Tyler State Park
in the Central Section
of the Texas Lake Country
Tyler State Park is 985.5 acres in Smith County, north of Tyler and southeast of Mineola. and includes a small 64-acre lake. The land was deeded by private owners in 1934 and 1935; original improvements were made by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). The park opened in 1939. Lakes Tyler and Tyler East are nearby just south of Tyler.
Activities:
Activities include picnicking; camping; boating (motors allowed - 5 mph speed limit); boat rentals; fishing; birding; hiking; mountain biking; lake swimming (in unsupervised swimming area); and nature study.
Facilities:
Facilities include restrooms with and without showers; picnic sites; 2 group picnic areas without shelters; 1 group picnic pavilion; campsites with water; campsites with water and electricity (pull-through and back-in); campsites with water, electricity, and sewer (pull-through); screened shelters; and a group camp with 6 screened shelters for overnight use and a dining hall with a full kitchen for day-use only; shelters and dining hall can be rented together or separately. Other facilities include a trailer rally area (30 water and electric sites with a group picnic pavilion); trailer dump stations; a group dining hall; a 2.5-mile hiking trail; an 13-mile mountain bike trail; a .75-mile nature trail; an amphitheater on the lake shore; a seasonal grocery store that sells souvenirs and fishing supplies and rents canoes, paddle boats, kayaks, and fishing boats; a laundry tub; and a concrete launching ramp with a courtesy dock. Premium sites are available.
Natural Features:
Situated in the pineywoods, the steep dissected hillsides and the lake, with its associated vegetation, provides considerable habitat variety. Wildlife species are characteristic of east Texas: deer, squirrels, raccoons, opossums, as well as numerous species of birds. Popular fish include crappie, perch, catfish, and bass.
Directions:
Tyler State Park is located 2 miles north of Interstate 20 on FM 14 north of Tyler on Park Road 16.
Elevation, Weather, and Schedule Information:
Elevation: 558 ft. Weather: July average high is 97 degrees, SW breeze; January average low is 32 degrees; first/last freeze: Nov. 25/April 3. Open: 7 days a week year-round; 2 p.m. checkout for overnight guests. Busy Season: March through Thanksgiving.
Camping fees vary; entrance fee.
For reservations, call 512/389-8900.
Current conditions including fire bans and water levels can vary from day to day. For more details, call the park or Park Information at 1-800-792-1112.
Tyler State Park
789 Park Road 16
Tyler TX 75706-9141
903/597-5338
For more information go to the Texas Parks and Wildlife web page.