Martin Creek Lake State Park
00 review9515 CR 2181 D, TATUM, Texas, 75691, United States
Martin Creek Lake State Park
$4.00 - $4.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Day use fee is $4 per person aged 13 and older. An excess vehicle fee applies for each vehicle above the maximum allowed for the site.
About this campground
Nestled in the heart of East Texas, Martin Creek Lake State Park offers an unexpected blend of natural beauty and industrial intrigue. This compact yet diverse park welcomes visitors with cozy cabins, full-service RV sites, and secluded primitive campsites tucked beneath towering pines. Adventure seekers can cast a line from peaceful fishing piers, explore winding forest trails, or cool off at the sandy swimming beach. Across the shimmering lake, the silhouette of a coal-fired power plant creates a fascinating contrast—a reminder of modern life set against the timeless Texas wilderness.
Martin Creek Lake State Park caters to a variety of campers with RV, tent, group, and cabin options.
Historical SignificanceBefore you even reach your campsite, history greets you at the park entrance through the weathered stones of Harmony Hill Cemetery. This captivating burial ground weaves together stories from generations past and present, with historic headstones standing alongside modern markers. Visitors often find themselves pausing here, drawn to read the names and dates that chronicle the lives of early Texas settlers—a poignant reminder of the deep roots that anchor this land.
Weather and SeasonsThe sweet spot for camping at Martin Creek unfolds from late winter through early spring, when Mother Nature strikes the perfect balance. Picture yourself waking to crisp 40°F mornings that warm to delightful 76°F afternoons—ideal weather for hiking without breaking a sweat or enjoying evening campfires without shivering. While spring showers occasionally sweep through the Piney Woods, they bring a refreshing cleanse to the forest, releasing the earthy scent of pine and leaving everything sparkling fresh.
Natural Features and SceneryThe Piney Woods embrace Martin Creek Lake State Park in a verdant hug of towering loblolly pines and sprawling hardwoods. Morning mist often dances across the lake's surface while deer emerge from the forest shadows to graze in meadow clearings. Keep your eyes peeled for armadillos shuffling through the underbrush on their evening rounds. When autumn arrives, the forest transforms into a painter's palette of russets, golds, and crimsons—a spectacular show that reflects perfectly in the lake's mirror-like waters.
Geological RegionSet within the rolling hills of the East Texas Piney Woods, this park showcases the region's signature landscape of dense forests and clay-bottom lakes. The terrain gently undulates through pine-scented valleys and hardwood ridges, all leading down to the shores of Martin Creek Lake. The unexpected presence of the coal-fired power plant across the water creates a thought-provoking juxtaposition—where pristine wilderness meets the engines of progress, offering visitors a unique perspective on the balance between nature and industry in modern Texas.
Campsite details
AccessibilityCabins and bathrooms are noted to have accessibility features such as bars for support. However, no additional details on ADA compliance are provided.
Sites SizeRV sites are described as small and best suited for vehicles under 35 feet. Primitive campsites on the island are more spacious.
Sites PrivacyCampsites vary in privacy. Primitive sites on the island offer solitude, while RV sites have little to no brush separating neighbors.
Total Campsites0 campsites
Recommended CampsitesBee Tree 47 on the western side offers expansive waterfront views and is ideal for kayakers.
Best CampsitesPrimitive campsite 08 on the island received positive feedback for proximity to the lake and tranquility.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
After 6:00 AM
Check-out
Before 10:00 PM
Groups
Group site details, including size and capacity, are not provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutCampsites vary, with primitive sites on an island accessible via footbridge and RV sites distributed in loops. Many sites are shaded by Loblolly Pines.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Texas State Parks’ official website or phone number.
Walk-in AvailabilityInformation about walk-up availability is not explicitly mentioned.
Cancellation PolicyIf your plans change, modify or cancel your reservation as soon as possible to allow others to enjoy the park.
Accomodation available
Cabin lodgingCabin lodging is available for campers seeking a more sheltered and comfortable experience. These enclosed accommodations offer protection from the elements and are ideal for those who prefer not to camp in tents.
Amenities available
Showers
Picnic tables
Dump station
WiFi
Firewood available
Lodging and accommodations
Flush toilets
Electricity hookups
Water hookups
Camp Store
Activities you can enjoy
Martin Creek Lake State Park is a hub for outdoor activities, including fishing, hiking, kayaking, and wildlife viewing. The fishing opportunities are frequently praised, while the hiking trails are described as easy and well-maintained. Visitors have also mentioned canoeing, swimming, and biking as options.
