Purtis Creek State Park opened in 1988. It has a large lake.
Location
14225 FM 316 N., Eustace, Texas 75124
Cost
The entry fee for Purtis Creek 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 Purtis Creek 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 Purtis Creek State Park
Campsites
Hike-in primitive campsites are $10 per night. They are over half a mile from the parking area. There is a fire ring, but there is no water.
Walk-in campsites with water are $14 per night. They are a short walk from the parking area. The campsites have a picnic table, a fire ring with a grill and a lantern post. There is water and restrooms are in the area.
Campsites with electricity are $20 per night. They have a picnic table, and a lantern post. There are hookups for water and electricity. There are bathrooms with showers in the vicinity.
Group Facilities
There is a large group pavilion available for day use.
Restrooms in Purtis Creek State Park
There are bathrooms provided throughout the park. There is a chemical toilet in the primitive camping area. The camping loop has a bathroom with showers. There is also a bathroom near the picnic area.
Hiking Trails
There are several trails in the park for both hiking and biking.
Solar Walk Trail is 0.5 miles and has signs that show the scale of the planets in the solar system.
Wolfpen Hike and Bike Trail Blue Loop is 2 miles long.
What is there to do at Purtis Creek State Park?
You can fish in the lake. Fishing licenses are not required for fishing from the shores of a state park. There are fishing piers and fish cleaning stations.
Swimming is allowed in the lake. There is a dedicated swimming area. Glass containers are not allowed in the swimming area. Dogs are not allowed in the swimming area.
Kayaks are available to rent in the park. Life jackets and paddles are included with rental fees.
Have a picnic at a picnic table by the lake. There is also a playground for children.
Dogs at Purtis Creek State Park
Purtis Creek 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 at the dedicated swimming area.
What to do near Purtis Creek State Park
Athens, Texas
Athens, Texas is 15 miles from the park. Athens is the county seat of Henderson, Texas and has a population of 13,000 people. Athens is known as the Black Eyed Pea Capital of the World. Visit the East Texas Arboretum or get dinner at Ochoa’s Mexican Restaurant.
Dallas, Texas
Dallas, Texas is 62 miles from the park. Dallas is a very large city. It has museums, restaurants, and nightlife.