THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
State Park · TX

Gladewater State Park

Gladewater State Park offers visitors a peaceful retreat among East Texas pine and hardwood forests, featuring fishing, hiking, and family-friendly camping opportunities along Lake Gladewater.

State Park2264+ Trails

Designation

State Park

Total Wilderness Area

226

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Gladewater State Park

Gladewater State Park offers visitors a peaceful retreat among East Texas pine and hardwood forests, featuring fishing, hiking, and family-friendly camping opportunities along Lake Gladewater.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Gladewater State Park is located in Gregg County in East Texas and covers approximately 226 acres. The park is situated on the northern shores of Lake Gladewater, a reservoir formed by the damming of South Cypress Creek, providing a rich aquatic environment for fishing and water recreation. The landscape is characterized by mixed pine and hardwood forests, home to eastern wildlife including white-tailed deer, raccoons, and many bird species. The park was developed in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps, whose craftsmanship is still visible in the park’s picnic shelters and stonework. Visitors can enjoy multiple recreational activities such as fishing for bass, catfish, and crappie, hiking through several short nature trails, picnicking, and camping in the shaded campsites. The park also features a designated playground and a swimming area. Its close proximity to the city of Gladewater allows for convenient access while offering a natural setting for families and outdoor enthusiasts. The park is particularly popular during spring and fall for its mild temperatures and vibrant foliage. Overall, Gladewater State Park provides a quiet destination for those looking to experience outdoor Texas recreation with a combination of water-based and forested park experiences.

Field Guide · State Park
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Gladewater State Park

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 30 miles.

Discover Creekside Trail in Kilgore★ 6.7⌖ 13 miHiking
Creekside Trail

Discover Creekside Trail in Kilgore

Explore Creekside Trail in Kilgore, TX, a family-friendly trail ideal for walking and bird watching. This easy route offers stunning creek views, abundant shade, and wildlife sightings. Spring and fall are best for pleasant visits.

Mystical Waters of Caddo Lake★ 8.0⌖ 54 miCanoeing
Caddo lake

Mystical Waters of Caddo Lake

Explore the mystical beauty of Caddo Lake straddling Texas and Louisiana. Enjoy canoeing and wildlife viewing in a quiet setting. Best visited in spring and fall, it’s a serene site for paddling and birdwatching. Fishing requires a license.

Historic Gems and Outdoor Adventures in Sulphur Springs★ 3.4⌖ 56 miExploring
Sulphur Springs

Historic Gems and Outdoor Adventures in Sulphur Springs

Located in Sulphur Springs, TX, enjoy exploring historic sites and family-friendly outdoor activities at nearby Cooper Lake State Park. Ideal for camping, fishing, and birding, this location is an easy drive-in destination best visited in spring for wildflowers.

Cascading Beauty at Prairie Creek Waterfall★ 7.2⌖ 108 miPhotography
Prairie Creek Waterfall

Cascading Beauty at Prairie Creek Waterfall

Explore Prairie Creek Waterfall, a serene spot in Richardson, Texas. Known for its peaceful views and diverse wildlife, it's ideal for photography, hiking, and relaxing picnics. Enjoy easy access with drive-in availability and best visit during spring and fall for ideal weather.

PhotographyView Details→
Discover the Natural Beauty of Beavers Bend★ 8.0⌖ 110 miHiking
Beavers Bend State Park and Nature Center

Discover the Natural Beauty of Beavers Bend

Located in Broken Bow, Oklahoma, Beavers Bend State Park offers diverse outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and canoeing. With accessible clear waters and lush forests, this park provides a tranquil escape for adventure seekers. Best visited in spring and fall.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Lake Gladewater fishing pier and boat ramp✦ Multiple CCC-era stone picnic pavilions✦ Short trails through East Texas pine and hardwood forest✦ Swimming area with sandy beach along the lake
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Gladewater State Park

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Fishing

Available in Gladewater State Park
Park Recreation

Camping

Available in Gladewater State Park
Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Gladewater State Park
Park Recreation

Birdwatching

Available in Gladewater State Park
Park Recreation

Picnicking

Available in Gladewater State Park
Park Recreation

Swimming

Available in Gladewater State Park
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Gladewater State Park
Park Recreation

Boating

Available in Gladewater State Park
Park Recreation

Nature Study

Available in Gladewater State Park
Park Recreation

Family Recreation

Available in Gladewater State Park
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Gladewater State Park.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Daily park entrance fee applies; Texas State Parks Pass accepted.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in Gladewater State Park

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

Gladewater State Park Campground

Offers shaded, convenient sites with electrical hookups and water nearby, located close to the lake and picnic areas.

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Gladewater State Park

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Gladewater
⌖ 1.96 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Gladewater, Texas

A small East Texas town offering relaxed outdoor recreation with scenic lakes, gentle trails, and peaceful paddling spots suited for all skill levels.

Spring through FallExplore Town
Gilmer
⌖ 11.68 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Gilmer, Texas

A quiet East Texas town offering peaceful natural settings with lakes and forests for water and land-based outdoor activities.

Spring and FallExplore Town
Longview
⌖ 11.82 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Longview, Texas

A friendly East Texas town offering accessible outdoor adventures with lakes, trails, and parks perfect for active travelers seeking nature close to a vibrant small city.

Spring and FallExplore Town
Kilgore
⌖ 12.32 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Kilgore, Texas

A charming East Texas town with rich history and outdoor exploration surrounding the Piney Woods.

Spring and FallExplore Town
Hallsville
⌖ 21.00 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Hallsville, Texas

A quiet East Texas town offering easy access to outdoor activities with a relaxed, small-town atmosphere ideal for paddling, hiking, and nature exploration.

Spring through FallExplore Town
Harleton
⌖ 22.11 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Harleton, Texas

A quiet rural town in East Texas offering rustic charm and access to gentle outdoor adventures amid pine forests and peaceful waterways.

Spring and FallExplore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Gladewater State Park

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

12 bookable experiences

Availability, pricing, meeting details, and fulfillment are provided by the applicable operator or booking partner.