wilderness experience.

The 1,300-acre park sits on the banks of the B.A. Steinhagen Reservoir. The park has four units: Hen House Ridge, Walnut Ridge, Wolf Creek and Rush Creek.

The northern half of the lake and surrounding lands near the forks of the Angelina and Neches rivers make up the 12,636-acre Angelina-Neches/Dam B Wildlife Management Area (WMA).

Find your adventure:

On Water

Explore scenic sloughs, the 10,687-acre lake, and the Angelina and Neches rivers.

Paddle

Man paddling a canoeTry something new or undertake an extreme backcountry experience. Nearly 14 miles of marked paddling trails cross backwater sloughs along Spring Creek, the wide open lake, and the fast-moving Neches River.

Paddle the Neches and Walnut trails to see unforgettable beauty. Learn more about the Martin Dies, Jr. Paddling Trails.

Bring your own watercraft or rent one of ours. We rent canoes and kayaks at park headquarters or you can rent kayaks at an automated kiosk in the Hen House Ridge Unit.

Explore using our Interactive Trails Map

Guided Trips

We offer guided paddling trips throughout the year. Get ready for a new view on this diverse ecosystem!

Space is limited, and reservations are required. Check our Events page for trip dates and reservation information.

Fish

Fishermen in a small boat at sunsetThe park offers several small lighted fishing piers and bankside fishing from many campsites. Catfish, bass, perch and crappie are the common catch. You don’t need a fishing license to fish from shore or pier in a Texas state park.

The park has multiple ramps to launch your boat, canoe or kayak. Campsites have parking for boats and trailers.

Get detailed lake information about B.A. Steinhagen Reservoir.

Swim

Our designated swim area (in the Hen House Ridge Unit) is open from sunrise to sunset. No lifeguards are on duty; swim at your own risk. Read our Swimming Safety Tips before you get in the water.

On Land

Hike and bike the park’s trails and roads, connect with nature, attend a ranger program, and more!

Hike & Bike

The park has seven scenic miles of hiking and biking trails. Be sure to explore the 3/4-mile Island Trail!

Bring your own bike to ride the trails or on the roads in the park.

Stargaze

Our distance from big cities means dark skies. Check our  Events page for star­gazing programs.

Nature Study

Three turtles on a log in the waterThe park has an extraordinary mixed pine/hardwood forest habitat. A wide variety of trees, plants, birds, mammals, reptiles and all kinds of insects live here. Learn more on our Nature page.

Birding

Located on the southern migration route of many bird species, Martin Dies, Jr. State Park is a birder’s paradise. Learn more on our Nature page.

Volleyball

Play volleyball at one of the park’s courts. Check out a volleyball for free at headquarters during business hours for use in the park.

Hunt

Set up camp in the park to hunt on the adjoining Angelina-Neches Wildlife Management Area. Hunting for deer, hog and squirrel on the WMA requires appropriate permits and licenses.

Duck hunters: The Wolf Creek and Rush Creek boat ramps (formerly Cherokee Unit ramps) and the Tidelands boat ramp are available for early starts. These three boat ramps are separate from camping areas. Only park entry fees are required to use the ramps.

Equipment Rentals

You must be 18 to rent equipment.

Canoes and Kayaks

Rentals come with life jackets and paddles, and are available from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily at headquarters.

  • We rent canoes and kayaks on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Canoes and kayaks cannot be used after dark.
  • Canoes hold up to four people, with a maximum weight of 650 pounds.
  • Kayaks hold one person, with a maximum weight of 300 pounds.
  • We may limit rental hours when the park is busy to allow everyone a chance to paddle.
  • You may not transport our canoes or kayaks in your car.
  • Please note: For your safety and to protect our equipment, we will not rent canoes and kayaks if hazardous conditions exist. This includes winds of 10 mph or above, dense fog, or storms in the area.