Tyler State Park — Attraction in Lindale

Tyler State Park is the crown jewel of the Texas State Park system. The park rangers are friendly and professional along with the park hosts. There are a few tips and things to consider when visiting.

All of the RV sites are very nice. I believe most of the have full hookups (electricity, water and sewer). We stayed in Big Pine Area 3. These sites accommodate large RV’s, are level and offer plenty of shade. For a large group I recommend the inner loop of Area 3. The sites offer plenty of space and a manicured common area. Area 2 Lakeview offers the nicest views in a pristine park like setting. Spots 32-37 are the prime spots as they overlook the lake and are directly across from the boathouse on the water. The 66 acre lake is spring-fed and has clear water. The park hosts recommended we fish right off the dock with bread because that’s where they feed them regularly. We followed their lead and caught several perch. Unfortunately we also caught 3 turtles - they are real nuisances!

The boathouse has multiple types of boats to rent. Kayaks (one person or two person), row boats, paddle boats and paddle boards. A couple of tips though: if you are visiting the park in the summer, get on the lake early and just rent for an hour. The lake is fairly small and it gets hot on the water. There’s a boat Ramp if you want to bring your own boat. However, the state police were on the water during our visit and they are quick to ticket boaters that create a wake. Also, you must steer clear of the swimming area which is well marked.

The swimming area is lined with picnic tables and gets seems to get pretty crowded after 10 am. If you want to reserve a s-to or set up a canopy you should get there early.

The Silver Canoe is the neatest store at a state park we’ve ever visited. From the decorations to the selection and the friendly staff this store has it all. As an added bonus there are several shaded picnic tables right outside the store overlooking the lake.

The restrooms and showers are clean and according to my wife the water is almost too hot.

Firewood is available at 8 sticks for $5.

We hiked two of the 8 trails. The Lakeshore trail was easy to hike and very scenic. There were a couple of muddy spots so be prepared to jump around/over and get a little dirty.

Lastly, you must pack all of your own trash. There are dumpsters for dumping your RV trash but there are no individual trash cans around the swim house or boat house.

All and all this is a great park. Excellent staff, beautifully kept grounds and very...

Tyler State Park absolutely deserves all five stars. We had an incredible time here—this place is peaceful, scenic, and immaculately maintained. From the moment we arrived, we were blown away by the towering pine forest, clear spring-fed lake, and the overall charm that makes this park feel like a hidden retreat in East Texas.

We hiked several of the trails, and each one offered something unique. The Lakeshore Trail gave us beautiful views of the water and shady paths perfect for a relaxing walk, while the more elevated trails offered a bit of a challenge with rewarding overlooks. Everything was clearly marked and well-maintained, and it felt like we had the forest all to ourselves at times. The whisper of the pines, the birds calling in the distance—it all made for a truly peaceful experience.

Renting a canoe was the highlight of the trip. The water was calm and easy to paddle, even for beginners, and the rental process was quick and friendly. Paddling across the lake at sunset was simply unforgettable. The lake is surrounded by gorgeous trees and wildlife, and it's a no-wake zone, so it’s incredibly quiet and peaceful out there. It’s a perfect activity for couples, families, or anyone who just wants to connect with nature.

What sets Tyler State Park apart is how well it’s cared for. The restrooms were spotless, the staff was helpful and kind, and there were plenty of picnic tables, fishing spots, and even a designated swimming area. We could easily see ourselves coming back to camp here, especially with how shaded and private the sites are. You can tell the park staff and volunteers truly take pride in preserving this treasure.

Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventure or a place to relax and unplug, Tyler State Park has it all. We’re already planning our next trip and highly recommend it to anyone in Texas or just passing through. This park exceeded every expectation and reminded us just how beautiful and refreshing...

I recently had the pleasure of visiting Tyler State Park, and it truly is a fantastic destination for anyone looking to connect with nature and enjoy the outdoors. From the moment we arrived, the clear signage and ample parking made for a smooth start to our visit.

The park offers a wide range of options for staying, including shelters, cabins, tent, and RV sites, catering to all preferences. The natural beauty is simply breathtaking; we were enchanted by the sight of fireflies at night and the amazing sounds of over 200 species of birds singing in the early mornings. The hiking trails are extensive, providing plenty of opportunities for exploration, and the fishing spots are excellent. What truly surprised me was the complete lack of mosquitoes during our entire stay, which I suspect might be due to the abundance of dragonflies and dense beauty berry bushes.

The facilities are impressively well-maintained. The restrooms are large, clean, ADA accessible, and include showers, conveniently located near the campsites around the lake. The playground, situated right alongside the lake, is a clean and safe area for younger children to burn off energy. For dog owners, it's a wonderful place to bring your furry friends, with long hiking trails and numerous accessible lake areas for them to enjoy, though pets aren't allowed in the main swimming area or shelters. The small lake, which doesn't allow motorboats, is perfect for serene activities like paddleboarding, canoeing, kayaking, and pedal boating, with rentals available on site. The presence of park rangers constantly patrolling also added an extra layer of comfort and security. I had a wonderful, tranquil weekend here and definitely plan to return for more trails and...