The sound of coyotes echoing from the nearby lake and the occasional shuffle of wild boar around campsites define the overnight experience at Purtis Creek State Park Campground. Located an hour and a half east of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, this Texas Parks and Wildlife Department facility sits adjacent to a no-wake lake where dead trees create obstacles for paddlers but also fishing structure for anglers.
Sites spread across open terrain with natural separation provided by trees and tall grass. "Campsites are pretty private, treed," notes Debra F., though she cautions about "lots of dead trees everywhere" on the water. The campground accommodates RVs up to 40 feet with electric, water, and sewer hookups at developed sites, while primitive campsites require a 0.6-mile walk and offer direct lake access. Site spacing varies considerably, with some areas like sites 60-62 clustered together for groups.
The lake serves as the primary activity hub, with kayak and paddleboard rentals available along with a designated swimming area. Hiking trails include one and two-mile loops totaling about six miles, though reviewers describe them as unremarkable with limited wildlife viewing. Motor boats operate on the lake, and the fishing draws regular visitors from the region.
Road noise from nearby highways carries across most sites at all hours, a consistent concern among campers. James S. notes "car noise can be heard at almost all hours." Cell service proves spotty throughout the park. The facility maintains clean restrooms and offers firewood sales, though some visitors report occasional trash on trails and grounds.
Purtis Creek works well for RV campers seeking full hookups within driving distance of Dallas-Fort Worth, and for tent campers willing to hike to primitive sites for lake access and relative solitude.
Description
For further information about this park, Click here
If your plans change, please modify or cancel your reservation as soon as possible to allow someone else to enjoy the park.
DAY USE FEE:
$5 per day, per person 13 and older.
OFFICE AND GATE INFORMATION:
Gate is open from 6am to 10pm.
Office Hours:
Weekdays and weekends 8:15am to 4:30pm
Walk up window will be open until 15 minutes after office doors close.
SWIMMING:
Swimming allowed in designated area during daylight hours only (reservations are not required).
FISHING:
Fishing for largemouth bass over 16 inches is catch & release only. Catfish, crappie, bluegill and sand bass can be retained. Frozen bait and live worms available at park store.
Only 50 motorized boats are allowed on the lake at a time (first come, first served).
After park closing hours, non-camping park users may stay overnight on the lake by paying a $2 per night activity use fee per person in the office before closing or in the self-pay station before 10 pm. (Activity fee expires at 6am regardless of when time it was paid). The Activity use fee is for lake use only as the park observes quiet hours after 10 pm.
PARK PHONE NUMBER: 903-425-2332
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsPurtis Creek State Park Campground is located in Texas near Eustace
Directions
From Dallas: Take Hwy 175 South 60 miles to Eustace. Turn left on FM 316 N, go North for 3.2 miles to the Park. Entrance on the left. From Austin/San Antonio: Take I-35 North to 84 East. Go about 5 miles to Hwy 31 North to Athens. Take 175 North to Eustace. Turn right on FM 316 (North) for 3.2 miles to the Park. Entrance on the left.
Address
14225 FM 316 N
Eustace, TX 75124
Coordinates
32.35378576 N
95.99341875 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
T-MobileLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 3/15/26- VerizonLTESome Coverage
AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors- T-MobileLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 3/15/26
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Reservable
- WiFi
- Showers
- Electric Hookups
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- 30 Amp Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 46 min from Tyler, TX
- 56 min from Dallas, TX
- 1 hr 18 min from Longview, TX
- 1 hr 45 min from Waco, TX
