Lakeside Day Use

Open — Open year-round for day use. Pavilion available for reservation through Recreation.gov.

Notify on Availability Reserve

Special Weather Statement issued March 28 at 12:48AM CDT by NWS Shreveport LA

12:48 AM — 7:00 PM

Weather conditions will be favorable for wildfire growth. * TIMING: From 11:00 AM this morning through 7:00 PM this evening. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY: Afternoon values will range from the 20 to 30 percent range. * WIND: Sustained northeast to east winds around 10-15 mph early in the day with gusts up to 20 mph. Winds will begin to weaken though during the afternoon hours, around the time RH values reach their minimum. * FUELS: Critically dry. These conditions will support the spread of wildfires. Outdoor burning and activities that involve open sparks or flames are discouraged. Please report all wildfires to local law enforcement as soon as possible.

Special Weather Statement issued March 27 at 1:44PM CDT by NWS Shreveport LA

March 27th, 1:44 PM — 7:00 PM

Weather conditions will be favorable for wildfire growth. * TIMING: From 11:00 AM Saturday Morning through 7:00 PM Saturday. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY: Afternoon values will range from the 20 to 30 percent range. * WIND: Sustained northeast to east winds around 10-15 mph early in the day with gusts up to 20 mph. Winds will begin to weaken though during the afternoon hours, around the time RH values reach their minimum. * FUELS: Critically dry. These conditions will support the spread of wildfires. Outdoor burning and activities that involve open sparks or flames are discouraged. Please report all wildfires to local law enforcement as soon as possible.

About

Lakeside Day Use Area is located along the banks of Lake O' the Pines in the Ark-La-Tex portion of the Pineywoods of east Texas, managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The facility sits near Ferrell's Bridge Dam on the 18,700-acre reservoir created by damming Big Cypress Bayou for flood control in the Red River Basin. The area now serves as a recreational oasis for outdoor enthusiasts from Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana. The centerpiece of Lakeside is a large group picnic pavilion with electric hookups that can accommodate up to 100 guests, making it ideal for family reunions and large gatherings. Additional amenities include a boat ramp, dock, sandy swimming beaches, and a volleyball court. The day-use area provides excellent access to the lake for boating, water sports, and fishing. Anglers target largemouth, spotted, and white bass, along with crappie, catfish, and sunfish from boats or the shoreline. Birdwatchers frequent the area to observe numerous resident and migratory species, with bald eagles commonly sighted during fall and winter months. The piney woods setting offers scenic views and opportunities for wildlife viewing. The historic towns of Jefferson and Marshall are nearby, and Texas Wildflower Trail routes wind through the surrounding countryside. Hunters can pursue white-tailed deer, waterfowl, and small game on nearby public lands during appropriate seasons.

Directions

From Jefferson, Texas, travel 3.8 miles northwest on Highway 49. Turn left onto FM 729 and continue for 3.5 miles, then turn left again onto FM 726. Travel 3.5 miles; the park entrance will be on the right. Address: 5177 FM 726, Jefferson, TX 75657.