The swimming area in Fort Boggy State Park, Texas

The swimming area in Fort Boggy State Park. Photo: Larry D. Moore, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons.

Nestled on the fringes of east Texas, Fort Boggy State Park comprises a stoic patchwork of fields, woods and water, which appear largely untouched from the footprint of modernity.

Donated in 1985 by Eileen Crain Sullivan, to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, the park offers visitors plenty of opportunity to enjoy activities like fishing, canoeing, kayaking, swimming, hiking and mountain biking.

Situated halfway between Dallas and Houston – both of which are less than a two hour drive away via Interstate-45 – the park offers a terrific escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Going back to nature is a very good way to describe a visit to Fort Boggy State Park, as much of it has not changed in its appearance for thousands of years.

For this reason, only a handful of primitive campsites and cabins are available to stay overnight here. As authorities want the Texas state park to remain true to how nature intended it to be.

Activities

During their time at the park, visitors can enjoy a wide range of outdoor recreational activities.

Below is a brief overview of some of the many activities you can do while you are there.

Boating at Fort Boggy State Park

Although it’s only 15-acres in size beautiful Sullivan Lake is the perfect place to enjoy paddling or boating.

Kayaking is particularly popular here, partly because you can hire them out, along with lifejackets and paddles, at a nearby kiosk.

Canoeing, SUP and small boats are regularly taken to the water as well, and there is a boat ramp by the lake which will help you to gain access to it.

Fishing at Fort Boggy State Park

For those who enjoy fishing, the park provides opportunities to do that from the shoreline, on a pier, or from a watercraft in the middle of the lake.

Wherever you decide to chuck in a line you have a good chance of snaring channel catfish, bluegill, both redear and redbreast sunfish, largemouth bass and rainbow trout (when it is in season).

One of the best things about fishing at the park is that you do not need a license to do so.

As a participant in the ‘Tackle Loaner Program’, you also don’t need fishing gear either. You can simply borrow reels, rods and tackle – complete with sinkers, bobbers and hooks – from the main office.

Hiking at Fort Boggy State Park

Aside from the water, the park offers 3.5 miles of trails for guests to explore. This provides you with an excellent opportunity to enjoy the stunning flora and fauna that resides within it.

A couple of the most popular trails to tackle whilst you are there are the 1.5-mile Lake Trail, and the Nature Trail – which will take you on a 2 mile journey through the woods.

Geocaching at Fort Boggy State Park

Geocaching is a very popular activity at the park, with many enthusiasts coming here to hunt for the several geocaches that are located within it.

A great way to also explore the park, if you intend to try your luck here, be sure to use a smartphone or GPS unit to find the exact coordinates of the nearest geocache.

Bring with you a small, inexpensive item to replace your ‘swag’ and also wear appropriated walking boots and sun protection. To help you on your way, you will be able to pick up a trail or park map from the main office.

Birding at Fort Boggy State Park

Fort Boggy State Park is home to a wide range of birdlife. Some of which reside at the park all throughout the year, while others visit on a more seasonal basis.

When you come to the park, have your binoculars at the ready. At any given time you could be able to see the likes of Eastern Wood-Pewee, Carolina Wren, Eastern Phoebe, Summer Tanager, Red-eyed Vireo, Black-and-white Warbler, Yellow-billed Cuckoo and Red-bellied Woodpecker.

All of which add color, intrigue and a pleasant musical soundtrack, in the form of birdsong, to the environment.

Nature & Wildlife

With a topography that includes rolling hills, woodland, wetlands and bottomland meadows, the park is home to an abundant range of wildlife.

This includes the likes of white-tailed deer, foxes, squirrels, beavers and raccoons.

The park is also known for housing a wide selection of large tree species, which include post oak, elm, pecan, sweetgum and hickory.

Some of its smaller varieties include American beautyberry, yaupon, Alabama supplejack, greenbriar, sassafras, dogwood and hawthorn.

Pets at Fort Boggy State Park

Dogs are welcome to join you at the park, although some restrictions with regards to their attendance do apply.

To make yourself fully aware of what they are, it would be a good idea to liaise with the park’s main office for further clarification.

Camping at Fort Boggy State Park

Unlike many other state parks in the surrounding area Fort Boggy only offers a limited number of camping options.

In fact it is restricted to just 5 primitive, hike-in campsites and 5 rustic cabins, all of which are best suited to experienced and self-sufficient campers.

The campsites are accessed by a walk of up to one mile from the trailhead, so you will need to carry all your possessions with you.

While they can accommodate up to 8 people, they are not equipped with electricity or water. But they do come with their own fire rings, lantern posts and picnic tables.

Like the campsites, the cabins can also accommodate up to 8 people. Designed to be energy efficient, as well as offering privacy, and taking advantage of the wonderful views, they are located about 100 yards from the main parking lot.

These cabins do not have bathrooms, although restrooms and outdoor showers are situated not far from them.

They do, however, come with air conditioning, as well as a small fridge, microwave, coffee pot and both a queen sized and bunk bed.

In addition, they also have their own picnic tables, fire rings, outdoor grills and water spigot too.

Park Location

Fort Boggy State Park
4994 TX-75 South
Centerville, TX 75833
Phone: 903.344.1116

Website
Reservations

Map

Video

Here is a short YouTube video showcasing several attractions at Fort Boggy State Park: