Martin Dies Campground

How do you explore as many of Martin Dies Jr. State Park’s 730 acres as possible? By bike, of course! Eight miles of trails weave through the Texas Pineywoods, past scenic lake views, up to the hills and down into swampy ecosystems. No need to worry, though; you can bike right over the boardwalks and bridges that fill Martin Dies Jr. State Park’s varied landscape. A trail map will help you find the best trails. Bike through hardwood forest and cypress on the Whitetail Trail, or give your legs a challenge on the Island Trail. End the trip with a stop along the water on the Sandy Creek Trail, where you’ll find the best sunset view in Texas.

With seven boat ramps to choose from, it’s not too difficult to get out on the water at Martin Dies Jr. State Park. Campsites accommodate boats and trailers, so if you’ve got a boat, there’s no excuse not to bring it. B.A. Steinhagen Lake provides plenty of open water for all your water sporting needs. Feel like fishing? There are plenty of catfish, bass and perch to catch, but you’ll need to buy a license at the nearest tackle shop or gas station to fish from your boat.

Miles and miles of shoreline are a fisherman’s (or woman’s) best friend here. Wake up early and go fishing right off the shore by your campsite, or head out late at night to one the lighted fishing piers. As long as you stay on shore, you don’t need a license to catch any of the catfish, bass, perch or crappie that fill these waters, but with all the boating and paddling opportunities at your fingertips, it might just be worth it to head to your nearest gas station or tackle shop and pick up a license.

If you’re heading to Martin Dies Jr. State Park for its impressive biodiversity, jump on the trail. Hiking is the best way to see the diverse wildlife, and eight miles of trails give you plenty of routes to choose from. For scenic lake views, as well as some sweet wildlife viewing, head to the Island Trail and make your rest stop the observation pier at the island’s eastern edge. If you’re a work hard, play hard type, head to the 2.24 mile Slough Trail, which meanders through swampland, carrying you over 16 bridges and providing some up-close contact with the local swamp creatures. There’s no shortage of trails here, the only question is whether you can conquer them all.

Kayaking and canoeing at Martin Dies Jr. State Park is one big game of choose your own adventure. Seven boat launches lead to four distinct paddling trails, each with its own unique character. Paddle down the five mile Sandy Creek Paddling Trail for an all-day adventure that includes both open water and tight shoreline, or explore the entirety of the park’s Walnut Ridge Camping Unit with a journey down the Walnut Paddling Trail. Bringing along the bait and tackle? Cherokee Paddling Trail will deliver you right to the secluded shore, where you can stretch your legs and catch some big fish far away from camp. Here you’ll find some more paddling deets. Bring your own boat or rent, and book in advance if you’d like to explore these lush habitats with a guided tour.

The enormous reservoir makes for great swimming, and after a day of hiking, biking or fishing in the hot Texas sun, you’ll be ready for some water. Head to the Henhouse Ridge Unit to take a dip at the park’s designated swimming spot. Swimming is permitted from sun up to sundown, but the night sky lookout is located just a few steps away. Dry off, cook up a fish or two from the day’s catch, and head back out to the beach for some of the best stargazing around.

You can thank the converging Angelina and Neches rivers for the spectacular wildlife on display at Martin Dies Jr. State Park. Popular animals include white-tailed deer, armadillos, and the occasional fox or bobcat. Plenty of wet, swampy habitat means you’ll find a variety of reptiles and amphibians, including turtles, frogs, lizards, snakes and alligators. Most snakes are non-venomous, but read up if you’d like more information on just what you can expect to see out here. In addition to the many types of bats the flood the night sky, birders will enjoy spotting egrets, herons anhinga, and plenty of waterfowl. If you get lucky, you might just spot a bald eagle or hear the call of the pileated woodpecker. Wildlife is inescapable at Mart Dies Jr. State Park, but can best be found on the trails, along the swampy shoreline, and in the natural garden beside the nature center.