Looking for the perfect picnic spot in all of (south)east Texas? We found it! I’m not a camper, but Martin Dies Jr State Park has me rethinking my stance on that!
Martin Dies Jr State Park is one that’s been on my radar for a several months, but it’s about an hour and a half away from home, and I haven’t found myself up in that part of Southeast Texas – until we went strawberry picking at Third Day Farm & Ranch in Jasper! It was close to lunch time when we finished berry picking, and I don’t know about you, but my kids can go from zero to hangry impressively fast. A quick zip through Whataburger and we were on our way! (Note: if you go up via Highway 96/92, after Silsbee there is … not a lot. Your best bet for fast food is to continue into Jasper or Woodville, or grab something before you leave Silsbee).
Described as a ‘recreation area’, Martin Dies Jr State Park is located along Highway 190 in both Jasper and Tyler counties, along the edge of the Big Thicket. Kayak or canoe the waters of the Neches and/or Angelina rivers, explore the many trails, swim, fish, and choose from over 200 campsites, many next to the lake. If you’re not into sleeping in tents, you can rent a screened shelter or a small cabin. There is also a 100-person group hall available for rent.
In addition to their park facilities, Martin Dies Jr State Park also offers Ranger programs. Adults can go on nature and night hikes; attend programs on animals, plants and trees of the forest; engage in art activities; paddling tours; attend star parties; and more. Kids can borrow an Explorer Pack that includes the supplies needed to explore the park, and pick up a free Junior Ranger Activity Journal at headquarters (or print at home here) and complete tasks to earn badges in the Texas Parks & Wildlife Junior Ranger Program. The Nature Center offers hands-on activities for all ages.
I’m not sure if it’s a COVID protocol, or if it’s just their policy now, but the pay stations at the gate were not staffed. Instead there were signs directing us to a self-pay kiosk at the ranger station, where you could either pay by honor system (cash or check in an envelope dropped in a security box) or pay online via credit card. If you pay online, you’re still required to fill out a deposit form and affix the tag with your receipt number to your windshield (more on this later).
Note: there are restrooms with flushable toilets and running water for handwashing at the ranger station! This is a luxury sometimes, and a big part of the reason why I don’t care for camping, so I was thrilled to see fully plumbed restrooms!
The drive back to the Day Use area is shaded and scenic like a walk down a quiet trail. You pass the Canoe Launch, which was exciting for my oldest for the five seconds he thought we were going canoeing. Around a curve and over a hill and you’re suddenly looking out onto the peaceful Steinhagen Reservoir (locally known as Dam B).
Is this not the sweetest little picnic spot you’ve ever seen?
The Day Use area includes picnic tables, a small play area with swings, wooden chairs and benches with pristine views of the Reservoir, and even a portion of the reservoir that is roped off and designated for swimming. There is plenty of parking right off the main road, while across the road there are trails and campsites available.
It was a quick visit for us, because we were all already worn out from our strawberry picking adventure, so we quickly ate lunch and then explored for about an hour before we headed out. The road follows the reservoir for quite a while before curving back into the woods, towards screened cabins and RV campsites.
It was at this point that I was pulled over by the park police.
Remember how I told you my kids go from angels to gremlins in less than a second flat when they’re hungry? And then I told you how the pay stations are not crewed, and you have to visit the self-pay kiosk at the ranger station?
After paying online, I wrote my receipt number on the deposit slip, tore off my copy and simply threw it on the dash as a symphony of whiny, tired, hungry, hot kids filled my ears. We continued back to the Day Use Area, but passed a park police truck on our way out who promptly flipped on his lights and whipped out behind me like some deleted scene from Smokey & the Bandit. I got a stern talking to for having my slip just thrown onto the dash and not properly affixed to the windshield with the included adhesive strip. Including this fun little anecdote so when you visit, you make sure to peel off the sticker and slap that baby on the windshield. 😉
This park would be absolutely PERFECT for a weekend camping trip (either tent camping or travel trailer/RV) – you could see several different ecosystems and have a busy, activity-filled weekend without ever leaving the park! Busy season is listed as September through Thanksgiving, and March through Independence Day. Their website notes that they often reach capacity, and reservations are highly encouraged for both camping and Day Use. You can guarantee entrance by reserving passes online, or calling customer service.
Things to bring:
- a picnic lunch
- bug spray
- sunscreen
- water – stay hydrated!
- swimsuits, water shoes, towels, and a change of clothes if you plan to swim
- the swingset area is sand, so baby powder to de-sand before getting back in the car (just leave it in the car)
- there were quite a lot of ant beds when we were there, so hiking books or rain/mud boots could be helpful
If we ever make it camping, I’ll make a secondary list of things to bring when camping in this park!
