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Illustrative landscape
Purtis Creek State Park is a trophy bass fishing destination with a strict catch-and-release policy and a slot limit that produces lunker bass. The 355-acre lake is limited to 50 boats, ensuring a peaceful fishing experience. Dense East Texas woodland provides shaded camping and excellent bird habitat.
Campsites
74 campsites
Region
East Texas
Guide rate from
$10/night*
Entrance
$5/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*56 sites
Water and electric hookups; picnic table, lantern post, restrooms with showers nearbyRV OKTent OK
Walk-in Tent
$15/night*5 sites
Water nearby - walk-in tent sitesTent OK
Primitive Hike-in
$10/night*13 sites
No water - pack in; fire ring with grill, chemical toiletTent OK
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
Eustace, Texas
Purtis Creek State Park is in East Texas, about 3 hr from Austin. Use the official booking provider for current arrival directions and access details.
Get directions ↗Best campsites
For Families:Book the water-and-electric sites first — they have hookups, picnic tables, and restrooms with showers nearby, and they fill fastest
For Privacy:The primitive hike-in sites offer the most solitude, requiring at least a 0.65-mile walk to reach them
For RVs:Use the water-and-electric sites — they are the only sites with electric hookups
When to Go
March through November. Spring bass fishing season is busiest. The boat limit means the lake never feels crowded.
Tips
- →This is one of the best catch-and-release bass lakes in Texas
- →Only 50 boats allowed at a time — arrive early on weekends to get on the water
- →Artificial lures only in certain areas — check regulations before fishing
- →Bring binoculars — the woodland birding is excellent
Highlights
Trophy largemouth bass fishingStrict catch-and-release policy produces big fish50-boat limit ensures peaceful experienceDense woodland with excellent birdingSwimming area on the lake4 miles of hiking trails
Purtis Creek State Park — Frequently Asked
Is Purtis Creek State Park hard to book?+
Yes. Purtis Creek State Park is one of the more popular Texas state parks and fills up quickly, especially on weekends and holidays. March through November. Spring bass fishing season is busiest. The boat limit means the lake never feels crowded. 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 Purtis Creek State Park have?+
Purtis Creek State Park has 74 campsites, including Water + Electric, Walk-in Tent, Primitive Hike-in. Published guide rates start at $10/night plus a $5/person entrance fee; confirm current rates when booking.
What is the entrance fee at Purtis Creek State Park?+
The entrance fee at Purtis Creek State Park is $5 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 Purtis Creek 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 Purtis Creek State Park?+
Cancellations at Purtis Creek 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 Eustace for your dates.