Experience “Christmas in the Park” at Cooper Lake State Park

By Steve Killian on Wednesday, December 8, 2021
  • Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and kick off the holiday season by viewing the decorated campsites.
    Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and kick off the holiday season by viewing the decorated campsites.

Press Release

Cooper, TX— December is a cool time to explore Cooper Lake State Park. There are still late fall colors hanging on for viewing early in the month; our robust population of white-tailed deer can be seen browsing in our prairies and along the forest edges; lonely calls of coyotes echoing through the woods can be heard; dark sky viewing of thousands of glittering stars on clear, cold nights with the occasional shooting star, can be seen; campfires crackling and giving off much appreciated warmth as you share a story and a warm beverage can be experienced; and so many more recreational and relaxing activities for you and your family and friends to be had – making lifelong memories!

“Christmas in the Park” is our highlighted event for the month. This traditional and fun celebration will be held at the Doctors Creek Unit on Friday, December 10th and Saturday, December 11th f from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. nightly. Campers will decorate their campsites for all our visitors to see and enjoy. Camping is free for all holiday decorators! We may have a couple of campsites available due to late cancellations. If you are interested in joining in the holiday FUN, please contact Doctors Creek at 903-395-3100 and we may be able to accommodate you. We are waiving all entrance fees and camping fees for this “give back” event; for entrance into the park, we are asking each visitor to donate a nonperishable food item. All donated food items will be given to the nonprofit Delta Hope House for distribution within Delta County.

To kick off a healthy and happy 2022, both Cooper Lake State Park Units will host a First Day Hike on January 1st, 2022! Are you ready for an adventurous hike winding through a dense post oak forest near Cooper Lake? Park Rangers will guide you along the trail, stopping often to tell stories about our park and the natural world.  This is a must to get 2022 started off right! The South Sulphur Unit First Day Hike will begin at 10 a.m. Please meet the Park Ranger at the Coyote Run Trailhead.  The Doctors Creek Hike will start at 2 p.m.  Please meet the Park Ranger at the Pelican Point Day Use Area near the playground.

Normal Park entrance fees are $5 for adults, with kids 12 and under always free. Senior Texans 65 or older will only pay $3 to enter the park daily with a Bluebonnet Pass. Unlimited Park entrances for you and everyone in your vehicle can be accomplished with the purchase of a Texas State Park Annual Pass for $70 which is good for over 12 months. All programs are free with paid entrance fees. For more information on this or other events and programs at Cooper Lake State Park, please visit and like our Facebook pages (Cooper Lake State Park – South Sulphur 903-945-5256 and Cooper Lake State Park – Doctor’s Creek (903) 395-3100).

Doctors Creek Unit

South Sulphur Unit  
 

  • Saturday, December 11 
  • Gems of the Universe – 2 p.m. Meet at South Sulphur Heron Harbor – Learn about the Geminids Meteors and where to view them. Create a make and take.
  • Sunday, December 12 
  • Take a Walk on the Wild Side - Meet at 10 a.m. Buggy Whip Equestrian Trail. Join us on a short guided wildlife walk. Dress for the weather, wear closed-toed shoes and bring your water bottle.
  • Saturday, December 18 
  • Stargazing – 6 p.m. Meet at the South Sulphur Swim Beach. Join us as we explore the night sky. Come witness the Cold Moon…or do you prefer the Long Nights Moon?
  • Saturday, December 25- Self-guided Stargazing – Ursids Meteor Shower
  • Sunday, December 26 – Self-guided Winter Wonderland Scavenger Hunt – Obtain your Scavenger Hunt at Park Headquarters.
  • Saturday, January 1st - First Day Hike - Meet at 10 a.m. at South Sulphur’s Coyote Run Trailhead. Get 2022 started off happy and healthy!

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