Eisenhower State Park: Hiking, Camping, and More!

Recently, my son and I and our dog Snoopy checked out the Eisenhower State Park hiking trails. We had good times despite the muddy spots along the trails and the temperature in the upper 30s when we woke up the following day.

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Before I take you to the hiking trails in Eisenhower State Park, let’s take a quick look at the location of Eisenhower SP.

Where is Eisenhower State Park?

Eisenhower State Park’s location is in Denison, about 78 miles north of Dallas. It is one of the favorite day trip destinations of Texas State Parks near Dallas.

It is also one of the best day trip destinations within two hours of Fort Worth. 

You can find the park on the shores of Lake Texoma.

Address: 50 Park Road 20, Denison.

Eisenhower State Park Map

Here are the links to Eisenhower Park Map and Eisenhower Trails Map.

Eisenhower State Park Hiking

In general, there are two trails in Eisenhower: for foot or bike traffic and for ATV traffic.

We only did hiking trails because we don’t have an ATV or dirt bike. 

Now let’s check the Eisenhower State Park hiking with us.

What is the best trail at Eisenhower State Park?

Hiking trails in the park are only four miles. It consists of two trails; Armadillo Hill Trail and Ike’s Hike and Bike Trail.

If you look at the trail map, there are 14 trail access points along the trails. I suggest you start from marker 1, the Armadillo Hill Trail, to marker 14 in the Day Use Area. If you can’t find a parking spot, start from 14 to 1. Parking is more spacious there. It’s at the end of the park.

Armadillo Hill Trail

Take the first right to the Armadillo Hill Camping Area from the entrance gate. The trailhead is right after the park’s maintenance and residence on the left. It’s just a few yards away from the entrance.

Armadillo Hill Trail is only 0.8 miles. It is an easy trail, but the park marked it as moderate difficulty. It’s probably because of the rocky parts and up and down a bit. 

Halfway on the trail, you will see a cove overlooking boathouses on the other side. It is also the first point of interest in the park, Buttonbush Scenic Point.

Look for ammonite and other sea fossils. If you like fossils, it’s tempting, but you can’t move them to your pocket or backpack. They belong to the park.      

Ammonite is my favorite fossil, and I dream of finding them in nature. I found a beautiful ammonite fossil on Armadillo Hill Trail. I could only touch it and put it back after I took a picture with ammonite in my hand.

We enjoyed the woodpecker sound on our hike. Redbuds were blooming, and the temperature was in the 50s. It made a beautiful hike. 

At the end of the trail, marker 2, you will cross the park road to marker 3. It is the starting point of Ike’s Hike and Bike Trail.

Ike’s Hike and Bike Trail

Ike’s Hike and Bike Trail is 3.2 miles and falls on easy to moderate difficulty. You will start at marker number 3 and ends at marker 14. 

According to the park map, the trail between markers 3 and 4 is very rugged for bicyclists. I’m not a cyclist, but you will walk on rocky terrain here. The trek is 0.43 miles.

From marker 4, you will cross the park road again to marker 5. You will hike for 0.1 miles from markers 5 to 6. Then cross the park road to marker 7. 

From marker 7 to 8 is 0.7 miles. After hiking for 0.11 miles, you will see the second point of interest in the park, the Five-Star Red Oak. 

However, we didn’t see the tree. We didn’t know what the tree looked like, and maybe we missed the sign somewhere.

You will cross the park road again from marker 8 to marker 9. The path between markers 9 and 10 is the longest of Ike’s Hike and Bike Trail. You will hike the longest, 1.24 miles. 

A few yards after marker 9, you will get to Ammonite Crossing, the third point of interest in the park. Like its name, expect to see ammonite fossils fused into the surrounding limestone.

After the crossing, the views are incredibly beautiful! You will explore trails along high bluffs. At one point, you can go down to a fishing pier.

Then you will continue until you reach the fourth point of interest in the park, the Lover’s Leap. It is at the end of the high bluff.

You may want to stop a lot for pictures on this trail. Watch your step and stay safe.

You will cross the path to the beach area, which is not too far from the Lover’s Leap. It is the beach where you will find the famous cave in Eisenhower State Park.

From markers 10 to 11, you will cross the road again. You will still hike on high bluffs and see million dollars homes across the cove.

The end of the marker 12 is next to the OHV Trail system. You will cross the park road for the last time and end your hike from marker 13 to 14.

We found muddy spots during our visit, so we took the park road to where we started on marker 1.

And the best trails are…

We visited during spring Break, and the trails, like the roads, are full of redbuds. It’s a pretty trail. Also, the paths are shaded. But which one is the best trail in Eisenhower?

I personally liked the path between marker number 9 and marker 12 when we hiked along the high bluffs with the view of Lake Texoma. Please be careful when you hike here.

And I also like Armadillo Hill Trail. It is a nice, short trail. You can always turn around from the cove if you don’t feel like going to marker 2.

Eisenhower State Park ATV trails

As I mentioned above, we didn’t use the Ironweed OHV Trails because we don’t have an ATV or dirt bike. Besides, hikers and bikers are not allowed on the trails.

There are four trails in the system, where is one dedicated to novice riders.

Here is the link to more info on OHV Trail System.

Eisenhower State Park camping

Are you planning to camp in the park? You can choose from basic tent sites up to pull-thru sites for larger RVs. They even have 12 overflow campsites that are non-reservable.  

We camped for a night at Eisenhower and stayed at the electric site number 2 on Armadillo Hill Camping Area. The parking space is small, but our teardrop trailer fits perfectly.

