Martin Creek Lake State Park — Attraction in Carthage

Martin Creek Lake State Park Campsite: Bee Tree 47 (Lakefront) Date: Early March 2023

Bee Tree 47 is on the western side of the park and is on the outside of the loop, providing an expansive campsite that extends fully to the waterfront. Kayakers will love the access this site provides. Several Loblolly Pines offer hammocking under the shade, both at the campsite and down by the waterfront. Note that the pines are all you have in between your site and your neighbors; there is no brush to afford you much privacy.

One of the best parts of the campsite is the west-facing vista, with a small island between the waterfront and the opposite shore of the lake. Sunsets here were idyllic and simply spectacular.

The RV site is certainly on a downward slope of a few degrees – make sure to bring your wood blocks to level your camper. An uncovered picnic table on a large concrete pad sits between the RV site and the fire ring. Water and a 30A hookup are provided.

It is a 400 yd walk to the restrooms/showers facility, next to a small amphitheater where the occasional educational program is held. Also nearby is a little free library. You can cut through site 72 (only if it’s vacant, of course!!) to get the restrooms much quicker. Camp hosts offer firewood for a suggested donation of $5.

Closer to the park entrance is a boat ramp with a 150 ft fishing pier in great condition providing opportunities for large­mouth bass, crappie, channel catfish, yellow catfish, tilapia and sunfish. Nearby, a footbridge provides access to an island with primitive campsites and a short but well maintained hiking trail, complete with educational markers. There is also a playground and a swimming hole, neither of which are particularly special. Several covered picnic areas by the swimming area offer shade during the day.

Just outside of Tatum and southeast of Longview, Martin Creek Lake SP is a very unique state park due to one major factor that is the first thing people notice and are instantly polarized by. Luminant Energy operates a coal-fired power plant across the northern fork of the lake from the state park. There's no denying its presence - most hours, there is a baseline hum that is clearly audible, along with the trains every few hours. Also be aware that the park is 10 miles southeast of East Texas Regional Airport, directly on their approach centerline – you will hear the occasional commercial/business jet fly overhead, as well as small training aircraft using the powerplant as a landmark.

One final note about the power plant – if you get a campsite on the southern edge of Bee Tree loop, (52-57ish), you may have a little bit more privacy due to the layout of the shoreline there, but you will be directly illuminated by the lights of the plant. This would be a deal breaker for many folks wanting to enjoy the night sky.

Martin Creek Lake SP is a fine little state park with a few things working against it, but makes for a nice, local getaway for East Texans wanting to enjoy the outdoors without waiting for sites to open up at the more popular parks like...

They don’t talk about it in the brochures. You won’t find it on any hiking trail map or posted on the info board next to the birdwatching pamphlets—but ask any old-timer who’s camped at Martin Creek State Park long enough, and they’ll give you the look. You know, the one that says, “I’ve seen things. I’ve seen… the Beaver.”

Now, we’re not talkin’ about your average, mud-slinging, tree-chewing, flat-tailed little wood-chomper. No sir. This beaver is an apparition—a ghostly, shimmering beast that glides over land and water like some kind of fuzzy swamp specter. Folks around these parts call it “Whisker Wraith.”

Legend says it all started when a particularly ambitious beaver named Douglas T. Damnsworth III (his dam had a mailbox and satellite TV) decided to dam up the entire Martin Creek in 1926. Obsessed with hydrodynamics and cinnamon Pop-Tarts, he worked tirelessly until his dam was so massive it caused minor seismic activity and briefly rerouted two armadillos into Oklahoma.

But just as Doug was laying the final stick—a piece of driftwood shaped like Elvis Presley’s sideburn—tragedy struck. A mysterious force (possibly a camping Boy Scout troop or a raccoon crime syndicate) sabotaged the structure. The dam exploded in a shower of bark and beaver dreams, launching Doug into the atmosphere where he reportedly “disappeared into a shimmering crack in the sky.”

Since then, the Whisker Wraith appears only under oddly specific conditions: • When the moon is waxing gibbous, • The air smells faintly of cheddar, • And someone within a 30-foot radius says the phrase, “I wish I had a kayak made of cheese.”

Witnesses say the ghost-beaver floats silently across the surface of the lake, translucent and glowing faintly purple. It leaves no ripples, just a haunting scent of wet pine and regret. Sometimes, campers hear gnawing in the night, only to find their marshmallow roasting sticks carved into detailed beaver-shaped figurines by morning.

One ranger, Earl “Bugsy” Thompson, once tried to trap the apparition using a giant ghost-cheese trap and a Bluetooth speaker playing Kenny Loggins. The trap vanished. Earl’s pants did, too. He doesn’t like to talk about it.

To this day, hikers report sightings of tiny ghostly dam structures appearing overnight, made from glowing twigs and ectoplasmic pinecones. No one can explain it. Scientists gave up. One paranormal investigator tried to capture it on film, but his camera spontaneously turned into a VHS copy of Beethoven’s 2nd.

So, if you ever find yourself walking the lakeside trail at Martin Creek State Park and hear the gentle splash of a phantom tail, or feel something watching you from the mist with judgmental rodent energy, just nod respectfully and say, “Doug, your dam was beautiful.”

And maybe leave a cinnamon Pop-Tart by the...

The Hidden Gem of East Texas: Martin Creek Lake State Park If you’re searching for the perfect blend of natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and peaceful relaxation, look no further than Martin Creek Lake State Park. Nestled in the piney woods of East Texas, this park is a true treasure for nature lovers, families, and anyone seeking a memorable escape from the everyday. Breathtaking Scenery From the moment you arrive, you’re greeted by the tranquil waters of Martin Creek Lake, sparkling under the Texas sun. Towering pines and hardwoods provide shade and a sense of serenity, while the gentle sounds of birds and rustling leaves create a peaceful soundtrack for your visit. Sunrises and sunsets here are nothing short of magical—don’t forget your camera! Outdoor Adventures for All Whether you’re an avid angler, a hiking enthusiast, or a family with kids, there’s something for everyone: • Fishing: The lake is renowned for its excellent fishing. Cast a line from the shore or launch your boat—bass, catfish, and crappie are plentiful. • Trails: Well-maintained hiking and biking trails wind through the forest, offering glimpses of wildlife and wildflowers. The Dogwood Trail in spring is a must-see! • Paddling: Bring your kayak or canoe and explore the calm coves and inlets. The water is inviting and perfect for a leisurely paddle. • Swimming & Picnicking: The designated swimming area is clean and family-friendly, with plenty of shady picnic spots nearby. Top-Notch Facilities The park’s facilities are immaculate and thoughtfully designed. Campsites range from full hookup RV sites to cozy tent pads, many with stunning lake views. Restrooms and showers are spotless, and the staff is always friendly, helpful, and ready to share tips about the best fishing spots or hiking routes. Family-Friendly Fun Kids will love the playgrounds, open spaces, and the Junior Ranger program. The park regularly hosts educational programs and events, making every visit both fun and enriching. Peace, Quiet, and Starry Nights One of the park’s greatest gifts is its tranquility. Even on busy weekends, there’s a sense of calm and space. At night, the sky comes alive with stars—perfect for stargazing by the campfire. In short: Martin Creek Lake State Park is a slice of Texas paradise. Whether you’re here for adventure, relaxation, or simply to reconnect with nature, you’ll leave with your spirit refreshed and your heart full. I can’t recommend it highly enough—this park is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves...