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Texas
66

Texas State Parks

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USA Parks
Texas
Prairies & Lakes Region
Eisenhower State Park
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Eisenhower State Park Constellation © Jenny Carter
This was taken from Fossil Ridge campground 160.
Eisenhower State Park Painting with Light © Jenny Carter
Campsite 160 in Fossil Ridge Campground
Eisenhower State Park Gulls In Motion © Gregory Lee
Group of gulls enjoying the great outdoors of Eisenhower State Park.
Eisenhower State Park Nature Trail © Gregory Lee
Entrance to Nature Trail.
Eisenhower State Park Fishing Texoma © Gregory Lee
Fishing on Lake Texoma. Photo taken from State Park Shore.
Eisenhower State Park Marina © Gregory Lee
Marina at Eisenhower State Park.
Eisenhower State Park Early Bird gets the Worm © Jenny Carter
A beautiful sunrise and several fisherman. This is walking distance from Fossil Ridge campground.
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EISENHOWER STATE PARK
EISENHOWER STATE PARK
50 Park Road 20
Denison, Texas   75020
(lat:33.8101 lon:-96.5993) map location

Phone: 903-465-1956
Reservations: 512-389-8900
Email: park email button icon
Eisenhower State Park, with 423.1 acres, is located in Grayson County, northwest of Denison on the shores of Lake Texoma. It was acquired in 1954 by a Department of Army lease, which extends until 2004, and was opened to the public in 1958.
Nature of the Area
Grassy uplands, including rare remnants of the tall-grass prairie, terminate in rocky, shoreline bluffs and woodlands. A large variety of colorful wildflowers bloom throughout the growing season, March through November. Several wildflowers are identified by signs along the roadside in selected areas. A nature guide is available that identifies some of the trees along the trail. A wide variety of trees includes oak, ash, elm, cedar, dogwood, cottonwood, soapberry, locust, redbud, persimmon, and bois d'arc. A variety of mammals at the park include armadillo, bat, beaver, coyote, deer, fox, mink, nutria, opossum, rabbit, raccoon, skunk, and squirrel. Wintering bald eagles, pelicans, loons, and other waterfowl may be observed in the area. Lake fishing offers a variety of bass, sunfish, and catfish; lake fossils are on display at the park headquarters.
History of the Area
The park was named for the 34th U.S. president, Dwight David Eisenhower, as he was born nearby. In the early 1830s, the area became increasingly important to Anglo settlers, particularly as a route to Texas and the American southwest. Some of the things which add to the history of the area are the American Indian; Butterfield Overland stage routes; Chisholm and Shawnee cattle drive trails; Fort Johnson, established in the area in 1840; and Colbert's Crossing, established on the Red River in 1853 and operated until 1931.
Swimming
1. Eisenhower State Park offers a designated swimming area in Lake Texoma.
2. No lifeguards are on duty, so swim at your own risk.
3. Swimming is allowed from sunrise to sunset only.
4. The park does not provide any swimming equipment or rentals for visitors.
5. Children under 13 must be supervised by an adult while swimming.
6. The lake's water levels can fluctuate, affecting the size of the beach and swim areas.

Fishing
Located in North Texas, the park offers fishing from a lighted pier or boat. Species include catfish, crappie and striped bass.

Boat rentals are available for those wanting to fish deeper waters.

Fishing gear is also rentable on-site if needed.

The lake's clear water makes it ideal for anglers targeting largemouth bass.

A valid Texas Fishing License is required to fish within the park boundaries.

Anglers can enjoy year-round fishing opportunities with peak seasons being spring and fall.


Location
Eisenhower State Park is located near Denison, Durant and Sherman

Picnicking
Eisenhower State Park offers numerous picnic sites with tables and grills. Some are shaded, others offer lake views or playgrounds nearby.
Bicycling
For biking enthusiasts, the park offers several trails of varying difficulty. Be aware that some paths can be challenging.

The 4-mile multi-use trail is a popular choice for cyclists but requires caution due to its rocky terrain.

Off-road cycling options are available too; however, they demand advanced skills and careful navigation because of steep sections.

Remember always wear your helmet when riding in order to ensure safety on these rugged routes.

Please note: Biking after dark isn't permitted so plan accordingly.

Bikes aren't provided at this location - remember to bring your own or arrange rental beforehand.
Birding
Birdwatchers can spot a variety of species including the Eastern Bluebird, Scissor-tailed Flycatcher and Painted Bunting. The park's diverse habitats attract migratory birds such as warblers during springtime. Birding enthusiasts may also see waterfowl like Mallards on Lake Texoma shores or raptors soaring overhead.
Area Attractions
Inside the park, visitors will find the Eisenhower Yacht Club, a privately operated full-service marina. They have a repair shop, boat sales, pontoon boat rentals, on-the-water fuel service dock, and long-term rental of wet boat slips. The marina store also has bait and tackle; limited groceries, camping, and picnic supplies; boating supplies; a sewer pump-out station; clothing items; and snacks. They are located at 2141 Park Road 20, Denison, 75020-4883; Phone: 903/463-3999, Fax: (903) 465-8906, E-mail: [email protected].

Nearby attractions include Eisenhower Birthplace State Historic Site (campers can get a free tour); Bonham State Park; Lake Texoma; the Grayson County Frontier Village, a rustic 19th century structure and museum; and the Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge with 11,300 acres of land and water known as a haven for migrating and wintering waterfowl.


Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
September 18 by Mario Sr
park review stars; one to five Eisenhower does not allow forearms even if liscensed. Claim to follow federal rules.
March 27 by Becky
park review stars; one to five We had a great time camping there. The sites are great because they are not right on top of each other. The area is heavly wooded which makes for a great camping atmosphere. The bathrooms were older but very clean. A big bonus is that the park seemed very safe, we saw very friendly rangers pass by about every 30 minutes or so which made us feel very comfortable. We will definatly camp there again!
July 29 A Shangrila in the Wilderness by Linda P
park review stars; one to five We went tent camping there on 07/23/2011 for our 5th year anniversary and brought our 2yr old grandson. It is absoulutley beautiful. We really had a wonderful time, and plan on going there alot more.
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Directions
The park may be reached by taking U.S. Highway 75 out of Dallas; take Exit #72 to State Highway 91 North to Denison Dam to FM 1310 W and traveling 1.8 miles to Park Road 20 entrance.

Camping fees vary; entrance fee. For reservations, call 512/389-8900. Current weather conditions, including fire bans and water levels, can vary from day to day. For more details, call the park or Park Information at 1-800-792-1112.

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