Martin Dies, Jr. State Park RV & Campground Guide
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The 705-acre Martin Dies, Jr. State Park is found along the Steinhagen Reservoir in Texas. This park officially opened to the public in 1965, and it was named after Texas State Senator Martin Dies, Jr., who came to the area to ride horses as a child. Before that, the park was leased by the United States Army Corps of Engineers and was called Dam B State Park. Today, the park features vast forests of bald cypress trees along the banks of the area where the Angelina and Neches Rivers meet. Many people visit the park in the fall to see the forests as they change to bright orange hues.
Spring 36-57 F
Summer 64-84 F
Fall 39-59 F
Winter 7-24 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Martin Dies, Jr. State Park
There are two campground areas within Martin Dies, Jr. State Park – the Walnut Ridge and Hen House Ridge Units. There are 110 campsites with electrical hookups and 48 campsites with water hookups. All campsites are pet-friendly, and certain sites are ADA-accessible. Campground amenities include shower facilities, a dump station, modern restrooms, and direct access to the reservoir and park sloughs.
What to Do at
Martin Dies, Jr. State Park
Some of the most popular activities at Martin Dies, Jr. State Park include paddling on the Steinhagen Reservoir and hiking the park's trail around Walnut Slough. Canoe and kayak rentals are available for adults, and they are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis year-round. Hunters with the appropriate permits and licenses can also come to the park to hunt deer, hogs and squirrels.
Fishing
Catfish, bass, perch, and crappie are commonly caught in the reservoir at this state park. There are multiple fishing spots to choose from, including at the boat launches and along a few trails. There is no fishing license required to fish at this Texas state park.
Stargazing
Martin Dies, Jr. State Park offers excellent night sky views for stargazing, and park rangers often host public stargazing events. While day-use of the park ends at 10 p.m. daily, campers may stay out after dark to stargaze.
Hiking
There are seven miles of hiking trails found at this park, including the popular 0.75-mile Island Trail. The Slough Trail is another popular hike, and it features 16 bridges over a 2.2-mile challenging terrain.
Boating
There are 14 miles of marked paddling trails in the sloughs along Spring Creek and in the Neches River at this park. Along the paddling trails, you may see the bald cypress and oak trees up close. Martin Dies, Jr. State Park also provides canoe and kayak rentals at the park headquarters and an automated kayak rental kiosk in the Hen House Ridge Unit.
Swimming
There is one designated swimming area in Martin Dies, Jr. State Park, located in the Hen House Ridge Unit. This swimming area is open daily from sunup to sundown, and there are no lifeguards on duty.
Biking
Biking is permitted on all the hiking trails at Martin Dies, Jr. State Park unless otherwise indicated at the trailhead. Visitors can also enjoy biking on the park roads or in the campground areas for paved terrain.
How to Get to
Martin Dies, Jr. State Park
To reach Martin Dies, Jr. State Park from Houston, start by taking I-69/US-59 North for 18 miles. From there, take Exit 151, and merge onto I-69 North for 26 more miles. After that, continue straight on US-59 North for 13 miles, and then take the US-59 BUS exit toward Livingston/Woodville. Turn right onto U.S. Highway 190 East, and continue 49 more miles. From there, turn right onto Park Road 48 to enter the state park.
Entering Martin Dies, Jr. State Park
For day use of this state park, visitors should park in the Cherokee Unit, where there is parking near the boat launch, the boat trailer parking area and the picnic day use area. Additional parking, especially for campers, can be found in the Walnut Ridge Unit. Park hours are 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.
Martin Dies, Jr. State Park Entry Fee (visitors 13 and older) : $4.0
Frequently Asked Questions About Martin Dies, Jr. State Park
Perhaps the best time to visit Martin Dies, Jr. State Park is in the mid to late fall when the bald cypress trees are changing colors. This is an opportune time for photographing the landscape, too, as the sunrises and sunsets over the water of the park are often accompanied by scenic fog.
Common animals of this state park include raccoons, white-tailed deer, Virginia possums, nine-branded armadillos, red and gray foxes, and bobcats. Animals of the water include river otters, American minks, American alligators and 15 species of turtles.
There are 158 campsites at Martin Dies, Jr. State Park that can accommodate RVs of most sizes. At least 48 of these sites offer water and electrical hookups, and the rest of the sites offer 50-amp electrical hookups.
Campers are highly encouraged to reserve a campsite at this state park in advance since the campgrounds tend to fill up quickly, especially in the summer. Campers can make reservations online or by phone, and campsites typically cost $14-$20 per night.
Pets are allowed at this state park and its campgrounds as long as they are kept on a leash at all times. Pets are not allowed inside any of the park's buildings, and pet owners must pick up after their animals to help keep the park clean.