Fairfield Lake State Park
| Fairfield Lake State Park | |
|---|---|
  | |
| Location | Freestone County, Texas |
| Nearest city | Fairfield, Texas |
| Coordinates | 31°46′52″N 96°04′14″W / 31.7810007°N 96.0705232°WCoordinates: 31°46′52″N 96°04′14″W / 31.7810007°N 96.0705232°W[1] |
| Area | 1,460 acres (591 ha) |
| Created | 1976 |
| Operated by | Texas Parks and Wildlife Department |
Fairfield Lake State Park is a state park located in Freestone County, Texas, northeast of Fairfield, Texas on the shores of Fairfield Lake. The park is 1,460 acres (591 ha).
History
The park was acquired in 1954 by a Department of Army lease, which extended it until 2004. The park was opened to the public in 1958.
In the early 1830s, the area was important to Anglo settlers, particularly as a route to Texas and the American southwest. It was also an area of cattle trails.
Recreation
The park offers nature programs throughout the year. The park has facilities for picnicking, nature study, hiking, biking, fishing, swimming, boating, water skiing, wildlife observation, ATV use, and camping. Facilities at the park are picnic sites, playground areas, campsites, screened shelters, recreation hall, a campground pavilion, boat dock, an amphitheater, a lighted fishing pier, an ATV/mini bike area of 10 acres (40,000 m2), and 4.5 miles (7.2 km) of hike and bike trails.
Also located within the park is the Eisenhower Yacht Club, a privately operated full-service marina.
Plant and animal life
Several varieties of wildflowers grow in the park. A wide variety of trees grow in the park including oak, ash, elm, cedar, dogwood, cottonwood, soapberry, locust, redbud, persimmon, and bois d'arc. Mammals at the park include armadillo, bat, beaver, coyote, deer, fox, mink, nutria, opossum, rabbit, raccoon, skunk, and squirrel. Wintering bald eagles, pelicans, loons, and other waterfowl may be observed in the area. Lake fishing offers a variety of bass, sunfish, and catfish.