On Sunday morning while in Tyler, my girlfriend and I made a drive up to Tyler State Park to adventure through the piney woods and explore another great state park together. What's really great about Tyler State Park is that it is not too far off of I-20 and the heart of downtown Tyler. It's actually kind of mesmerizing how close this preserved state park is from the city and how many people don't take that quick drive on a spring day. There's plenty of hiking to do on the almost one thousand acres of land. My girlfriend and I hiked the B Loop hiking trail, which is a little over 3 miles and was a very easy adventure for us. I wanted us to do more, but our legs were tired, so we called it there. Instead, we went to the Northside Day-Use Area to get our feet in the water and enjoy the view of the lake. Overall, it's a really fantastic park and I hope to return to do all A through D on the hiking trail. RIYL: Adventuring through the trees read more

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Gorgeous park! Came here for the first time this year for our first day hike. Then I made a pact to come back and camp here, which I just accomplished over the weekend. Can't speak much on the staff bc we barely interacted with them, they seemed mostly unbothered and nonchalant. We rent a screened shelter for 2 nights, Fri - Sunday. We actually got the last open shelter for the weekend, so we got lucky! We stayed in section 9. Very pretty area. Most of our fellow campers were courteous, although on our first night we heard music blaring from another part of section 9. For us to be able to hear it from where we were, they must have been LOUD so I can only imagine how their actual neighbors felt. And even though quiet hours are at 10, this music went on until probably around 11:30ish range. I also heard screaming and very loud laughing. Sounded like teenagers maybe. Remember people.... We all came out here to enjoy nature. Be courteous if you're sharing the space with other campers. Leave no trace ALSO includes noise pollution. It's ok to play some music and have a good time - I know I did! But I kept my music very low, and made sure to keep my voice down or at least not at such a volume that I could be heard across the camp ground. Anyway aside from that we had a wonderful time. The shelter was clean, the surrounding area was free of litter. We hiked, swam, made campsites, cooked, played games, rested in the grass, and had a grand time. I'd have to put this park up there on my list of top 5 parks. It's has everything! It definitely gave me *summer camp* vibes. The only thing I probably wouldn't recommend is the boat rentals. They are quite pricey. If you can swing it, bring your own! read more

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This was my first visit to Tyler SP. With the exception of the bridge being out and the long drive around the park, it was great for the 2 nights we stayed. There's several raccoons and possums, please do not feed them. We all stayed on Lakeview and some of us (4 campers) had a great view of the lake. Must visit again! read more

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My new favorite State Park! It was New Year's Day and the wife and I wanted to do some type of outdoor activity with the Grandbubbies! We have always wanted to check out the lake, but were even more thrilled to find that they had a walking trail all the way around. Talk about gorgeous views and a glorious day! The grandcubs had a blast, as we got to stretch the legs, see some wildlife, and enjoy the scenery. This will be our new stomping grounds every time I'm in town! Thinking about getting one of them annual park passes! I absolutely recommend this park, as the terrain is relatively easy to walk around, has a small general store, looks as though there are camping sites available and several BBQ areas and tables around for day picnics. As always, Enjoy & Happy Trails to you! read more

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BEAUTIFUL!! Lots of tucked away camping spots. Gorgeous lake that was warm enough for a swim and easily accessible. Bathrooms/showers weren't bad- hard to keep all those bugs away. Would definitely return! read more

Tyler State Park - Entrance. - Parks Near Me - Tyler, Texas

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Tyler State Park has several fees. Nothing seemed to be for free. We stopped while traveling, not to stay but simply to take a break. You would think with all the excessive taxes we pay to the state, we should be able to hang out at a state park for 30 minutes. read more

The park is recently renovated; the facilities are clean and park store had lots of options for purchases. Lots of campsites but still very quiet. The hiking trails were enjoyable.. there is one that walks around the lake that is recommended. Boats, canoe, and kayaks are available for rent. The pictures on the website aren't as helpful when trying to picking out your site, since the photos are pre renovations. But overall enjoyable camp and some scenic spots. read more

Tyler State Park - Parks Near Me - Tyler, Texas

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Beautiful and so much to do. You can rent almost everything you need to have a great time.

Beautiful place, great hiking - rent some boats, have lunch on the lake. Really beautiful lake, great swimming

I enjoyed my time at Tyler State Park. It is a large park with many campsites. There were lot of animal noises (one growling) throughout the night so if you are tent camping, I'd recommend ear plugs. Hiking early in the morning was great. There was no one else on the trails and the water was still, very peaceful. read more

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Absolutely enjoyed the atmosphere and the lake was amazing. We took a travel BBQ grill and found a great spot under a big shady tree, up and away from the water but still close enough to the restrooms. The kids had a blast swimming and chowing down on BBQ chicken, then swimming again. The restrooms and showers were clean. Nice! Parking, well, the truth is early bird gets the worm (if you catch my drift!). Late afternoon got busy as the heat died down and people were feeling the need to check out the water. Overall experience A+. What a nice park and DATDEB highly recommends Tyler State Park to all ages. read more

Great place for hiking, camping, kayaking. They rent kayaks, canoes, stand up paddle board, peddle boat for $20 first hour. The camping looks great with campers and tent sites. They were fully booked when we went so we only did a day pass for hiking. Hiked around the lake, 2 miles, nice leisure hike. Then we hiked the B trail and accidentally ended up adding the C trail to it for a 5 mile. The directional signage aren't the greatest. So then we had a total of 7 miles combined. Whew!! It was great anyways. Absolutely beautiful place. They have many different trails and trail types along with mountain biking trails too. read more

I have never felt compelled to go camping in my life. We enjoy hiking and regularly make day trips to parks for hiking and/or swimming, but the thought to pitch a tent and sleep overnight literally never occurred to me until this year. With the price of hotels rising and my kids getting big enough to necessitate two hotel rooms, I realized if we want to continue taking frequent trips I'd better learn to like camping. Tyler State Park provided a great first camping experience. We reserved a screen shelter online, which was a good middle ground between a primitive camping site and an air conditioned cabin. The screened shelters have concrete floors, a roof, and walls that are half siding half screens. There are four electrical outlets inside the shelter and two outside of it. There is a fluorescent overhead light and a water spout about 15 feet from the shelter. We stayed in shelter #928, which was conveniently located near the bathroom, with steps leading directly to it. From the shelter, you can walk everywhere in the park, including the trails, the swimming area, the boat rentals, and the park store. Tyler State Park is GORGEOUS. It is wooded and lush and most of the campsites are entirely shaded by the trees. There is a lake in the center of the park where visitors can swim or boat (non-motorized boats). You can rent a row boat, kayak, or pedal boat by the hour. The designated swimming area has a floating dock for kids to swim out to and jump off of. We walked both the trail around the lake and the Whispering Pines trail (which is separate from the lake, closer to the park entrance). The trail around the lake is probably around 3 miles and is mostly shaded. The Whispering Pines trail is 1 mile, shaded completely, and follows a stream that feeds the lake. There is a small waterfall (not huge, but bigger than I anticipated based on reviews I had read prior). The designated swimming area is in front of the park store and has a grassy incline where visitors can lay out a picnic blanket. It rained the first morning we were camping and the water level of the lake was very high, covering the jumping dock and rising up past some of the grass. There is quite a big drop off as you walk into the water (imagine a pool edge, not a beach) and this made the swimming area a little more hazardous for non-swimmers. The bathroom next to the screened shelters was modern but unfortunately not cleaned frequently enough. I think it was cleaned the day we arrived (Friday), but it had not been cleaned again by the time we left on Sunday. Between the rain and the mud and the weekend being a busy time for camping, by the end even my daughters wanted to pee outside. Still, we had a FABULOUS time. We experienced a massive early morning thunderstorm, tasted wild berries from off the lake trail, spotted lots of birds, snakes, and fish, jumped off the dock many times, and enjoyed time together as a family. We left more tired and more joy-filled than we've been in a long time. Three cheers for Tyler State Park! A couple quick tips, for another novice camper reading this: 1. Bring a broom. I read that previously there were brooms inside the screened shelter, but there are no longer. 2. Bring a big tarp. When it rained, the porous concrete got wet from underneath and water beaded up on the surface. Everything on the floor was wet! 3. Camping anytime between May and October, bring a fan for the shelter 4. Campers with kids who may have to use the bathroom at night, I would choose shelters 928, 929, 918, or 919 for their direct access to the bathroom facilities. read more

Favorite Texas state park yet! This was a nice little day trip from DFW and well worth it. From the moment I pulled into the gate, I felt like I was in another state. The trees and landscape are beautiful and really make you feel like you're away from it all. My friend and I did the A, B, C loop trails and clocked with about seven miles full of ups and downs but not too challenging. They have clean restrooms and picnic tables at the trailhead so you can sit down and have a snack or meal afterwards. I cannot recommend enough! read more

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We just got back from our first camping trip at Tyler State Park. The camp grounds are kept very clean and is very spacious to set up all your gears. My three boys had fun running around, exploring, enjoying the hammock and the beautiful lake view we had from our camp site. The bathrooms and showers were very close by too. They are very old (even though I can see that they are trying to keep it as clean as possible). From our campground there were several trails that was easily accessible with little children. We had fun exploring them all. We absolutely loved our first experiencing camping here. And the park rangers were so helpful and friendly making sure everything is okay. 5 stars all the way! read more

Tyler State Park - Beautiful tall trees on the campground - Parks Near Me - Tyler, Texas

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Easily the best state park in Texas. We've been here twice and both times found the park clean and trails cleared. Both times we rented a shelter and these have electric as well as water outside. There are usually benches outside the shelters as well. With more than 10 miles of trails to hike this park, the views of the water and different trails make it our go to outdoor spot. read more

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This is my family and I's favorite state park we have visited so far. We recently bought an RV and have been taking it all over the country. My son and I came here first for a boys trip and had the time of our lives together. We went hiking, fishing, bike riding, I showed him how to start a campfire with a magnifying glass. The gift shop is full of all sorts of neat camping and assorted gadgets for Fishing, marshmallow roasting, RV literature from the 1930s to present day. We will definitely be back, but only after we visit all of Texas' other awesome parks. read more

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This park is absolutely gorgeous with great hiking trails. Unfortunately it is one of the loudest parks we've been too. Last visit, someone arrived after 2 am being ridiculously loud and chopping wood. My husband had to go tell them to knock it off. This visit, in a different section, we had two separate families that were extremely, I mean obnoxiously loud. Kids screaming at the top of their lungs and men hooting and hollering when they scored at corn hole. One had a huge group definitely violating the tent and car policy. We could hear them 4 sites away. We were annoyed but tolerating it until they began to scream back and forth with a group about 6 sites away. Eventually, we just hung out at the day use area to avoid the aggravation. We only saw a ranger drive by once during our 3 day stay. This would be a fantastic park if there was more patrolling and enforcement of rules. Not over patrolling cause who likes that. Just basic. read more

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Pretty Park! BUT, expect loud music, generators, large family crowds, people using the handicap spaces with no tags,trash,diapers, the rangers need to enforce the rules!!!!!! read more

Beautiful campground with really great sites in the lake view area. It was peaceful and quiet. A power line was down upon our arrival though and we were without electricity in the dark to set up...it took several hours but the power was back on the same night. We will definitely be back to this park however, the restrooms though are in need of some help.. spiders all over the place and overall not super clean. The showers are not ideal and are essentially a concrete single person stall that isn't very clean. read more

Great trails and a Great Lake to fish on with the family! Staff was very friendly! Facilities were clean.

Another example of why Texas State Parks are so wonderful. Check in was fast and nice. Campsite was clean, cool (it was February), and calming. It was beautiful to see what the Piney Woods are supposed to look like. read more

This park is absolutely beautiful. I always enjoy visiting it. It's clean and the staff are so nice. It's the perfect spot for a place to clear your head on a hike or a weekend camping trip. read more

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Its funny to review a state park but this one is GREAT!! Lots of 'types' of camp areas. Well maintained, too! The lake is beautiful! Knowledgeable, friendly staff round out the experience. read more

Beautiful park nice swimming area with Platform. Staffed daily and you can visit constantly with a Texas State Park Pass.

Great place to swim, fish, hike. Love watching all the wildlife. You can rent paddleboats or canoe. Everyone is very helpful,. read more

Great hiking! It does not feel like "Texas" in these woods, it feels like you're up north in Colorado or Utah - there are big, gorgeous pine trees all over and they smell amazing. We didn't camp, so I can't comment on that, but our day trip of hiking and playing and picnicking was really great. We will definitely be back! read more

Great staff and very nice rv sites! They have full hookups and lots of activities! They are in the process of building a new center that will be super nice! read more

Just spent the weekend in cabin 4. The cabin was clean and comfortable, and a little more private than the others. The Whispering Pines Trailhead is right behind, so it was easy to get up and walk through this in the morning - beautiful, short, easy trail. The restrooms by the cabins were clean, but dimly lit - so bring your flashlights. :) We also did the Lakeshore trail and the Loop C trail, which were more crowded and you never feel like you're "away from it all". The Whispering Pines Trail, although short, was serene and lovely. All in all, this was worth the drive from Austin. read more

