Lake Arrowhead State Park – Lakeside Trails, Wildlife & Water Recreation in North Texas

Lake Arrowhead State Park spans 524 acres in Clay County, Texas, along the north shore of Lake Arrowhead. This lake covers approximately 16,200 surface acres and has over 100 miles of shoreline. The park lies just off U.S. Highways 281 and 287, about fifteen minutes south of Wichita Falls. The land was acquired and the park opened in 1970.

Water Recreation

The park offers direct access to Lake Arrowhead’s wide-open water for boating, swimming, water-skiing and paddle activities. There are nine boat ramps and a lighted fishing pier within the park boundaries. Shoreline or pier fishing inside the park does not require a license; however, fishing from a boat does require a state license. The lake supports popular game fish such as largemouth bass, crappie and catfish.

Trails & Land Recreation

Visitors can enjoy more than five miles of multi-use trails designed for hiking, mountain-bike riding and horseback excursions. Among them is the Onion Creek Trail (about 4.4 miles) which passes through prairie, woodland and marsh; the Mesquite Ridge Trail (≈0.6 miles) climbs to an overlook; and the family-friendly half-mile Dragonfly Trail. The park also features an 18-hole disc golf course that winds through native terrain.

Nature & Wildlife

Located in the Rolling Plains ecoregion, the park’s natural environment features grasslands transitioning into mesquite-influenced savanna, oak-woodlands and lakeshore habitats. A long-term prairie restoration initiative is underway, using prescribed burns and invasive-species removal to revive native grasses and wildflowers. Wildlife in the park is diverse: sightings of white-tailed deer, coyotes, bobcats, armadillos and beavers are documented. Bird-watchers have recorded over 200 bird species, including painted buntings, ospreys and bald eagles.

Facilities & Camping

Camping options include water-and-electric sites, water-only sites, primitive walk-in spots and an equestrian campground for visitors with horses. Restrooms and showers support the main loops, and a dump station is present for RV-users. Day-use areas provide picnic tables, grills and lakeside views.

Historic & Ecosystem Notes

Lake Arrowhead was initially created as a reservoir on the Little Wichita River to provide water for the region. The park land that became Lake Arrowhead State Park was purchased in 1970 from the city of Wichita Falls. The prairie that once dominated this part of Texas has been altered by mesquite encroachment and other changes, but park staff manage restoration efforts to regain native prairie identity.