Summer is quickly drawing to a close and schools are ready to begin, so why not spend the last few weeks of summer recreating, relaxing, and recharging with family and friends at Cooper Lake State Park?
The lake is full, but there are usually a few campsites available in August for last minute campers to enjoy, which makes this the perfect stop for that mini vacation families have been looking for before school starts back up.
On any given August weekend, multiple educational programs will be on tap at the park for the whole family to enjoy.
The highlighted programs for the month will be “Learning to Cook the Cowboy Way - Dutch ovens,” and Astronomy.
Learn how to prepare an amazing meal just like the cowboy cooks of Texas history; and as an added treat, sample the group’s creation for a truly satisfying learning experience. Also, one of the park ranger educators will lead participants on a heavenly adventure experiencing the darkest skies this close to Dallas with spectacular views of the Milky Way!
Life can be hard sometimes with everyone needing a special getaway. A total immersion in nature can often be just what the doctor ordered to get life back on track; and Cooper Lake State Park can be that healing, happy place.
Activities that can used to disconnect from the real world include swimming and lounging on the new white sand beaches, hiking, mountain biking, fishing, kayaking, boating, skiing, picnicking and so much more.
Park entrance fees are $5 for adults; 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 everyone in your vehicle can be accomplished with the purchase of a Tex as State Park Annual Pass for $70, which is good for over 12 months.
Buy a pass and let the adventure begin!
For more information, please visit and like the park’s Facebook pages or give the rangers a call at Cooper Lake State Park – South Sulphur at (903)- 945-5256 or Cooper Lake State Park – Doctor’s Creek at (903) 395-3100).
DOCTOR’S CREEK PROGRAMS
• Animal Tracks Hike - Aug. 7 at 8:30 a.m. - Pelican Point Day Use Area: Hike a trail and learn to identify animal tracks.
• Skins and Skulls - Aug. 14 at 10 a.m. - Doctor’s Creek Headquarters: Come get an inside look at some of Cooper Lake’s most popular animals.
• Becoming a Junior Ranger-Aug 14 at 2 p.m.-Pelican Point Day Use Area: Learn how to become a Junior Ranger and earn your badges. Ages 6-12.
• Dutch Oven Cooking - Aug. 21 at 11 a.m. - Pelican Point Day Use Pavilion: Get a taste of history and learn to cook with a Dutch Oven.
• Astronomy - Aug. 27 at 8:45 p.m.. - Pelican Point Swim Beach: Get a closer look at the moon through telescopes.
• Arts in the Parks - Aug. 28 at 2 p.m. - Heron Harbor Day Use Area: Paint your own landscape using watercolors.
SOUTH SULPHUR PROGRAMS
• Owls - Aug. 6 at 8 p.m. Honey Creek Amphitheater: Whooooo! Learn about Texas owls.
• Arts in the Parks - Aug. 7 at 2 p.m. Heron Harbor Day Use Area: Learn to make origami flora and fauna of Cooper Lake.
• Skins and Skulls - Aug. 8 at 2-4 p.m. Heron Harbor Day Use Area: Come get an inside look at some of Cooper Lakes most popular animals.
• Evening Interpretive Hike - Aug. 13 at 8 p.m. Honey Creek Nature Trail: Learn about the flora of Honey Creek on a guided trail hike led by a Park Ranger.
• Deer Hike - Aug. 14 at 10 a.m. Honey Creek Nature Trail: Learn about one of Cooper Lake’s most popular animals as you take a morning hike.
• Nature Journaling - Aug. 15, 2-4 p.m. Heron Harbor Day Use Area: Start your own Nature Journal as you explore the park.
• Astronomy - Aug. 20 at 8:45 p.m. Heron Harbor Swim Beach: Get a closer look at the moon through telescopes.
• Interpretive Hike – Aug. 21 at 8:30 a.m. Honey Creek Nature Trail: Learn about the flora of Honey Creek on a guided trail hike led by a Park Ranger.
• Becoming a Junior Ranger - Aug. 22, 2-4 p.m. Heron Harbor: Learn how to become a Junior Ranger and earn your badges. Ages 6-12.
• Animal Tracks Hike - Aug. 28 at 8:30 a.m. Honey Creek Nature Trail: Hike a trail and learn to identify animal tracks.
• Skins and Skulls - Aug. 29. 2-4 p.m. Heron Harbor Day Use Area: Come get an inside look at some of Cooper Lake’s most popular animals.