By:
Submission
Old Fort Parker is a “must visit” historical site for anyone wanting to learn about early pioneers in what was to become the State of Texas.
Whether you’re a history buff, or someone who would enjoy participating in a wide variety of unique events, you’ll want to visit time and time again. You’ll love Old Fort Parker, and your children and grandchildren will be wild about it!
Located 100 miles south of Dallas and 150 miles north of Houston, take Highway 14 between Groesbeck and Mexia, turn West on Park Road 35 (just South of Fort Parker State Park) and drive one mile.
Winter grounds for the white pelicans in the shallow waters of the lake - soooo cool! Rented kayaks to paddle the Navasota River, beautiful with lots of herons. So many water birds along the shore, so cute! We had the best RV spot- #20 in the park. Chester, the sweet volunteer who always listened to our exciting stories, was so kind! Trails nice.
We went on December 23-25. The park was almost empty because it was Christmas time. It rained the night we got there and next morning but we got out on the trails once the rain stopped. We stayed in one of two cabins. The cabins in this park have power, a light and heat/ac and a picnic table. No beds so bring your own. Nice view of the lake and a fire pit and second picnic table outside the cabin. By the bathroom there is a tree with possibly the biggest burl I have ever seen. We thought we would find more mushrooms after the rain but maybe we were too soon after the rain. Most the mushrooms we found were on logs and would have been there anyway. There are cardinals around the cabins including one who thought he found a rival in the neighbors jeep mirror and kept attacking it.
This is a beautiful, quiet & peaceful small State Park. All the sites are on the lake shore or across the road from it. Site 23 is awesome, a huge pull thru on the water. Plenty of hiking trails, fishing, kayak or canoe rentals. A nice day use area, open air pavillion and a group hall with full kitchen. Lots of dear roaming.
Nice little state park, not overcrowded like so many today. Has a great lake, with camping, RV sites and Cabins. It's off the beaten track and great place to get away without having to drive far..
The drive there was peaceful, avoiding the major hwy. Park is between 2 towns 5min away, no problem needing to get gas or food. Check in was a breeze and ranger at welcome station was very friendly and helpful, that really helps set off the stay, a smiling face. Grab a map and check out the trails. Firewood for sale on side of welcome center by card, a self serve station, very convenient. Stayed in a cabin, big enough to fit a queen air mattress with room to move around with pushing the table over a bit. 2 car parking space next to cabin. Water and outlet plug, bring an extension if needed for items. Park was clean and restrooms were very clean. The only only only downside, but I won't knock a Star rating for this, the cabins and most shelters are fairly close to the restroom. Although this is convenient, if the wind blows towards the shelters/cabins (away from the lake) you will catch a breeze of that septic system. One of the darned if you do, darned if you dont moments. you want to be close and not walk far for restroom, but don't want to smell it either. Fortunately, that night the wind blew towards lake so while sitting outside by the fire didn't smell any bad smells. Lake and rivers to fish! Cleaning station by fishing pier. Unfortunately the family stay was short so didn't take advantage of all the park has to offer. With a 4y.o was able to walk the river trail, just about a mile, doable walk for a kid and tired him out for the drive home. We will be going back!! FYI dogs not allowed in the cabins. Please be mindful of the rules.
