Martin Creek Lake State Park

4.11

114 reviews

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

Summer Destination

Quick Facts

384 ft

Price

$4/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowersWiFi

Opens Texas State Parks site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

384 ft

Price

$4/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowersWiFi

Opens Texas State Parks site

Official Website

Get Directions

Martin Creek Lake State Park

$4.00 - $4.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Day use fee is $4 per person aged 13 and older. An excess vehicle fee applies for each vehicle above the maximum allowed for the site.

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

4.11

Satisfactory

Based on 114 reviews

1114 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanrestroomsspaciousstaff

Some mention

noise

"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."

Read all reviews

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

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.

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.”

Best Time to Camp at Martin Creek Lake State Park

The sweet spot for camping at Martin Creek unfolds from late winter through early spring, when Mother Nature strikes the perfect balance. Picture yourself waking to crisp 40°F mornings that warm to delightful 76°F afternoons—ideal weather for hiking without breaking a sweat or enjoying evening campfires without shivering. While spring showers occasionally sweep through the Piney Woods, they bring a refreshing cleanse to the forest, releasing the earthy scent of pine and leaving everything sparkling fresh.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

2.5 / 5

Summer is hot; mosquitoes and ant issues are more pronounced in warmer months.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Autumn is celebrated for vibrant foliage and pleasant conditions.

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Late winter to early spring described as ideal with comfortable temps and active wildlife.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.5 / 5

Late winter touted as a sweet spot—crisp mornings and comfortable daytime temps.

Planning Tips

About Martin Creek Lake State Park

Nestled in the heart of East Texas, Martin Creek Lake State Park offers an unexpected blend of natural beauty and industrial intrigue. This compact yet diverse park welcomes visitors with cozy cabins, full-service RV sites, and secluded primitive campsites tucked beneath towering pines. Adventure seekers can cast a line from peaceful fishing piers, explore winding forest trails, or cool off at the sandy swimming beach. Across the shimmering lake, the silhouette of a coal-fired power plant creates a fascinating contrast—a reminder of modern life set against the timeless Texas wilderness.

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

Historical SignificanceBefore you even reach your campsite, history greets you at the park entrance through the weathered stones of Harmony Hill Cemetery. This captivating burial ground weaves together stories from generations past and present, with historic headstones standing alongside modern markers. Visitors often find themselves pausing here, drawn to read the names and dates that chronicle the lives of early Texas settlers—a poignant reminder of the deep roots that anchor this land.

Weather and SeasonsThe sweet spot for camping at Martin Creek unfolds from late winter through early spring, when Mother Nature strikes the perfect balance. Picture yourself waking to crisp 40°F mornings that warm to delightful 76°F afternoons—ideal weather for hiking without breaking a sweat or enjoying evening campfires without shivering. While spring showers occasionally sweep through the Piney Woods, they bring a refreshing cleanse to the forest, releasing the earthy scent of pine and leaving everything sparkling fresh.

Natural Features and SceneryThe Piney Woods embrace Martin Creek Lake State Park in a verdant hug of towering loblolly pines and sprawling hardwoods. Morning mist often dances across the lake's surface while deer emerge from the forest shadows to graze in meadow clearings. Keep your eyes peeled for armadillos shuffling through the underbrush on their evening rounds. When autumn arrives, the forest transforms into a painter's palette of russets, golds, and crimsons—a spectacular show that reflects perfectly in the lake's mirror-like waters.

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.

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 layoutCampsites vary, with primitive sites on an island accessible via footbridge and RV sites distributed in loops. Many sites are shaded by Loblolly Pines.

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.

Amenities available

Showers

Electricity hookups

WiFi

Flush toilets

Dump station

Picnic tables

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.

HikingThe park offers multiple trails, including the Island Trail, which crosses a bridge to a scenic island. Trails are noted as easy and well-maintained, with educational markers on some routes.

FishingFishing is a highlight of the park, with species like largemouth bass, crappie, and catfish available. Fishing piers and cleaning stations are provided.

SwimmingSwimming is available in the lake, although the water quality is described as murky by some visitors. The swim area is deemed pitiful by one reviewer.

BikingBiking is popular on both surfaced roads and trails within the park. Several visitors brought their bikes and enjoyed the experience.

BoatingThe park features a boat ramp and offers kayak and canoe rentals. The lake is suitable for various boating activities.

Wildlife viewingDeer and armadillos are commonly seen, and the park is popular among birdwatchers.

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.

Weather at Martin Creek Lake State Park

Reviews

4.1

114 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 114 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 114 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 114 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 114 reviews

Seasonal Insights

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

Based on 114 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 114 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 114 reviews