Get on the Water This Summer: Tyler State Park

Tyler State Park features a cool, 64-acre spring-fed lake, 100-foot tall trees, and historic structures. Play at the lake, wet a hook, wander through the woods, or relax with your binoculars. You will love this peaceful get-away in Northeast Texas!

At Tyler State Park, you can boat, fish, swim in the lake, hike, mountain bike, picnic, geocache, camp, bird watch and study nature. Whether you visit for an afternoon or a weekend, you will find plenty to do here.

Explore the Pineywoods on more than 13 miles of trails. Don’t miss the Whispering Pines Nature Trail, laid out more than 70 years ago by the Civilian Conservation Corps. Take a virtual tour with our Interactive Trails Map.

Fish our lake for crappie, perch, catfish or bass. The park has three fishing piers and a boat ramp. We also loan fishing rods, reels and tackle boxes as part of TPWD’s Tackle Loaner Program. Remember, you do not need a fishing license to fish from shore in a state park!

You can rent a boat here or bring your own. We allow motors, but have a 5 mph speed limit.

Stay overnight at the park:

• Campsites—ranging from water only to full hookups.
• Cabins
• Screened shelters

Before jumping in the lake, read through our swimming safety tips.

Volunteer at Tyler State Park! Visit the Volunteer page (and keyword search on “Tyler”) to find out how you can help.

Donate: Support state parks by donating to the Texas Parks & Wildlife Foundation.

Plan your visit

• Half day
• Full day
• Weekend

Boat rentals

Our Texas State Park Store rents canoes, paddleboats, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and johnboats. You can rent boats year-round:

• Memorial Day to Labor Day:  Daily;
• Labor Day to Memorial Day:  Daily except Tuesdays and Wednesdays

We also sell nature-oriented gifts, toys and books; souvenirs; snacks; and fishing and camping supplies. For more information, call the store at (903) 592-6790.

Ranger Programs

Hike with a ranger through the Pineywoods, learn how to cook in a Dutch oven or start a fire, and more! Contact the park to arrange special tours.

• Check our Events page for upcoming programs.
• Pick up a free Junior Ranger Activity Journal at headquarters. Complete tasks to earn a badge.
• Teachers: This is a Texas Aquatic Science Certified Field Site.
• Connect with us on Facebook and Instagram.

Civilian Conservation Corps:  The CCC built Tyler State Park and its lake. Learn about the CCC’s work on our History page. 

Area Attractions

Check out Tyler, known as “America’s Rose Capital.” You will find science museums, plantations, the Texas State Railroad, zip lines and more. If kids are in your group, be sure to check out the Discovery Science Place. Time your visit to attend the Azalea Trail (March) or the Rose Festival (October).

Visit the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center in Athens, the East Texas Oil Museum in Kilgore, or the Salt Palace Museum in Grand Saline. Shop First Monday Trade Days in Canton.