Purtis Creek State Park

4.36

107 reviews

14225 FM 316 N, EUSTACE, Texas, 75124, United States

FishingSummer Destination

Featured in:Spring Camping Texas

Quick Facts

400 ft

Price

$2 - $5/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Direct Line site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

400 ft

Price

$2 - $5/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Direct Line site

Official Website

Get Directions

Purtis Creek State Park

$2.00 - $5.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Day use fee is $5 per day per person aged 13 and older. Overnight lake activity use fee is $2 per person.

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider

9034252332

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What Campers Say

4.36

Recommended

Based on 107 reviews

1095 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulcleanshadespacious

Some mention

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"User reviews highlight the park's pristine cleanliness, friendly staff, excellent fishing opportunities, and well-maintained facilities. However, some complaints mention crowded swimming areas and outdated restrooms."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

14225 FM 316 N, EUSTACE, Texas, 75124, United States

Purtis Creek State Park

14225 FM 316 N, EUSTACE, Texas, 75124, United States

Driving directionsFrom Dallas: Take Hwy 175 South 60 miles to Eustace. Turn left on FM 316 N, go North for 3.2 miles to the Park. Entrance on the left. From Austin/San Antonio: Take I-35 North to 84 East. Go about 5 miles to Hwy 31 North to Athens. Take 175 North to Eustace. Turn right on FM 316 (North) for 3.2 miles to the Park. Entrance on the left.

Road access quality is good, with paved roads leading directly to the park. No mention of seasonal closures or challenging terrain.

Best Time to Camp at Purtis Creek State Park

Experience the full tapestry of Texas seasons at Purtis Creek, where each time of year paints the landscape in different hues. Spring arrives with wildflower blooms and gentle breezes, while autumn transforms the canopy into a kaleidoscope of warm colors—both seasons offering ideal camping weather. Summer brings that authentic Texas warmth, perfect for early morning adventures and lazy afternoons by the water. Winter visitors are treated to crisp, quiet mornings and the occasional dramatic ice storm that transforms the park into a crystalline wonderland, reminding us of nature's powerful artistry.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.0 / 5

Summer is hot and swimming areas get crowded though swimming is available.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 14% in TX

Fall praised for pleasant weather and fewer bugs; good season for visits per reviews.

Spring(Mar-May)

4.5 / 5

Top 24% in TX

Spring praised for wildflower blooms, gentle breezes and highly recommended in reviews.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.5 / 5

Winter noted as peaceful with heated restrooms; fewer visitors though activity options are reduced.

Planning Tips

About Purtis Creek State Park

Nestled in the heart of East Texas, Purtis Creek State Park has earned its reputation as a hidden gem where nature's tranquility meets outdoor adventure. This intimate, well-maintained sanctuary draws families and solo adventurers alike with its pristine fishing waters, winding hiking trails, and peaceful bike paths. Whether you're casting a line at dawn, paddling across mirror-smooth waters, or joining one of the park's engaging nature education classes, you'll discover why visitors consistently praise this destination as the perfect camping escape. Crystal-clear facilities and thoughtfully designed amenities ensure your focus stays on what matters most: connecting with nature and creating lasting memories.

Purtis Creek State Park offers a range of camping experiences including primitive, tent, and RV camping. Group sites are also available.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the full tapestry of Texas seasons at Purtis Creek, where each time of year paints the landscape in different hues. Spring arrives with wildflower blooms and gentle breezes, while autumn transforms the canopy into a kaleidoscope of warm colors—both seasons offering ideal camping weather. Summer brings that authentic Texas warmth, perfect for early morning adventures and lazy afternoons by the water. Winter visitors are treated to crisp, quiet mornings and the occasional dramatic ice storm that transforms the park into a crystalline wonderland, reminding us of nature's powerful artistry.

Natural Features and SceneryStep into a world where towering trees create natural cathedrals and morning mist dances across a serene no-wake lake. Purtis Creek's dense woodlands shelter an abundance of wildlife—watch for white-tailed deer grazing at dusk or clever raccoons investigating the twilight hours. The park's centerpiece, a peaceful lake perfect for paddling adventures, reflects the sky like glass on calm mornings. Launch your kayak or canoe to explore hidden coves, cast for bass and catfish, or simply drift and listen to the symphony of songbirds. This carefully preserved ecosystem offers both adventure seekers and solitude lovers their own slice of Texas paradise.

