Soak in the natural Texas experience

COOPER — The “Land of the Oaks and Lake” is waiting for you this month. What better place to soak in the experience of a natural Texas than Cooper Lake State Park! You witness the circle of life on a hike through the forest spotting our newest resident, a white-tailed deer fawn. Hear the lonesome wail of a pack of coyotes and the evening chorus of green tree frogs as you enjoy a hearty meal around a flickering campfire. You look up just in time to see the thin band of the “Milky Way” with the flash of a meteor en- by the park’s dark skies. Just then you realize why it was so important to set aside all your to-do list items for this family camping adventure! Research has shown that spending time in nature helps us with improved mood, cognitive ability, and even has physical health benefits.

Across both park units, as summertime approaches, 10 additional recreational and educational programs will be presented that are focused on family fun and learning about our natural world.

By the Memorial Day weekend — maybe even sooner, the waters of Jim Chapman Lake will be beckoning swimmers. Why not experience an amazing staycation at the park swimming, relaxing and enjoying our white sandy beaches? Just add palm trees and you will think you’re in Florida!

Fish from the bank, off our pier, fishing wall, or rent a kayak and try your luck along the shoreline. Fish attractors have been placed around the Doctors Creek floating fishing pier and the fishing wall at South Sulphur to help increase fishing success. Crappie, bluegill, bass, and catfish are commonly caught at both park units. May is a great time to fish at Cooper Lake State Park! Fishing licenses are not required if you are fishing from the bank or fishing pier at any Texas State Park. Other popular activities are hiking our trails, resting under a giant post oak tree, or camping at one of our tree-canopied campsites. Texas State Parks are great places to relax, recreate, and recharge your soul!

Park entrance fees are $5 for adults, and kids 12 and under are always free! Texans 65 or older will only pay $3 to enter the park daily, after obtaining a free Bluebonnet Pass. Seniors get yours today!

The Texas State Park Annual Pass can be purchased for $70, which is good for 12 months from the month of purchase and allows unlimited park entrances for you and everyone in your vehicle.

All programs are free with a valid entrance permit.

For more information on this or other events and programs at Cooper Lake State Park, please visit our Texas Parks and Wildlife Department page or like our Facebook pages, or call Cooper Lake State Park – South Sulphur Unit at 903945-5256 or Cooper Lake State Park – Doctor’s Creek Unit at 903-395-3100.