Fishing pier reaching into Cooper Lake under a big Texas sky

OCT23–25

Fall Campout

Cooper Lake State Park · Sulphur Springs, Texas

October 23–25, 2026

Camping

Photo: Michael Barera · CC BY-SA 4.0

About This Event

As the weather finally turns, the Nation heads to Cooper Lake State Park for a weekend of crisp mornings, fall foliage, and campfire nights. Fishing, hiking, and plenty of s'mores make this a fall tradition dads and daughters look forward to all year. Cooper Lake State Park is about 90 minutes northeast of Dallas. The South Sulphur unit has swimming, fishing piers, kayak rentals, and miles of hiking and biking trails along the lake, with restrooms and showers near the campsites. The park has two units on opposite shores, so check that your GPS is taking you to South Sulphur.

Schedule

The weekend schedule is posted here closer to the event.

This event has happened.

Plan your visit

Where

Cooper Lake State Park (South Sulphur unit), 1690 FM 3505, Sulphur Springs, TX 75482 Directions

Venue

Park website Park maps

When

Arrive Fri afternoon · Depart Sun

Cost

Included in season registration. Park entrance $5 per adult per day at the gate; children 12 and under are free.RV spot: $25, added when you register.

Heads up

Fires only in the fire rings provided, and only when no county burn ban is in effect. Buy firewood near the park rather than bringing it in.

Bring and know

Bring: tent and bedding, camp chairs, flashlight or headlamp, warm layers for cool October nights, fishing gear if you have it, a reusable water bottle. Park hours: gate open 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.; day-use areas close at 10 p.m. Arriving after the office closes? Register at headquarters by 9 a.m. the next morning. Pets: not allowed. Nation campouts are pet-free, even where the park permits them.

Where: Cooper Lake State Park (South Sulphur unit), 1690 FM 3505, Sulphur Springs, TX 75482 Directions
Venue: Park website Park maps
When: Arrive Fri afternoon · Depart Sun
Cost: Included in season registration. Park entrance $5 per adult per day at the gate; children 12 and under are free.RV spot: $25, added when you register.
Heads up: Fires only in the fire rings provided, and only when no county burn ban is in effect. Buy firewood near the park rather than bringing it in.
Bring and know: Bring: tent and bedding, camp chairs, flashlight or headlamp, warm layers for cool October nights, fishing gear if you have it, a reusable water bottle. Park hours: gate open 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.; day-use areas close at 10 p.m. Arriving after the office closes? Register at headquarters by 9 a.m. the next morning. Pets: not allowed. Nation campouts are pet-free, even where the park permits them.

Families going

58 families going