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Prairies & Lakes Region
Fairfield Lake State Park
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FAIRFIELD LAKE STATE PARK
FAIRFIELD LAKE STATE PARK
123 State Park Rd. 64
Fairfield, Texas   75840
(lat:31.7778 lon:-96.068) map location

Phone: 903-389-4514
Fairfield Lake State Park is a state park located in Freestone County, Texas, United States, northeast of Fairfield on the shores of Fairfield Lake. The park is 1,460 acres.

The park was acquired in 1971-1972 by lease from Texas Utilities and was opened to the public in 1976.

Activities include camping, backpacking, hiking, horseback riding on approximately 15 miles of day-use equestrian trails, nature study, bird watching, boating or paddling on a 2,400-acre lake, water skiing, jet skiing, fishing, and lake swimming in a large, buoyed sandy area.

Fairfield Lake is home to several species of fish. You can reel in a bass, catfish or perch from a boat or the fishing pier. Anglers from all over Texas join in tournaments or enjoy the open water in a canoe or kayak. Fishing is best in early spring and into the summer.
Nature of the Area
Surrounding woods are comprised of oak, hickory, cedar, elm, dogwood and redbud, which offer sanctuary for many species of birds and mark the transition zone between the pine forests to the east and the prairie grasslands to the north and west. Wildlife found in the park include osprey year-round, bald eagles November through February, white-tailed deer, raccoons, foxes, beavers, squirrels and armadillos. Popular catches include catfish, bass, carp, freshwater redfish, and other varieties.
History of the Area
The history of the area around Fairfield Lake State Park resembles that of much of rural eastern Texas. Long occupied by Native Americans who hunted and fished its waterways, the land was first plowed in the mid-19th century and planted in cotton and corn by Anglo farmers and, about a third of the time, their African-American slaves. Following the Civil War, the crop-lien system took root. Blacks and whites alike worked in the service of the cotton crop until after World War II, when changes in American agriculture and increased employment opportunities away from the farm brought an end to the era of widespread cotton farming. Since that time, cattle ranching has prevailed throughout the region. The human population of the Brown Creek area, never large, is now widely scattered over the region. In this sparsely populated area, Texas Utilities built its dam, creating Fairfield Lake.
Swimming
1. Fairfield Lake State Park offers a designated swimming area in the lake.
2. No lifeguards are on duty, so swim at your own risk.
3. Swimming is not allowed around boat ramps or fishing piers for safety reasons.
4. The park does not provide any equipment rentals like life jackets or floats for swimmers.
5. You can enjoy open water swimming with no restrictions beyond the marked areas and guidelines provided by the park authorities.
6. The warm waters of this power plant cooling reservoir make it possible to swim year-round.

Fishing
Anglers can enjoy fishing from the pier or shoreline. Species include catfish, sunfish, largemouth bass and red drum. Boating is also permitted for offshore catches. Fishing gear rentals are available on-site.


Location
Fairfield Lake State Park is

Picnicking
1. Fairfield Lake State Park offers numerous picnic sites with tables and grills.
2. Some picnic areas have covered shelters for shade or rain protection.
3. Visitors can enjoy a lakeside view while picnicking in designated spots.
4. Picnic pavilions are available to rent for larger gatherings or events.
5. The park's open spaces also allow visitors to spread out blankets for casual, impromptu picnics.

Bicycling
Biking enthusiasts can explore over 15 miles of trails, suitable for all skill levels. Be aware that some paths are rugged.

The park offers a variety of terrains from flat surfaces to hilly areas. Exercise caution on uneven ground.

Mountain bikers should be prepared for challenging rides with steep inclines and declines; safety gear is recommended.

For those seeking less strenuous activity, there's an easy two-mile loop trail perfect for leisurely cycling or family outings.

Remember: Texas weather can change rapidly so always check forecasts before setting out on your bike ride adventure!

Please note the Park does not offer bicycle rentals - visitors must bring their own equipment.

Cyclists share these routes with walkers and runners too - stay alert at all times to avoid accidents!

Lastly, respect wildlife by keeping distance when encountering animals during your biking journey in this beautiful natural area.
Birding
Birding enthusiasts can spot species like the Bald Eagle, Osprey and American White Pelican. Other common sightings include various ducks, herons, egrets and songbirds. The park's diverse habitats attract a wide variety of birdlife throughout the year.

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