About BRUSHY CREEK DAY USE
Overview Brushy Creek Day Use Area is situated along the banks of Lake O' the Pines in the Ark-La-Tex portion of the Pineywoods of east Texas near the states of Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana. Address to get here: 189 Brushy Creek Park Rd. Jefferson, TX 75657 Recreation Boating, fishing, water sports, and wildlife viewing are all popular pastimes at the campground. Hunting opportunities for white-tailed deer, waterfowl, and small game are available on nearby public lands. Lake O' the Pines fishing includes largemouth, spotted, and white bass along with crappie, catfish, and sunfish. In addition to boat fishing there are areas for bank fishing along the shore and below the dam along Big Cypress Bayou. Birdwatchers are also encouraged to bring their binoculars as numerous resident and migratory bird species inhabit the area. Bald eagle sightings are a common occurrence in fall and winter and they are occasionally sighted in spring and summer. Boating, fishing, hunting and wildlife viewing are all popular pastimes at Brushy Creek. Facilities Brushy Creek Day Use area offers one large group picnic shelter, along with 30 smaller, non-reservable picnic sites located in shady areas along the shore. Each site has tables and grills. A boat ramp, courtesy dock, swimming beach and basketball court are also provided, making the area perfect for large parties or family functions.Natural Features Lake O' the Pines includes about 18,700 acres of water and 9,000 acres of land. The lake was created by the construction of the Ferrell's Bridge Dam on the Big Cypress Bayou. The reservoir was originally created as part of the overall plan for flood control in the Red River Basin below Denison Dam in Oklahoma, and has now become a recreational oasis for outdoor enthusiasts. Nearby Attractions Other historic and tourist attractions are nearby in the towns of Jefferson and Marshall, and Texas Wildflower Trail routes are located along the roads surrounding the lake.
How to Get There
From Jefferson, Texas, travel 3.8 miles northwest on Highway 49. Turn left onto FM 729 and continue for 3.5 miles, then turn left again onto FM 726. Travel 5.0 miles turn right at the stop sign and follow signs to the park entrance.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
Moisture-wicking T-shirt
Light color, breathable.
- 🩳
Lightweight shorts or pants
Quick-dry preferred — sweat dries fast.
- 🧢
Brimmed sun hat
Better than a cap for back-of-neck protection.
- 🥾
Trail runners
Breathable mesh uppers.
🎒 What to Pack
- 💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to BRUSHY CREEK DAY USE
Heading to BRUSHY CREEK DAY USE? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for BRUSHY CREEK DAY USE?
No central reservation system listed for BRUSHY CREEK DAY USE. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233315) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to BRUSHY CREEK DAY USE?
From Jefferson, Texas, travel 3.8 miles northwest on Highway 49. Turn left onto FM 729 and continue for 3.5 miles, then turn left again onto FM 726. Travel 5.0 miles turn right at the stop sign and follow signs to the park entrance.
How do I contact BRUSHY CREEK DAY USE?
You can reach the park at phone: 903-777-3383.
References & Official Resources
