Texas / Marion County

Johnson Creek Day Use

Closed — Open year-round for day use. Group pavilion available by reservation at $50 per day and requires a special activity permit. Pavilion rental includes up to 25 vehicles; additional vehicles charged $4 area use fee each.

About

Johnson Creek Day Use Area is situated along the banks of Lake O' the Pines in the Ark-La-Tex portion of the Pineywoods of east Texas near the states of Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana. The facility offers a large group picnic shelter with electric hookups that can accommodate up to 100 guests, making it ideal for family reunions, group gatherings, and fishing tournaments. The day use area includes a boat ramp, courtesy dock, fishing dock, volleyball court, and swimming beach. Lake O' the Pines encompasses approximately 18,700 acres of water and 9,000 acres of land, created by the construction of Ferrell's Bridge Dam on Big Cypress Bayou. The lake offers excellent fishing opportunities for largemouth, spotted, and white bass, along with crappie, catfish, and sunfish. Both boat fishing and bank fishing are popular along the shore. Wildlife viewing is a highlight of the area, with bald eagle sightings common in fall and winter. Numerous resident and migratory bird species inhabit the area. Hunting opportunities for white-tailed deer, waterfowl, and small game are available on nearby public lands. Historic attractions are located in the nearby towns of Jefferson and Marshall, and Texas Wildflower Trail routes surround the lake.

Directions

From Jefferson, Texas, travel 3.8 miles northwest on Highway 49. Turn left onto FM 729 and continue for just over 8.5 miles. Park entrance will be on the left.

Nearby Campgrounds