Martin Creek Lake State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Winter fishing tournaments make Martin Creek Lake State Park near Tatum, Texas, a popular retreat. Located about 20 miles southwest of Longview, this park is notable for its lighted fishing pier, which is a great place to explore if you are short on time. You can also bring your boat to launch from one of the state park’s boat docks. Since Martin Creek Lake stays warm for most of the year, it's ideal for swimming and other water activities. The prosperous town of Harmony Hill was founded by Daniel Martin just north of the lake in the early 1800s. You can still see remnants of the town’s roads while hiking or biking on the five miles of trails in this park.
Spring 56-77 F
Summer 73-94 F
Fall 60-83 F
Winter 43-53 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Martin Creek Lake State Park
With so many fun activities like cooking, swimming, boating, hiking, and biking available at this state park, you'll want to wake up early and go to bed late. Therefore, you should bring your RV. If you do not have one, rent one on RVshare.
Martin Creek Lake State Park Campground
Primitive campsites start at $10 per night at this state park. For a few dollars extra, you can hook up to water and electricity at this campground. Most of the sites with electricity are under tall shade trees. Each site comes with a fire ring and grill, making outside meal prep easier.
• Water hookup: Yes
• Electrical hookup: Yes
• Sewer hookup: No
• Wi-Fi: No
• Pet-friendly: Yes
• Other amenities: Fire ring, grill, tall shade trees
Amazing Texas RV Resort and Campground
Swim in the pool, borrow a book from the lending library, or play on the playground at this campground. Rates start at about $30 per night at this campground in Tatum. They have also been known to give military discounts.
• Water hookup: Yes
• Electrical hookup: Yes
• Sewer hookup: Yes
• Wi-Fi: Yes
• Pet-friendly: Yes
• Other amenities: Pool, lending library, playground
Fernbrook Park
This Longview-area campground offers an RV washing facility and internet throughout the park. Rates start at about $45 per night. For entertainment, head to the swimming pool area where you can also play horseshoes.
• Water hookup: Yes
• Electrical hookup: Yes
• Sewer hookup: Yes
• Wi-Fi: Yes
• Pet-friendly: Yes
• Other amenities: Pool, horseshoes
Shallow Creek Campground
Named one of the 100 top campgrounds in the state by the Good Sam Club, Shallow Creek is a sure bet. The rates start at about $40 per night with weekly and monthly rates available. The campground boasts a swimming pool, recreation hall, catch-and-release fishing pond, and hot tub. Guests can prepare meals in the on-site full kitchen.
• Water hookup: Yes
• Electrical hookup: Yes
• Sewer hookup: Yes
• Wi-Fi: Yes
• Pet-friendly: Yes
• Other amenities: Pool, cable TV, rec hall, fishing pond
What to Do at
Martin Creek Lake State Park
Inside Martin Creek Lake State Park
One of the biggest draws to this East Texas state park is the quality of fish. If you're not a fully equipped angler, you can borrow equipment from the park’s headquarters. You can also go hiking or biking on the trails where you may get to see opossums, swamp rabbits, beaver, white-tailed deer, raccoons, armadillos and squirrels. If you love bird-watching, you should bring your binoculars to see if you can spot mallard ducks, herons, egrets, cardinals and blue jays.
How to Get to
Martin Creek Lake State Park
If you are coming to this park from the west, take Interstate 20 to exit 595A. You'll then turn right on Estes Parkway. In about seven miles, get on TX 149 E. In two miles, turn right on FM1716 E. Continue for a little over three miles and turn right on TX 43 S and immediately turn right on CR 2181 D. You'll see your destination on your left. To reach the park, you'll have to make a U-turn.
Entering Martin Creek Lake State Park
Martin Creek Lake State Park is open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Martin Creek Lake State Park Per person : $3.0
12 and under free
Since opening for the public in 1976, Martin Creek Lake State Park has been a great getaway spot for many. If you've won a fishing tournament here or built some other fond memories at this state park, then share your experiences on your social media feed. Be sure to tag RVshare because we want to hear about your great experiences. You can also send your memories and photos to [email protected]. We may feature them in an upcoming post.
Frequently Asked Questions About Martin Creek Lake State Park
Martin Creek Lake State Park is a great place to visit in any season. However, you'll be most comfortable there in spring or fall when temperatures are in the 70s and 80s.
The forest around the lake is home to a variety of species. There are beavers, deer, rabbits, opossums, and armadillos. If you enjoy bird watching, blue jays, cardinals, and woodpeckers are in the area.
Martin Creek Lake State Park has 58 RV-friendly campsites. Some have 30-amp hookups while others have 50-amp. Each site has water hookups, a picnic table, and a fire ring. Shower facilities and restrooms are available for guests.
Martin Creek Lake State Park welcomes pets as long as they're contained on a leash, in a crate, or in a vehicle. They're not allowed in any buildings or the lake, and they must be current on their rabies vaccination.
Some parts of the park are accessible. The restrooms, pier, picnic areas, and park headquarters are ADA-compliant. While wheelchair users can visit the pavilion, cabins, and bridge, those areas don't meet ADA standards.