Lakeside Day Use

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

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.