About ● Park Map ● Day Use ● Overnight ● Trails ● Trails Map ● Park History
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About the Park
Cooper Lake State Park is located approximately 1.5 hours (or 87 miles) away from the Dallas. An easy drive down highway 30 takes you to the country roads which lead to the park itself.
This Texas State Park is actually divided into two sections. Doctors Creek and South Sulphur.
The Doctors Creek section is on the north side of the lake and the South Sulphur Unit is on the south side. This article is about the South Sulphur Unit.
With many day-use areas and overnight options, this Texas State Park in North-East Texas is perfect for both overnight visitors and “I’ve only got a few hours” visitors.
Actives are endless! From combing the beach to fishing to hiking to geocaching to horseback riding (BYOH – Bring Your Own Horse). There is something for everyone.
Cooper Lake South Sulphur Unit Park Map
Day Use
Honey Creek Day Use Area – Located between the two campgrounds, this day use area features picnic tables, boat ramp, and fishing pier.
Sunset Cove Day Use Area – Picnic areas and a fishing pier (currently closed due to flooding)
Beach view at Gulls Buff Day Use Area
Gulls Bluff Day Use Area – Largest day use area! Many picnic tables, bathrooms, a smoker and pavilion (available to rent), and lake/beach access on the left side. On the right side it is directly on the water… This area is idea for fishing with rocks holding the land in place while providing homes for fishes. Here is where you can find the kayak rentals.
Heron Harbor Day Use Area – Home to the swimming beach and a large playground!
Overnight
Campsites with water and electric – Deer Haven & Bright Star camping areas
Walk-in campsites – 100 yards from parking
Equestrian campsites – direct access to the 10.5 mile equestrian trail
Screened shelters – water and electric available, no dogs allowed
Cabins – 4 sites with small kitchen and no bathroom, 14 with full kitchens and bathrooms
Trails
6 trails at Cooper Lake State Park – South Sulphur Unit
Coyote Run Trail – 4.6 miles – OUR FAVORITE
Honey Creek Trail – 0.3 miles
Little Bluestem Loop – 3.2 miles
Lonesome Dove Loop – 4.8 miles
Rabbit Run – 1.0 miles
Pioneer Pass – 1.5 miles
The last three trails are essentially the same trail system. Bluestem trail leads to the Lonesome Dove loop and the Rabbit Run and Pioneer Pass cut through the Lonesome Dove loop.
Cooper Lake South Sulphur Unit Trails Map
Park History
The area that is now Cooper Lake State Park was once inhabited by the Caddo Indians until settlers began moving into the area in the 1800s.
Many traces of the history of the park can be found from the remains of old roads and fences to the occasional Native American artifact found on park grounds.
The lake was not part of the landscape until the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers began construction in 1986.
It was not until 1991 that the State of Texas leased the land for Cooper Lake State Park from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
The South Sulphur until encompasses 2,310 acres and was officially opened in 1996!
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