Eisenhower State Park

Photo by Bryan Frazier
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department © 2004,

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50 Park Road 20
Denison TX 75020-4878
903/465-1956
espc@texoma.net
Park locator map

History: Eisenhower State Park, with 423.1 acres, is located in Grayson County, northwest of Denison on the shores of Lake Texoma. It was acquired in 1954 by a Department of Army lease, which extends until 2004, and was opened to the public in 1958.

The park was named for the 34th U.S. president, Dwight David Eisenhower, as he was born nearby. In the early 1830s, the area became increasingly important to Anglo settlers, particularly as a route to Texas and the American southwest. Some of the things which add to the history of the area are the American Indian; Butterfield Overland stage routes; Chisholm and Shawnee cattle drive trails; Fort Johnson, established in the area in 1840; and Colbert's Crossing, established on the Red River in 1853 and operated until 1931.

Activities: Some of the activities include picnicking, hiking, biking, nature study, fishing, boating and boat rentals, water skiing, swimming, and wildlife observation, and a variety of camping.

Tours/Programs: Nature/environmental programs are frequently scheduled throughout the year and upon special request with enough lead time. There is a small amphitheater available for group use.

Area Attractions: Nearby attractions include Eisenhower Birthplace State Historic Site (campers can get a free tour); Bonham State Park; Lake Texoma; the Grayson County Frontier Village, a rustic 19th century structure and museum; and the Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge with 11,300 acres of land and water known as a haven for migrating and wintering waterfowl.

Facilities: Facilities provided include restrooms with and without showers; picnic sites; 3 playground areas; campsites with water only (premium sites are available); campsites with water and electricity (special rates are available); pull-through campsites with water, sewer, and electricity(special rates are available); screened shelters; overflow camping area; recreation hall (day or overnight use, air-conditioning/heating, restrooms, and a kitchen); a campground pavilion; a group camp including water and electric campsites and a campground pavilion; trailer dump stations; a fish-cleaning facility; a launching ramp; a courtesy boat dock; a lighted fishing pier; Eisenhower Yacht Club, a privately-leased marina with boat pump-out station and boat rentals, and a Texas State Park Store. There is an ATV/mini bike area of 10 acres that is for beginner level riders. There is also 4.5 miles of hike and bike trails that course through the length of the park. The first .5 mile nature trail is signed for identifying items along the trail and is restricted to foot traffic. The remaining 4 miles (8 miles round-trip) is open to hikers and bikers (non-motorized). Of the 4 miles open to mountain bikes, about 2 miles would be for beginners, and the other 2 miles is rather challenging with steep grades and rock (intermediate).

Park & Facility Fees
Facility & Trail Map (PDF 144.4 KB)

Eisenhower Yacht Club, located within the park, is a privately operated full-service marina. They have a repair shop, boat sales, pontoon boat rentals, on-the-water fuel service dock, and long-term rental of wet boat slips. The marina store also has bait and tackle; limited groceries, camping, and picnic supplies; boating supplies; a sewer pump-out station; clothing items; and snacks. They are located at 2141 Park Road 20, Denison, 75020-4883; Phone: 903/463-3999, Fax: (903) 465-8906, E-mail: eyc@eisenhoweryachtclub.com. For more information go to their web site www.eisenhoweryachtclub.com

Flora/Fauna: Grassy uplands, including rare remnants of the tall-grass prairie, terminate in rocky, shoreline bluffs and woodlands. A large variety of colorful wildflowers bloom throughout the growing season, March through November. Several wildflowers are identified by signs along the roadside in selected areas. A nature guide is available that identifies some of the trees along the trail. A wide variety of trees includes oak, ash, elm, cedar, dogwood, cottonwood, soapberry, locust, redbud, persimmon, and bois d'arc. A variety of mammals at the park include armadillo, bat, beaver, coyote, deer, fox, mink, nutria, opossum, rabbit, raccoon, skunk, and squirrel. Wintering bald eagles, pelicans, loons, and other waterfowl may be observed in the area. Lake fishing offers a variety of bass, sunfish, and catfish; lake fossils are on display at the park headquarters.

More information on the wildlife mentioned here:

Texas Wildlife Factsheets.

Elevation: 616'' to 767'
Weather: July average maximum 90, January average minimum 32. First/last freeze: November 9/March 27. Wettest months: April and May.

National Weather Service forecast for this area.

Schedule: Open: 7 days a week, open year round. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

Directions: The park may be reached by taking U.S. Highway 75 out of Dallas; take Exit #72 to State Highway 91 North to Denison Dam to FM 1310 W and traveling 1.8 miles to Park Road 20 entrance.

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