Between Waco And Shreveport Is An Artificial Lake Escape For Trophy Fishing And Camping

The Piney Woods region of East Texas is dotted with dozens of lakes, including some of the largest lakes in the Lone Star State. Many of these lakes provide recreational opportunities for visitors and local residents alike. Lake Palestine, located at the halfway point between Waco, Texas, and Shreveport, Louisiana, is one such place. While it may be somewhat overshadowed by the region's larger reservoirs, Lake Palestine has been a quaint escape for anglers, boaters, and campers for over half a century. Thanks to a recent acquisition of land by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation, visitors will have even more access to this scenic lake in the near future.

Lake Palestine was established in 1972 as part of construction on the Blackburn Dam across the Neches River. Covering around 25,560 acres, the lake quickly became a popular destination among anglers and boaters. Over the subsequent decades, a variety of privately-owned campgrounds, RV parks, and marinas sprouted up along the shores and throughout the surrounding land. So, although there is currently no state park or public campground at Lake Palestine, there is ample access to the lake and plenty of overnight options for campers. The aforementioned land acquisition — a 650-acre former pecan farm with over 2,000 feet of shoreline access — is set to become a state park on Lake Palestine within the next few years.

Like other lakes in Texas' underrated Piney Woods region, Lake Palestine is surrounded by towering pine trees. The forests along the lake's 135-mile shoreline are home to a menagerie of animals such as deer, coyotes, and a variety of birds, including bald eagles. Although there are currently no trails for hikers to traverse, the wilderness provides a scenic backdrop for fishing and camping. 

Without a doubt, fishing is the biggest draw for visitors to Lake Palestine. This 18-mile-long lake offers quality fishing opportunities for a wide variety of species. Largemouth, spotted, hybrid striped, and white bass are all found in good numbers here, as are catfish and crappie. Not only do anglers have plenty of different fish to pursue, they also have an excellent opportunity to catch true trophies. Largemouth bass over 13 pounds and catfish weighing close to 100 pounds have been taken from the lake, per the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation. 

Another reason for its popularity is the fact Lake Palestine is a true year-round fishery, with multiple species to catch every month of the year. Spring is a particularly active period for many species. During that time, white bass, largemouth bass, and crappie fishing is going strong. Late spring and early summer sees catfish in larger numbers. During summer, crappie fishing is still good, while early day bass action and nighttime catfishing remains par excellence. Fall sees substantial activity for almost every species. The overall experience can be a little slower in winter, although it is one of the best times to catch trophy-sized fish.

While Lake Palestine attracts many amateur anglers and casual fishing enthusiasts, it also hosts quite a few bass tournaments each year, including a number of professional events. Anglers will find plenty of entrance points around the lake. Although there are currently only five public boat launches, numerous marinas provide access to the lake for a small fee. Some of these facilities also have shore fishing access for guests. Anglers aged 17 or older must possess a valid Texas fishing license to cast a line on Lake Palestine. 

Although there is no state park or public campground at Lake Palestine, there is no shortage of options for campers. A half-dozen of these campgrounds feature boat ramps and other amenities geared to anglers. On the western shoreline is Flat Creek Marina and Campground, which has around 50 sites for RVs and tents, complete with water and electric, along with rental cabins. There is also an onsite marina, boat ramp, and fish cleaning station, as well as kayak and boat slip rentals.

A little farther down the western shoreline, right at the base of the Highway 155 bridge, is Lake Palestine Resort South. Here, campers will find RV sites with full hookups and a host of amenities such as wifi, showers, and laundry facilities. There are also tiny homes for rent, as well as an onsite marina, store, and grill. A boat ramp and rental boat slips are also available. Across the Highway 155 bridge is Lake Palestine Resort North, which offers 32 log cabin rentals. Next door is Lakeside RV Park, which features a variety of RV sites with full hookups just a short distance from a public boat ramp.

Getting to Lake Palestine is not difficult. The lake itself is situated roughly 110 miles southeast of Dallas, reachable in less than two hours by car. One bit of confusion comes from the fact that the town of Palestine — the charming East Texas city with scenic railroads – isn't the closest city to its namesake lake. While Palestine is some three-dozen miles from the lake, Tyler — the "Rose Capital of America" – is a mere 15 miles from the lake. Tyler Pounds Regional Airport (TYR) is the closest commercial airport. However, since flights to this airport are limited, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) is a more practical option.