Cooper Lake State Park South Sulphur Unit — Attraction in Sulphur Springs

We stayed here (South Sulphur) from June 30th to July 4th, all of the trails were closed our entire stay there, the upkeep around the campsites were awful. My entire family is STILL trying to recover from all the chigger bites we got on our "vacation" no amount of bug spray kept them off this place was chigger, roach and scorpion infested. We killed 5 scorpions in the showers on different nights. Not to mention the roaches crawling all over the place. We've NEVER been to a campsite that didn't come spray for bugs and we go camping A LOT. Really nowhere to fish unless your campsite is directly on the water. One of 2 of the piers was broken, completely inaccessible and the one that was still standing was definitely on its last leg AND we had to call someone in the office to come spray the 50 wasp that was blocking the entry way to the only pier before we could even get on there. The childrens play ground and basketball court was decent. We set up a small kiddie pool for my kids to cool off in because it was 100•+ while we were there and because we don't swim in lakes. We were told to take it down due to leaving a "muddy mess" for the next campers. We obliged and took it down that evening, the water from the pool literally ran into the weeds/woods and left no mess whatsoever. We were there an additional 3 days after letting the water out of the pool the ground soaked the water in almost instantly and it drained away from camp. It stormed really bad our last night there and talk about a MUDDY MESS. 😅 we've never been so ready to leave a campground. The bugs are the worst. They definitely need a maintenance man to come mow/weed eat around the campsites and bathrooms. And someone to spray for bugs!! Specifically Chiggers Roaches and Scorpions!! The biting flies were awful too, but wasn't the worst. All in all. It could be a super nice place, the headquarters staff was friendly. We just won't be back until they can get the bug situation under control and do a little upkeep around the campsites. Also, a few repairs to get to a decent fishing spot...

The South Sulphur Unit is by far the better of the 2 units of Cooper Lake State Park on Jim Chapmin Lake. I have been coming here since I was a child. They have even got it where you can buy firewood up front with your credit/debit card! It's like a firewood vending machine 😆 South Sulphur has a bigger swimming area with a great playground and lots of picnic areas. It used to have the better fishing dock, but ever since a few years back whenever the park flooded out(the worst that I have ever seen it flooded out.. and I'm talkin all the way up to the playground where you could not see the big slide!!!) most of the main dock broke away and they have still to this day yet to fix it.... Still, great fishing at the part of the docks you can still get to! Very well lit for nighttime crappie fishin'. If you go out to the docks during the day in summer time, brace yourself because there is no shade on the dock itself, but there are trees nearby if you get too hot from trying to catch that monster cat(his name is Shamus and he is out there) South Sulphur side also has an upgrade from the regular screened in shelters like on The Doctor's Creek side. The little cottages have air/heat, 2 sets of bunk beds, microwave, mini fridge, and lots of outlets inside. With fire pit, BBQ grill, picnic table, and lantern stand outside. The bathrooms are not too bad of a walk from all units. In my opinion, the best cottages are #16 & #17. They are right on the water and both have great fishing🎣 spots! All the roads are nicely paved which make for good bike riding. There is also a bike/hiking trail there. The cabins are very nice, and used to almost be worth the $ but they do not provide linens anymore(not sure why they stopped) they have private baths. To me it's just better to stay in the cottage. Only thing is you have to go outside of your sleep quarters n walk a bit to get to the restrooms. I love Cooper Lake State Park South Sulphur...

Who/When: one adult male in June for one night What: Summer camping, kayaking, hiking, swimming Where: Oak Grove camping 090, Coyote Run Trail, Swimming area

Arrived at 9pm on a Thursday as a walk-in. Paid for the previous night the next morning at the front desk. You can do this but it's not stated on the website. It was quite hot the entire time. Lots of deer walking around. Rangers were very nice.

Kayaking: you can rent a kayak from the from office. The designated area is pretty out in the open and not very interesting. There is a cove East of the swimming area that is pretty neat, but I'm not sure if you're technically allowed to go there. They offer 1hr, 4hr, and all day rentals, but unless you just love Kayaking, 1hr is plenty. Not sure it's worth the money though.

Coyote Run Trail: this trail is an easy and mostly level trail that is there and back for a total of 5 miles with a loop at the end. It is mostly shaded and features a few changes in scenery type. No one was on the trail while I was there which was enjoyable and while it's to no fault of the rangers, I could hear their work vehicle the entire time which was a bit annoying as they drove around the trails. Make sure to bring some water on a hot day.

Swimming: great way to cool off on a hot day. Swimming area is surrounded by covered tables, jungle gym, bathroom, and outdoor shower. Swimming area is surrounded by a safety wall and is otherwise open. There is no shade when swimming.

Overall it was a neat park for a one night stay, albiet almost too hot at night to tent sleep. If I was to return I would either be going to swim, ride on the 11 mile horse tail, or have a boat for finishing. With the big lake and lack of hiking trails, seems like it's a park more geared towards boats...