RE: Cooper Lake SP s, Texas

[Turn Key]

 
We took a ride out to Cooper Lake yesterday (1/22/03) just to have a look at the 2 state parks there.
   
 The South Sulpher Unit is on the southern side of the lake, about 15 miles north of Sulper Springs, TX.  Roads leading into the park are well marked and in good shape.  The park is fairly large with two main camping areas with power and water hook-ups.  There is also an equestrian camping area (no hook-ups), a screen shelter area and a rental cabin area.  You ll also find 2-3 day-use areas plus 3 well built fishing piers.  There are limited hiking options.
 The two main camping areas have concrete drives for trailers and TV s, firerings, picinic tables and many of the tables are covered.  Shower houses were clean and modern with plenty of hot water.  In our opinion, the best sites were 21, 76, 63 & 64.
 
 Doctor s Creek Unit is the smaller of the two.  It is on the northern side of the lake and is set up the same way, just on a smaller scale.  This park has only one camping loop  but the sites are spaced a bit further apart.  Sites 11 & 16 would be our choice.  This park also has more hiking options and a bike trail.
 
 Both parks have a large deer population which was VERY evident.  Sighted many different species of birds and were very surprised by the number of bluebirds we saw in both parks.  Fishing in the lake looks to be good given the amount of use the fish cleaning station has evidently gotten.
 
 It must be noted the both of these parks are new ( I believe less then 6 years old).  This being so, plant life has not fully recovered from the construction operation leaving shade and privacy a bit wanting yet.  This problem will fix itself in a few more years.
 
 These are both very nice parks.  The only thing that will stop our return to camp is distance (about 135 miles).  We have equal parks much closer and did not see a reason to return to these.  Of course, that could change and if it does, I can see no reason not to stay at either of these parks.
 
 
 

[Trlrboy]

 Turn Key
Watch out for chiggers in the summer.  Not so much in the campgrounds and on the beach because they spray that but if you fish down by the lake behind where the cabins are.... YOU LL BE SORRY.