10mi from Tyler State Park · 1 siteAn upscale yet authentic East Texas fishing and nature resort offering trophy bass fishing, family fishing, wooded trails, cabins, secluded RV sites, camping, and seasonal country experiences just minutes from Lindale and Tyler. It includes 1/2-mile, 1-mile, 2-mile, 3-mile, and 4-mile nature trails for hiking.
The 84-acre Holifield Preserve is built around four complementary experiences:
• Destination trophy bass fishing
• Family fishing and outdoor recreation
• Nature-based overnight RV boondocking and tent camping
• Seasonal events and community gatherings
With a feel similar to a private park or national park-style retreat, Holifield Preserve aligns with Lindale’s visitor marketing around country charm, music, wineries, shopping, and outdoor activities while offering a truly unique experience not available anywhere else in East Texas.
Conveniently located only 90 minutes east of Dallas, 90 minutes west of Shreveport, and 3 hours north of Houston, Holifield Preserve is a unique environment featuring four distinct and isolated lakes connected by a heavily wooded running creek.
The East Texas Piney Woods and Post Oak Savannah meet here, creating a landscape of pine-oak forests, pastures, ponds, creeks, and lakes. The beautiful 84-acre property had remained in the same family since 1860 until it was acquired in 2025 for development into a trophy bass fishing resort just 90 minutes east of DFW.
The property is divided into three distinct sections, with thick tree lines separating each area and giving each section its own unique destination identity.
Lake Nora has existed for generations and produces multiple bass over 6 pounds every year. Located in the middle 28-acre tract and surrounded by trees, it offers both isolation and privacy.
Lily Lake, the newest trophy bass lake, is located on the northernmost 28-acre tract and is surrounded by forest, providing privacy and seclusion. Construction was completed in 2026, and the lake will be filled and stocked in spring 2027.
Lake Jones and Jay Lake are the third and fourth lakes, located on the front 28-acre tract, which has been designed for more intensive family access and recreational use than what is available on the more private and limited-access trophy bass lakes.
The Holifield Nature Preserve is also only half an hour from Canton, where the monthly First Monday Trade Days attracts up to 200,000 visitors each month. This offers an ideal balance for couples: one spouse can enjoy shopping while the other spends the day fishing during a weekend RV stay surrounded by nature.
Other significant annual events within an hour that attract large numbers of visitors include the Texas Rose Festival, Azalea and Spring Flower Trail, Great Texas Balloon Race, Red Dirt BBQ and Music Festival, Texas Shakespeare Festival, Jacksonville Tomato Fest, and Canton rodeos and fall festivals.
Additionally, numerous small towns less than an hour away attract visitors with charming and unique downtown shopping areas, including Gladewater, Mineola, Edom, Kilgore, Athens, Ben Wheeler, Lindale, and Jacksonville. Exploring these charming small towns provides the perfect weekend getaway experience, allowing one spouse to shop while the other enjoys fishing.
Few fishing resorts offer such a convenient opportunity for couples to enjoy different activities together, creating a unique couples’ weekend experience.
Other natural attractions within an hour include Love’s Lookout, Lake Tyler, Lake Palestine, Mineola Nature Preserve, the Neches River, the Sabine River, and more.