Martin Creek Lake State Park

About

Martin Creek Lake State Park occupies nearly 300 acres along the 5,000-acre Martin Creek Lake, a warm-water reservoir created by a power plant in Rusk County. The lake's warm discharge supports excellent year-round fishing for largemouth bass, channel catfish, and crappie. A lighted fishing pier, boat ramp, and fish cleaning station make the park popular with anglers, while canoe rentals provide access to quieter coves. The campground features 56 developed sites in the Bee Tree and Broken Bowl loops, all with water and electric hookups (30 or 50 amp), picnic tables, fire rings with grills, and access to restrooms with showers. Thirteen premium sites sit directly on the lakefront. For a more secluded experience, six primitive tent sites are located on a small island accessed by a 200-yard walk across a wooden bridge; these sites have fire rings and tables but no water or restrooms. Beyond camping, visitors can swim in the lake, hike or bike the park's trails through pine and hardwood forest, or simply enjoy the peaceful setting. The park often reaches capacity during spring and summer weekends, so advance reservations are strongly recommended.

Directions

From Longview, take US 259 south approximately 18 miles. Turn east on CR 2183 and continue about 3 miles to CR 2181D. The park entrance is on the left.