Tyler State Park in Tyler, Texas, is a Northeast Texas park with a 64-acre spring-fed lake and more than 13 miles of trails. You can plan a visit around swimming, boating or fishing, then choose a hike through the park’s woods.
- Location: 789 Park Road 16, Tyler, TX 75706-9141
- Lake: 64 acres; swimming, boating, fishing and paddling are available
- Trails: More than 13 miles for hiking and mountain biking, with some hiking-only routes
- Entrance fee: $6 per person age 13 and older; children 12 and under enter free
Where Tyler State Park Is
Tyler State Park is in Northeast Texas, at 789 Park Road 16 in Tyler. The park is about a 17-minute drive from this hotel in Tyler.
The park’s setting brings together a lake and tall trees: some of its trees reach 100 feet. The Civilian Conservation Corps developed the Whispering Pines Nature Trail more than 85 years ago and built historic structures around the park, including the bathhouse that remains in use.
If you’re planning the visit around entry and opening details, Tyler State Park hours and tickets are worth checking before you set out.
What to Do Around the Lake
The lake is the park’s focus for water activities, with swimming, boating, fishing and paddling among the options. The park map shows a designated swimming area, a boat ramp and a fishing pier; pets are not permitted in the designated swim area.
You can bring your own boat or rent one. Motors are allowed, with a 5 mph speed limit on the lake. The park store rents canoes, paddleboats, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and johnboats. Rental availability changes by season.
Fishing options include crappie, perch, catfish and bass. You do not need a fishing license to fish from shore in a state park. Picnicking, bird-watching and nature study offer ways to spend time around the park beyond the water.
Which Trails Can You Hike?
Tyler State Park has more than 13 miles of trails for hiking and mountain biking, and most trails allow both activities unless a route is specifically marked otherwise. On multiuse trails, bicyclists travel clockwise and hikers travel counterclockwise.
Blackjack Nature Trail
The 0.3-mile Blackjack Nature Trail is an easy, hiking-only route that takes 20 minutes. Its short length makes it the briefest of these three named hikes.
Whispering Pines Trail
The 1.0-mile Whispering Pines Trail is hiking-only, rated moderate and takes 1.5 hours. Expect elevation changes and steps along the route.
Lakeshore Trail
The 2.1-mile Lakeshore Trail is an easy, hiking-only route that takes 1.5 hours. Parts of the trail use the main park road.
Trail conditions can affect access: Texas Parks and Wildlife Department advises checking for closures, since trails may close during prescribed burns or resource-management work.
Planning Your Visit
The park is open daily. Headquarters hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with seasonally extended hours; contact the park about those hours. The daily entrance fee is $6 for each person age 13 and older, while children 12 and under enter free.
Opening hours
- Monday to Sunday: 8:30 AM–4:30 PM
Last checked November 2026. Hours can change on holidays and for special events.
Day-use passes and camping reservations are recommended in advance because the park often reaches capacity. You can reserve online or by calling (512) 389-8900. The park’s busy season runs from March to Thanksgiving.
For a longer visit, the park suggests planning a half-day, full-day or weekend stay. Overnight options include campsites ranging from water-only to full hookups, as well as cabins and screened shelters. Keep pets on a leash; they are not allowed inside Texas State Park buildings.
Before heading out, check the official site before you go for current hours, fees, reservations, rental schedules and trail conditions.
Getting to the Park
The park is about a 17-minute drive from the hotel. If you’re arranging a broader trip through the area, getting from Tyler Airport to Apple Tree Inn covers that separate journey.
FAQs
Can you swim at Tyler State Park?
Yes. The park map marks a designated swimming area at the lake. Pets are not permitted in that area.
Can you bring a boat to the lake?
Yes. You may bring your own boat or rent one. Motors are allowed, subject to a 5 mph speed limit.
Are the park trails open to bikes?
Open daily. More than 13 miles of trails are available for hiking and mountain biking, unless a trail is marked otherwise. On multiuse trails, cyclists travel clockwise and hikers counterclockwise.
Can you fish without a license?
You do not need a fishing license to fish from shore in a state park. The lake has crappie, perch, catfish and bass.