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Tyler
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Tyler State Park
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Tyler State Park

See all things to do
See all things to do
Tyler State Park
4.5
358 reviews
#2 of 35 things to do in Tyler
State Parks
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8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
358 reviews
Excellent
229
Very good
96
Average
24
Poor
3
Terrible
6
Jana M
Chandler, TX15 contributions
Great Swimming Hole
Jul 2022
Hubby and I wanted somewhere to swim in this heat, and there just isn't anywhere (even though we are 5 min. away from Lake Palestine). Public swimming spots are nowhere to be found. We decided to drive out to Tyler State Park (about a 30 min. drive). I frequented this place as a kid 50 years ago and more. I was more than pleasantly surprised. 6.00 per person entry. Lots of parking at the 'swimming' area (although the entire lake is swimmable). At 11;15 on a Friday it was NOT crowded. We sat our towels and bag on the grass. And went to get in. Other than the concrete entry steps being extremely slick with algae (Hubby slipped and fell) it was beautiful. Water is really clear (and just the right temp). Little fishes swimming all around. Old diving platform has been covered in wood for safety reasons, which was good. Nice breeze blowing. Very clean restrooms and shower area. Lots of tables, umbrellas set up for eating and no trash. The area where we used to get a burger and fries is now a trendy little boutique - so be smart and bring your snacks or lunch. They rent not only paddleboats and canoes, but have added paddleboards. May have to go back and try one! All in all we had a wonderful time. Thank you park management!
Written July 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Travel80
Tyler, TX429 contributions
Great Visit on a Quiet Tuesday in early May!!
May 2020 • Couples
We live in Tyler and enjoyed a Wonderful visit to our beautiful state park on a quiet Tuesday in early May. Walked the Whispering Pines Trail (took 55 minutes to walk the loop) and part of the Lakeshore Trail. Highly recommend to visit on a quieter weekday in April, May, September or early October.
Written May 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Loretta A
Las Vegas, NV31 contributions
Texans are afraid of the dark
Sep 2020
Quiet, beautiful setting around a manmade (CCC) lake. The hiking trails are incredible; there is something for every kind of hiker.

We camped in Area 3. We decided Texans are afraid of the dark. I've never seen so many strings of lights in a campground. The group across from us is splashing the whole campground with one of those irritating, rotating Christmas lights that fling little lights everywhere. No campground host ever visible and there are two here!
Written October 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jay R
1 contribution
Terrible
Dec 2021 • Family
Rented a two night stay at one of the cabins inside the park for me and my family. The cabin had a bad odor, the bathrooms were extremely dirty and they had no lights! You could hear and see cars driving near the trail we walked near the entrance of the park. And to top it off there was a freaking parasitic spider in our cabin after our first night so we immediately packed everything up and left. I rarely make reviews but I’ve been to about 6 different state parks and this one is by far the worst!
Written February 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wright J
17 contributions
I learned to swim in the lake there. Walks are easy and interesting/fun.
Mar 2020
This is a year-round attraction and is just a few miles off Interstate 20. There is camping, fishing, hiking and boating. The lake is rather small but well maintained. I have never seen a snake and I have celebrated events there with family dozens of times.
Written March 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sentimental Nomad
Albuquerque, NM298 contributions
What A Nice Hike
Dec 2020 • Family
What a nice park! Great, easy 3+ mile hike around Lake Tyler... Easy enough for our toddler. Beautiful & clean. Many amenities, including boat rentals. The campgrounds looked great, from primitive tent camp sites to big rig, pull-thru sites, paved with full hook-ups, sewer, picnic table, & fire ring. They had awesome views... will camp here next time! Great time for our little fam!
Written December 30, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David M
Texarkana, United States22 contributions
LOVE this park!
Oct 2019
I try to stop by this park whenever I am in the area. They have a great staff. Everyone I've ever spoken to has been helpful. The park is well maintained. They have a very nice coffee shop/park store. Actually, its one of the better ones I've seen. The lake is beautiful. The trails are well groomed. Camping areas and bathroom facilities are clean and well maintained.
Written February 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Misty S
8 contributions
Family Camping trip
Sep 2021 • Family
My favorite camping spot. Been twice, and it’s gorgeous. Day use are is big and fun. Fishing is great. Campsites are shaded and good size. Lots to do for families with teenagers and small kids. As well as just a couples trip or a trip with friends.
Written June 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tomtex451
Jessieville, AR136 contributions
Cabin was a great choice
We took our three grandsons, ages 11 & 8, on their first camping trip. Instead of using a tent, we rented one of Tyler State Park's small cabins for $50. It was a great choice. The cabin sleeps 5, two sets of bunk beds, one with a double bed one the bottom that my wife and I used. Bring your own pillows, sheets and blankets. We cooked over a campfire but the cabin also had a microwave and small frig. It even had a combo a/c & heater. The fish were not biting in the park's lake but the $10 paddleboat gave us plenty to do. There was a fire pit and grate but I recommend you bring your own wood.
Written April 21, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
42heaven
Rockwall, TX132 contributions
Camping Tyler State Park
Tyler State Park is a five lantern experience! That's good! We have tent camped and pop-up camped. Lakeview camping area is the preferred camping spot. These camp sites are considered premium campsites. They are right on the water surrounded by beautiful tall pines trees. The park is beauitfully painted with color and nature. Kayaking is safe and relaxing within the park lake. There is a hiking trail that incompasses the lake. Works for the whole family granny too! Biking is awesome either pleasure or off road workout through the tallering pines. Honor system for firewood. Bathrooms near lakeview camping area are new as of Dec 07. The only issue is the showers are separate from the toilet area. The showers are wheelchair accessible. Rental of canoes and paddle boats available. Ample raccoons every where-big and not fearful of people. If you leave your containers out at night they will be in them eventhough our trusty golden-retriver was sleepying near by. 2 1/2 hours from Dallas. Great spot very beautiful.
Written March 26, 2008
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Tyler State Park - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

Frequently Asked Questions about Tyler State Park
Tyler State Park is open:
  • Sun - Thu 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  • Fri - Fri 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
  • Sat - Sat 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM