Cooper Lake State Park

Experience the Fun of Summer Before it’s Gone at Cooper Lake State Park!

Cooper, TX— Summer is quickly drawing to a close, and schools are ready to begin. So why not spend the last few weeks of summer recreating, relaxing, and recharging with family and friends at Cooper Lake State Park? The water level is average at the lake, and usually, we will have a few campsites available in August for last-minute campers to enjoy, which makes this the perfect stop for that mini-vacation that you know you need.

At the park over any given August weekend, multiple educational programs will be on tap. Our highlighted programs for the month will be “Learning to Cook the Cowboy Way – Dutch ovens” and Astronomy. Learn how to prepare a fantastic meal just like the cowboy cooks of our Texas history, and as an added treat, sample the group’s creation for a genuinely satisfying learning experience. Also, one of our park ranger educators will lead you on a heavenly adventure experiencing the darkest skies this close to Dallas with spectacular views of the Milky Way!

Life can be hard sometimes, with all of us needing a memorable getaway. A total nature emersion can often be just what the doctor ordered to get you back on track, and Cooper Lake State Park can be your healing, happy place! Activities that you can use to disconnect yourself from the real world are swimming and lounging on our white sand beaches, hiking, mountain biking, fishing, kayaking, boating, skiing, picnicking, and so much more.

Park entrance fees are $5 for adults; kids 12 and under are always free. Senior Texans 65 or older will only pay $3 to enter the park daily with a Bluebonnet Pass. You get unlimited park entrances for you and everyone in your vehicle with the purchase of a Texas State Park Annual Pass for $70, which is suitable for over 12 months. Buy your pass and let your Texas adventure begin! 

For more information, please visit and like our Facebook pages or give us a call (Cooper Lake State Park – South Sulphur (903)-945-5256 and Cooper Lake State Park – Doctor’s Creek (903) 395-3100).                                                      

Doctor’s Creek Educational Programs

Animal Tracks Hike – Aug. 7 at 8:30 am – Pelican Point Day Use Area

· Hike a trail and learn to identify animal tracks!

Skins and Skulls – Aug. 14 at 10:00 am – Doctor’s Creek Headquarters

· Get an inside look at some of Cooper Lake’s most famous animals!

Becoming a Junior Ranger-Aug 14 at 2:00 pm- Pelican Point Day Use Area

· Learn how to become a Junior Ranger and earn your badges Ages 6-12!

Dutch Oven Cooking – Aug. 21 at 11:00 am – Pelican Point Day Use Pavilion

· Get a taste of history and learn to cook with a Dutch Oven!

Astronomy – Aug. 27 at 8:45 – Pelican Point Swim Beach

· Get a closer look at the moon through our telescopes!

Arts in the Parks – Aug. 28 at 2:00 pm – Heron Harbor Day Use Area

· Paint your landscape using watercolors!

 

South Sulphur Educational Programs

Owls – Aug. 6 at 8:00 pm Honey Creek Amphitheater

· Whooooo! Learn about Texas owls.

Arts in the Parks – Aug. 7 at 2:00 pm Heron Harbor Day Use Area

· Learn to make origami flora and fauna of Cooper Lake!

Skins and Skulls – Aug. 8 at 2:00 – 4:00 pm Heron Harbor Day Use Area

· Get an inside look at some of Cooper Lakes’ most popular animals!

Evening Interpretive Hike – Aug. 13 at 8:00 pm Honey Creek Nature Trail

· Learn about the flora of Honey Creek on a guided trail hike led by a Park Ranger!

Deer Hike – Aug. 14 at 10:00 am Honey Creek Nature Trail

· Learn about one of Cooper Lake’s most famous animals as you take a morning hike!

Nature Journaling – Aug. 15, 2:00 – 4:00 pm Heron Harbor Day Use Area

· Start your own Nature Journal as you explore the park!

Astronomy – Aug. 20 at 8:45 Heron Harbor Swim Beach

· Get a closer look at the moon through our telescopes!

Interpretive Hike – Aug. 21 at 8:30 am Honey Creek Nature Trail

· Learn about the flora of Honey Creek on a guided trail hike led by a Park Ranger!

Becoming a Junior Ranger – Aug. 22, 2:00 – 4:00 pm Heron Harbor 

· Learn how to become a Junior Ranger and earn your badges Ages 6-12!

Animal Tracks Hike – Aug. 28 at 8:30 am Honey Creek Nature Trail

· Hike a trail and learn to identify animal tracks!

Skins and Skulls – Aug. 29. 2:00 – 4:00 pm Heron Harbor Day Use Area

· Get an inside look at some of Cooper Lake’s most famous animals!