Texas / Marion County

Brushy Creek Day Use

Closed — Open year-round for day use. The group picnic shelter is available for reservation through Recreation.gov.

About

Brushy Creek Day Use Area is located on the banks of Lake O' the Pines in Marion County, Texas, near the borders of Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana. Managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, this facility provides day-use recreation on the 18,700-acre lake formed by Ferrell's Bridge Dam on Big Cypress Bayou. The area features one large group picnic shelter available for reservation, plus 30 smaller picnic sites scattered along the shoreline, each equipped with tables and grills. The facility includes a two-lane boat ramp with courtesy dock, a designated swimming beach, and a basketball court. Lake O' the Pines is known for excellent fishing for largemouth bass, spotted bass, white bass, crappie, catfish, and sunfish, with opportunities for both boat and bank fishing. Boating, water sports, and wildlife viewing are popular activities. Birdwatchers can observe numerous resident and migratory species, including bald eagles commonly sighted in fall and winter. The area is situated in classic east Texas piney woods habitat. Nearby public lands offer hunting opportunities for white-tailed deer, waterfowl, and small game. Historic attractions in Jefferson and Marshall, as well as Texas Wildflower Trail routes around the lake, provide additional nearby points of interest.

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 5.0 miles, turn right at the stop sign, and follow signs to the park entrance.

Nearby Campgrounds