Located in Bonham, Texas, Bonham State Park is a 261-acre state park in Fannin County, northeast of Dallas. It has 65 acres of lake, rolling hills, and scenic woodlands.
It has been running for more than 75 years and offers guests a range of recreational and sightseeing options.
The park was built in the county where Sam Rayburn, a famous Democratic congressman, was born and raised, and it was commissioned in 1933. The park’s design was developed by the National Park Service, and it was built by members of the Civilian Conservation Corp where they spent 3 years.
For the public’s entertainment, the CCC constructed the dam, bridges, buildings, and picnic tables. In 1936, the park had its grand opening.
Rustic structures and landscaping built by the CCC are still essential elements of the park today and provide visitors a glimpse into its more than 70-year history.
The natural beauty of Bonham State Park makes it the perfect destination to get away from daily life. It’s the prime spot to unwind, enjoy nature, and get away from the city.
Location: 7550 Wanda Ln Houston, TX 77074
Website: https://www.pct3.com/Explore/Parks#bonham-family-nature-park
Phone: (281) 496-2177
Opening Hours: Daily 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM. Office hours are from 8:15 am to 4:45 pm. Gates are closed between 10 pm and 6 am.
Admission fee: $4 per day, per person 13 and older.
The list is as follows.
1. Hiking and Biking
There are 8.75 miles of paths available for park visitors to use if they choose to go biking or hiking.
The trails range from simple 1.3-mile loops that provide an excellent perspective of the park’s plant diversity. The Bois d’Arc Trail is a more difficult trail that tourists can enjoy it is estimated to be 7.7 km long.
If it has rained recently, bring boots with tread when hiking. The natural trails are dirt, have tree roots, and are narrow. Since there is no directional marking on the hiking paths, use both paper maps which are available at the Visitors’ Center.
2. Go Fishing
At the 65-acre lake in Bonham State Park, fishing is always enjoyable. The lake features a boat ramp and fishing pier all to itself. It is important to be aware that the lake has a 5-mph speed restriction.
While visitors can borrow equipment, they must bring their own bait. This scenic lake, which is totally surrounded by state parkland, offers the best still-water fishing for the big four species of largemouth bass, channel catfish, crappie, and bluegill.
Do you need a fishing license for Bonham State Park?
No license is needed to fish. All fishing is done with a pole and line. The minimum length restriction for largemouth and smallmouth bass is 14 inches.
3. Geocaching at Bonham State Park
Similar to a treasure hunt, geocaching involves people from all over the world looking for a hidden geocache while engaging in outdoor activities. Cache is short for a hidden thing, and geo is the term for the earth. Geocaches come in a variety of sizes and shapes. They must be hidden but not completely buried to prevent easy detection by others.
This game is great for family vacations because both adults and kids may easily enjoy it.
You must use the smartphone app to access the geocaching website to participate. A list of geocaches with varying levels of difficulty can be found there.
4. Paddling
Paddling is one way to incorporate more nature into our life. Research has shown that spending time in nature is important for both physical and emotional well-being. For this reason, Bonham State Park supports the activity and compels people to spend more time in nature. Carry your watercraft along. Renting one is always an option if you don’t own one.
If the weather permits, the park rents paddle boards, kayaks, and canoes every day from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
5. Admire the Vegetation
A wide variety of vegetation, including grasses, trees, wildflowers, and more, may be found inside the park.
You can observe the park’s dispersed grassland and woodland once you enter it. As you get closer to the sea, the woods get heavier. Due to earlier farming methods, the grasses appear somewhat barren, yet they are actually recuperating and will soon take over the area.
In Bonham State Park, you can view several different kinds of trees, such easter red cedar, oak, bois d’arc, cottonwood, black willow, and more.
The park changes color throughout the year as a result of its vibrant vegetation. Bright flowers bloom throughout the spring and summer, followed by colorful leaves as fall approaches.
6. Camping
There is nothing better than waking up in nature. It is very reviving to be able to stroll outside to welcome the day while surrounded by nature.
In Bonham State Park, there are twenty different camping options. These can be full hookups or tent sites with electricity and water.
Additionally, guests can reserve a group camp that has six sites and sleeps up to fifty people.
Groups
Larger parties have the option to stay overnight or use the park during the day. For group overnight stays, there are up to two alternatives. The park contains 94-person capacity group halls and dorms with kitchens.
Additionally, the pavilion can accommodate groups of up to 75 people and is also accessible throughout the day.
7. Swimming
Getting away with friends to enjoy the great outdoors is a fun and relaxing idea. Bonham State Park offers a few locations to go swimming and cool down. So gather your buddies, go to the park, and enjoy yourselves while taking in the stunning sunset.
8. Wildlife
There isn’t much wildlife in the park because of its size. However, the lakeshore there provides a perfect home for raccoons, opossums, beavers, and songbirds.
Although birds are almost assured to be present and some in the woodlands stay there all year, most birds at Bonham Park are nomadic and only stay for a short while.
9. Picnics
Near the lake, there are covered picnic tables. The restrooms are spotless, and some of them have showers. For family reunions by the lake, there is a sizable covered pavilion area with several picnic tables. The kids will be entertained thanks to the presence of a playground. A good half-court and outdoor basketball hoop are available for use. In addition, volleyball and horseshoes are available to play. This is a great location to celebrate with friends and family, and you are welcome to bring your dog as long as he is kept on a leash.
10 Attraction Areas Near the Park
The city of Bonham and two historical locations—the Eisenhower Birthplace and, of course, the Sam Bell Maxey House—are among the numerous attractions in the region that are ideal for sightseeing.
Visitors can enjoy the city of Bonham’s numerous eateries, stores, and museums. On your route to or from the park, you can stop at one of the nearby grocery stores to pick up some snacks.
Sam Rayburn, the Speaker of the House of Representatives with the longest tenure, was born and raised in Bonham. Rayburn held office for 17 years and was elected ten times in total.
Nearby and situated in the center of Denison, Texas, is the Eisenhower Birthplace. The home of the 34th President of the United States, Dwight David “Ike” Eisenhower, is located there.
The residence, which is brimming with exquisite vintage furniture, perfectly captures the Eisenhower family’s way of life. Additionally, there are displays in the visitor center that highlight President Eisenhower’s achievements both as a combat hero and as president.
