Campsite #53

Campsite #53: Your Gateway to Martin Creek Lake State Park in the Texas Piney Woods

For Texans looking to experience the serene beauty and abundant recreational opportunities of the **East Texas Piney Woods**, **Campsite #53** serves as an excellent starting point. This specific site is located within the **Martin Creek Lake State Park**, which is nestled near the historic community of Harmony Hill, TX. While the designation "Campsite #53" refers to a specific spot, it is part of a larger, well-maintained public camping area—likely the popular **Broken Bowl Camping Area** within the park, known for its water and electric hookups.

Martin Creek Lake State Park is a jewel in the Texas State Parks system, celebrated for its year-round fishing, boating, and extensive trail system. The park is a favorite among local Texas families and RV enthusiasts due to its excellent facilities and beautiful location on the shores of the nearly 5,000-acre Martin Creek Lake. Choosing a site like #53 means securing a spot that offers both the necessary modern comforts for an enjoyable stay and immediate access to the natural beauty and recreational activities that define a quintessential Texas outdoor getaway. The atmosphere here is one of peaceful natural escape combined with the organized safety of a state park facility.

Location and Accessibility: A Historic Spot in East Texas

Campsite #53 is situated in a historically rich part of East Texas, with the general address coordinates pointing near **Harmony Hill, TX 75691, USA**. The nearest main entry point is the **Martin Creek Lake State Park** entrance, officially located at 9515 County Road 2181D, Tatum, TX 75691.

The park is conveniently located just 20 miles southeast of the major East Texas hub of Longview, making it highly accessible for residents of Dallas/Fort Worth, Shreveport, and other major metropolitan areas. Drivers can easily reach the park via US 59/TX-43 and local county roads.

Specifically within the park, Campsite #53 is located within one of the primary camping loops, such as the Broken Bowl Campground. These camping loops are typically situated near the lakeshore, offering convenient access to the water, the boat ramp, and essential park amenities. The location benefits from the towering **loblolly pine and hardwood trees**, which provide ample shade and enhance the natural, cooling feel of the campsite, a much-appreciated feature during the warmer Texas months.

Essential Services Offered at Martin Creek Lake State Park Camping Area

As part of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) system, the camping areas near Campsite #53 are well-equipped with standard, high-quality amenities to ensure a comfortable stay:

Standard Camping Services (Applicable to Campsite #53's Loop):

• Utility Hookups: **Water and electric hookups** are standard at most RV sites, including the area where Campsite #53 is located, with a mix of 30-amp and 50-amp service available.
• Site Features: Each site typically includes a **paved parking pad**, a **picnic table**, a **lantern hook**, and a **fire ring with a grill** for cooking over an open flame.
• Restroom and Shower Facilities: Modern, clean **bathhouses with hot showers and restrooms** are conveniently located within a short walking distance of the camping loops.
• Waste Management: **Dump stations** for RV gray and black water are provided, and **dumpsters** are conveniently placed for trash disposal.
• Pet-Friendly: Pets are allowed at campsites but must be kept on a leash at all times.
• Firewood: Firewood is available for purchase, often via vending machines, within the park (Note: Local firewood restrictions apply due to the emerald ash borer quarantine).

Key Features and Highlights of Martin Creek Lake State Park

Staying at Campsite #53 offers access to the remarkable features that make Martin Creek Lake State Park a popular Texas destination:

Top Highlights for Texas Campers:

• Year-Round Fishing: The lake's water is kept warm by the adjacent power plant, creating excellent conditions for fishing, even in cooler months. Anglers frequently reel in **largemouth bass, crappie, and catfish**. The park includes a **lighted fishing pier** and a **fish cleaning station**.
• Historic Hiking Trails: The park boasts nearly four miles of trails, including the **1.5-mile Harmony Hill Loop Trail**. This trail passes through the **Nationally Registered Historic District** of the former community of Harmony Hill, allowing Texans to walk in the footsteps of early settlers.
• Boating and Water Sports: The large lake permits **motorized boats, water skiing, and jet skiing**. A **boat ramp** is available, and **canoe rentals** are offered at the park office.
• Variety of Accommodations:** Beyond standard RV sites, the park also offers **primitive campsites on an island**, as well as **cabins** and **screened shelters**, catering to all styles of Texas camping.
• Shady, Scenic Environment: The campsites are nestled beneath **tall loblolly pine and hardwood trees**, providing crucial shade and a beautiful backdrop for a relaxing outdoor vacation.

Contact Information and Reservations

Campsite #53 is part of the Martin Creek Lake State Park system, and all reservations and inquiries should be directed to the official Texas Parks and Wildlife channels:

• Park Address: 9515 County Road 2181D, Tatum, TX 75691 (This is the park's main office address).
• Park Phone: (903) 836-4336
• Reservations Phone: (512) 389-8900 (TPWD Customer Service Center)
• Online Reservations: Campsites can be reserved online through the official Texas State Parks booking platform, up to six months in advance. Reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak season.

What is Worth Choosing Campsite #53 / Martin Creek Lake State Park

For Texas families, RV enthusiasts, and history buffs, choosing Martin Creek Lake State Park (and a site like #53) offers a compelling combination of convenience, recreation, and history.

**Ideal for Water Lovers and Anglers:** The park’s major draw is the lake itself. With the unique feature of warm water year-round, fishing and boating remain viable, exciting options even when temperatures drop in other parts of the state. If catching a record bass or spending a day on the jet ski is a priority, this location is hard to beat in East Texas.

**Historical and Natural Immersion:** The Harmony Hill area provides a distinct historical element. Hiking the trails and seeing the remnants of the old community adds a layer of cultural enrichment to the outdoor experience, connecting visitors to Texas's rich past. The towering pines and clean environment offer the perfect setting for relaxation and photography.

**Reliable State Park Quality:** By choosing a state park like this, Texas users are assured of clean facilities, well-maintained sites with reliable hookups, and professional staff. Campsite #53, with its likely position in a preferred camping loop, guarantees a secure and comfortable base from which to enjoy all the lake and the Piney Woods have to offer.