Summary
The park covers an area of 286 acres and is situated near the town of Tatum.
One of the main attractions of the Martin Creek Lake State Park is the lake itself, which is a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts. The lake is home to a variety of fish species such as bass, catfish, and crappie, making it an ideal location for fishing all year round.
The park also has several hiking trails, which provide visitors with stunning views of the lake and the surrounding pine forests. The trails are well-marked and range from easy to moderate difficulty, making them suitable for all levels of hikers.
Aside from the lake and the hiking trails, visitors can also enjoy camping at one of the many campsites available at the park. The campsites are equipped with amenities such as water and electricity, making them suitable for both RV and tent camping.
Interesting facts about the Martin Creek Lake State Park include the presence of several species of wildlife, including deer, raccoons, and squirrels, as well as the park's history as a former coal mine in the early 1900s.
The best time to visit the Martin Creek Lake State Park is during the spring and fall months when the weather is mild, and the foliage is at its most beautiful. However, the park is open all year round, and visitors can enjoy outdoor activities such as fishing and hiking during the summer months as well.
Weather Forecast
Park & Land Designation Reference
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
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Martin Creek Lake State Park
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Shelter Camping Area
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Broken Bowl Camping Area
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Bee Tree Camping Loop
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