Martin Creek Lake State Park covers 287 acres of East Texas woodland terrain with water recreation options on a 5,000-acre lake. Located 12 miles from Henderson, the area features pine forests typical of the Pineywoods ecoregion and moderate temperatures that rarely dip below freezing. Campers should note that while the park offers year-round access, summer humidity can reach uncomfortable levels from June through August.
What to do
Island camping adventures: Martin Creek Lake State Park Campground offers a unique primitive camping experience on an island accessible by a short trail. "My wife and I did our first camp at Martin Creek Lake state park the other week. We highly recommend their primitive camping option on the island. Remember to bring your wagon, the parking lot is a good 70 yards to the camp sites," notes Aaron K., who appreciated the secluded setting.
Train watching opportunities: Rusk Depot Campground provides a rare chance to see historic trains in operation. "The texas state RR train engine car came through one time in the afternoon to turn around to pull the train back to palestine...that's pretty unique and a cool thing at a campsite," according to Lisa P. Train enthusiasts can watch depot operations throughout the day.
Water recreation options: Tyler State Park Campground features a 64-acre lake with multiple water activities. "The lake was perfect and had a nice beach. We were able to rent kayaks and paddle boats," shares Sarah J. The swimming area includes designated sections for families with small children, and the rental options are available from March through October.
What campers like
Peaceful wooded settings: The Boulders at Lake Tyler provides waterfront camping with concrete sites and natural views. "Beautiful park with lots of Character. The buildings are very cute with vintage signs including lots of neon signs and a few murals," notes Sheila C., who appreciated the lake views despite some tight spaces for RVs.
Clean facilities: Campers repeatedly mention well-maintained bathrooms and amenities at several parks. "The bathrooms and shower are clean, there's a community kitchen that has a microwave, coffee maker, and refrigerator. The whole place is decorated very nicely," says Karen M. about Music Springs, which offers yurt camping near Henderson, Texas.
Spacious campsites: Rusk KOA earns praise for its level sites and layout. "The sites are level pull-through sites and most have a clear view of the playground, which gives the kids a sense of freedom," reports Lisa P. Many campers appreciate the concrete pads and full hookups available at most sites.
What you should know
Power plant proximity: Martin Creek Lake State Park sits near an active power plant that creates background noise. "There's a power plant over there. Didn't know that when I booked my site," mentions Shane H., who still enjoyed his stay despite the constant hum. The noise is most noticeable in the campground sections closest to the lake.
Limited yurt availability: Yurt camping options near Henderson, Texas fill quickly during peak seasons. "If you get reservations it's kinda like winning the lottery," explains Tammie L. about securing spots at Tyler State Park, where yurts must be booked 3-6 months in advance for summer weekends.
Ants and poison ivy concerns: Martin Creek Lake State Park Campground has natural hazards to watch for. "My 'beware' is that there is an abundance of Poison Ivy around. So if you are bothered by that be very careful," warns Lori C. Multiple reviews mention fire ants as well, particularly during warmer months.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Jellystone Park™ Tyler offers numerous activities for children. "We just completed our first visit to this park! Our daughter has a December birthday, and she decided to not have a party, but to go camping instead! We stayed busy the entire stay! So much fun and lots to do with hay rides, gem stone mining, laser tag, outdoor movies, crafts, mini golf," explains Savanah H. The park charges additional fees for some activities.
Playground access: Parks with visible playground equipment from campsites allow parents to supervise from a distance. "The sites are level pull-through sites and most have a clear view of the playground, which gives the kids a sense of freedom," notes a visitor to Rusk KOA, appreciating the layout that lets children play while adults relax nearby.
Educational opportunities: Several campgrounds offer nature programs during summer months. "We took the grandson and we had a blast. Lots of fishing and swimming," shares Angie H. about Martin Creek Lake, where ranger-led programs teach children about local wildlife and ecosystems on weekend mornings.
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: The pull-through sites at The Boulders at Lake Tyler require careful planning. "We had number # 17 and it was a little tricky to get into the site deep enough that your slides don't stick out into the road. It made our patio area smaller. But it was right on the water so it was worth it," advises Sheila C., noting the trade-off between waterfront location and space limitations.
Full hookup availability: Music Springs offers glamping in yurts near Henderson, Texas with electric hookups but limited RV amenities. "Had access to a outdoor kitchen and awesome bathrooms. We fell in love with the place," reports David T., highlighting the communal facilities that compensate for the minimal RV hookups at this smaller, intimate campground with just three sites.
Seasonal considerations: RV campers should prepare for humidity and heat during summer months. "This was our first outing in our recently purchased Class B. We stopped for one night on a holiday weekend but wish we had had more time," shares kathy H. about The Boulders at Lake Tyler, recommending spring or fall visits when temperatures are milder and humidity levels lower.
