Cooper Lake State Park opened in 1996. The man-made lake was completed in 1991, and the lake was opened to the public in 1992.
The park has two sections. Doctor’s Creek is located on the north side of the lake and South Sulphur is located on the south side of the lake.
Location
There are two sections of Cooper Lake State Park. The park is located 90 miles from Dallas, Texas.
Doctor’s Creek Unit 95 Park Road 8154, Cooper, Texas 75432
South Sulphur Unit 1690 FM 3505 Sulphur Springs, Texas
Cost
The entry fee for Cooper Lake State Park is $5 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 Cooper Lake 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.
Due to its proximity to Dallas, this park often is busy throughout spring, summer, and fall.
Staying at Cooper Lake State Park
Campsites at Cooper Lake State Park
There are two sections of this park, and both sections have camping loops in them. Make sure to book your campsite in the section of the park that you are intending to stay in.
Doctor’s Creek Unit Campsites
Premium tent sites are $20. These sites have a shelter over a picnic area, and electricity. Restrooms are available in the vicinity.
Campsites with electricity range from $25 – $30 per night, depending on if they are 30 amp or 50 amp. These sites have picnic tables, grills, fire rings, and water hookups. Restrooms are available in the vicinity.
South Sulphur Unit Campsites
Walk-in campsites with water are $15 per night. There are a moderate distance from the parking area. These campsites have a picnic table, a fire ring, and a lantern post. There are water and restrooms in the vicinity.
Campsites with electricity range from $25 – $30 per night, depending on if they are 30 amp or 50 amp. These sites have picnic tables, grills, fire rings, and water hookups. Restrooms are available in the vicinity.
Cabins at Cooper Lake State Park
Cabins are available in both the Doctors Creek Unit and the South Sulphur Springs Unit. Cabins are $60 per night.
The cabins have electricity, air-conditioning, a microwave, and a refrigerator. There is a picnic table, bunk beds, and water outside. Restrooms are not in the cabins, but are available in the vicinity. Bring your own linens, and pets are not allowed.
South Sulphur Unit has six person cabins with bathrooms available for $125 per night. These cabins have electricity, air conditioning and many other amenities. There is a bathroom with a shower and a tub. The kitchen has a sink, microwave and stove. There is a dining area, a deck, and a couch. Pets are not allowed and you must bring your own linens.
Equestrian Campsites at Cooper Lake State Park
South Sulphur Unit has equestrian campsites with electricity. They start at $25 per night.
Group Facilities
Both sections of the park have screened shelters, pavilions, and group campsites available.
Hiking Trails
Doctor’s Creek Unit has four hiking trails. All of the trails are easy and fairly short.
South Sulphur Unit has six hiking trails. Some of these trails and longer and more challenging.
Lonesome Dove Loop Is 4.8 miles long and the most difficult trail in the park.
What is there to do at Cooper Lake State Park?
You can fish in Cooper Lake. Fishing licenses are not required for fishing from the shores of a state park.
Swimming is allowed in the river, and in the swimming holes. The Spicewood Springs Trail offers access to the Spicewood Springs watering hole and waterfalls.
Kayaks are available for rent from either unit of the park. There are singles and doubles.
Try you hand at nature photography or going birding. Armadillo, bobcats, foxes, and rabbits live in the park.
The Buggy Whip Equestrian Trail is 10.5 miles long, and has access to the equestrian campsites in the South Sulphur Unit.
What to do near Cooper Lake State Park
Commerce, Texas
A town of 9,000 people and has the Northeast Texas Children’s Museum. The town also has shops and restaurants.
Cooper, Texas
A town of 2,000 people and has a Dairy Queen.
Sulphur Springs, Texas
A town of 15,000 people and the county seat of Hopkins County, Texas. The town has a historic courthouse and revitalized downtown.