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Martin Dies Jr
Overview
Nestled deep in the heart of East Texas, Martin Dies Jr. State Park offers a serene escape into the lush Piney Woods region. This expansive park sits at the edge of the B.A. Steinhagen Reservoir, where the slow-moving waters of the Neches and Angelina Rivers converge. Comprising several distinct units like Hen House Ridge and Walnut Ridge, it is a destination defined by its towering cypress trees, winding sloughs, and a peaceful atmosphere that makes it a favorite for RV travelers seeking a true connection with nature rather than a typical roadside stop.
Location & Surroundings
Located near Jasper, TX, the park serves as a gateway to the diverse ecosystems of the Big Thicket area. The surroundings are characterized by thick forests and intricate waterways that provide a habitat for a vast array of wildlife, including alligators and various migratory birds. Visitors will find themselves immersed in a landscape where the deep shade of massive pines and oaks offers relief from the Texas sun, creating a secluded sanctuary that feels miles away from the noise and bustle of modern city life.
Amenities & Park Features
The park is well-equipped for RVers, offering several camping loops with various features tailored for comfortable stays. Key amenities include:
- Water and 30/50-amp electrical hookups available at many spacious sites.
- Convenient on-site dump stations and clean restroom facilities with hot showers.
- Access to canoe and kayak rentals for exploring the park's intricate water trails.
The layout is designed to prioritize privacy and easy access to the sprawling trail system that winds through the woods and along the shoreline.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Outdoor recreation is the primary draw here, with many activities centered on the unique intersection of river and reservoir environments:
- Over seven miles of hiking and biking trails that explore the island and shore.
- The Walnut Slough and other designated paddling trails through cypress swamps.
- Excellent fishing for bass, crappie, and catfish from piers or boats.
Additionally, the park is a prime spot for bird watching, as it sits along a major migratory path for numerous woodland and water species.
Who This Park Is Best For
Martin Dies Jr. State Park is ideal for nature enthusiasts and families who enjoy traditional camping and outdoor education. It is particularly well-suited for paddlers and photographers who want to capture the ethereal beauty of the Texas wetlands and the famous Spanish moss. While it lacks the high-end amenities of a modern luxury resort, it provides a quiet, restorative environment for those who prefer the natural sounds of the forest and the sight of a star-filled sky over city lights and busy highways.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Corbin Milenbaugh DDS
We are really winning in the Texas State Park system. 2:55pm on a Friday and nature center closed. Most restrooms in south unit closed, also. The office was closed for lunch when we arrived, yet three people working after lunch?? Trails that are terribly marked have been recklessly bulldozed (Sandy Point Trail). Smoke in the air from clear cuts on private property surrounding the park. We really left feeling quite depressed with the downfall of this park. It didn’t use to be this way, but obviously poorly managed and now clearly underfunded. The trees and wildlife here are always beautiful. The staff we encountered are cordial.
Jennifer Dewitt
Loved this park. 🌲 Check-in was quick and easy, and the staff were extremely friendly right from the start. The park itself is beautiful and well maintained. Bathrooms are on the smaller side, but they were clean and fully stocked, which I really appreciated. The park hosts were also super nice and had plenty of firewood available. Overall, a great, relaxed experience — I’ll definitely be back.
kathy palaski
It's a very different state park with bayou and cypress galore. We only rated it 3 stars as half of it is closed to camping for renovations - and they are well needed. The crew was replacing one of the bridges on the hiking trails that day, and the second, larger walking bridge is also in need of repair. The road to the canoe storage is quite rough. It is a clean park, and will be lovely once all is completed. We had a pretty hike of just over 2 miles. It was hot and humid that day and the dogs were feeling the heat, so we turned back early. We'll visit again in future. Being your bug repellent for yourselves and your dog - we found tiny little ticks on Fionn, luckily before they attached. We had none on us, but had used plenty of spray on ourselves.
Julio Duverney
Park could use some tlc in the maintenance department but the trails are very nice with great views. Lots of different ecosystems across the park. From swamp to forest. Check it out.
Petra Look
Beautiful park, hiking and boating are the best activities. Careful about alligators, we have seen some over 10 feet and very close to our kayaks. Make sure you have life jackets on your kayaks, the state park police have no problem giving a mom with kids a ticket for no life jacket, while watching people speeding on the roads and burning fires during a fire ban. So, a beautiful scenery, but state park police on power trip.