Johnson Creek Day Use Area is situated along the banks of the Lake O the Pines in the pine woods of east Texas. With convenient access to the water provided from the day use area, visitors are able to easily enjoy a day of boating or swimming in addition to picnicking.
Lake O the Pines includes about 18,700 acres of water and 9,000 acres of land. The Johnson Creek Day Use Area is located near the confluence of Johnson Creek and Lake O the Pines.
The lake was created by the construction of the Ferrells Bridge Dam on the Big Cypress Bayou. The reservoir was originally created as part of the overall plan for flood control in the Red River Basin below Denison Dam in Oklahoma, and has now become a recreational oasis for outdoor enthusiasts.
Boating, fishing, hunting and wildlife viewing are all popular pastimes at Johnson Creek.
Lake O the Pines fishing includes largemouth small mouth and hybrid bass along with crappie, sunfish and catfish. In addition to boat fishing, there are also areas for bank fishing along the shore and below the dam along Big Cypress Bayou.
The surrounding 4,500 acres of federally owned property includes excellent hunting opportunities. In addition, the lake surface provides some of the best waterfowl hunting in East Texas.
Johnson Creek offers a large group picnic shelter, complete with electric hookups, that can accommodate up to 100 guests.
A boat ramp, dock and swimming beach are also provided, making the area perfect for large parties or family functions.
Other historic and tourist attractions are nearby in the towns of Jefferson and Marshall, and Texas Wildflower Trail routes are located along the roads surrounding the lake.
From Jefferson, Texas, travel 4 miles northwest on Highway 49. Turn left onto FM 729 and continue for just over 7 miles, then turn left again onto FM 726. After nearly 5 miles the park entrance will be on the right.
It's a decent place to bring the family for an outing. It's free to get in right now due to the pandemic. It wasn't crowded today which was nice considering the social distance needed right now. We enjoyed ourselves.
The camp is clean and well kept, with many good access points to the lake. A private area is available for rental for a reasonable price, which includes 8-10 trailer pads with water and electric, private lake access, and a private pavilion with lights and restrooms and showers. This private area is a great deal for the price, but the facilities could use some refresh (not as nice as the rest of the park).
It has a great view of the lake. The beach was very nice and clean. The campsite was also clean and in great shape. Nice roads all around the park. The restrooms and showers are good. I recommend if you tent camp in the 200s use the RV just 100yd away. The shower is better and more private.
Omg they are so friendly here and the park is beautiful and clean!! We stayed on a nice spot where you could fish and see the pretty lake
I have visited this park in the weekend. It is great recreation park to spend the weekend and explore the rural environment in Texas. There is most of facilities available. There is a lake where you can do swimming also. Kids can enjoy in this park by swimming and playing. There are lots of picnic spot. So, you can go with friends and picnic there. There is availability of camping spot where you can spend your time overnight. I am really delighted to visit such a heavenly place in Texas. Texas is full of beautiful surprises. And this is one of them. Donot forgot to spend your holiday on this park. You are not going to regret for it.