Biking

Find biking opportunities at both the South Sulphur and Doctors Creek sections of Cooper Lake State Park. Beginner cyclists will feel more comfortable on the flat and simple Doctors Creek trail. Those looking for something a bit more advanced should check out the South Sulphur trail. Though not extremely challenging, this five-ish mile trail offers a few hills and varying terrain.

Boating

Take your boat out for an afternoon of fishing and swimming on Cooper Lake. Find boat ramp access at both Doctors Creek (on the lake’s north side) and South Sulphur (on the lake’s south side). Both locations require paying a park fee and are open year-round.

Fishing

A fishing pole is a must on any Cooper Lake State Park getaway! Covering 19,305-acres and with a depth of 55 feet, this lake is a great place to set your line in the water for white and hybrid striped bass, largemouth bass, catfish, and crappie. One of the most popular areas for spring fishing is the main river channel. Expect the best luck catching white bass and hybrid striped bass to come in the summer and early fall. Spring, fall, and winter are good times to go after largemouth bass. In addition to boat docks, you’ll also find fishing piers and fish cleaning stations here. Grab a fishing license if you’re heading out on the water, but licenses are not required to fish from shore in Texas State Parks.

Hiking

Cooper Lake offers numerous hiking opportunities at both South Sulphur and Doctors Creek. The trails vary in length, from the approximately five-mile South Sulphur trail to the moderate 6.3 mile Cooper Lake State Park Trail. Trail data and printable trail maps can be found online, so search for those before you visit.

Horseback riding

Bring your horse to Cooper Lake State Park’s South Sulphur Unit and head out on the Buggy Whip Equestrian trail. You’ll pass through nearly 600 acres of beautiful and challenging terrain that varies between shaded forest, thick vegetation, hillsides, and creek gulch crossings. Campers who use one of the park’s 15 equestrian campsites can access the trail from their campsite. Equestrian campsites come equipped with water and electric access.

Paddling

Bring your kayak or canoe for peaceful fishing or exploring out on the water. Canoes are available for rent at Cooper Lake State Park's South Sulphur Unit.

Swimming

A swimsuit is a must if you’re visiting Cooper Lake State Park during the warmer months. The park offers a designated swimming area, but there are no lifeguards on duty, so swim at your own risk. Children must be supervised by an adult when swimming.

Wildlife watching

You’ll find a variety of animals at Cooper Lake State Park, which is situated in a place where the Tallgrass Prairies and Post Oak Savannah Ecosystems meet. Keep your eyes peeled for bobcat, opossum, gray fox, raccoon, white-tailed deer, eastern cottontail, nine-banded armadillo, butterflies, and a variety of fish (more on that in the fishing section!). While hiking, horseback riding, or just roaming around, you can expect to see a variety of plant life. Some types of flora that grow at Cooper Lake State Park include winged elm, bois d’arc, mesquite, eastern red cedar, eastern persimmon, Mexican wild plum, hickory, and Texas honey locust.

Buggy Whip Equestrian Campground

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