Rusk and Palestine State Parks

Copyright: Texas State Parks & Historical Sites Rusk and Palestine State Park

Attractions - The combined resources of both the Rusk and Palestine units provides users with a variety of recreational opportunities in which to participate and have fun. There are two nature trails (5 miles and 2.5 miles). Both sites offer camping, picnicking and playgrounds. Moreover the Rusk site offers fishing within a small lake.

The vegetation of Rusk and Palestine State Parks is representative of the transition from the Prairies, Cross Timbers, and the East Texas Forests. Some species found in both parks include loblolly pine, sweetgum, dogwood, redbud, cedar-elm, willow, trumpet creeper, blackjack oak, Spanish mulberry, flatwood plum, and osage orange. Some of the bird species found year round, which include residents and migratory visitors, are belted kingfisher, cardinal, bluejay, pileated woodpecker, whip-poor-will, killdeer, black capped chickadee, and the cedar waxwing. Some mammals found in the park are armadillo, beaver, raccoon, gray squirrel, opossum, white tailed deer, coyote, and cottontail rabbit.

Facilities at the Rusk Unit include restrooms with showers; picnic sites; campsites with water and electricity, campsites with water, electricity, and sewer; an open-air, gazebo-style pavilion with a fireplace, and a dining area; a screened group dining hall complete with a kitchen; playgrounds; a fishing pier; a trailer dump station; old Rusk depot building; tennis courts; a 15-acre lake; and a .25-mile nature trail.

Facilities at the Palestine Unit include restrooms (no showers); picnic sites; campsites with water; a trailer dump station; and two open-air group picnic pavilions with picnic tables, cooking grills, a .5-mile nature trail, and a playground.

Nearby attractions include Jim Hogg and Mission Tejas State Historical Parks and Lake Livingston and Fairfield Lake State Parks. Other attractions within a 1 *-hour's drive of Rusk are Toledo Bend Reservoir, which is located on the Texas/Louisiana state line, and Lake Livingston, which is south on US Highway 59.

For reservations, call 512/389-8900. Current weather conditions, including fire bans and water levels, can vary from day to day. For more details, call the park or Park Information at 1-800-792-1112.

Recreation - Recreational opportunities offered by the Rusk and Palestine State Parks include, nature study, nature trails, fishing, camping, picnicking, tennis, and hiking.

Climate - Rusk and Palestine State Parks are located at an elevation of 489 feet. Temperatures within the parks range from an average January low of 35 degrees to a July average high of 94 degrees. The average yearly rainfall is 44.6 inches. Current weather conditions can vary from day to day. For more details, call the park or Park Information at 1-800-792-1112.

Location - Rusk and Palestine State Parks are situated within the Pineywoods area of Texas. The Rusk Unit is located 3 miles west of Rusk, adjacent to the Texas State Railroad Rusk Depot off US Highway 84.

The Palestine Unit is located 3 miles east of Palestine on US Highway 84, adjacent to the Texas State Railroad State Historical Park Palestine depot.