Lake Access

Multiple public boat ramps give access to Lake Palestine

Five public boat launches serve Lake Palestine, along with more than a dozen private marinas and campgrounds on the lake.

Smith County The Great Outdoors

Lake Palestine straddles Smith and Cherokee counties. The lake has five public boat ramps that are open to anyone. More than a dozen private facilities also offer ramp access, camping, and other services around the lake.

If you are new to the area, check the TPWD Lake Palestine access page before your trip to find ramp locations. The lake sits along Texas 155 and is about 20 to 30 minutes from Tyler. The TPWD page linked below has the full list of public and private access points.

Source to confirm: TPWD — Lake Palestine Access

More Smith County notes

Property Tax Basics

Two offices handle your property tax in Smith County

The Smith County Appraisal District sets your property value; a separate tax office collects what you owe.

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Homestead Exemption

File a homestead exemption to lower your Smith County tax bill

If your home is your primary residence, you can file a homestead exemption with Smith CAD to reduce the taxable value.

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Over-65 Exemption

Turning 65 freezes your school taxes in Smith County

Once you qualify for the over-65 homestead exemption, your school taxes cannot go higher than the amount you paid in your first qualifying year.

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Appraisal Protest

You can protest your property value in Smith County

If you think Smith CAD valued your property too high, you have the right to protest — and the deadline is printed on your appraisal notice.

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