Cedar Creek Lake Wildlife Management Area

Cedar Creek Lake Wildlife Management Area (WMA) is located in Henderson County in East Texas, covering approximately 14,250 acres surrounding the 28,000-acre Cedar Creek Lake. The WMA primarily consists of bottomland hardwood forests, pine plantations, and open fields, providing critical wildlife habitat particularly for deer, turkey, waterfowl, and small game species. It is managed by the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department, with a mission to conserve wildlife populations and provide sustainable outdoor recreation opportunities. Visitors can experience a range of outdoor activities including hunting during regulated seasons, fishing in the adjacent lake, hiking along multiple trails, and bird watching with common sightings of migratory waterfowl and native songbirds. The landscape is characterized by gently rolling terrain with abundant wetlands, forested creek bottoms, and large water bodies that attract a variety of wildlife year-round. Cedar Creek Lake itself is a notable landmark for anglers targeting species such as largemouth bass, crappie, and catfish. The area’s history includes its development in conjunction with the creation of Cedar Creek Lake for flood control, water supply, and recreation starting in the 1960s. The WMA benefits outdoor enthusiasts seeking a quieter, more natural experience compared to more heavily visited state parks. Whether hunting, fishing, hiking, or wildlife viewing, the Cedar Creek Lake WMA offers a well-rounded outdoor experience in the Piney Woods region of Texas.