February Is A “Love-ly” Time To Hike At Cooper Lake State Park

Cooper, TX— February is a “love-ly” time to immerse yourself in the woods at Cooper Lake State Park. February hikers experience a unique and different invigorating landscape from those experienced during the spring and summer. With vegetation denuded of leaves, viewsheds are vast and awe-inspiring. Hike the Coyote Run, Cedar Creek, or one of our multi-use Equestrian Trails. Make hiking a regular part of your exercise routine.

This month is full of fun educational and recreational programs at the Park! Join Ranger O’Conner, and she will take you and your family on a journey of excitement! This month we have programs ranging from “Reading with a Ranger,” “Arts in the Park,” “Outdoor Photography,” “Kids Fishing,” “Hike with a Naturalist,” and so much more!

The highlight for the month is Trout Fishing daily from 8:00 am to sunset at the South Sulphur Unit. Try your luck catching rainbow trout! Parking is available at Park HQ. Follow the signs to the trout pond. No fishing license is required, and there is a five trout limit per person – Good Luck!

February is also a great time to enjoy a crackling campfire at the Park! Campfires are part of our collective human DNA. The flickering light and warmth of a winter campfire will lift your spirits and reconnect you to feelings shared by past generations.

Please bring a picnic, enjoy the day-use area on a warm winter afternoon, and fish from our pier at Doctors Creek or the metal retaining wall at South Sulphur. Other than the rainbow trout in our trout pond, crappie, bluegill, bass, and catfish are commonly caught during February on Cooper Lake. Relax under a giant post oak tree in our day-use area; “rough it” in one of our beautiful cabins overlooking the 20,000-acre lake; experience a fantastic sunset; play on our playgrounds, basketball, or volleyball courts; all the while enjoying a natural Texas!

Park entrance fees are $5 for adults with kids 12 and under, always free. Senior Texans 65 or older will only pay $3 to enter the Park daily with a Bluebonnet Pass. By purchasing Texas State Park Annual Pass for $70, you have unlimited Park entrances for you and everyone in your vehicle for 12 months. All events are free with paid entrance fees. For more information on this or other events and programs at Cooper Lake State Park, please visit and like our Facebook pages (Cooper Lake State Park – South Sulphur 903-945-5256 and Cooper Lake State Park – Doctor’s Creek (903) 395-3100).

Doctors Creek Unit

Saturday, February 5 – DC

Reading with the Ranger – 10 am. Meet at Pelican Point Pavilion

Join us for a story about the Buffalo Soldiers.

Saturday, February 12 – DC

Art in the Park – 2:00 pm Meet at Pelican Point Pavilion

An opportunity to let loose your inner artist!

Sunday, February 13 — DC

“Supper Bowl” Sunday – 10 am. Blue Bonnet Day Use Area

Where do the animals of the Park find their suppers?

Saturday, February 19 – DC

Outdoor Photography 101 – 10:00 am. Meet at Blue Bonnet Day Use Area 

Learn about composition, the rule of thirds, leading lines, the golden hour, and space. We’ll take a short walk on the lookout for photo opportunities.

Sunday, February 20 – DC

Becoming a Jr. Ranger – 10:00 am. Meet at Doctors Creek Headquarters Do you have what it takes to become a Jr. Ranger?

Saturday, February 26 – DC

Kid Fishing – 9:00 am – 11:00 am. Meet at Blue Bonnet Day Use Area

Bring your fishing gear or no pole, no worries. We have a few fishing poles available to borrow. No experience is needed!

South Sulphur Unit

Saturday, February 5 – SS

Reading with the Ranger – 2:00 pm Meet at Heron Harbor Day Use

Join us for a story about the Buffalo Soldiers.

Sunday, February 6 — SS

Outdoor Photography 101 – 10:00 am. Meet at Sunset Cove

Learn about composition, the rule of thirds, leading lines, the golden hour, and space. We’ll take a short walk on the lookout for photo opportunities.

Saturday, February 12 — SS

Sweetheart’s Archery Shoot: 9:00 am – 11:00 am. Meet at South Sulphur Buggy Whip Restroom 

Shoot to your heart’s content. We require registration, no experience is needed, and we provide the equipment.

Saturday, February 19 – SS

Art in the Park – 2:00 pm Meet at Gulls Bluff

An opportunity to let loose your inner artist!

Saturday, February 26 – SS

Kid Fishing – 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm Meet at the Heron Harbor fishing wall. Bring your fishing gear or no pole, no worries. We have a few fishing poles available to borrow. No experience is needed!

Sunday, February 27 – SS

Hike with a Naturalist – 10:00 am. Coyote Run trailhead

Enjoy a short hike with a Texas Master Naturalist.