Eisenhower State Park
Eisenhower State Park sits high atop the cliffs of Lake Texoma offering some of the best views of the lake that you will find. The park is also one of the nicest state parks in Texas. Eisenhower State Park boasts over 150 campsites with numerous nature trails for exploring wildlife around the park.
In addition to the spectacular views, there is a beautiful swim beach hidden away in a cove with high cliffs on both sides. There are also two fishing piers (one lighted) for fishing within the park. There is also the Eisenhower State Park Yacht Club (marina) located within the park.
Camping
We are going to dedicate a separate page to detail the camping within Eisenhower State Park. There are over 150 campsites. 50 of these sites have full water, electric, sewer hookups. 45 of the sites have water and electric only. The camping in Eisenhower State Park is located up on the cliffs overlooking the lake. The sites are heavily treed offering plenty of shade, but the trees often block the lake views. Be prepared to hike down the many trails to reach the shoreline.
Take our word for it, the best campsite with a view of the lake is number 179. There are several other good ones in that same area if 179 is already taken.
For more information on Eisenhower State Park or camping reservations you can visit the Texas Parks and Wildlife website.
Hiking / Nature Trails
There are three separate hiking or nature trails within Eisenhower State Park. Each of the three offer up unique ways to explore nature and take in great views of the lake.
Chinquapin Ridge ATV Trail
Distance: 3.31 mi.
Time: 1 hr. to all day
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Description: Be alert at all times. You may see hikers on this trail. Enjoy different views of nature at three scenic stops as the trail winds through forests and across ridges.
Ike’s Hike and Bike Trail
Distance: 3.2 mi.
Time: 4 hrs.
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Description: Markers 3 to 14: This trail is very rugged for bicyclists between markers 3 and 4. Only adventurous hikers and bikers should try to traverse this daunting section.
Armadillo Hill Trail
Distance: .5 mi.
Time: 30 min.
Difficulty: Easy
Description: Ask at park headquarters for a self-guided trail booklet. Markers 1 to 2: Discover geology and plants along this journey through woodland, lakeshore and prairie ecosystems. Pause at benches to watch for red-bellied woodpeckers, bobcat or coyote.
From the Texas Parks and Wildlife website:
A nature guide is available that identifies some of the trees along the trail. A wide variety of trees are present, including oak, ash, elm, cedar, dogwood, cottonwood, soapberry, locust, redbud, persimmon and bois d’arc. Mammals commonly spotted in the park include armadillos, bats, beavers, coyotes, deer, foxes, minks, nutria, opossums, rabbits, raccoons, skunks and squirrels.
Fishing Piers
There are two fishing piers within Eisenhower State Park. One of the piers is a massive lighted fishing pier with plenty of space for many fisherman. Yes, you can catch fish directly from this pier.
There is another fishing pier in the northern area of the park in the Forrest Ridge Camping area. This pier requires a walk down a trail to the water below. This is a great little place to fish from the pier or from the bank on the rocky areas around the shore.
Swim Beach
One of the things that sets Eisenhower State Park apart from other parks on the lake is the swim beach area. This area also requires a hike to get down to, but the hidden beach is well worth the effort. This beach is set way back in a cove with high cliffs surrounding the beach and cove. It is a quiet, out of the way area and a great spot to spend the day swimming and enjoying the sun. Do not miss this area.
Eisenhower Yacht Club
Eisenhower State Park Yacht Club is a full service marina located within Eisenhower State Park. This marina has a store, gas dock, wet slips, and a service center. The marina also rents kayaks, canoes, and standup paddle boards to visitors.
This truly is a great park that you can spend days exploring. The only real negatives are that most of the campsites do not have lake views and require a hike to get to the lake. Also be warned, there is a heavy state park police presence in this park and they are not afraid to come into your campsite and start sniffing around.
Other amenities include plenty of restrooms, a one-lane boat ramp, and an amphitheater. There is plenty to do for the outdoorsman within this massive state park and a great way to experience Lake Texoma.
Other Eisenhower State Park Notes:
• CHECK OUT time is 2 p.m. or renew permit by 9 a.m. (pending site availability).
• Public consumption or display of any alcoholic beverage is prohibited.
• A maximum of eight people permitted per campsite. Guests must leave the park by 10 p.m. Quiet time is from 10 p.m. – 6 a.m.
• Excess parking fee is required at campsites with more than two vehicles (including trailers).
• Campsite must be kept clean; all trash must be picked up before you leave. Trash dumpsters are conveniently located on all camping loops.
• GRAY WATER AND BLACK WATER MUST BE DISCHARGED ONLY AT DUMP STATIONS.
• Only one unit per site is permitted to hook up to utilities.
• Pets must be kept on leash. Please pick up after them.
• Valid permit is required on windshield of each vehicle in park. All vehicles are to remain on pavement.
• Numbered sites for overnight camping only. NO PICNICKING.
Boat Launch Protocol:
• Have your vessel ready to launch before getting to ramp area. Launch your vessel and clear the ramp area. Do not block ramp area.
• No boat clean-up or swimming in the ramp area.
• If your vessel will not start, clear the ramp area.
• Personal watercraft are not allowed in the swimming area and must observe the No Wake rules, particularly in the boat-launch area. Personal watercraft are not allowed to tie up in boat-launch area.
Water Activities:
• Swim at your own risk. NO LIFEGUARD on duty.
• No pets or glass containers allowed in swimming area.
• Always swim with a friend. Children must be supervised by an adult who can swim.
Fires:
• Gathering of firewood is prohibited.
• Campfires are permitted only in fire rings provided at each site. No ground fires are permitted. Please, use extreme caution with any burning materials during the high fire danger summer brings.
Park Reservations (512) 389-8900 texasstateparks.org