Purtis Creek State Park is composed of 1,582.4 acres in Henderson and Van Zandt counties. The property was acquired in 1977 from private owners and opened to the public in 1988.
The area was once roamed by the Wichita and Caddo Indians. To the east of the park is a cliff over hang that was used by the Indians as shelter. In the cliff walls petroglyphs are carved into the rock which depict the area as good hunting grounds. 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.
Purtis Creek State Park is full of fun. The park offers camping, picnicking, fishing, boating, and hiking. Paddle boats, kayaks and canoes can be rented in the park. The 355 acre lake provides good fishing opportunities for anglers. The lake is full of largemouth bass, which may be fished on a “catch and release” basis, along with large catfish and crappie which may be retained. Special programs and tours are available upon request. 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 who are not camping may stay overnight on the lake by paying an per person activity use fee, which expires at 7 am. Park facilities include campsites with water and electricity; water only campsites; primitive campsites (minimum 1/2 mile hike); an overflow camping area; a covered group pavilion; lighted fishing piers; fish-cleaning shelters; boat ramps; courtesy docks; picnic sites; and a playground.
Weather: July average high is 96; January average low is 36; April and May are wettest months; first/last freeze: November 26/March 11.
Schedule: Open: 7 days a week year-round. Busy Season: March through November and every first Monday weekend.
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.
Entrance Fees
$3 per day, per person 13 and older
Special entrance rates for holders of:
Youth Group Annual Entrance Permit.
Texas Parklands Passport (Bluebonnet Pass)
Facility Fees
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 and 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.
14 – Primitive hike-in (.65 miles) campsites – Must hike-in a a minimum of .65 miles (1.3 mile round trip):
$6 per night
5 – Walk-in (10-15 yards) Campsites:
$10 per night
59 – Campsites with electric & water hook-ups:
$16 per night
$80 per week (December – February)
Overflow Camping Area:
$6 per night
Day Use Only Facilities
Group Picnic Pavilion (capacity 100):
$45 per day
National Weather Service forecast for this area.
Due to a road construction project being done by the Texas Department of Transportation, portions of the Park are scheduled be closed to public access beginning on September 6, 2011. The closure may last until October 13, 2011. Contact the Park for more information.
Areas scheduled to be closed for public access during this time are:
- Camping Sites – Overflow Tent Camping Area, Water & Electric Sites # 1-59; Primitive Camping Loop
- Trails – Wolfpen Hike & Bike, Beaver Slide Nature Path, Solar Walk
- Other – The Camping Loop Lighted Fishing Pier & the Fish Cleaning Station