How much does camping cost at Martin Creek Lake State Park?

Camping fees at Martin Creek Lake State Park range from $4/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Martin Creek Lake State Park first-come first-served or reservation?

Martin Creek Lake State Park accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Martin Creek Lake State Park before I book?

Yes! Martin Creek Lake State Park has 11 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

Are there showers at Martin Creek Lake State Park?

Yes, Martin Creek Lake State Park has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Are dogs allowed at Martin Creek Lake State Park?

Yes, pets are allowed at Martin Creek Lake State Park. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Martin Creek Lake State Park?

Martin Creek Lake State Park offers: Restrooms, Showers, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups, Water Hookups, Pets Allowed, Camp Store. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Martin Creek Lake State Park?

Popular activities at Martin Creek Lake State Park include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Martin Creek Lake State Park

Q: Can I have a campfire at Martin Creek Lake State Park?

Fire policies at Martin Creek Lake State Park: Campfires are allowed but may be subject to seasonal burn bans. Firewood is available for $5 donation.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.31

186 reviews

9515 CR 2181 D, TATUM, Texas, 75691, United States

Summer Destination

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

384 ft

Price

$4/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Partial HookupsShowersWiFi

Book on Texas State Parks Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

384 ft

Price

$4/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Partial HookupsShowersWiFi

Book on Texas State Parks Official Website

Get Directions

Martin Creek Lake State Park

$4.00 - $4.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Campsites with Electricity (30 amp | Lakefront) People per Site: 8 Number of Sites: 13 These sites are located in the Bee Tree loop. Picnic...

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Campground Map

9515 CR 2181 D, TATUM, Texas, 75691, United States

Martin Creek Lake State Park

9515 CR 2181 D, TATUM, Texas, 75691, United States

Nearby places

Tatum (approximately 6 miles, 10-minute drive), Henderson (approximately 15 miles, 20-minute drive), Longview (approximately 20 miles, 25-minute drive), Shreveport (approximately 65 miles, 1-hour drive)

Nearby supplies

Basic supplies such as groceries, hardware, and fuel are available in Tatum. Notable mentions from reviews include the presence of “Brookshire’s grocery, a DQ, and a hardware store in Tatum nearby.”

Driving directionsFrom Henderson: Go North on Hwy 43 for 15 miles and turn right on CR 2183 and follow sign to the park. From Dallas: Take I 20 East to Hwy 149 (Estes Parkway) exit. Take Hwy 149 South to Tatum. Take Hwy 43 South for 3 12 miles to CR 2183. Turn left and follow the signs to the park. From Shreveport: Take I 20 West, take Hwy 43 Exit. Turn left and follow to Tatum. Continue through the 4-way stop light in Tatum for 3.5 miles. Turn left on County Rd. 2183 and follow signs to park.

The roads are accessible year-round; however, GPS inaccuracies have been reported by users. For example, “GPS also locates the park on CR-2183 which is wrong - look for CR-2181D which is the park entrance road.” Roads are mostly paved, though County Road sections may be dirt roads.

Weather at Martin Creek Lake State Park

Best Time to Camp at Martin Creek Lake State Park

Fall delivers the best balance: crisp 45–60°F mornings, afternoons in the low 70s, and far fewer mosquitoes than summer. Trails and lakeside spots are most pleasant from October through early November, when the Piney Woods turn color. Weekends draw leaf-peepers and anglers, but weekday camping stays peaceful. Late winter through early spring brings another good window. Mornings near 40°F, afternoons reaching 76°F. Though spring showers sweep through occasionally.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Autumn praised for crisp temps and vibrant foliage; peak season for trails and lakeside spots.

Planning Tips

About Martin Creek Lake State Park

Martin Creek Lake State Park sits in East Texas's Piney Woods, offering 384 feet of elevation with tent sites, RV hookups, primitive island camping, and cabin lodging. The park maintains clean facilities and provides fishing, hiking, kayaking, and a swimming beach. Fees run $4 per night. The coal-fired power plant across the lake is unavoidable. Visible from many sites and audible to some visitors.

Martin Creek Lake State Park caters to a variety of campers with RV, tent, group, and cabin options.

Historical Significance

Harmony Hill Cemetery sits near the park entrance, its weathered stones chronicling lives of early Texas settlers alongside modern markers. Visitors often pause to read the names and dates.

Weather and SeasonsFall delivers the best balance: crisp 45–60°F mornings, afternoons in the low 70s, and far fewer mosquitoes than summer. Trails and lakeside spots are most pleasant from October through early November, when the Piney Woods turn color. Weekends draw leaf-peepers and anglers, but weekday camping stays peaceful. Late winter through early spring brings another good window. Mornings near 40°F, afternoons reaching 76°F. Though spring showers sweep through occasionally.

Natural Features and SceneryLoblolly pines and hardwoods shade most of the park, descending toward Martin Creek Lake's clay-bottom shoreline. Deer browse the clearings at dawn and dusk. Armadillos shuffle through the underbrush in the evenings. Fall brings russet and gold foliage that reflects in the lake, typically peaking in October and early November. The power plant's cooling tower rises across the water. A permanent fixture in the view.

Geological RegionSet within the rolling hills of the East Texas Piney Woods, this park showcases the region's signature landscape of dense forests and clay-bottom lakes. The terrain gently undulates through pine-scented valleys and hardwood ridges, all leading down to the shores of Martin Creek Lake. The unexpected presence of the coal-fired power plant across the water creates a thought-provoking juxtaposition—where pristine wilderness meets the engines of progress, offering visitors a unique perspective on the balance between nature and industry in modern Texas.

