Cooper Lake State Park South Sulphur

4.36

118 reviews

1690 FM 3505, SULPHUR SPRINGS, Texas, 75482, United States

Family FriendlyScenic ViewsSummer Destination

Quick Facts

509 ft

Price

$2 - $5/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

No specific details ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowersWiFi

Opens Texas State Parks site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

509 ft

Price

$2 - $5/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

No specific details ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowersWiFi

Opens Texas State Parks site

Official Website

Get Directions

Cooper Lake State Park South Sulphur

$2.00 - $5.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Day use fee is $5 per day for individuals aged 13 and older. Activity use fee is $2 per person for day or overnight use.

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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What Campers Say

4.36

Recommended

Based on 118 reviews

1441 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanrestroomsstafffriendly

"Overall, users describe the park as clean, family-friendly, and rich in amenities. While most reviews are positive, issues like maintenance and bugs are noted."

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Campground Map

1690 FM 3505, SULPHUR SPRINGS, Texas, 75482, United States

Cooper Lake State Park South Sulphur

1690 FM 3505, SULPHUR SPRINGS, Texas, 75482, United States

Driving directionsFrom Dallas: Take I-30 East to Exit 122 in Sulphur Springs. Go North on SH 19 for 10 miles. Then West on State Highway 71 for 4 miles. Take FM 3505 North for 1 mile. From Commerce: Travel East on State Highway 11 for 7 miles, then north for 4.2 miles on FM 2653. Continue on State Highway 71 for 7.5 miles, then North for 1 mile on FM 3505 to the park entrance. From Cooper: Travel East for 1 mile on State Highway 154, then South on FM 1529 for 5 miles (cross the lake dam) to State Highway 19, then South on Highway 19, then West on Highway 71 for 4 miles to FM 3505, then North for 1 mile to park entrance. From Paris: Take SH 19/24 towards Cooper. Go South on SH 19 towards Sulphur Springs. Go West on FM 71, then North on FM 3505 to park entrance.

Roads to the campground are paved and generally accessible year-round. No indications of seasonal closures or challenging terrain were mentioned.

Nearby places

Sulphur Springs (approximately 10 miles), Commerce (approximately 18 miles), Cooper (approximately 10 miles), Paris (approximately 40 miles).

Nearby supplies

Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel are available in Sulphur Springs, approximately 10 miles away. Firewood vending machines are available at the campground headquarters.

Best Time to Camp at Cooper Lake State Park South Sulphur

Experience the full spectrum of Texas seasons at Cooper Lake, where each time of year paints the landscape in different hues. Winter brings crisp, dry days perfect for campfire gatherings and clear starlit nights. As spring awakens the forest with wildflowers and gentle breezes, camping conditions reach their peak comfort. Summer transforms the park into a humid, sun-drenched paradise where the lake becomes your best friend. Fall arrives with a gentle coolness and golden light filtering through the canopy, creating ideal conditions for those seeking outdoor adventures without the extremes.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

2.5 / 5

Summer offers activities but is hampered by heat and high bug activity in reviews.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall cited as optimal weather for camping and outdoor activities.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.5 / 5

Top 24% in TX

Spring noted as an optimal season for camping and outdoor activities.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

4.0 / 5

Top 24% in TX

Cozy cabins, fewer crowds and clear crisp days praised; limited water recs in cold months.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: No specific details provided regarding open and closed seasons.
Current Alerts: Fishing piers and some trails have damage, with no current repairs mentioned.

About Cooper Lake State Park South Sulphur

Escape to Cooper Lake State Park's South Sulphur Unit, where outdoor adventure meets peaceful relaxation along the shores of one of Texas's most scenic reservoirs. Whether you're pitching a tent under towering trees, settling into a cozy screened shelter, or unwinding in a comfortable cabin, this versatile park caters to every camping style. Days here unfold with endless possibilities – cast a line into the shimmering waters, explore winding trails through dense forests, or dive into refreshing swimming holes that provide the perfect respite from Texas heat.

The park offers diverse camping options, including primitive camping, RV sites, tent sites, group sites, and cabins.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the full spectrum of Texas seasons at Cooper Lake, where each time of year paints the landscape in different hues. Winter brings crisp, dry days perfect for campfire gatherings and clear starlit nights. As spring awakens the forest with wildflowers and gentle breezes, camping conditions reach their peak comfort. Summer transforms the park into a humid, sun-drenched paradise where the lake becomes your best friend. Fall arrives with a gentle coolness and golden light filtering through the canopy, creating ideal conditions for those seeking outdoor adventures without the extremes.

ElevationElevation details are not provided for this campground.

Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a natural sanctuary where dense East Texas forests meet the sparkling waters of Cooper Lake. Towering hardwoods and pines create a verdant canopy overhead, while the shoreline offers stunning vistas across the water, especially during sunrise and sunset. The park's tranquil atmosphere is punctuated by glimpses of local wildlife – white-tailed deer grazing in meadows at dawn, armadillos rustling through undergrowth at dusk, and countless bird species filling the air with their songs. This harmonious blend of forest and water creates an enchanting backdrop for your outdoor escape.

