Purtis Creek State Park
Bass Fishing and More . . .
Our 355-acre lake is a bass fishing destination, but fishing is not all we offer. Come to swim, boat, paddle, camp, explore nature or relax. We’re just an hour southeast of Dallas.
Things to Do
You’ll find plenty to do at Purtis Creek State Park. You can boat, hike and bike, camp, geocache and picnic. Rent our picnic pavilion for your next gathering.
Fish
Our lake features catch-and-release largemouth bass, as well as catfish and crappie that you can take home. We have fishing piers, fish cleaning stations and boat ramps. Overnight fishing costs $2 per person (if you are not camping); the permit expires at 6 a.m. You do not need a fishing license to fish here.
Take your family fishing! We lend rods, reels and tackle boxes for use in the park.
- Fishing and lake information for Purtis Creek State Park Lake
- Fishing Regulations for Purtis Creek State Park Lake
- Fishing Tip Sheet
- Water Safety
Boats
Bring your own boat. We allow 50 motorized boats on the lake at a time, with an “idle only” speed limit and a no-wake policy.
Bring your own kayak or canoe, or rent one of our kayaks. Rentals, including paddles and lifejackets, are available at a self-service kiosk on a first-come, first-served basis.
Camp
Choose from 59 campsites with water and electricity, five walk-in tent sites, or 13 primitive hike-in sites.
Hike and bike
Tackle the 4.1-mile Wolfpen Hike and Bike Trail. The 1.7-mile Beaver Slide Nature Path takes you along the lakeshore. Or explore the short, easy Solar Trail along the dam. Get information about all our trails on our Trails Information page.
Contact us to ask about our all-terrain wheelchair, available for your use in the park.
Shop
The park store sells supplies, outdoor equipment, bait, gifts and ice.
Get involved
We need your help! Ask at headquarters or visit our Volunteer page.
Support state parks by donating to the Texas Parks & Wildlife Foundation.
Ranger Programs
We offer guided hikes, paddling basics classes, nature programs and more. Ask about special programs for groups. See our Events page for upcoming programs.
Area Attractions
Athens offers museums, restaurants and more. Stop by the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center, a TPWD site that showcases aquatic life and sport fishing.
The many attractions of Dallas are 60 miles northwest of the park.
Other nearby activities:
- Fish the nearly 33,000-acre Cedar Creek Reservoir.
- Scout for wildlife along the Lake Tyler Loop of the Great Texas Wildlife Trails.
- Shop at First Monday Trade Days in nearby Canton.
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