Scenic ViewsThe view is mixed with natural landscapes and industrial elements. Some users appreciated the “cool contrast of the power plant across the lake and the natural setting.” Others found the glow and hum from the coal power plant disruptive.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe park offers cabins, cottages, and primitive camping sites. Cabins are described as cozy and inviting, with some cabins and bathrooms featuring accessibility features such as multiple bars.

Programs & ActivitiesPrograms such as Bald Eagle demonstrations and Dutch oven cooking lessons have been offered.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

After 6:00 AM

Check-out

Before 10:00 PM

Groups

Group site details, including size and capacity, are not provided.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutRV sites run in loops with little brush between neighbors. Best suited for rigs under 35 feet. Primitive island sites are more spacious and accessed by footbridge. Most sites have shade from loblolly pines. Campers near the power plant may hear noise.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Texas State Parks’ official website or phone number.

Walk-in AvailabilityInformation about walk-up availability is not explicitly mentioned.

Cancellation PolicyIf your plans change, modify or cancel your reservation as soon as possible to allow others to enjoy the park.

AccessibilityCabins and bathrooms are noted to have accessibility features such as bars for support. However, no additional details on ADA compliance are provided.

Site SizeRV sites are described as small and best suited for vehicles under 35 feet. Primitive campsites on the island are more spacious.

PrivacyCampsites vary in privacy. Primitive sites on the island offer solitude, while RV sites have little to no brush separating neighbors.

Recommended SitesBee Tree 47 on the western side offers expansive waterfront views and is ideal for kayakers.

Best CampsitesPrimitive site 08 on the island sits close to the lake and offers more solitude than the RV loops. Island sites are accessed via footbridge and provide more space between neighbors. Kayakers wanting lake access should consider Bee Tree 47.

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Amenities available

Martin Creek Lake State Park offers a range of amenities, including a boat ramp, fishing pier, guided tours, hot showers, restrooms, swimming areas, hiking trails, and public Wi-Fi. Visitors noted that the bathrooms and showers were particularly clean and well-maintained. A small park store is also available for basic purchases.

Showers

Electricity hookups

Water hookups

WiFi

Flush toilets

Dump station

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Martin Creek Lake State Park is a hub for outdoor activities, including fishing, hiking, kayaking, and wildlife viewing. The fishing opportunities are frequently praised, while the hiking trails are described as easy and well-maintained. Visitors have also mentioned canoeing, swimming, and biking as options.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsHazards include a high presence of ants and poison ivy, as noted by several reviewers. The industrial plant also contributes air and noise pollution.

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed but may be subject to seasonal burn bans. Firewood is available for $5 donation.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours begin at 10:00 PM.

Emergency ServicesThe closest emergency services are located in Tatum, including basic healthcare and emergency medical services. For major emergencies, Longview provides a larger hospital facility approximately 20 miles away.

Trash & RecyclingTrash dumpsters are conveniently located throughout the park. Recycling facilities are not mentioned.

Water FeaturesThe park is adjacent to Martin Creek Lake, featuring a swimming beach, fishing piers, and a boat ramp. Primitive island campsites are accessible via a footbridge.

Camp HostPark hosts are friendly and offer firewood for $5 donation. Hosts have been praised for their helpfulness.

Cell CoverageSome issues with Verizon service were reported; calls work, but hotspots and internet are limited.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.3

186 reviews

Satisfactory

Martin Creek Lake State Park is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

Visitors consistently praise the park for its cleanliness, friendly staff, and variety of activities. Fishing, hiking, and kayaking are popular, while the power plant's noise and visibility are common complaints. The park's proximity to the power plant polarizes opinions.

Review Summaries

Based on 186 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean restrooms, well-maintained trails, and family-friendly activities. Staff are frequently described as friendly and helpful. The park's spacious campsites and variety of recreational...

Based on 186 reviews

Common Concerns

The hum from the power plant and its visible lights disrupt the natural ambiance for many visitors. Ant infestations at campsites and occasional issues with spiders in the showers were also noted.

Based on 186 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site Bee Tree 47 is praised for its lakefront access and sunset views. Primitive sites on the island offer solitude but are affected by the power plant's noise and lights.

Based on 186 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring insect repellent for mosquitoes and ants. Campers near the power plant may want earplugs. Kayakers should consider Bee Tree 47 for lake access.

Based on 186 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Autumn is particularly celebrated for its vibrant foliage. Summer can be hot, with mosquito and ant problems more pronounced.

Based on 186 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Bathrooms in excellent condition, well stocked and dry." - Merideth Menard. "The humming of the power plant was a little annoying, but you tune it out after the 2nd night." - Tena Jones. "Great full...

Based on 186 reviews

Accessibility Features

Bathrooms and cabins have accessibility features such as bars for support. Accessibility for trails or other park areas is not detailed.

Based on 186 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but rules are enforced. Visitors noted that dogs enjoyed the lake and trails.

Based on 186 reviews

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Go if

Anglers and kayakers get the most out of this place. Largemouth bass, crappie, and catfish are the draw, Bee Tree 47 gives you lakefront sunset access, and the $5 firewood from the host is a nice touch. October weekdays hit 4.5/5 for a reason.

Skip if

The power plant hum is real at night and the lights reach the primitive island sites. Ant infestations are a persistent complaint, so pack repellent or pack elsewhere. Some visitors who don't fit the area's cultural mainstream have described unwelcoming experiences here, so if th

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