Geological RegionNestled in the heart of Texas Region 6, Cooper Lake State Park showcases the distinctive beauty of East Texas's Piney Woods. This gently rolling landscape, carved by ancient waterways and blanketed in lush forests, represents a unique ecosystem where southern pines mingle with hardwood bottomlands. The flat to gently undulating terrain makes exploration accessible to all skill levels, while Cooper Lake itself – a massive reservoir created in the 1990s – adds a dramatic aquatic element to this forested paradise.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Not explicitly mentioned in authoritative sources.

Check-out

Not explicitly mentioned in authoritative sources.

Stay Limit

Maximum of 8 people permitted per campsite. Duration limits not explicitly mentioned.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum of 8 people permitted per campsite.

Groups

Group camping is supported with facilities like a large smoker at the group pavilion.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutCampsites are generally spacious and spread out, promoting privacy. Some loops are closer to the lake.

Reservation PlatformsVisitors are encouraged to check with the park directly via phone for reservation details. Online booking may be available, although not explicitly stated.

Walk-in AvailabilityNot explicitly mentioned; however, it is possible walk-ins might be accepted based on some user reviews mentioning self-check-in systems.

Cancellation PolicyIf plans change, visitors are encouraged to modify or cancel their reservation as soon as possible.

AccessibilityAccessible cabins and trails available for visitors with disabilities. User Julie Serna-Hendricks confirmed accessibility for disabled guests.

Site SizeSites are large and can accommodate RVs, tents, and group camping.

PrivacySites are generally well-spaced, providing privacy, though some tent areas are closer together.

Recommended SitesFor privacy and scenic views, Oak Grove sites are preferred. Cabin 1 and 3 are highlighted for lakefront views.

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

WiFi

Flush toilets

Dump station

Activities you can enjoy

Recreational activities include hiking, fishing, boating, and swimming. The park also has designated trails for biking and horseback riding.

HikingHiking trails are well-marked and vary in length and difficulty. Some trails offer benches for resting. However, one user noted a lack of extensive trail options.

FishingFishing is supported with facilities like a fish cleaning station and fishing piers. However, some piers have been damaged and are under repair.

SwimmingSwimming is available at a designated lake beach area with shaded picnic tables. Some users mentioned issues with the quality of the swimming beach.

BikingBiking is popular on both park roads and designated trails. The terrain includes gentle hills, making it suitable for casual cycling.

BoatingBoating is supported with a boat ramp and watercraft rentals. Water skiing is also available.

Wildlife viewingDeer and other wildlife are commonly seen throughout the park. Bird watching is a noted activity.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsUser reviews mentioned poison ivy, chiggers, biting flies, and roaches as common issues. Wildlife such as raccoons and armadillos can be disruptive at night.

Active AlertsFishing piers and some trails have damage, with no current repairs mentioned.

Fire PolicyFire pits are available at campsites. Visitors must bring their own wood.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.

Emergency ServicesClosest emergency services include Sulphur Springs for hospitals and police stations, approximately 10 miles away. The park itself has a ranger station available for emergencies.

Trash & RecyclingTrash cans are available throughout the park, including near campsites and day-use areas.

Water FeaturesCooper Lake is the main water feature. Swimming areas, fishing piers, and boat ramps are offered.

Camp HostPark staff are described as friendly and helpful by multiple reviewers.

Weather at Cooper Lake State Park South Sulphur

Reviews

4.4

118 reviews

Recommended

Cooper Lake State Park South Sulphur is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Overall, users describe the park as clean, family-friendly, and rich in amenities. While most reviews are positive, issues like maintenance and bugs are noted.

Review Summaries

Based on 118 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean restrooms, large and private campsites, friendly staff, well-maintained trails, and diverse recreational activities.

Based on 118 reviews

Common Concerns

Maintenance issues such as damaged piers and walkways, high bug populations (chiggers, roaches, and scorpions), and some dissatisfaction with the swimming area.

Based on 118 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring bug spray and shower after walking to avoid chiggers. Reserve lakefront sites early. Consider cabins or RVs in hot weather.

Based on 118 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter: Cozy cabins and fewer crowds. Summer: High bug activity and heat. Spring and fall: Optimal weather for camping and outdoor activities.

Based on 118 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Cabin 1 is the best cabin." - Robbie Bostick; "Restrooms are clean and close." - Dee Reyes; "The beach area had lots of shade with picnic tables and grills." - Brittany Beane.

Based on 118 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 36 in Bright Star Loop: Well-shaded but limited lake views. Site 73D: A double site with challenging terrain and electrical panel issues.

Based on 118 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible cabins received positive feedback. User Julie Serna-Hendricks appreciated the park's accommodations for disabled visitors.

Based on 118 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but must be leashed. They are not permitted in swimming areas or on the beach.

Based on 118 reviews

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Last updated February 17, 2026

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Cooper Lake State Park South Sulphur