Our Visit to the South Sulphur Unit of Cooper Lake State Park:
Video: Cooper Lake State Park - South Sulphur Unit
Just about an hour and a half Northeast of Dallas, you'll find a gem of a state park... Cooper Lake State Park. Like a couple of other state parks in Texas (Lake Somerville and Lake Ray Roberts), Cooper Lake State Park is made up of two units. The Doctors Creek Unit is located on the North shore of Cooper Lake (now known as Jim Chapman Lake) near the town of Cooper TX. The larger park unit, the South Sulphur Unit, is located on the Southern shore of the lake closer to the town of Sulphur Springs TX.
We will definitely return to the area to visit Doctors Creek in the future. But on this trip, we are focused on South Sulphur.
Our Campsite at Cooper Lake State Park - South Sulphur Unit
The South Sulphur Unit of Cooper Lake State Park offers 30amp electric with water and 50amp electric with water RV/tent camping sites, as well as 30amp electric with water equestrian sites and tent only walk-in campsites. A unique feature of this park is the availability of "Double Campsites": two parking pads side-by-side with electric, water, picnic tables and fire rings specifically designed for friends and family traveling together. The Double Campsites are always booked as one site.
We reserved a 30amp electric and water campsite for our stay, but when we arrived at the park we asked about availability of a 50amp electric and water site. As luck would have it, the park had an empty park host site which was 50amp with full hookups (electric, water and sewer connections). So we were able to upgrade our campsite for our weeklong stay.
Our campsite, number 57, was located in the Deer Haven Camping Loop right across from the bathhouse. The site was large and easy to get in and out of. And that seems to be the case throughout the park.
Park Headquarters
Cooper Lake State Park South Sulphur Unit Is Big Rig Friendly!
To this point, the South Sulphur Unit of Cooper Lake State Park is the MOST big rig friendly state park that we have visited. The park roads are fantastic and easy to drive. You can choose between pull-through and back-in sites. There are not a lot of large rocks or "gotchas" along the sides of the road. And the trees in the campgrounds and along the main roads were very well trimmed and maintained during our visit.
There are two boat launch areas in the park with parking areas large enough to easily disconnect or connect your tow vehicle if you are traveling in a motorhome like us. And the campgrounds have a good amount of overflow parking sprinkled throughout the campground. So if you don't quite fit within your campsite, there are plenty of options for parking your truck or tow vehicle safely in nearby overflow parking.
And perhaps because this park opened in 1996, the campsites are huge! The smallest RV campsite listed on the Cooper Lake State Park South Sulphur reservations page is a whopping 54 feet long!
Find a Book at the Park Library
Cooper Lake State Park Has Something For Everyone
Yes, any size RV can camp here. And yes, there are really nice walk-in tent options and equestrian camping options. But it doesn't stop there! Folks who prefer shelter camping or cabins have great options as well.
Like the campsites, the shelters and cabins are well spaced out and many offer lake views. All of the cabins are air conditioned and heated. Some offer kitchens and full bathrooms. Other cabins are less expensive with fewer amenities, but are located near full bathhouses.
And that is another feature of this park that we were impressed by... the bathhouses were all exceptionally clean during our stay. And every camping loop and the shelter loop have bathhouses with showers.
There are a lot of options for activities here! We talk about many of them below. Keep reading! You can relax by the campfire watching for passing wildlife, enjoy a beautiful hike, or take the time to check out nearby Sulphur Springs, Texas. Actually, you definitely want to spend enough time here so that you can really enjoy the park and make time to travel into Sulphur Springs. In our opinions, Sulphur Springs is a must-visit town in Texas! If you missed our Sulphur Springs video, you can watch it on our YouTube Channel. We absolutely LOVED our visit.
The History of Cooper Lake:
While Cooper Lake and its associated state parks are newer than most, planning actually goes back a few decades. The Cooper Lake Project was approved to control flooding and supply water to local towns back in 1955. But, construction did not begin on the lake until 1986. Cooper Lake, which is also known today as Jim Chapman Lake, was built by the US Army Corps of Engineers. The lake was completed in 1991 and had collected enough water to open boat access in 1992.
Texas Parks and Wildlife undertook a long-term lease of the state park grounds beginning in 1991 and began development of the parks. The Doctor's Creek Unit opened in January 1996, with the Sulphur Springs Unit following in April of 1996.
Cooper Lake covers 19,305 acres with a maximum depth of 55 feet.
Well Marked Hiking Trails
Kayak Rentals
Things to Do at the South Sulphur Unit of Cooper Lake State Park:
Hiking: Cooper Lake State Park's South Sulphur Unit is home to more than 15 miles of hiking trails ranging from Easy to Challenging. For an easy introduction to this park, take a stroll on the quarter-mile Honey Creek Interpretive Trail. You'll find it between the Deer Haven Camping Area and the Honey Creek Day Use Area. The trail categorized as most challenging is the 4.8 mile Lonesome Dove Trail.
The majority of the park's trails (Little Bluestem Trail, Rabbit Run, Lonesome Dove Loop and Pioneer Pass) make up the Buggy Whip Trail System. The Little Bluestem Trail begins at the Buggy Whip Equestrian Camping Area and leads to all of these other trails. The park's trail map includes historical and natural points of interest along the 4.6 mile Coyote Run Trail. You'll find its trailhead at the Heron Harbor Day Use Area.
Boating: The South Sulphur Unit of Cooper Lake State Park hosts 2 boat ramps: a six lane boat ramp near the Gulls Bluff Day Use Area, and a two lane boat ramp at the Honey Creek Day Use Area. Water Skiing is allowed on Cooper Lake.
Paddling: Bring your own kayak, or rent one from the park and get some exercise on the lake while seeing Cooper Lake State Park from a different perspective.
Biking: A bicycle can be a nice way to get around within the park, particularly during less crowded times. The park roads were in fantastic shape when we visited. The Coyote Run Trail (4.6 miles round trip) is the only trail in the South Sulphur Unit of Cooper Lake State Park that allows bikes.
Ranger Programs: Ranger Programs are a GREAT addition to any state park visit. The South Sulphur Park Rangers host activities like guided nature hikes, story times, outdoor photography classes, and art classes. Check with the Events Page of Cooper Lake State Park's website or the park headquarters for a list of scheduled Ranger Programs.
Heron Harbor Day Use Area
White-Tailed Deer
Fishing: During our stay in Spring of 2021, the park's fishing piers had been damaged by storms. But typically, this park offers fishing from boat, kayak, two lighted fishing piers or shoreline. You do not need a fishing license to fish from the shore within a Texas State Park. Since Cooper Lake is not located completely within the state park, you DO need a fishing license to fish from a watercraft.
The South Sulphur Unit of Cooper Lake State Park has three fish cleaning stations. The lake is home to Blue Catfish, White Bass, Hybrid Striped Bass, Crappie, Flathead Catfish, Channel Catfish and Largemouth Bass.
Wildlife Viewing: Keep an eye out for white-tailed deer, armadillo, bunnies, and raccoons. They say that bobcats, possums, beavers and gray fox also call Cooper Lake State Park home.
Geocaching: There are several geocaches hidden within this park! If you don't have a the geocaching app or a good phone signal, check with the park headquarters for GPS units.
Swimming: There is a designated swimming area in the Heron Harbor Day Use Area. Swim at your own risk. No lifeguards are on duty.
Horseback Riding: Bring your own horse to enjoy equestrian camping and the 10.5 mile Buggy Whip Trail System. The trail head is located in the equestrian camping area. The park trail map indicates novice, intermediate and challenging trail areas.
Other Amenities at Cooper Lake State Park, South Sulphur:
Library: We love finding libraries within our parks! This park features a rather large selection of books to share in the park headquarters. The book shelf looks like a canoe! Bring a book you're done with to add to the collection and find a new one to enjoy.
Volleyball Court: You'll find a well-maintained sand volleyball court in the Heron Harbor Day Use Area.
Basketball Court: Heron Harbor is also home to a concrete basketball court and playground.
Park Store: We were really impressed with the organization and choices within the park store at South Sulphur. While it's not huge, there are some really nice choices and the park t-shirts are designed by staff and volunteers! The park store is located inside the park headquarters. Ice and firewood are also available here.
Amphitheater: Located at the Honey Creek Day Use Area at the Honey Creek Interpretive Trail, the amphitheater is a nice place to take in a Ranger Program of just sit and relax a bit.
Exploring the Park
Nice Park Store
Cooper Lake State Park South Sulphur Unit Details:
Open Year Round? Yes
Reservations Available: 6 Months Prior to Camping Date
Check-In Time: 2:00 pm
Check-Out Time: 11:00 am
Park Gate: No
RV Campsite Lengths: 54 - 95 feet
Total RV/Tent Sites: 87
Total Tent Only Sites: 15
Total RV/Tent Equestrian Sites: 15
Total Screened Shelter Sites: 17
Total Cabin Sites: 18
Contact Cooper Lake State Park - South Sulphur Unit:
Park Address: 1690 FM 3505, Sulphur Springs TX 75482
RV and Tent Camping at Cooper Lake State Park - South Sulphur Unit:
Bright Star Camping Area
Total Sites: 46
Site Numbers: 1 - 46
30/50 Amp Electricity
Electric and Water Hookups
Back-In and Pull-Thru Sites
Some Big Rig Friendly
Many of these sites are shaded and some have direct water views. Campsite 22 is a double campsite. A bathhouse with restrooms and showers is located in the Bright Star Camping Loop.
