trees growing out of the water at Martin Dies Jr. State Park

Set on the eastern fringes of Texas, Martin Dies Jr. State Park enjoys a picturesque location by the confluence of two rivers.

Comprising a fascinating landscape of sloughs, forests and lake, this stunning public recreational space on the edge of the Big Thicket, is home to diverse and wild habitats which personify the beauty of nature.

A haven for those who love fishing and hunting, other activities like hiking, boating and stargazing are very popular too. Just over an hour from Beaumont and two hours from Houston, the park attracts nature lovers from all over Texas, as well as the adjoining state of Louisiana, who come here for weekend getaways or longer term vacations.

To accommodate them all, the park has over 200 different types of accommodation options available. Ranging from RV and trailer sites, with hookups for water and electricity, to primitive cabins, the modern and pet friendly campgrounds cater to all types of camping preference.

Activities

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

Outlined below is a small selection of some of the many things you can see and do whilst you are there.

Paddling Trails at Martin Dies Jr. State Park

With more than 14 miles of paddling trails meandering their way through the park, kayaking, canoeing and SUP are very popular activities.

Taking you through various sloughs, as well as along Spring Creek and further down to Neches River, these trails provide a fantastic way of exploring the park’s landscape.

Guided tours, where a ranger showcases the park’s ecosystem and natural history are also available. While watercraft like canoes, kayaks and SUP can also be rented, should you not have brought them with you to the park.

Angling at Martin Dies Jr. State Park

Angling is another well practiced activity at the park with both the Neches and Angelina rivers, as well as the B.A. Steinhagen Reservoir, providing wonderful places in which to fish.

The likes of crappie, catfish, spotted bass and largemouth bass all thrive here pretty much all year round. So you should have no trouble catching a good haul.

Throughout the park there are several boat ramps that can launch you into the water with your fishing gear. If you choose to cast a line out in the water you will need a licence to do so. However, this is not necessary if you remain on the shoreline or pier.

Hiking at Martin Dies Jr. State Park

For those who enjoy exploring state parks on foot, this one accommodates several picturesque trails that showcase its beautiful, natural landscape.

Between them, these trails will take you deep into the woods that flank the lake, as well as along the riverbanks of both the Neches and Angelina.

Overall there are seven miles of trails in the park which vary in terms of length and degrees of difficulty. Some of the most popular of them include.

  • Forest Trail – Length: 1 mile. Degree of Difficulty: easy
  • Wildlife Trail – Length: 1.4 miles. Degree of Difficulty: moderate
  • Slough Trail – Length: 2.2 miles. Degree of Difficulty: challenging

Hunting at Martin Dies Jr. State Park

For those into hunting, the park provides excellent opportunities at the Angelina-Neches Wildlife Management Area to engage in this pastime.

Situated adjacent to the park, you will find hogs, deer and squirrels in abundance in this area. If you prefer duck hunting, you can take to the water via a boat ramp at either the North and South Cherokee Unit.

As hunting is not permitted in most areas of the park, it is worthwhile checking with park officials to clarify exactly where you can hunt.

All hunters are required to have a Texas state hunting license for all game and must abide by strict state regulations.

Stargazing at Martin Dies Jr. State Park

As the night skies are among the clearest in Texas you will definitely want to bring your telescope to the park. Free from light pollution, stargazing is a wonderful thing to do here, as you can take in wonderful views of the cosmos and the dazzling stars.

For those who are not familiar with the different constellations, you might want to sign up to one of the ranger led stargazing programs that takes place here at various times of the year.

Pets at Martin Dies Jr. State Park

Pets are allowed at the park, although there are some spaces, such as inside all buildings, where they are prohibited.

To find out more about what restrictions are in place when it comes to your dog, you would be well advised to contact the main office.

Camping at Martin Dies Jr. State Park

For those who want to spend a few nights at the park there are plenty of accommodation options available.

Spread between both the Walnut Ridge and the Hen House campgrounds there are 219 sites on offer overall.

These include 89 sites that come with hookups for water and 50-amp electricity, as well as 33 sites that have 30-amp electricity connections.

All of these sites come with their own picnic table, lantern post and fire ring with grill. They are also situated near restrooms that have hot showers and flush toilets as well.

In addition to these sites, there are also 51 campsites that come with water connections, as well as 37 screened shelters available.

You will also find 9 rustic cabins that have electricity and air conditioning, but do not have beds or bathroom facilities within them.

Park Location

Martin Dies Jr. State Park
634 Park Rd 48 S
Jasper, TX 75951
Phone: 409.384.5231

Website
Reservations

Map

Video

Here is a short YouTube video showcasing several attractions at Martin Dies Jr. State Park: