Lake Jacksonville Park

Introduction / Overview

For Texans looking to escape the heat and dive into a genuine outdoor adventure, Lake Jacksonville Park offers an accessible and beautiful destination right in the heart of East Texas. Located near the charming town of Jacksonville, this city-managed recreational area is a treasured local spot known for its clean waters, abundant fishing, and family-friendly camping facilities. It’s the perfect antidote to the concrete jungle, providing a peaceful lakeside retreat just a short drive from major metropolitan areas.

Lake Jacksonville itself is a magnificent 1,325-acre reservoir, established in 1957, that defines the local scenery. The park capitalizes on this natural asset by providing a variety of camping options directly on its shores. Whether you are a seasoned RV enthusiast, a dedicated tent camper, or simply looking for a shaded spot for a family picnic, the park is designed to accommodate a wide range of outdoor interests.

The atmosphere at Lake Jacksonville Park is genuinely welcoming. Recent visitors often speak of the "beautiful area" and the diverse array of "in and out of water activities" available. It’s an ideal setting for families, solo anglers, or groups of friends seeking a classic Texas lake experience. The city's commitment to maintaining this recreation area ensures that residents and visitors alike have a high-quality place to enjoy the best of East Texas nature. From the well-spaced RV pads to the dedicated swimming areas, everything here focuses on maximizing your outdoor enjoyment in a friendly, communal setting.

Notably, while offering excellent value, the campground maintains a high standard of essentials. As one reviewer noted, the $35 per night RV sites are an "awesome location", delivering great bang for your buck while providing all the necessary electrical and water amenities to make your stay comfortable for the maximum permitted 14-day stay. Lake Jacksonville Park truly delivers on the promise of a classic, fun, and affordable Texas getaway.

Location and Accessibility

Lake Jacksonville Park is conveniently located in Cherokee County, making it easily accessible for Texans across the eastern and central parts of the state. Its proximity to the city of Jacksonville ensures that campers are never far from essential services, groceries, and dining options.

Physical Address: 2235 Byrd Rd, Jacksonville, TX 75766, USA

Key Locational Features:

• Proximity to Jacksonville: The park is located approximately three miles southwest of downtown Jacksonville, providing a quick trip for supplies or a meal in town.
• Easy Access: The location is easily reached via local routes, including US 79 and Byrd Road, making the drive stress-free even for larger RVs.
• East Texas Gateway: For travelers from Tyler, Lufkin, or even the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, the park serves as an ideal escape point, offering a dense East Texas woodland setting alongside a sizable body of water.
• Natural Surroundings: The park is nestled within the gently rolling hills and pine forests typical of East Texas, providing a lovely, shaded environment that helps temper the Texas summer sun.

Services Offered

The City of Jacksonville maintains Lake Jacksonville Park with a focus on providing core, essential services that ensure a comfortable and straightforward camping experience for all visitors.

• RV Pads with Utilities: The campground provides ten designated RV Pads that are equipped with both water and electricity hookups. These sites are designed for convenience during your stay.
• Grass Campsites: Seven designated grass campsites are available, also featuring access to water and electricity, making them suitable for tent campers or smaller RVs.
• Screened Shelters: Ten enclosed shelters are available for rent. These facilities provide an excellent way to enjoy the outdoors with protection from insects and are often equipped with a barbecue pit.
• Restroom and Shower Facilities: The camping area includes access to restroom facilities with showers, a crucial amenity for tent campers and RV users without full on-board facilities.
• RV Sanitary Dump Station: For the convenience of all RV campers, a sanitary RV sewer dump station is located near the park entrance, allowing for easy waste disposal upon exit.
• Picnic Amenities: Many sites and common areas feature picnic tables, grills, and fire rings, perfect for enjoying a classic Texas barbecue or campfire under the stars.
• Restricted Gate Access: The campground area typically features restricted gate access, adding a layer of security and controlled entry for registered campers.

Features and Highlights

Lake Jacksonville Park offers a wide range of recreational features that truly capture the spirit of an East Texas lake vacation, encouraging visitors to take full advantage of the beautiful 1,325-acre lake.

• Premier Water Recreation: Lake Jacksonville is known for its clean, clear water, making it perfect for swimming, boating, and water skiing. It’s a great spot for tubing and general water fun.
• Designated Swimming Areas: The park maintains two public swimming areas, including one with a sand beach and a swimming pier, providing a safe and defined space for families and children to enjoy the water.
• Excellent Fishing Opportunities: The lake has a strong history of exceptional fishing, particularly for Largemouth Bass (with some record catches), Spotted Bass, Crappie, Sunfish, and Catfish. Anglers can utilize the various deep-water structures and native vegetation.
• Boat Launch Ramps: Three boat ramps are provided on the lake, ensuring easy and efficient launching and retrieval of boats for all water sports and fishing excursions.
• Annual Community Events: The area is locally famous for hosting the annual Independence Day Fireworks show, which campers can enjoy directly from the public campground or on the water.
• Wildlife Observation: The park’s natural setting allows for excellent bird-watching, with bald eagles known to visit the area seasonally in the winter, alongside sightings of deer and other local wildlife.
• Hiking and Picnicking: The area surrounding the campgrounds offers lovely opportunities for walking and exploring, with numerous picnic facilities available for day-use visitors looking for a break by the water.

Contact Information

For inquiries regarding reservations, specific site availability, or campground rules and rates, please contact the City of Jacksonville Parks Department using the information below.

Address: 2235 Byrd Rd, Jacksonville, TX 75766, USA

Phone (Business Hours - for reservations and general inquiries): (903) 589-3510 (City of Jacksonville Parks Department) (Note: Some sources list an after-hours reservation line at 903-625-5626, please check the official City website for the most current booking information).

Mobile Phone: +1 903-589-3510

What is Worth Choosing

Lake Jacksonville Park stands out as an exceptional choice for Texas campers because it perfectly combines affordability and natural beauty with practical, city-managed amenities. It is a must-visit for any Texan seeking an authentic and unpretentious lakeside experience without the hefty price tag of a private resort. You should choose this park for its:

• Unrivaled Lake Access: Direct access to a clean, 1,325-acre lake with multiple boat ramps, a swimming beach, and a pier. The opportunity for excellent fishing, boating, and swimming is the primary draw.
• Essential Camping Comforts: Availability of RV pads with water and electricity, grass campsites, and ten enclosed screened shelters, all backed by convenient restroom and hot shower facilities and a necessary RV dump station.
• Value and Convenience: With affordable rates (around $35 per night for RV sites) and a maximum 14-day stay limit, it’s ideal for both a quick weekend escape or an extended two-week vacation. The park offers incredible value for waterfront camping in East Texas.
• Friendly, Local Atmosphere: It's a treasured local spot with a strong sense of community, famous for its picturesque setting and as the best place to catch the annual Independence Day fireworks show.

For a classic, activity-filled, and genuinely Texan camping trip where the focus is on fishing, swimming, and relaxing by the water, Lake Jacksonville Park is the clear choice.