camping, hiking, outdoors, state parks

Lake Bob Sandlin State Park

Lake Bob Sandlin State Park is composed of 639.8 acres, located on the heavily-wooded shoreline of the 9,400 acre Lake Bob Sandlin. The park is southeast of Mount Pleasant, in Titus County. Park property was acquired in 1979 and the park was opened in 1987.

There is evidence that the Caddo Indians once thrived in the area. The French and Spanish also periodically occupied the area, and established relations with the Caddo. Choctaw, Cherokee, and Kickapoo moved into East Texas in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. By 1841, Fort Sherman, a wooden stockade was established. The site is believed to be in or near the park, while the Fort Sherman Cemetery is located within the park.

Lake Bob Sandlin State park is nestled among a variety of oak, hickory, pine, dogwood, redbud, and maple trees, which make for a spectacular color show during the fall months. The park offers picnicking; hiking; swimming; mountain biking; in-line skating; and fishing for largemouth bass, catfish, and crappie. Rainbow trout are stocked at the park in the winter. A variety of birds can be viewed year round, however, eagles can be spotted during the winter months. Interpretive tours and nature walks are available on some weekends upon request. Park facilities include restrooms with showers; premium lakeside campsites with water and electricity; two primitive camping areas; campsites (back-in) with water and electricity; screen shelters; Limited use cabins (air-conditioning and heating, bunk beds with mattresses, no linens, no inside plumbing); a group picnic pavilion with 6 or 8 tables, water and electricity, a large barbeque grill, and restrooms; 5 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails with 8 footbridges; a playground; a lighted fishing pier; a fish-cleaning facility; and a two-lane boat ramp.

Schedule: Open: 7 days a week year-round. No gate. Busy Season: March through July.

Directions: The park is located approximately 12 miles southwest of Mt. Pleasant on FM 21. Exit Interstate 30 on Highway 37 South at Mt. Vernon. Go .8 mile; turn left on Highway 21; go 11.2 miles to the park entrance.

Entrance Fees

$2 per day, per person 13 and older

To inquire about a group school-sponsored trip contact the park to make arrangements.

Special entrance rates for holders of:

Texas State Parks Pass.

Youth Group Annual Entrance Permit.

Texas Parklands Passport (Bluebonnet Pass)

Applicable daily entrance fees are charged in addition to the campsite or facility fee. Pets are not allowed in any Texas State Park buildings. For other general pet restrictions check the Texas State Park Regulations. For park specific pet restrictions or more information contact the park at 1-800-792-1112.

Camping

Maximum 8 people per campsite unless otherwise noted. Applicable daily entrance fees are charged in addition to the campsite or facility fee.

2 – Primitive Campsites – Must hike 1/4- 1 mile from the parking area to these sites; not near the lake; within walking distance of 2-Acre Pond; heavily wooded, fairly flat; 2 areas, 100 sq. ft. each; pets allowed; no improvements; no ground fires; no designated sites:
$6 per night.

75 – Campsites with electric and water hookups:
$14 per night; $91 per week

12 – Screened Shelters:
$22 per night; $147 per week

8 – Shelters with amenities – Capacity is 8 at each site (sleeps 5 in 2 sets of bunk beds – one bunk has a full-sized mattress on the bottom.) They have A/C, Heat pump, paneled and painted; no linens, no inside plumbing; can bring cots and sleeping bags; located in Moccasin Track Loop:
$37 per night + occupancy tax

Group Picnic Pavilion (capacity 75):
$30 per day

National Weather Service forecast for this area.