Martin Creek Lake State Park
- Status
- Open (per official listing)Daily 6 a.m. – 10 p.m.
- Entrance fee
- $4 per adultAnnual pass available
- Day-use reservations
- RecommendedCan reach capacity
- Dogs
- Statewide rule — see below
- Camping
- 62 campsitesAlso cabins, glamping or camper cabins
- Official site
- tpwd.texas.gov(903) 836-4336
Official page last checked Oct 29, 2026. Details last changed Oct 29, 2026. How we keep this current
Current alerts 1
Alert Burn BanAug. 5, 2026 - The park is under a burn ban. No wood or charcoal fires allowed. You may use containerized fuel stoves (i.e. propane) for cooking… (more)
Aug. 5, 2026 - The park is under a burn ban. No wood or charcoal fires allowed. You may use containerized fuel stoves (i.e. propane) for cooking only. Argentine Ants Argentine ants, an invasive species, have been identified in some campsites in the park. The ants do not sting. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is working with experts to reduce the ants without harming natural resources. Before leaving, thoroughly inspect your vehicle, RV, camping gear and other equipment; if you see the ants, please notify park staff immediately and they can offer guidance for treating. For park-specific questions, please contact the park at (903) 836-4336. Check back for updates.
Posted by the park. Official alert
Overview
Covering about 280 acres, Martin Creek Lake State Park lies in Rusk County, about 4 miles southwest of Tatum.
Popular activities here are mountain biking, winter sports, canoeing and kayaking, boating, and swimming. On the water side, there is a boat ramp, a fishing pier, and boat or kayak rentals. For overnight stays there are 62 campsites across 4 camping areas (RV sites with electric and water hookups, tent sites, primitive or hike-in sites, and showers). If you'd rather not camp, the park offers cabins and camper cabins or similar shelters.
Hours
Park, gate, office and facility hours are listed separately because they often differ. Alerts above override normal hours.
| Facility | Days | Hours | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park | Daily | 6 a.m. – 10 p.m. | — |
Official wording
Open daily, 6 a.m. – 10 p.m. We often reach capacity, and recommend reservations for both camping and day use. To guarantee entry, reserve passes online or by calling the customer service center before you visit. The office closes on Thanksgiving Day at noon, and all day on Dec. 25.
Source: official park page, checked Oct 29, 2026. Times are local to the park (America/Chicago).
Pets
Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet at all times and are not permitted in any buildings at Texas State Parks. Some parks restrict pets on certain trails.
Statewide rule from Texas's park system (source). This park’s page doesn’t state its own pet rules, so check for local restrictions.
Fees and passes
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Adult | $4 |
| Child 12 Years and Under | Free |
Official wording
• Adult: $4 Daily • Child 12 Years and Under: Free
Texas park passes
- Texas State Parks Pass — $70 per year. Free entry for the holder and guests at the state parks it covers, plus camping and store discounts; a second pass for someone at the same address is $25 Details
- Texas Parklands Passport. Discounted or free entry for qualifying seniors, people with disabilities, veterans and Gold Star family members Details
From the Texas state guide. Confirm which passes this park accepts.
Reservations
- Day use
- Recommended
- Camping
- Recommended
- Booking system
- Texas State Parks reservation system (ReserveAmerica)
- Phone
- (512) 389-8900
We often reach capacity, and recommend reservations for both camping and day use.
We link to the official booking system rather than showing live availability, which changes minute to minute.
Camping
| Campground or site type | Sites | Hookups / features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Campsites with Electricity (30 amp | Lakefront) These sites are located in the Bee Tree loop. | 13 | Water hookup; 30 amp hookupShowersPicnic tableLantern postFire ring with grill | $20 Nightly Plus daily entrance fee |
| Campsites with Electricity (50 amp) These sites are located in the Bee Tree loop. | 6 | Water hookup; 50 amp hookupShowersPicnic tableLantern postFire ring with grill | $20 Nightly Plus daily entrance fee |
| Campsites with Electricity (30 amp) These campsites are located in Bee Tree and Broken Bowl loops. | 37 | Water hookup; 30 amp hookupShowersPicnic tableLantern postFire ring with grillSites 35, 37, 38, 39, 52, 53, 61, 65, and 72 have shade shelters | $17 Nightly Plus daily entrance fee |
| Primitive Campsites Walk in 200 yards to campsites from parking area. Sites are located on an island accessed via a charming wooden bridge. No water or restrooms available. | 6 | Picnic tableFire ringLantern post | $15 Nightly Plus daily entrance fee |
Camping details from the park
Choose from campsites with water and electricity or primitive campsites situated on an island. We also have screened shelters and cabins.
From the official park page, checked Oct 29, 2026. Site counts and prices can change; confirm when booking.
Things to do
BikingBoatingFishingHikingMountain bikingCanoeing and kayakingPicnickingSwimmingWinter sportsCamping
Trails
We have nearly four miles of hike and bike trails. Follow the footsteps of early Texans as you explore the park.
The Old Henderson Road Loop traces a former trade route for travelers between Henderson and Shreveport. On the 1.5-mile Harmony Hill Loop, look for remnants of the community of Harmony Hill, now a Nationally Registered Historic District.
Learn more on our Trails Information page.
Boating, paddling and fishing
The power plant on Martin Creek Lake keeps waters warm year-round. Anglers reel in largemouth bass, crappie, channel catfish, yellow catfish, tilapia and sunfish.
We have a boat ramp, lighted fishing pier and a fish cleaning station. We also rent canoes.
You do not need a fishing license to fish from shore or pier in a Texas state park. Bring your own fishing gear or borrow ours!
Many fishing tournaments are held at the park in the winter. During these tournaments, the boat ramp area may be crowded.
Get detailed fishing and lake information for Martin Creek Lake.
A state fishing license is usually required.
Amenities
Facilities
- Restrooms
- Showers
- Picnic areas
- Picnic shelters
- Playground
- Park or camp store
- Restaurant or food service
- Wi-Fi
Water
- Boat ramp
- Boat, canoe or kayak rentals
- Fishing pier
- Fish cleaning station
Camping
- RV dump station
- Tent camping
- RV camping
- Electric hookups
- Water hookups
- Primitive or backcountry camping
Lodging
- Cabins
- Glamping or camper cabins
✓ listed by the park · ✕ the park says it is not available. Anything not shown here isn’t mentioned by the official source — that means unknown, not unavailable.
Getting there
- Address
- 9515 County Road 2181D
Tatum, TX 75691-3425 - Nearest town
- Tatum — about 4 mi southwest (straight line)
- Coordinates
- 32.2779, -94.5661
- Phone
- (903) 836-4336
Nearby state parks
Sources and freshness
- Texas State Parks — park page — last checked Oct 29, 2026
- TPWD state parks map (embedded park data)
- USGS PAD-US 4.1 (boundary and acreage)
“Last checked” is when our system last read the official source. “Last changed” (Oct 29, 2026) is when the information shown here last differed from the previous check. Hours, fees and rules can change without notice — confirm with the park before you go. Methodology