Geological RegionSituated in the distinctive landscape of Region 6, Purtis Creek State Park showcases the natural beauty of East Texas's wooded terrain. Here, ancient forests meet tranquil waters, creating a diverse ecosystem where the region's characteristic pine and hardwood forests thrive alongside a pristine no-wake lake that serves as both a recreational playground and a vital habitat for local wildlife.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

6am

Check-out

10pm

Stay Limit

Reservations usually booked weeks in advance.

Groups

Group sites are available, but specific details about capacity are not provided.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutSites are spacious with foliage separating them for privacy. Loops include areas suitable for tents and RVs.

Cancellation PolicyModify or cancel reservations promptly to allow others to use the park.

AccessibilityThe park includes wheelchair-accessible fishing piers and some accessible trails.

Site SizeCampsites vary in size; waterfront sites are 32-45 feet long, and other sites are reportedly spacious and shaded.

PrivacyCampsites are well spaced with foliage providing privacy. Primitive sites offer seclusion and are often located by the water.

Recommended SitesPrimitive sites require a hike of over one mile. Waterfront sites are scenic but may be shorter in length, potentially challenging for larger RVs.

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Activities you can enjoy

Purtis Creek State Park offers a variety of recreational opportunities including fishing, hiking, swimming, boating, and wildlife viewing. The park is especially known for its fishing and kayaking opportunities.

HikingHiking trails are short and easy, with several options totaling up to 5 miles. Trails are well-maintained and shaded. One reviewer mentioned enjoying a 'two-mile walk and saw a doe.'

FishingFishing is highly praised. The lake supports catch-and-release for largemouth bass over 16 inches. 'Best fishing lake I've ever been to,' said one reviewer.

SwimmingSwimming is allowed in a designated area during daylight hours. Some reviews noted that the swimming area is small and gets crowded.

BikingSeveral surfaced trails are available for biking, and one trail is bike-friendly. E-bikes can also be used around campsites.

BoatingBoating activities include kayaking, canoeing, and SUPs (stand-up paddleboards). Kayaks are available for self-service rental.

Wildlife viewingCommon wildlife sightings include deer, raccoons, and herons. One reviewer mentioned encountering a group of deer daily during their stay.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsRaccoons are known to raid campsites for food. Fire ants are mentioned as a nuisance in primitive camping spots.

Fire PolicyCampfires allowed in designated fire pits.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours observed after 10 p.m.

Emergency ServicesPark phone number provided as 903-425-2332; no specific details on hospitals or police stations.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are available but specifics on location and pickup schedules are not detailed.

Water FeaturesSituated next to a no-wake lake, suitable for fishing, kayaking, and canoeing.

Weather at Purtis Creek State Park

Reviews

4.4

107 reviews

Recommended

Purtis Creek State Park is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the park's pristine cleanliness, friendly staff, excellent fishing opportunities, and well-maintained facilities. However, some complaints mention crowded swimming areas and outdated restrooms.

Review Summaries

Based on 107 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean facilities, friendly staff, excellent fishing, spacious and shaded campsites, varied recreational activities, peaceful environment.

Based on 107 reviews

Common Concerns

Swimming area is small and sometimes crowded, restrooms could use updating, some campsites lack sufficient privacy.

Based on 107 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Book early for weekends and waterfront sites. Keep food secure due to raccoons. Bring long extension cords for electricity hookups at tent sites.

Based on 107 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring and fall receive the most praise for pleasant weather and fewer bugs. Summer reviews note high temperatures and crowded swimming areas. Winter reviews appreciate heated bathrooms and...

Based on 107 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'BEST fishing lake I've ever been to.' 2. 'Bathrooms are clean and pumped with warm air when it’s cold.' 3. 'Primitive camping spots are secluded and right on the water.'

Based on 107 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 22 is noted for waterfront views. Sites 60-64 are recommended for tent camping due to their size and privacy.

Based on 107 reviews

Accessibility Features

Fishing piers are wheelchair accessible, and some trails are noted as easy to navigate.

Based on 107 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are welcome and the park is described as dog-friendly. However, reviews caution about raccoons raiding food and belongings.

Based on 107 reviews

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Last updated February 17, 2026

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Purtis Creek State Park