Eisenhower State Park
Eisenhower State Park is located west of the dam on Lake Texoma. It is situated on rocky bluffs above the lake. The park is nestled in trees that provide plenty of shade during the hot summer months. Full hook-ups are provided for RVers. Hiking enthusiasts will enjoy the six-mile trail that winds along the bluffs and through the campgrounds. Be forewarned that these trails are not paved, they are trails winding through the trees, up and down the many low rolling hills. A large protected cove provides a nice place to swim or just relax. Jet skies and powerboats are available for renting in several marinas near by. Denison is only a few minutes drive from the park. Drive into town and tour the Eisenhower museum, or see many of the olders homes that have been refinished. Downtown Denison has many interesting stores to see.
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's History:
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.
Park Activities:
Some of the activities include water skiing, biking, hiking, nature study, camping,
picnicking, fishing, boating, swimming, and wildlife observation.
Tours/Programs:
Nature/environmental programs are frequently scheduled throughout the year and upon
special request with enough lead time.
The Park's Facilities:
Facilities provided include restrooms with and without showers; picnic sites; 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; courtesy boat dock; a
lighted fishing pier; Eisenhower Yacht Club, a privately-leased marina with boat pump-out
station; three playground areas; a mini-bike area of 10 acres; a 4.5 mile trail for hiking
and nature study; and a Texas State Park Store.
Flora/Fauna:
Grassy uplands, including rare remnants of the tall-grass prairie, terminate in rocky,
shoreline bluffs and woodlands. Lake fishing offers a variety of bass and catfish, and
lake fossils are on display at the park headquarters.
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.
Elevation, Weather, and Schedule Information:
Elevation: 767 Weather: July average maximum 90, January average minimum 32. First/last
freeze: November 9/March 27. Wettest months: April and May. Open: 7 days a week, open year
round.
Area Attractions:
Nearby attractions include Bonham State Park, Eisenhower Birthplace State Historical Park,
Lake Texoma, a haven for migrating and wintering waterfowl; 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.
Camping fees vary; entrance fee. For reservations, call 512/389-8900. For more details,
call the park or Park Information at 1-800-792-1112.