Tyler State Park (Texas) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Tyler State Park
Pine forest at Tyler State Park (Texas)
Location	Smith County, Texas
Nearest city	Tyler
Area	985.5 acres (399 ha)
Established	1939
Governing body	Texas Parks and Wildlife Department

Tyler State Park is a super cool state park located just north of Tyler, in Texas. It's a big place, covering about 985 acres (that's like 750 football fields!). The park also has a beautiful lake that's about 64 acres in size.

This park became a public space in 1939. Before that, the land was given by private owners. Many of the first buildings and improvements were built by a group called the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). This was a program in the 1930s that helped young men find work during a tough time. They built many parks across the country!

Tyler State Park is a fantastic spot for outdoor adventures. You can enjoy picnics, go camping, or even take a boat out on the lake. If you love fishing, you'll find plenty of fish here. It's also a great place for watching birds, hiking on trails, or riding your mountain bike. When it's warm, you can even go for a swim in the lake!

Park Fun: Things to Do

Tyler State Park offers lots of ways to have fun and explore nature. Whether you like to relax or be active, there's something for everyone.

Camping and Picnics

• You can set up a picnic at one of the many picnic spots. There are even special areas for big groups!
• If you want to stay overnight, there are different kinds of campsites. Some have water, some have water and electricity, and some even have sewer hookups for RVs.
• You can also rent screened shelters, which are like small cabins with screens to keep bugs out.
• There's a group camp with six cabins and a dining hall. It's perfect for school trips or large family gatherings.

Lake Activities

• The park's 64-acre lake is a main attraction. You can bring your own boat, but remember there's a speed limit of 5 miles per hour.
• Don't have a boat? No problem! You can rent canoes, paddle boats, kayaks, and fishing boats right at the park's store.
• There's a special swimming area in the lake where you can cool off on a hot day.
• You can also fish from the shore or a boat. The lake is home to many kinds of fish.

The swimming area at Tyler State Park.

Trails for Adventure

• If you love to walk, there's a 2.5-mile hiking trail. It's a great way to see the park's natural beauty.
• For mountain biking fans, there's a challenging 13-mile trail.
• There's also a shorter 0.75-mile nature trail. It's perfect for learning about the plants and animals around you.

Park Facilities and Services

• The park has restrooms, some with showers, which is handy after a day of outdoor fun.
• There's a seasonal grocery store where you can buy souvenirs and fishing supplies.
• You'll find a concrete boat ramp and a dock, making it easy to launch your boat.
• An amphitheater by the lake is a cool spot for events or just enjoying the view.

Group shelter at Tyler State Park.

Wildlife and Nature

Tyler State Park is located in a region called the "pineywoods." This means it has lots of pine trees and rolling hills. The park's lake and different types of plants create many homes for various animals.

Animals You Might See

• You might spot white-tailed deer, which are common in East Texas.
• Look up in the trees for squirrels and listen for their chattering.
• Raccoons and opossums also live here, though they are often more active at night.
• The park is a great place for birdwatching, with many different bird species flying around.

Fish in the Lake

• If you go fishing, you might catch crappie, perch, catfish, or bass. These are all popular fish found in the lake.

Sign at the park's main entrance (Christmas 2016)

Getting There

Tyler State Park is easy to find! It's about 2 miles north of Interstate 20. Just take FM 14 north from Tyler, and then turn onto Park Road 16.