Deer Haven Camping Loop
Total Sites: 41
Site Numbers: 47 - 87
30 Amp Electricity
Electric and Water Hookups
Back-In and Pull-Thru Sites
Some Big Rig Friendly
Many of these sites are shaded and some have direct water views. Campsites 54, 65, 73, and 79 are double campsites. A bathhouse with restrooms and showers is located in the Deer Haven Camping Loop.
Campsites include a picnic table, lantern post and fire pit. Parking is on pavement. Some sites also include a shade structure over the picnic table.
Trash dumpsters are located near each bathhouse. Overflow parking spaces are located throughout the camping loops.
The South Sulphur Unit of Cooper Lake State Park has a dump station on the main park road just outside of the Bright Star Camping Area.
Additional Camping at Cooper Lake State Park - South Sulphur Unit:
Oak Grove Tent Camping Area
Total Sites: 15
Site Numbers: 88 - 102
Primitive Camping - No Electricity
Water Nearby
Walk-In Sites
Parking Surface is Paved
No RVs are allowed in the Oak Grove Camping Loop. There is one shared water spigot for every four campsites. Sites are shaded and include a picnic table, lantern post and fire ring. A bathhouse with restrooms and showers is located nearby in the adjoining Deer Haven Camping Area.
Buggy Whip Equestrian Camping Loop
Total Sites: 15
Site Numbers: 103 - 116
30 Amp Electricity
Electric and Water Hookups
Back-In Sites
Equestrian Friendly
Campsites 107, 113 and 116 are double campsites. A bathhouse with restrooms and showers is located in the Buggy Whip Camping Loop. Equestrian / Hiking Trails begin at trailheads in this camping area. Campsites include a picnic table, fire ring, lantern post and tether. Parking is on pavement.
Screened Shelter
Cabin with a Lake View
Cabins at Cooper Lake State Park - South Sulphur Unit:
Cabins Within Eagle Point
Total Sites: 4
Site Numbers: 14, 16 - 18
Air Conditioned and Heated
Water and Electricity
No Restrooms in These Cabins
Parking at Cabin
A bathhouse with restrooms and showers is located within the Eagle Point loop. These cabins include a ceiling fan, small refrigerator, microwave, electrical outlets and bunk beds. Each of these cabins sleeps 5 people. A picnic table, grill, fire ring, lantern hook and water spigot are outside. No pets or RVs allowed. A tent is allowed for 3 additional people.
Cabins Within Pecan Ridge
Total Sites: 14
Site Numbers: 1 - 8, 10 - 15
Air Conditioned and Heated
Water and Electricity
Includes Full Restroom
Parking at Cabin
These cabins include ceiling fans, refrigerator, microwave, stove, coffee pot, electrical outlets, dining table and chairs, living area couch and 2 double beds. A picnic table, grill, fire ring, and deck are outside. No pets, tents or RVs allowed.
The cabins do not include bed or bath linens or cooking / eating utensils. No smoking.
Shelters at Cooper Lake State Park - South Sulphur Unit:
Eagle Point Screened Shelter Area
Total Sites: 17
Site Numbers: 1 - 13, 15, 19-21
20 Amp Electricity
Electric and Water
Parking at Shelter
Tents Allowed
RVs and pets are not allowed. Each Shelter includes a picnic table, lantern post and fire ring. Some shelters have lake views. Parking is on pavement. A bathhouse with restrooms and showers is located within the Eagle Point loop.
Visiting Cooper Lake State Park - South Sulphur For a Day:
Day Use Areas
Put together a picnic lunch and enjoy a day of sand volleyball, basketball, kayaking, hiking, boating, fishing, swimming or just relaxing. There are four Day Use Areas spread throughout the park.
Trailhead
Basketball
Cooper Lake State Park - South Sulphur Information:
Year Opened: 1996
Discount Passes Accepted: Texas State Parks Pass
CCC Park? No
Park Store? Yes
Pet Policy: Pets are allowed throughout the park and on the trails, but must be kept on a leash at all times. Pets are not allowed in buildings.
Lodging Options at the South Sulphur Unit of Cooper Lake State Park: RV Camping, Tent Camping, Equestrian Camping, Screen Shelters, Cabins
Please Note: These details are accurate to to the best of our knowledge. We try our best to provide accurate information, but we are human and sometimes details change. Please check with the park directly to confirm current information.
