UPDATE CANCELLED
Cooper Lake State Park – East Texas
April 16-18
South Sulphur Unit
1690 FM 3505 Sulphur Springs, Tx 75482
903-945-5256
We received notice this morning, April 15, at 9:30am, that the equestrian trails are closed due to heavy rains last night and more forecast tomorrow. The ride is cancelled due to weather and unsafe trail conditions.
A few more camping sites have opened up. To reserve one, text Mary Apple at 817-897-6822 or Steve Hancock at 972-877-2206 for an available site. (The remaining sites are not available on reserveamerica.com) Payment is made directly to the park at South Sulphur Unit entrance between 8am-5pm upon arrival.
We need you to support this park. Changes are proposed to add mountain bikes to the equestrian trails and to open primitive camping area on the east side of South Sulphur unit. Make your voice heard by letting park staff know what you think of the trails and camping.
If you love this location or have not camped here, you should. The trails are interesting and the campground is very nice.
Buggy Whip Equestrian Campground has concrete pads, back-in spaces with water and electricity, a table, fire-ring, lantern post and a 20' tether cable for the horses. The restrooms have showers.
Member ride fee is $20, non-member is $35, day rider is $15
Saturday-guided ride at 9:30am, return for lunch, ride out at 2:00PM
Sunday-guide ride at 9:00am return at noon.
Parking is available for day use equestrian visitors.
Negative Coggins and signed liability release is required.
Call the park before you haul, the park closes trails if they are wet.
Community pot luck dinner Friday night, Saturday pot luck with TETRA providing the main course.
Cooper Lake has panoramic views of the lake, trails through forest shade and many opportunities to view wildlife while riding. This trail covers nearly 600 acres and over 10 miles. The trail is accessible from all sites in the Buggy Whip camping area. Known for great fishing and horseback riding. The campground is clean, with high ties for horses. The terrain is sand/clay with rocks.
Directions: To reach the South Sulphur Unit, travel north from Interstate 30 at Exit 122 on the west side of Sulphur Springs for 10 miles on State Highway 19; then go west on State Highway 71 for four miles and north for one mile on FM 3505 to the park entrance.
Or travel east from Commerce on State Highway 11 for seven miles, and then north for 4.2 miles on FM 2653. Turn on State Highway 71 for 7.5 miles, and then go north for one mile on FM 3505 to the park entrance. Or travel east from Cooper for one mile on State Highway 154, and then south on FM 1529 for five miles (cross the lake dam) to State Highway 19. Continue south for five miles to State Highway 71, west for four miles to FM 3505, and then north for one mile to the park entrance.
Register at tetratrails.org. PayPal or checks accepted. Cash payments are discouraged. Contact Steve Hancock at 972-877-2206 for questions.
PLEASE CLEAN UP YOUR CAMPSITE BEFORE LEAVING FOR HOME. BROADCAST MANURE. LEAVE NO TRACE.
To comply with Covid-19 recommendations, we ask all attendees respect social distancing guidelines of 6 feet, frequently wash hands, and wear a mask when indoors or when distancing outdoors of 6 feet is not possible. Exception to masking at meals, 6 foot social distancing should be maintained.
Registration online at tetratrails.org. PayPal or by check. Cash is not accepted. Registered riders will receive an email with a release of liability to sign and bring to the ride.
If you have been recently exposed to someone with Covid-19, running a fever, have a cough, shortness of breath, experiencing loss of smell, or gastrointestinal illness, stay home.
