Purtis Creek State Park

If you ever find yourself in northeast Texas be sure to visit the wonderful Purtis Creek State Park. Situated just an hour’s drive from Dallas, this scenic public recreational space provides visitors with the opportunity to rest and unwind from the stresses of big city life. A terrific place to reconnect with nature, the 1582-acre Texas state park features a fabulous no-wake lake which is popular among boaters, kayakers, canoers and paddle boarders. Fishing is also well practiced here too, while hiking, picnicking and geocaching are other favored activities. Given its close proximity to Dallas, many local residents treat Purtis Creek State Park as a day trip destination. However, for those who want to stay for a few nights there is also an excellent pet-friendly, modern campground that provides 59 sites, which can accommodate RV and trailers.

Activities

The park provides guests with plenty of opportunities to partake in a wide range of outdoor recreational activities. Here is a brief overview of some of the many things you can see and do during your time there.

Boating at Purtis Creek State Park

One of the main attractions of the park is the lake, which is a haven for boating, kayaking and paddle boarding. As only a maximum of 50 motorized boats are allowed on the lake at any given time, it maintains a sense of serenity for those who spend an afternoon on it. If you didn’t bring watercraft with you, they are available to rent onsite. The main office can provide you with more information.

Fishing at Purtis Creek State Park

The lake is also a very popular spot for fishing, with anglers from all over Texas coming here for the opportunity to cast a line. The likes of largemouth bass is available in abundance and crappie and catfish bite regularly too. You can choose to fish from one of the piers that are dotted around the shoreline. Alternatively you may prefer to launch yourself onto the water via one of its boat ramps. If you didn’t bring your rods and reels with you to the park, you can loan them out for free from the main office.

Hiking and Biking at Purtis Creek State Park

For those into hiking and biking there are five trails that meander their way through the park. While they vary in terms of distance they are all designated as easy trails. So they can be enjoyed by most visitors. The Beaver Slide Nature Path is a popular hiking trail that showcases some of the park’s most scenic spots, as well as a diverse range of wildlife. If you have your bike with you the Wolfpen Hike and Bike Trail is also a terrific course to explore.

Picnicking at Purtis Creek State Park

Whilst at the park many visitors take the opportunity to enjoy a picnic. Throughout Purtis Creek State Park you’ll find several picnic tables available. Although the main picnic area is situated close to the boat launch area on the eastern side of the park. In this area there are restrooms as well as a playground for children. For those planning an event which will be attended by a larger group, there is a picnic pavilion available. It can accommodate 100 people and comes with facilities like grills, electricity and a fire ring.

Geocaching at Purtis Creek State Park

Geocaching is another well practiced activity at the park. Throughout it, several treasures are just waiting to be found. If you fancy a bit of an adventure make sure you use a GPS device to find the coordinates. Have a small gift on hand with you too, so you can replace the loot once you locate it.

Ranger Programs at Purtis Creek State Park

Throughout the year the park offers a various ranger programs for guests to participate in. This includes the likes of guided hikes, as well as nature programs and basic paddling classes. To find out what is scheduled for the time you choose to visit, you should contact the park’s main office.

Pets at Purtis Creek State Park

Dogs are welcome to join you at the park although some restrictions on their presence may apply. To clarify what they are, it is worth contacting the main office for further details.

Camping at Purtis Creek State Park

For those who want to stay overnight at Purtis Creek State Park the campground offers 59 sites that can accommodate RVs and trailers. Each of these sites come with hookups for water and electricity. They also all have their own individual lantern poles, picnic tables and fire rings. Most of them provide at least partial shade as well. The maximum length per site varies from 25 feet to 55 feet. So it is worth making a reservation if you intend to visit the park in a larger vehicle. All of the sites at the campground are pet-friendly, one of them is ADA accessible too. For guest convenience, restrooms with hot showers and flush toilets are also located nearby. If you would prefer to sleep beneath the stars in a tent only site, there are five available at a small campground on the east side of the park. Each one of them comes with a picnic table, lantern pole and fire ring. Additionally, 13 tent sites can be found at a campground that is situated on the west side of the park. These primitive sites do not have water, but they do come with a fire ring and tent pad. To reach them you will have to hike for around 1.5 miles.

Park Location

Purtis Creek State Park 14225 FM 316 N Eustace, TX 75124 Phone: 903.425.2332 Website Reservations

Map

Video

Here is a short YouTube video showcasing several attractions at Purtis Creek State Park:

Explore More Texas State Parks

Purtis Creek State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Texas. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Texas guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.

Make it a road trip: Pair a visit with Lake Tawakoni State Park (within about an hour’s drive) or Fairfield Lake State Park (elsewhere in the state).

🐾 Dogs & Pets at Purtis Creek State Park

Pets allowed? statewide rule

Pets are welcome at almost all Texas State Parks on trails and in campgrounds, but must be on leash, in a car, or in a crate at all times and may not be left unattended.

Leash rule statewide rule

6 ft maximum leash required at all times

Beaches & swim areas statewide rule

Pets are not allowed in the water or on land around designated swim areas

Cabins & lodging statewide rule

Pets are not permitted in any state park buildings, including motels, cabins, screened shelters and group facilities

Statewide exceptions statewide rule

Several parks restrict dogs in specific areas (Big Bend Ranch, Enchanted Rock, Government Canyon, Hueco Tanks); proof of current rabies vaccination required

Are dogs allowed at Purtis Creek State Park?
Pets are welcome at almost all Texas State Parks on trails and in campgrounds, but must be on leash, in a car, or in a crate at all times and may not be left unattended. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.

Rules verified July 2026 via tpwd.texas.gov. More: Texas state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared