Martin Creek Lake State Park RV & Campground Guide
Texas
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
Longview, TX
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.
Outside Martin Creek Lake State Park
There are many things to do in the area surrounding Martin Creek Lake. There are nine communities within 20 miles of this state park, and they are all hospitable to travelers. If you are looking for a great place to dine, shop or see something new, there are many nearby locations that you will not want to miss.
Restaurants
T’s Café
Catfish fried to perfection and served with French fries, hush puppies and coleslaw is the specialty at this restaurant. Make sure to leave room for their delicious banana pudding.
Type: Diner
Location: 120 E Johnson St, Tatum, TX 75691
Bodacious BBQ
Fall-off-the-bone ribs, tender brisket and delicious sausage are some popular menu options at this barbecue restaurant. They serve some great tacos too.
Type: Diner
Location: 1350 N Hill St, Tatum, TX 75691
Don Chepe’s Taqueria LLC
If you love Tex-Mex but are tired of the same old thing, then give this restaurant’s specials a try. Getting breakfast here is a great way to start the day.
Type: Mexican
Location: 565 Crystal Farms Rd, Tatum, TX 75691
Liceas Taqueria
This small restaurant where the owner does most of the cooking serves authentic Mexican food. Their barbecue tacos and shredded meat tortas are outstanding.
Type: Mexican
Location: 150 Johnson St, Tatum, TX 75691
Tatum Nutrition Center/Heritage House
Get meals like a Texas grandmother cooks at this restaurant. Some favorites include sliced roast beef, baked pork chops and goulash.
Type: Diner
Location: Crystal Farm Rd, Tatum, TX 7569
Shopping
Better Half Antique Market
You can find hand-knit dishtowels, antique furniture and everything in between at this store.
Location: 113 S Main St, Henderson, TX 75654
Boot Barn
Whether you're a cowboy or you just prefer to dress like one, get your boots, hats, jeans and other clothing items at this store.
Location: 2309 US 79 S, Henderson, TX 75654
Covenant Antiques
Take a stroll down memory lane at this antique store or discover treasures you wish your family had left you.
Location: 103 N Jackson St, Henderson, TX 75652
Curious Wren
Find home décor, teas, greeting cards and more at this home-owned gift store.
Location: 123 S Main St, Henderson, TX 75652
The Ranch Farm and Home
While this store caters to livestock needs, you'll want to stop and see their extensive supply of unique health and beauty products. There are also some good home décor items.
Location: 404 US 79 N, Henderson, TX 75652
Sightseeing
Depot Museum
Tour 12 restored buildings from Texas’s Wild West days at this museum.
Location: 514 N High St, Henderson, TX 75652
Fair Park
Play tennis, test your skateboard riding skills, get wet at the splash pad and play hard on the playground at this city-owned park.
Location: 302 Fairpark Ave, Henderson, TX 75652
Gaston Museum
When you stop at this museum, you can learn about life during the 1930s oil boom in this area.
Location: 6562 TX Hwy 64, Joinerville, TX 75658
Howard Dickinson House
Experience living history at this brick building that was the first home constructed in Henderson.
Location: 501 S Main St, Henderson, TX 75652
Lake Striker Marina
At this venue, you can hear live music performed on most weekends after enjoying a full day of family fun cruising on this lake, playing beach volleyball and doing other activities.
Location: 18650 CR 4256 S, Reklaw, TX 75784
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.
Per person : $3
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.