Martin Dies Jr. State Park opened in 1965. The park is named after Martine Dies, Jr. who was a state senator and the former Secretary of State of Texas.
Location
634 Park Road 48 South, Jasper, Texas 75951
Cost
The entry fee for Martin Dies, Jr. State Park is $4 per person over the age of 13. There is free admission for people ages 12 and under.
There are additional fees for overnight stays which vary depending on the type of lodging or campsite.
To save money when visiting Martin Dies, Jr. State Park, I recommend looking at a Texas State Parks Pass. The pass costs $70 a year. The benefit of the pass is that it allows the pass holder, and any passengers in their vehicle to enter the park without paying the day use fee.
Reservations
Reservations can be made in advance online. Reservations can be made for campsites or for day use. Reservations should be made as soon as you know your plans.
This is a popular park that often reaches capacity, even for day use. If you do not have a reservation you may be turned away at the gate.
Staying at Martin Dies, Jr. State Park
Campsites
Campsites with water are $14 per night. The campsites have a picnic table, a lantern post, and a fire ring with a grill. There is water and there are bathrooms with showers in the vicinity.
Campsites with electricity are $16 – $20 per night. These campsites have a picnic table, a lantern post, and a fire ring with a grill. There are hookups for water and electricity. There are bathrooms with showers in the vicinity.
Cabins
Cabins in this park do not have bathrooms, kitchens or even beds. Fridays and Saturdays can only be reserved together.
Basic cabins are $45 per night. They have electricity and air conditioning. There is a picnic table, a lantern post, and a fire ring with a grill. There are no beds in the cabin. Dogs are not allowed in the cabin. Bathrooms with showers are not at the cabin, but are in the vicinity.
Cabins with a screened porch are $55 per night. They have electricity and air conditioning. There is a picnic table, a lantern post, and a fire ring with a grill. There are no beds Dogs are not allowed in the cabin. Bathrooms with showers are not at the cabin, but are in the vicinity.
Restrooms in Martin Dies, Jr. State Park
There are bathrooms provided throughout the park. Restrooms in the camping loops have showers.
Hiking Trails
There are man trails in the park. There are hike and bike trails as well as paddling trails to be used by canoes and kayaks.
Slough Trail is 2.2 miles long. It is the longest and most challenging hiking trail in the park.
Wildlife Trail is 1.4 miles long and passes through clearings and woods.
Forest Trail is 1 mile long and has lots of trees.
What is there to do at Martin Dies, Jr. State Park?
You can fish in the lake. There are piers to fish from, and some campsites have banks suitable for fishing. Fishing licenses are not required for fishing from the shores of a state park.
Swimming is allowed in the lake. There is a designated swimming area in Hen House Ridge Unit. Dogs and glass containers are not allowed in the designated swimming area.
You can play volleyball on the volleyball court.
Kayaks and canoes are available to rent in the park. There are over 13 miles of paddling trails to explore in a kayak or a canoe.
Try you hand at nature photography or going birding. Armadillo, deer, and rabbits live in the park.
Go stargazing. There are lots of stars visible in the park at night.
Dogs at Martin Dies, Jr. State Park
Martin Dies, Jr. State Park allows dogs into the park. Dogs must be on a leash in public areas of the park including on hiking trails. Owners must clean up after their dogs.
Dogs are not allowed inside any of the buildings, including bathrooms.
Dogs are not allowed in the designated swimming area.
What to do near Martin Dies, Jr.State Park
Woodville, Texas
Woodville, Texas is 16 miles from the park. Woodville is the county seat of Tyler County, Texas and has a population of 2,400 people. There is the Allan Shivers Library and Museum or the Heritage Village Museum. The town has gas stations, fast-food, and hotels and a Walmart.
Jasper, Texas
Japser, Texas is 12 miles from the park. Jasper is the county seat of Jasper County, Texas and has a population of 7,500 people. You can visit the Jasper County Historical Museum. The Belle-Jim Hotel is in a historic building and has both a hotel and restaurant. There are also gas stations, fast food, and stores like Walmart and Tractor Supply if you need to pick up some camping supplies.