Tyler State Park
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Tyler State Park
Swimming hole in Tyler, Texas · Lake
Swim from a sandy beach on a cool, 64-acre spring-fed lake ringed by 100-foot pines — entry $6 for ages 13+, kids free.
Typical season: Late spring to early autumn for swimming; busy season March to Thanksgiving. Open daily; headquarters 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m., extended seasonally.
About Tyler State Park
Tyler State Park is built around water and shade: a cool, 64-acre spring-fed lake ringed by pines up to 100 feet tall, in the Pineywoods just north of the city of Tyler. Families picnic by the sandy beach and spend the day in the lake, and the park around it is historic — the Civilian Conservation Corps built Tyler State Park and its lake, and their structures still stand around the shore. There is plenty beyond the beach. More than 13 miles of trails run through the woods, including the Whispering Pines Nature Trail, laid out by the CCC more than 85 years ago. Anglers fish for crappie, perch, catfish and bass from the pier or a boat — motors are allowed at a 5 mph limit, and the park store rents canoes, kayaks, paddleboats and more. With 101 campsites, screened shelters and six cabins, it easily fills a weekend.
Key facts
Highlights
- A cool, 64-acre spring-fed lake ringed by 100-foot-tall pines in the East Texas Pineywoods.
- Sandy-beach swim area on the lake, with historic CCC-built structures around it — the CCC built the park and its lake.
- More than 13 miles of trails, including the Whispering Pines Nature Trail, laid out more than 85 years ago by the CCC.
Access & fees
Entry costs $6 per day for ages 13 and older; children 12 and under are free, and a $70 Texas State Parks Pass covers entry. The park is open daily; headquarters runs 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m., extended seasonally. TPWD says the park often reaches capacity, so reserve in advance to guarantee entry. One caution from the alert page: boat rentals are currently limited by the low lake level.
Stay safe
- TPWD publishes no lifeguard statement for Tyler State Park — never assume a lifeguard is present; supervise your own swimmers at all times and never swim alone.
- Swim only in designated areas, as TPWD’s swimming-safety guidance requires — watch for sudden drop-offs and unseen objects below the surface.
- Closely supervise children in and around the water; TPWD advises children swimming in lakes to wear life jackets.
- Check current park alerts before visiting — boat rentals are limited by the low lake level, and trail loops occasionally close for events.
Map & location
FAQs
How much does Tyler State Park cost?
$6 per day for ages 13 and older; children 12 and under are free. A Texas State Parks Pass ($70/year) covers entry.
Is there a lifeguard at Tyler State Park?
TPWD publishes no lifeguard statement for this park, so plan as if none will be present: supervise your own swimmers, never swim alone, and keep children in life jackets.
Can I camp at Tyler State Park?
Yes — 101 campsites, 29 screened shelters and 6 cabins. Reservations are highly recommended; the park often reaches capacity.
Editorial review & methodology
Every listing is researched from official land-manager sources, including park, county and state pages, and each fact is re-checked against the named source before publication.
Each page shows its last-verified date, so you can see how recently the details were checked.
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Photo: Tyler State Park swimming area by Larry D. Moore, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Sources: Texas Parks & Wildlife Department. Last verified: 30 October 2026.
Safety
- TPWD publishes no lifeguard statement for Tyler State Park — never assume a lifeguard is present; supervise your own swimmers at all times and never swim alone.
- Swim only in designated areas, as TPWD’s swimming-safety guidance requires — watch for sudden drop-offs and unseen objects below the surface.
- Closely supervise children in and around the water; TPWD advises children swimming in lakes to wear life jackets.
- Check current park alerts before visiting — boat rentals are limited by the low lake level, and trail loops occasionally close for events.
At a glance
Fee$6 per day ages 13+; children 12 and under free
Nearest townTyler
Best seasonLate spring to early autumn
GPS32.481414, -95.289441
Nearby spots
- Huntsville State Park — ≈129 mi
Sources & updates
Last verified: 30 October 2026
Source: Texas Parks & Wildlife Department
Researched by: Swim Hole Finder team
Methodology: How we verify listings →
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