Fort Parker State Park Campground

Whether you’re looking for wooded trails or views of the water, Fort Parker Lake offers a multitude of trails that connect the lake’s southern and eastern coasts, winding through the coves, and connecting all the way to the Navasota River on the north. Hiking trails are bike-friendly unless specified otherwise. Find a full map of the trails here.

Fort Parker State Park Lake is quite shallow, especially in the northern and western sections; motorized boats are permitted, but the shallow, dense waters and occasional submerged stumps require careful navigation. Bring the boat out for great access to fishing spots, but perhaps leave the water skis at home.

At Fort Parker State Park, you’ll never have to cast your line from the same spot twice. Choose from endless areas around the banks of the Fort Parker Lake, throw your fishing gear into a canoe and explore the Limestone Bluffs Trail, or head over to the spring-fed Lake Springfield. Crappie, catfish and bass all populate Fort Parker State Park.

You can’t go wrong at Fort Parker State Park, where the hiking trails offer something for everyone. Take it easy on the Bur Oak Trail, where you can spot the blue heron rookery across the lake, or the Springfield Trail, which offers access to Lake Springfield’s top-notch fishing, and plenty of historic sites. Looking for more of a challenge? Baines Creek offers a tougher hike up to a picture-worthy scenic overlook. Check out this guide before you go.

Fort Parker Lake doesn’t just offer endless miles of open water perfect for paddling. The Navasota River Trail, which winds along the northern shore of the lake, and the Limestone Bluffs Trail, which cuts across the lake and weaves up through the Navasota River, both offer a unique Fort Parker State Park experience that can only be seen in a kayak or canoe. Canoes can also be rented daily.

Although water abounds at Fort Parker State Park, swimming conditions aren’t ideal everywhere. Your best bet? Head to the activity center on the northeast shore for access to an unsupervised swim area.

The blue heron rookery alone is worth a trip to Fort Parker State Park. Although the rookery is located on the lake’s southern shore, a hike down the Bur Oak Trail offers the best view of these majestic birds from across the lake.