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Purtis Creek State Park
Purtis Creek State Park © charlie llewellin / CC BY-SA 2.0
Purtis Creek State Park © WestonEyes / CC BY 2.0
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PURTIS CREEK STATE PARK
PURTIS CREEK STATE PARK
14225 FM 316 N.
Eustace, Texas   75124
(lat:32.366 lon:-95.9922) map location

Phone: 903-425-2332
Purtis Creek State Park is good fishing and shady campsites. Park planners designed the unique 355-acre lake specifically for fishing.

Fish for plentiful largemouth bass these are catch-and-release only. Large catfish and crappie are abundant you can take these catches home for dinner.

Purtis Creek State Park is 1,582.4 acres in Henderson and Van Zandt counties. The state acquired the park property in 1977 from private owners. The park opened in 1988.
History of the Area
Native Americans from the Wichita and Caddo tribes once roamed this area. Just east of the park, on private property, is a cliff overhang under which Native Americans took shelter. Petroglyphs carved into the rock walls indicate this was a good hunting area.

The abundance of wild game drew white settlers here in the early to mid-1800s. The settlers established many small towns and communities during this time.

On the south border of the park lies a road 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 Chief Bowl died in the battle of the Neches in 1839.
Swimming
1. Purtis Creek State Park offers a designated swimming area in the park's 355-acre lake.
2. No lifeguards are on duty, so swim at your own risk.
3. Swimming is allowed from sunrise to sunset only.
4. The use of personal flotation devices for safety while swimming is encouraged by the park officials.
5. Pets are not permitted within or near the designated swimming areas due to health regulations and visitor comfort considerations.

Fishing
Enjoy fishing in a 355-acre lake, home to largemouth bass, catfish and crappie. Catch-and-release rules apply for the bass.


Location
Purtis Creek State Park is located near Athens, Canton and Kaufman

Picnicking
Purtis Creek State Park offers numerous picnic sites with grills, tables and restrooms. Some areas also have playgrounds nearby.
Bicycling
Be aware, biking is permitted on designated trails only. Helmets are recommended for safety purposes.

The park offers a 4-mile trail suitable for mountain bikes and casual riders alike.

It's important to note that some sections of the path can be challenging due to uneven terrain or steep inclines.

Remember, cyclists must yield right-of-way to pedestrians and horseback riders where applicable.

Always stay alert as wildlife may cross your path unexpectedly while you're cycling through this natural haven in Texas.

Cyclists should also carry water bottles since there aren't many refill stations along the routes.
Birding
Birdwatchers can spot species like the Red-tailed Hawk, Eastern Bluebird and Belted Kingfisher. The park's diverse habitats attract a variety of birds throughout the year. Birding trails provide opportunities to see waterfowl on the lake or songbirds in woodland areas. Other common sightings include Wood Ducks, Great Egrets and American White Pelicans during migration seasons.

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Texas
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Texas State Parks

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