Statewide magazine features Daingerfield State Park

Nestled in the Piney Woods of Northeast Texas, visitors find a gem in Daingerfield State Park. The park offers a variety of camping and lake entertainment to entice visitors from all over the country. Now, thanks to the statewide magazine “Texas Highways,” Daingerfield State Park is known as a “wet and wild waterin’ hole” across the state.

The magazine, which is the official travel magazine of Texas, highlighted popular places to “Dive In” in their August, 2016 edition. Not only was Daingerfield State Park featured in the article, the park’s swimming area, including the swimming pier, were featured on the cover of that edition. The photo invited everyone to “Cool your jets” at Daingerfield State Park.

Originally part of former President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s “New Deal,” which took young, unemployed workers out of the nation’s breadlines and taught them skills, while they helped build the nation’s infrastructure, the park was a Civilian Conservation Corp project which was built between 1935, when it was deeded from private owners, and 1938. At it’s opening in 1938, the 550-acre park featured three buildings, much of the current infrastructure, and a lake that covers 80 surface acres.

In 2009, the park was awarded $5.4 million by the state to assist with approximately $44 million in bonds approved of by voters for renovations. In July of 2010, the park was shut down, and renovations began. During this time, many park buildings were renovated, including the existing bass lodge, the bath house/concession building, and the boathouse/ interpretive center, located on the fishing pier. The renovation also featured three new restrooms, and 30 more campsites with water, electricity, and sewer. According to Park Superintendent John Thomas, “The neat thing about the renovations is that this was an opportunity for us to take the CCC structures, renovate them, and have an improved facility.” The renovations, according to Mr. Thomas, took the original buildings back to their original conditions and uses in the 1930s. “The roofs of the buildings are made from cedar shake, like the ones in 1938,” said Mr. Thomas.

The bass lodge now has a cement sidewalk, and the facility is ADA compliant. The concession/ bathhouse building contains a walk-in park store, which features souvenirs and site-specific products, as well as camping supplies, drinks, snacks, some food items, and sunscreen. Almost anything related to camping, from walking sticks to fire starter, can be purchased at the camp store. Boat rentals are taken care of at the camp store, as well.

The interpretive center includes anything related to education at the park, including exhibits, and hands-on activities for children. There is also an interpreter on staff. “This is really wonderful, as it includes all types of activities for visitors to enjoy,” said Mr. Thomas. “I don’t think people realize how big a difference this has made in our facilities. We are a higher quality park, and our facilities are so much nicer than what we are used to. The park has been here for 77 years, and these renovations will take us another 77 years.”

Since the renovations were completed in 2011, the park has been abuzz with visitors. “We have experienced an overwhelming reaction from visitors,” Mr. Thomas said. “Overnight use of the facilities has been great, as have the park sales.” The July 4 weekend was outstanding, according to Mr. Thomas. “It was probably the largest holiday weekend that we have had in many years. We had an estimated 600 paying cars come through for day use, with an estimated daily attendance of 3,000 for that one day.” Mr. Thomas also added that people are utilizing the dining hall for family gatherings and civic groups, as well as launching boats at the lake to fish.

The park offers several amenities besides camping and fishing. Paddle boats, canoes, single and tandem kayaks, hydro bikes, and flat bottom boats can be rented at the camp store and include personal floatation devices and paddles. The park also offers many seasonal activities, such as Christmas in the Park, and have even hosted free movies at the amphitheater during the summer. In July, the park hosts a Dutch Oven Cook-off on July 4. The park has offered first-day hikes on New Year’s Day, children’s craft classes, and kayaking classes for beginners. Peak season for the park is from March 1 to November 30, according to Mr. Thomas, which leads to an approximate annual visitation of around 70,000 people per year.

Besides the on-site possibilities, the Daingerfield State Park is within driving distance of several other are attractions, making multiple day-trips possible for those using the park for a lengthy stay. These possibilities include the Starr Family Home State Historic Site, the Morris County Museum in Daingerfield, and numerous other parks close enough for day visits. Visitors can also participate in local events and festivals, including the Jefferson Pilgrimage and Mardi Gras Jefferson in February, Wildflower Trails in April, and the Daingerfield Fall Festival in October.

For more information, visitors can call 903-645-2921. Reservations can be made by calling 512-389-8900.