Texas Porch

State Park

Martin Creek Lake State Park Is the County's Main Outdoor Destination

Martin Creek Lake State Park near Tatum offers year-round fishing, camping, and trails on a warm-water lake in East Texas Piney Woods.

Rusk County The Great Outdoors

Martin Creek Lake stays warmer than most Texas lakes because a power plant uses it for cooling. That means fish — especially largemouth bass, catfish, and crappie — stay active even in winter. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) operates the park, which has a lighted fishing pier, boat ramp, canoe rentals, and about four miles of hiking and biking trails.

Camping options include sites with water and electric hookups, primitive island campsites, screened shelters, and cabin rentals. The park fills up on weekends and holidays, so reserve a campsite or day-use pass in advance at texasstateparks.reserveamerica.com or by calling (512) 389-8900. The park entrance is at 9515 County Road 2181D in Tatum. The park phone is (903) 836-4336.

Source to confirm: TPWD – Martin Creek Lake State Park

More Rusk County notes

Property Tax Basics

One Office Values Your Property. Another Collects the Tax.

The Rusk County Appraisal District sets your property value; separate taxing units like school districts and cities bill and collect the tax.

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Homestead Exemption

Homestead Exemption Can Lower Your Property Tax Bill

If your home is your main residence, you can apply for a homestead exemption that reduces the taxable value used by school districts.

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Ag & Wildlife Valuation

Farmland and Timberland May Qualify for a Lower Tax Value

Land used for farming, ranching, or wildlife management may be taxed on its productivity value rather than market value, which is usually much lower.

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Groundwater & Wells

A Local District Oversees Your Water Well

The Rusk County Groundwater Conservation District regulates all private water wells in the county and requires registration of any new well.

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