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Purtis Creek
Overview
Purtis Creek State Park offers a peaceful retreat centered around its namesake 355-acre lake. Located in the gentle hills of East Texas, this park is widely famous among anglers for its trophy largemouth bass fishing. Unlike many high-activity resorts, the park maintains a quiet, natural atmosphere that invites visitors to slow down and enjoy the serene water views and shaded campsites. It serves as a premier destination for those who appreciate a smaller, well-managed park where nature takes center stage.
Location & Surroundings
Situated just outside of Eustace, TX, the park is roughly an hour east of Dallas, making it an accessible escape for urban RVers. The surrounding landscape is characterized by rolling hills and thick woodlands, providing a buffer from the noise of major highways. The lake itself is the centerpiece, designed specifically for fishing with a no-wake policy that ensures the water remains calm and glassy throughout the day, creating a picturesque backdrop for every campsite.
Amenities & Park Features
The park features 59 campsites with water and electricity, many of which are situated within easy walking distance of the shoreline. While the sites offer 30-amp or 50-amp service, there are no sewer hookups at the individual sites; however, a convenient dump station is available for RVers. Facilities include clean restrooms with showers, several picnic areas, a playground for children, and a well-maintained boat ramp. For those without their own gear, the park often provides equipment rentals for paddling and fishing.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Beyond the water, visitors can explore the Wolf Pen Hike and Bike Trail, which winds through the hardwood forests for several miles and offers excellent birdwatching opportunities. For those wanting to venture further out, the nearby First Monday Trade Days in Canton provides a massive flea market experience just a short drive away. Additionally, the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center in Athens offers an educational look at local aquatic life and is a popular destination for families staying in the area.
Who This Park Is Best For
This park is ideal for nature-loving RVers and serious anglers who prefer a quiet, rustic environment over a commercial resort. Because the lake is catch-and-release only for bass, it attracts a respectful crowd focused on conservation and sport. It is also an excellent choice for families and birdwatchers seeking a safe, manageable outdoor space where the pace of life is dictated by the sunrise and the gentle ripple of the water.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Tibor Tamas
Well maintained and marked trails with ample shade. Parking 🅿️ is somewhat limited. The park surrounds the Purtis Creek State Park lake, which is stocked with black bass, white bass, crappie and blue catfish.
Dawn Peter
This was our first visit here, and we really enjoyed our stay in the camping loop. We had a great spot on the water and enjoyed a hike at midnight for NYE. There’s only one bathroom for the entire camping loop. The showers were hot, but it needs updating and a second bathroom location would be ideal.
Carolyn Rodgers
My family has enjoyed this state park 🏞️ for generations. It has beautiful 😍 scenic views, fishing 🎣, camping 🏕️ ,hiking 🥾 ,bike trails 🚲, swimming 🥽 👙, clean restrooms, playgrounds, bbq pits, volley ball courts, and more.
Jason Howard
Participated in the Bow hunting Demonstration at Purtis Creek State Park and got to meet several Texas Parks & Wildlife volunteers as well as Purtis Creek State Park staff including the superintendent. I am solidly impressed with this park and will definitely visit again soon. Thank you TPWD for an amazing weekend.
Aqua
The calm lake was perfect for paddleboarding. Easy access launch by the boat ramp as well. I saw kayaks available for rent as well (no paddleboards). Trails are well marked and easy to navigate. Raccoons will get into your put up high trash. Take it to the nearby dumpster when camping before you go to bed!
lu wusterhausen
Nice quiet park. Sites are level and easy to get into. Park staff very friendly. Hike trails are well maintained. Two fishing piers. We tried to catch but didnt have any luck behind our camp site.
Eric Grundelman
This is a great state park close to Dallas Fort Worth, Metroplex lake has a history of some really great bass fishing the campsites, both with electrical and primitive are well laid out, and you’re not very close to your neighbor. There are kayaks for rent at the boat launch. If you’re bringing your own boat, this is an “idle only” lake. The lake is known for bass but there is also a lot of great catfish in the lake too.
Anish Panthi
I had an amazing time at Purtis Creek State Park! The park is peaceful, clean, and not too crowded, which made it super relaxing. The lake is beautiful, great for fishing, kayaking, or just sitting by the water to enjoy the view. Trails are easy to walk and well-marked, with plenty of shade along the way. Campsites were clean, spacious, and felt private enough for a quiet stay. BTW, the restrooms were super cleaned and entry fee is $5 per person. Child under 12 is no cost. Overall, it’s a great spot to escape the city, recharge, and spend quality time outdoors. Definitely planning to go back!