Tyler State Park (Texas)

Tyler State Park is a state park north of Tyler, Texas. It is 985.5 acres (399 ha) in Smith County, north of Tyler. The park includes a 64-acre (26 ha) lake. The land was deeded by private owners in 1934 and 1935; original improvements were made by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). The park opened in 1939.

Tyler State Park
Pine forest at Tyler State Park (Texas)
Map showing the location of Tyler State Park
Map showing the location of Tyler State Park
Location of Tyler State Park in Texas
LocationSmith County, Texas
Nearest cityTyler
Coordinates32°28′40″N 95°17′33″W / 32.47778°N 95.29250°W / 32.47778; -95.29250
Area985.5 acres (399 ha)
Established1939
Visitors214,170 (in 2022)[1]
Governing bodyTexas Parks and Wildlife Department

Activities include picnicking; camping; boating (motors allowed - 5 mph (8.0 km/h) speed limit); boat rentals; fishing; birding; hiking; mountain biking; lake swimming (in unsupervised swimming area); and nature study.

Facilities

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  • Restrooms with and without showers
  • Picnic sites (including 3 group picnic areas)
  • Campsites with water
  • Campsites with water and electricity (pull-through and back-in)
  • Campsites with water, electricity, and sewer (pull-through)
  • Screened shelters
  • A group camp with 6 cabins for overnight use and a dining hall with a full kitchen for day-use only; cabins and dining hall can be rented together or separately.
 
The swimming area at Tyler State Park.
 
Group shelter at Tyler State Park.
  • Trailer dump stations
  • A group dining hall
  • A 2.5-mile (4.0 km) hiking trail
  • A 13-mile (21 km) mountain bike trail
  • A 0.75-mile (1.21 km) nature trail
  • An amphitheater on the lake shore
  • A seasonal grocery store that sells souvenirs and fishing supplies and rents canoes, paddle boats, kayaks, and fishing boats; a laundry tub; and a concrete launching ramp with a courtesy dock.
 
Sign at the park's main entrance (Christmas 2016)

Flora/Fauna

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Situated in the pineywoods, the steep dissected hillsides and the lake, with its associated vegetation, provides considerable habitat variety. Wildlife species are characteristic of east Texas: deer, squirrels, raccoons, opossums, as well as numerous species of birds. Popular fish include crappie, perch, catfish, and bass.

Directions

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Tyler State Park is located 2 miles (3.2 km) north of Interstate 20 on FM 14 north of Tyler on Park Road 16.

References

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  1. ^ Christopher Adams (February 24, 2023). "What is the most visited state park in Texas? Here's the top 10 countdown". KXAN.com. Retrieved November 21, 2023.
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