Big Sandy Park

Rate this place

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Big Sandy Park is a popular destination in the state of Texas, known for its beautiful scenery and wide range of recreational activities.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

The park is located in the city of Hawkins, about 100 miles east of Dallas. There are many good reasons to visit Big Sandy Park, including its serene atmosphere, picturesque landscapes, and opportunities for outdoor adventures.

One of the main attractions at Big Sandy Park is Lake Hawkins, a 700-acre lake that is perfect for fishing, boating, and swimming. Visitors can also enjoy hiking, camping, picnicking, and birdwatching in the park. The park has several hiking trails, including the Lake View Trail and the Birding Trail, which offer breathtaking views of the lake and the surrounding forests.

Another point of interest at Big Sandy Park is the historic CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps) camp, which was built in the 1930s. The camp is now a museum that showcases the history of the CCC and its contributions to the development of parks and forests in Texas.

Interesting facts about Big Sandy Park include the fact that it was once home to a thriving sawmill industry and that it is now a popular destination for birdwatchers, with over 200 species of birds recorded in the area. The best time of year to visit Big Sandy Park is in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and the park is at its most beautiful.

In summary, Big Sandy Park is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a peaceful escape in nature. With its stunning lake, scenic trails, and rich history, there is something for everyone to enjoy in this beautiful park.

       

Weather Forecast

Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
View more

Featured Parks