Purtis Creek State Park
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.
The Park's History:
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.
Park Activities:
Activities include camping, picnicking, fishing, boating, and hiking. The park rents
paddle boats and canoes.
Tours:
Interpretive programs are given every Saturday morning and afternoon from Memorial Day
through Labor Day. Special programs are given for groups upon request.
The Park's Facilities:
The facilities available are campsites with water and electricity; primitive campsites
(minimum mile hike-in); an overflow camping area; 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.
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 fee is required to put an object (a boat, tube, float, etc.) 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.) There is no fee for only swimming.
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.
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.
Elevation, Weather, and Schedule Information:
Elevation: Weather: July average high is 96; January average low is 36; April and May are
wettest months; first/last freeze: November 26/March 11. Open: 7 days a week year-round.
Busy Season: March through November and every first Monday weekend.
Area Attractions:
Nearby points of interest are Fairfield Lake and Tyler State Parks; Texas State Railroad
State Historical Park; First Monday Trade Days in Canton; Cedar Creek Reservoir; and the
Dallas/Ft Worth areas.
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.