Swim, Camp, Hike, Or Boat At An Underrated Texas State Park With Wooded Lake Shores

Texas is one of the most iconic U.S. states, a vast territory with a history, culture, and cuisine all of its own. From barbecue and cowboys to the rich handprint of its Mexican heritage, the Lone Star State has long celebrated its unique place in the collective imagination, and is especially good to explore via road trip. While its cities, music, and, of course, food are famous all over the country, the natural charms of Texas still fly largely under the national radar despite possessing a wealth of such spots. 

When we think of Texas, we often think of open rangeland or the vast desert landscapes of the state's west (like this under-visited national park). While this all helps to make it the singular place that it is, many people don't realize that East Texas is also worthy of exploration in its own right. This is a region of wetlands, lakes, and thick forests known as the Piney Woods, and it offers up some of Texas' best outdoor gems, such as Lake Bob Sandlin State Park. 

This reservoir formed by the damming of Big Cypress Creek draws people from around the region for its campgrounds, hiking trails, great fishing, and watersports. It's also one of the prime spots in the region for viewing wildlife and is representative of the sort of outdoor wonder found throughout the eastern part of the state.

Situated just over 10 miles from the town of Pittsburg, Bob Sandlin Lake is a 9,000-acre body of water whose shores are shaded by a thick forest of pine, oak, hickory, and maple, which turn fiery hues of tangerine, red, and gold come autumn. The state park was opened in 1987 and features 75 campsites with electricity as well as 16 primitive walk-in sites. There are also day-use facilities, including a picnic pavilion, shoreline access to the lake, and a fishing pier that's lighted at night. 

What makes Bob Sandlin State Park unique is the fact that it's situated at the meeting of two ecoregions: the Piney Woods and the Post Oak Savanna. This means that you'll find a mix of flora and fauna there different from anywhere else in Texas. It's not uncommon to take in raccoons, deer, gray foxes, squirrels, and bobcats, as well as a wide variety of bird species, making it a prime spot for avian enthusiasts.   

While the park is a magnet for anglers for its healthy populations of bass, crappie, and sunfish, it's also a great place to get out on the water whether you're casting a line or not. There are kayaks available for rent, and the park also has a boat ramp for larger watercraft. During the scorching Texas summer, Bob Sandlin State Park is also the perfect spot to dive into the lake's cooling waters for a much-needed swim. 

Perhaps the best way to experience the deep-woods sublimity of Lake Bob Sandlin State Park is by hitting one of its hiking trails. Keep in mind that these are not serious treks, but rather short, leisurely strolls that can be completed in an hour or less. There are five official routes, including Lakeview Loop, Brim Pond Trail, Homestead Trail, Dogwood Trail, and Dogwood Cutoff.

However, if you're looking for a longer hike, consider combining them all into the Lake Bob Sandlin State Park Full Loop. This 6.2-mile circuit path takes visitors through the whole park, and is also an excellent opportunity to spot birds such as ducks, comorants, turkey vultures, and bald eagles, as well as other local wildlife. And while you're exploring, stop by the Fort Sherman Cemetery, a relic of the short-lived Republic of Texas that is the oldest of its kind in the county. For more interesting spots to visit in the Lone Star State, check out these cool alternatives to the bigger tourist draws.