Daingerfield State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Daingerfield State Park |
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Lake Daingerfield
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 Daingerfield State Park
Location in Texas
Daingerfield State Park
Location in the United States
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| Location | Morris County, Texas |
| Nearest city | Daingerfield |
| Area | 507 acres (205 ha) |
| Established | 1938 |
| Visitors | 87,229 (in 2022) |
| Governing body | Texas Parks and Wildlife Department |
Daingerfield State Park is a beautiful 507 acres (205 ha) park located in Morris County, Texas. It's a popular spot for nature lovers and features the scenic, 80 acres (32 ha) Lake Daingerfield. The park, which opened in 1938, is managed by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and offers a perfect getaway into the forests of East Texas.
Contents
History of the Park
How the Park Was Built
The story of Daingerfield State Park began in 1935 when private citizens gave the land to the State of Texas. Soon after, a special group called the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) arrived to turn the land into a park. The CCC was a program that gave jobs to young men during the Great Depression, and they worked on projects to improve America's public lands.
The first CCC group, Company 2891, built the dam that created Lake Daingerfield. In 1938, another group, Company 1801, finished the rest of the park, and it officially opened to the public that same year.
Restoring the Forest
In the early 1900s, many of the trees in the area had been cut down by logging companies. A big part of the CCC's job was to replant the forest. Thanks to their hard work, the park is now filled with tall pine trees and lush woods.
Modern Updates
The park was closed for a year in 2011 to make some major improvements. These updates included new restrooms and better campsites with full water, electricity, and sewer hookups for RVs and trailers.
Nature and Wildlife
Daingerfield State Park is located in the famous Piney Woods region of East Texas. This means it's home to a wonderful variety of plants and animals.
Animals You Might See
The park is full of wildlife. Keep your eyes open and you might spot some of these amazing creatures!
- Fish: The lake is a great place for fishing. It's home to largemouth bass, crappie, perch, channel and blue catfish, and chain pickerel.
- Mammals: On the trails, you might see white-tailed deer, beavers, rabbits, and armadillos.
- Birds: Look up to see birds like the pileated woodpecker, yellow-bellied sapsucker, purple martin, and the colorful painted bunting. You might also see Canada geese on the lake.
- Reptiles: Many reptiles live here, including the common red-eared slider turtle, often seen sunbathing on logs.
Plants and Trees
The park's forest is dominated by tall loblolly and shortleaf pine trees. In the spring, the park comes alive with color from blooming plants like purple wisteria, honeysuckle, white dogwoods, and pink redbuds.
Fun Things to Do
There are plenty of activities for everyone at Daingerfield State Park.
- Camping: Spend the night under the stars at one of the park's many campsites.
- Boating: You can bring your own boat or rent a pedal boat or canoe. There is a 5 MPH speed limit on the lake to keep it peaceful.
- Fishing: Cast a line from the shore, a boat, or the fishing pier.
- Swimming: Cool off in the unsupervised swimming area on a hot day.
- Hiking: Explore the forest on 2+1⁄2 miles of scenic hiking trails.
- Picnicking: Enjoy a meal outdoors at one of the many picnic sites.
- Nature Study: The park is a great place to watch for wildlife and learn about the local plants.
Park Facilities
The park has everything you need for a comfortable visit.
- Overnight Stays: You can stay in historic cabins, a group lodge that sleeps 20 people, or campsites with options for just water, water and electricity, or full hookups.
- Day-Use Areas: There are restrooms (some with showers), picnic sites, and a playground for kids.
- Lake Amenities: The park has a boat ramp, a boat dock, a fishing pier, and a fish-cleaning station.
- Other Features: An amphitheater by the lake is used for events. The park also has a store where you can buy snacks, fishing supplies, and souvenirs.
Area Attractions
If you want to explore more of the area, there are other great places to visit nearby.
- Other Parks: Check out Lake Bob Sandlin State Park, Atlanta State Park, and Caddo Lake State Park.
- Historic Sites: Visit the Starr Family Home State Historic Site or the Morris County Museum.
- Local Events: Depending on the time of year, you can enjoy the Wildflower Trails in April, Mardi Gras in Jefferson in February, or the Daingerfield Fall Fest in October.
