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Illustrative landscape
Martin Creek Lake State Park wraps around a warm-water 5,000-acre lake in the piney woods of East Texas. The power-plant-heated water creates an extended season for fishing and swimming, with excellent bass and catfish. Island-studded coves and pine-shaded campsites make it a hidden gem.
Campsites
83 campsites
Region
East Texas
Guide rate from
$15/night*
Entrance
$4/person
Short answer
Most Texas state park overnight camping and lodging reservations can be made up to five months in advance. Confirm the current reservation schedule for your accommodation and dates with Texas Parks and Wildlife.
Texas Parks and Wildlife reservation guidance · Checked 2026-09-07.
Compare your options
Campsite types
*Guide prices only. Confirm current rates when booking.
Water + Electric
$20/night*13 sites
Water, 30-amp electric (premium lakefront)RV OKTent OK
Water + Electric
$20/night*6 sites
Water, 50-amp electricRV OKTent OK
Water + Electric
$17/night*37 sites
Water, 30-amp electricRV OKTent OK
Primitive Hike-in
$15/night*6 sites
No water or restrooms - walk in 200 yards, pack inTent OK
Screened Shelter
$30/night*19 sites
Electricity, picnic table, fire ring with grill, outside water spigot; restrooms with showers nearby
Cabin
$85/night*2 sites
Two double beds, kitchen (stove/oven, microwave, refrigerator, sink), private bathroom with shower and tub, central air and heat, screened porch
Book directly with the park
Most Texas state park overnight camping and lodging reservations can be made up to five months in advance. Confirm the current reservation schedule for your accommodation and dates with Texas Parks and Wildlife. Confirm current inventory, rates, fees, and seasonal details on the official booking site.
Texas state parks don’t have live cancellation alerts yet — but most sold-out sites free up 1–2 weeks before the date. We’ll email you the booking playbook (exact release times, the cancellation window, how to pounce) and tell you first if live Texas alerts launch.
Get the Texas state-park booking playbook
Location & trip guide
Tatum, Texas
Martin Creek Lake State Park is in East Texas, about 4 hr 15 min from Austin. Use the official booking provider for current arrival directions and access details.
Get directions ↗Best campsites
For Families:Book the premium lakefront water/electric sites first — they sit closest to the water and go fastest
For Privacy:The primitive tent-only sites, reached by a footbridge to an island, offer the most solitude (no water or restrooms — pack in)
For RVs:Standard sites with 50-amp electric and water are the best bet for larger rigs
When to Go
Year-round due to warm water. Spring and fall weekends are busiest for camping. Fishing is good all year.
Tips
- →The warm water makes this lake fishable year-round
- →Kayak through the island coves — it feels like you are on a much bigger lake
- →Excellent for bass tournament practice due to warm water
- →Bring a hammock — the pine-shaded sites are perfect for it
Highlights
Warm-water lake (extended swimming season)Island-studded coves for kayakingExcellent largemouth bass fishingPine-shaded campsites3 miles of nature trailsPaddleboard and kayak friendly
Martin Creek Lake State Park — Frequently Asked
Is Martin Creek Lake State Park hard to book?+
Yes. Martin Creek Lake State Park is one of the more popular Texas state parks and fills up quickly, especially on weekends and holidays. Year-round due to warm water. Spring and fall weekends are busiest for camping. Fishing is good all year. If your dates are already full, book direct on ReserveAmerica the moment the 5-month window opens, or reserve a cabin or vacation rental nearby that you can book today.
How many campsites does Martin Creek Lake State Park have?+
Martin Creek Lake State Park has 83 campsites, including Water + Electric, Primitive Hike-in, Screened Shelter, Cabin. Published guide rates start at $15/night plus a $4/person entrance fee; confirm current rates when booking.
What is the entrance fee at Martin Creek Lake State Park?+
The entrance fee at Martin Creek Lake State Park is $4 per person per day. A Texas State Parks Pass ($70/year) waives entrance fees for you and all passengers in your vehicle.
How far in advance should I book Martin Creek Lake State Park?+
Most Texas state park overnight camping and lodging reservations can be made up to five months in advance. Confirm the current reservation schedule for your accommodation and dates with Texas Parks and Wildlife.
How can I get a last-minute campsite at Martin Creek Lake State Park?+
Cancellations at Martin Creek Lake State Park happen regularly, most often 1 to 3 weeks before the date, so it is worth checking ReserveAmerica directly for openings. If campsites are full, check cabins and vacation rentals near Tatum for your dates.