Hiking
The park offers multiple trails, including the Island Trail, which crosses a bridge to a scenic island. Trails are noted as easy and well-maintained, with educational markers on some routes.Fishing
Fishing is a highlight of the park, with species like largemouth bass, crappie, and catfish available. Fishing piers and cleaning stations are provided.Swimming
Swimming is available in the lake, although the water quality is described as murky by some visitors. The swim area is deemed pitiful by one reviewer.Biking
Biking is popular on both surfaced roads and trails within the park. Several visitors brought their bikes and enjoyed the experience.Boating
The park features a boat ramp and offers kayak and canoe rentals. The lake is suitable for various boating activities.Wildlife viewing
Deer and armadillos are commonly seen, and the park is popular among birdwatchers.Cultural and Educational Programs
Programs such as Bald Eagle demonstrations and Dutch oven cooking lessons have been offered.Water Sports
Kayaking, canoeing, and paddling are common water sports at the park.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed but may be subject to seasonal burn bans. Firewood is available for $5 donation.
- Quiet hours begin at 10:00 PM.
Hazards
General hazardsHazards include a high presence of ants and poison ivy, as noted by several reviewers. The industrial plant also contributes air and noise pollution.
Weather forecast
95
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 32%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 5.2 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
The closest emergency services are located in Tatum, including basic healthcare and emergency medical services. For major emergencies, Longview provides a larger hospital facility approximately 20 miles away.
Good to know
Trash and recyclingTrash dumpsters are conveniently located throughout the park. Recycling facilities are not mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresThe park is adjacent to Martin Creek Lake, featuring a swimming beach, fishing piers, and a boat ramp. Primitive island campsites are accessible via a footbridge.
Common complaintsComplaints include the noise and visual impact of the nearby coal plant, ant infestations, and GPS inaccuracies leading to the wrong park entrance.
HostPark hosts are friendly and offer firewood for $5 donation. Hosts have been praised for their helpfulness.
Campground Map
9515 CR 2181 D, TATUM, Texas, 75691, United States
Driving directionsFrom Henderson: Go North on Hwy 43 for 15 miles and turn right on CR 2183 and follow sign to the park. From Dallas: Take I 20 East to Hwy 149 (Estes Parkway) exit. Take Hwy 149 South to Tatum. Take Hwy 43 South for 3 12 miles to CR 2183. Turn left and follow the signs to the park. From Shreveport: Take I 20 West, take Hwy 43 Exit. Turn left and follow to Tatum. Continue through the 4-way stop light in Tatum for 3.5 miles. Turn left on County Rd. 2183 and follow signs to park.
The roads are accessible year-round; however, GPS inaccuracies have been reported by users. For example, “GPS also locates the park on CR-2183 which is wrong - look for CR-2181D which is the park entrance road.” Roads are mostly paved, though County Road sections may be dirt roads.Nearby places
Tatum (approximately 6 miles, 10-minute drive), Henderson (approximately 15 miles, 20-minute drive), Longview (approximately 20 miles, 25-minute drive), Shreveport (approximately 65 miles, 1-hour drive)
Nearby supplies
Basic supplies such as groceries, hardware, and fuel are available in Tatum. Notable mentions from reviews include the presence of “Brookshire’s grocery, a DQ, and a hardware store in Tatum nearby.”
Camper Reviews
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0 reviews
Martin Creek Lake State Park has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
Visitors consistently praise the park for its cleanliness, friendly staff, and variety of activities. Fishing, hiking, and kayaking are popular, while the power plant's noise and visibility are common complaints. The park's proximity to the power plant polarizes opinions.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
Clean restrooms, well-maintained trails, and family-friendly activities. Staff are frequently described as friendly and helpful. The park's spacious campsites and variety of recreational...
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Common Concerns
The hum from the power plant and its visible lights disrupt the natural ambiance for many visitors. Ant infestations at campsites and occasional issues with spiders in the showers were also noted.
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Bring insect repellent for mosquitoes and ants. Campers near the power plant may want earplugs. Kayakers should consider Bee Tree 47 for lake access.
Seasonal Insights
Autumn is particularly celebrated for its vibrant foliage. Summer can be hot, with mosquito and ant problems more pronounced.
Camper Quotes
"Bathrooms in excellent condition, well stocked and dry." - Merideth Menard. "The humming of the power plant was a little annoying, but you tune it out after the 2nd night." - Tena Jones. "Great full...
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Site-Specific Reviews
Site Bee Tree 47 is praised for its lakefront access and sunset views. Primitive sites on the island offer solitude but are affected by the power plant's noise and lights.
Accessibility Features
Bathrooms and cabins have accessibility features such as bars for support. Accessibility for trails or other park areas is not detailed.
Pet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, but rules are enforced. Visitors noted that dogs enjoyed the lake and trails.
Last updated August 10, 2025