Purtis Creek State Park

14225 FM 316
Eustace TX 75124
903/425-2332
Park locator map

History: Purtis Creek State Park is located in Henderson and Van Zandt Counties and has a total acreage of 1582.4. The park was acquired in 1977 from private owners and was opened to the public in 1988.

Purtis Creek State Park is located in an area where the Wichita and Caddo Indians once roamed. Just east of the park, on private property, is a cliff over hang that was used by unknown Indians as a temporary shelter. Petroglyphs are carved into the rock walls that indicate this area was a good hunting area. This area being well populated with game caused an influx of Anglos in the early to mid-1800s. Many small towns and communities were established during this time. The road that lies on the south border of the park at the entrance was known as the Tyler to Porter's Bluff Road, a well known stage route from East Texas to the Trinity River. Along this route, just northeast of Edom near the Neches River, is the site where the famed Cherokee Indian Chief Boles was slain in the Battle of the Neches in 1839.

Activities: Activities include camping, picnicking, fishing, boating, and hiking. The park rents paddle boats, kayaks and canoes. Tours: Please check the Calendar of Events for Interpretive programs and tours. Special programs are given for groups upon request.

Lake Procedures: Due to the small size of the lake, a 50-boat limit is in effect with a wake/speed restriction. Once the 50-boat limit has been reached on the lake, waiting boats may enter as other boats leave. Customers may stay overnight on the lake by paying an Activity Use Fee Per Person. A $5 fee is required to put a motorized boat on the lake, which expires at 7 am. (If a person pays the fee at midnight, it will expire at 7 am in the morning.)

Area Attractions: Nearby points of interest are Fairfield Lake State Park, Texas State Railroad State Park, and Tyler State Park; First Monday Trade Days in Canton; Cedar Creek Reservoir; and the Dallas/Ft Worth areas. While you are in the area, visit the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center in Athens a unique TPWD facility showcasing aquatic life and sport fishing in Texas.

Facilities: The facilities available are campsites with water and electricity; water only campsites; primitive campsites (minimum 1/2 mile hike); an overflow camping area; a covered group pavilion; lighted fishing piers; fish-cleaning shelters; rearing/trout ponds; boat ramps; courtesy docks; picnic sites; and a playground. Stop into our Texas State Park Store.

Park & Facility Fees
Facility & Trail Map (PDF 111.2 KB)

Flora/Fauna: Good fishing and shady campsites are the major attractions at Purtis Creek. The park's unique 355-acre lake was designed specifically for fishing, where largemouth bass are plentiful and can be fished on a "catch and release" basis only. Also, large catfish and crappie are abundant and may be retained.

More information on the wildlife mentioned here:

Texas Wildlife Factsheets.

Weather: July average high is 96; January average low is 36; April and May are wettest months; first/last freeze: November 26/March 11.

National Weather Service forecast for this area.

Schedule: Open: 7 days a week year-round. Busy Season: March through November and every first Monday weekend. Check the Calendar for Access Restrictions.

Directions: From the Dallas/Ft. Worth area, travel 65 miles east on US Highway 175 to Eustace, then left (north) on FM 316 for 3.5 miles. From the Athens area, travel 12 miles west on US Highway 175 to Eustace, then go right (north) on FM 316 for 3.5 miles.

Current conditions including, fire bans & water levels, can vary from day to day. For more details, contact the park.