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I'm not sure why it costs 50% more than other TX state parks I have visited. It certainly has some nice walking trails and a lake that belongs in tv shows. read more

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We had such a great experience here. The park staff was friendly and knowledgeable. The facilities were relatively clean. The park store was incredibly well-stocked. There were numerous option for water craft rentals on the lake. All in all, we had a really great time and will definitely be back. read more

Tyler State Park - Camp site - Parks Near Me - Tyler, Texas

Great campgrounds! I can't think of anything that needed improvement. Nice tent pads with tons of trees & abundant nature. Pretty cheap fees. Parking close by. LITTLE LAKE only FEET away! Beautiful. One of the top campsites I've been to! read more

Tyler State Park - view of the water from campsite - Parks Near Me - Tyler, Texas

Tyler State Park has one of the best woods I have ever seen. I've been to at least seven campgrounds this summer and this one is sure on the top of my list. As you enter the park you're instantly surrounded by tall green trees, everywhere. I know every park has trees, but when you come here you'll know exactly what I mean. Definitely go before the fall season. The area is slightly hilly which makes it more exciting to drive around. It reminds me of driving around in Pennsylvania. It's just breathtaking! There is a hiking trail around the lake that will also lead you into the woods for less than half a mile and that's when you really start to enjoy nature... and then you're back out walking along the lake. I recommend visiting the hiking trail at this park. Swimming is available along with several rentals-- so yes, it's a plus for having recreational activities. Picnic areas are available for just those who want to come enjoy the park for the day. I love the scenery and being surrounded by all the trees. read more

Tyler State Park - Hickory Hollow site - Parks Near Me - Tyler, Texas

Beautiful park and the staff is so friendly. They gave our kiddos puppy food to feed the ducks with and offered to take our photo as well. Super sweet people. read more

Review of the campground- We were only there for a quick overnight stop, but we really liked the park. Spots were nicely spaced, wooded, and nice flat dirt camping pads separate from the parking spot. Bathroom was a short and impossible to get lost walk - right at the top of the hill. We did get a "nice try on not paying tag" on our car in the AM even tho we'd self-registered, but the folks at the office couldn't have been nicer about it, so it was no problem, unlike some frosting dealings with campground hosts we've had the ranger here was very nice. read more

Tyler State Park - Our spot at Tyler SP, 3rd or 4th up but still has a lake view - Parks Near Me - Tyler, Texas

Took a day trip to East Texas to scout out possible tent camping spots and TSP was our first stop. The drive took about an hour and a half from our east Dallas home not counting the requisite stop at Buc-ee's in Terrell. While I can't add much to what other Yelpers have said, I will say that it is a beautiful place and well worth the drive if you're hankering to get out of Big D even for a day. We were greeted by the park staff and, I have to say, were made to feel welcome right away. One helpful take away came when I asked about the need for midweek camping reservations. The lady behind the desk said, yes, because "we had no winter." Good to know. If you want to get out on the water they have canoes and paddle boats (four seaters) for rent. And hiking opportunities are available for all ages. And, the park is fairly close to Canton and Edom if you're so inclined. And, of course, they've got all the usual stuff - picnic tables, charcoal grills, mountain bike trails - you get the picture. Although I've only stayed in a few Texas State Parks, I'm a real fan. Most are very well maintained and have flush toilets and hot showers in the bath house. 'Nuff said? Also, they offer special discounts for seniors and others. Texas State Parks are totally rad. Check their website. Or catch their weekly show Saturday mornings on KERA 13. read more

Great trails. Best place to go kayaking in East Texas. The kids love swimming in the swim area with the dock. It's a slice of heaven for me and my dog. read more

An absolutely beautiful place to spend time with the family, pups, and friends in the great outdoors. We love fishing here and spending our evenings relaxing here as well. Check it out read more

Really nice park. But people don't watch their kids! There was at least 15 kids riding bikes around the area. One even hit my truck! I will never camp in that area again! Plus the campers are to close together! You can see everything and everybody! Not enough privacy for me to camp there again! If I could give it 0 stars I would! read more

Tyler State Park - Camping area big pine - Parks Near Me - Tyler, Texas

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Beautiful park! Very clean and all the staff have been really nice. We have loved camping here and will definitely come back. The raccoons are everywhere like other reviews have said so keep trash and anything else you don't want them going through put away. This is definitely one of our top parks now! We also loved the trails! read more

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