Lake Tawakoni State Park
376 acres of shoreline trails, sandy beaches, and some of the best birding in North Texas
About Lake Tawakoni State Park
Lake Tawakoni State Park is one of the crown jewels of the North Texas state park system, stretching across 376 acres along the north shore of the 37,879-acre Lake Tawakoni reservoir. With more than five miles of scenic shoreline, a designated sandy swimming beach, and nearly five miles of wooded hiking and mountain biking trails, the park offers a full day of outdoor adventure just a short drive from Anchor Inn Marina. Whether you are casting a line from the four-lane boat ramp, cooling off in the sheltered swimming cove, or simply soaking in the quiet beauty of post oak woodlands, Lake Tawakoni State Park delivers an authentic East Texas outdoor experience that keeps visitors coming back season after season.
For anyone searching for things to do near Lake Tawakoni, the state park checks every box. Hikers and mountain bikers can explore trails like the popular Farkleberry Trail, the Blackjack Trail, and the five-mile Spring Point Loop that winds through bottomland hardwoods and along bluff-top overlooks of the lake. Birding enthusiasts will be thrilled to learn that more than 200 species have been documented within the park, including Bald Eagles, Ospreys, Pileated Woodpeckers, Great Horned Owls, and the occasional Crested Caracara. The park sits along the Tawakoni Loop of the Prairies and Pineywoods East Wildlife Trail, making it a must-visit stop for serious and casual birders alike.
Camping options range from full-hookup RV sites and water-and-electric tent sites to a primitive group campsite that accommodates up to 48 people, so whether you are planning a weekend family getaway or a scout troop outing, there is a spot waiting for you. The on-site trading post stocks firewood, bait, souvenirs, and snacks, while ranger-led nature programs and the Junior Ranger program give younger visitors a hands-on introduction to the Texas outdoors. No fishing license is required to fish from shore or the pier inside any Texas state park, making Lake Tawakoni State Park one of the easiest places to introduce kids to fishing near Lake Tawakoni. After a full day of hiking, swimming, and exploring, Anchor Inn Marina is just 25 minutes back down the road, offering the perfect lakeside home base with all the comforts you need to recharge.
What to See & Do
- Nearly five miles of hiking and mountain biking trails through post oak and bottomland hardwood forests, including the scenic Spring Point Loop and family-friendly Farkleberry Trail
- A sandy, sheltered swimming beach with nearby picnic tables, perfect for cooling off on hot Texas afternoons
- World-class birding with over 200 documented species, including Bald Eagles, Ospreys, and Pileated Woodpeckers
- Full-hookup and water-electric campsites, plus a primitive group site for up to 48 people
- A four-lane boat ramp and kayak and canoe rentals for easy access to 37,879 acres of open water
- No fishing license needed to fish from shore or pier inside the park, making it ideal for families and first-timers
Visitor Information
- Hours
Open daily, 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM
- Fees
$5 per person daily (ages 13+); children 12 and under free. Texas State Parks Pass holders enter free.
- Best Time to Visit
Spring (March-May) for wildflowers and birding; fall (October-November) for comfortable hiking weather and fall foliage. Summer is ideal for swimming and water activities.
- Address
10822 FM 2475, Wills Point, TX 75169
- Phone
(903) 560-7123
- Website
Getting There from Anchor Inn
From Anchor Inn Marina (800 Tomahawk Drive, West Tawakoni), head north on TX-276 toward Emory. Turn left (west) onto FM 47, then continue north to FM 2475. Turn left on FM 2475 and follow it approximately 4 miles to the Lake Tawakoni State Park entrance on your left. The drive is about 20 miles and takes roughly 25 minutes through scenic East Texas countryside.
Open in Google MapsWhy Stay at Anchor Inn
- Anchor Inn Marina is just 25 minutes from the state park entrance, making it the closest full-service lakeside resort where you can stay near Lake Tawakoni State Park without roughing it in a tent
- Spend your day hiking the park trails and birding the shoreline, then return to Anchor Inn for a hot shower, a comfortable bed, and waterfront views from your cabin or RV site
- Unlike the state park campsites, Anchor Inn offers a well-maintained boat ramp with covered slips, so you can combine a nature day at the park with a fishing or boating day right from the resort
- Anchor Inn sits on the south shore of Lake Tawakoni, giving you access to different sections of the lake than the state park, which means two completely different fishing and wildlife-watching experiences in a single trip
Nearby Attractions from Anchor Inn
Discover more great destinations within easy driving distance
Bird Watching & Wildlife at Lake Tawakoni
Over 340 documented bird species, wintering Bald Eagles, and year-round wildlife — all visible from your lakefront door.
Hiking & Nature Trails Near Lake Tawakoni
Explore miles of wooded trails through post oak woodlands, pocket prairies, and scenic Lake Tawakoni shoreline — all within 25 minutes of Anchor Inn Marina.
Swimming & Beach Areas at Lake Tawakoni
Wade into 36,700 acres of warm Texas lake water — right from your campsite or at a sandy state-park beach just minutes away.
Family Activities at Lake Tawakoni
Where screen time surrenders to lake time — and bedtime stories start with "remember when we caught that fish."
Make Anchor Inn Your Home Base
Visiting Lake Tawakoni State Park? Stay at Anchor Inn Marina & Resort — premium lakeside accommodations just minutes away on beautiful Lake Tawakoni.
RV Sites • Rustic Cabins • Guest Rooms • Tent Sites • Day Passes