If you are not a camping type of person, stay in the cabin or one of the screened shelters.

Eisenhower State Park cabins

Eisenhower Park only has one cabin, and the other 34 are screened shelters.

The cabin, also known as Ike’s Cabin, can accommodate up to five people. It has window unit air and heat provided inside. There is no restroom, but restrooms with showers are nearby.

You must bring linens for two bunk beds in the cabin. One bunk bed has two twin mattresses another has twin and full mattresses.

Unfortunately, pets or cooking are not allowed inside. You cannot park a motor home or camper trailer outside, either.

As for the screened shelters, each comes with a picnic table, water, electricity, and a fire ring with a grill. Pets are not welcome inside the building, and you can’t park your RVs outside. But you can set up a tent. Restrooms with hot showers are nearby.

Does Eisenhower State Park have showers?

Yes, they do. There are four campground loops in the park and each one has hot showers and flush toilets. 

I didn’t use the shower facility, but I peeked inside the one in the Day Use Area. They looked clean.

Are dogs allowed at Eisenhower State Park?

Like most state parks in Texas, dogs are also allowed at Eisenhower. Our dog Snoopy had fun hiking the Eisenhower State Park trail in the park with us.

However, they are not allowed to enter any Texas State Park buildings. It includes cabins, screened shelters, group facilities, and restrooms. 

Your dogs must always be on a leash, and the leash is no longer than 6 feet. Your dogs must be with you at all times. Please do not leave them unattended in the park, in the vehicle, or at your campsite.

You must pick up your pet’s waste and put it in the trash.

And your dogs are not allowed in the water or on the land around the designated swim area. It means you cannot take your dog to the famous cave by the swim area in Eisenhower. The one spot that every visitors want to visit.

When we visited the park, we saw a family taking their dog to the cave. There is a rule about dogs not being allowed on the beach area on a notice board. Then there’s another sign on the gate saying no dogs beyond this point. There was no way they didn’t read the sign.

How much does it cost to get into Eisenhower State Park?

Adult: $5 daily.

Children 12 years and under are Free.

If you plan to visit more Texas State Parks within a year, I suggest you get the Texas State Parks Pass. For $70, you and your guests in your car will get free entry to more than 80 state parks for one year. You will also get discounts on camping (restrictions may apply), park store purchases, and equipment rentals.

Eisenhower State Park Hours

Open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The park often reaches capacity. They highly recommend you reserve day passes or campsite online in advance.

Busy seasons are spring, summer, and fall.

Eisenhower State Park Weather

January’s average low is 32 degrees. July’s average high is 90 degrees.

The first freeze occurred in early November and the last in last March.

The wettest months are April and May. However, we visited a week after the storm hit the area in early March, and part of the trails were still muddy. I suggest you call the park before visiting Eisenhower State Park for hiking.

Other fun things to do at Eisenhower State Park

1. Swimming (summertime)

There are a few coves at the park, but when you look at the map, there is only one designated cove for swimming. You must drive to the end of the park and continue walking for 0.07 miles down to the beach. It is an easy path. 

Don’t forget to check out the cave on the beach. You must scramble the rocks to get there. It’s not easy, but it’s fun. You know your capability.   

2. Fishing

You can fish from one of the two fishing piers or the shorelines. The fishing pier near the boathouses is lit at night. There is a fish cleaning station by the entrance to Deer Haven Screened Shelters.

And what kind of fish are in Eisenhower State Park? Catfish, bass, crappie, and bluegill are common fish in Lake Texoma. 

3. Spotting Eisenhower State Park Wildlife

You may spot deer, squirrels, rabbits, and roadrunners as you hike or drive through the park. I saw deer on my way to the restroom by the headquarters. 

Other wildlife you may spot are armadillos, bats, beavers, coyotes, foxes, opossums, bobcats, raccoons, and tarantulas.

Are you a birder? Look out for wintering bald eagles, pelicans, loons, and other waterfowl.

These are the animals at Eisenhower State Park that you expect to spot.

4. Geocache

Before placing your geocaches within the park, you must come to the headquarters. They want to know your caches. 

5. Picnic

Bring your picnic when visiting for a day. Enjoy them in the Day Use Area or on the trails. You can also rent the picnic pavilion or recreation hall with your family or friends.

6. Look for wildflowers

Bluebonnets and other wildflowers were not blooming during our visit. But from the park’s pictures, it looks like Eisenhower SP is one of the beautiful Texas parks for wildflowers viewing.

7. Hunting for fossils

You will find lots of ammonite and other sea fossils in the park. Look for them on the rocky terrain, the shores, and the ditch. But you can’t take them home with you. Leave them where you find them. 

8. Shopping

The park store has souvenirs like t-shirts, patches, and more. And, of course, ice creams.

9. Kayaking or canoeing

You can bring your own or rent it from the Eisenhower Yacht Club in the park.

What to wear for hiking in Eisenhower Park Texas

First, don’t get distracted with my son’s backpack. He was preparing himself for hiking to Philmont with the Boy Scout troop. 

Hiking trails in Eisenhower State Park are short and easy to moderate category. You only need a day pack, and you may check the one I wore on this trip. I wore the same backpack last summer when we visited Bali, Indonesia. It is light and folded easily into a small purse.

Because it’s light, I can easily carry two of my Nalgene 32-oz water bottle. I have snacks for me and treats for my dog Snoopy in it.

You will walk on rocky and root terrain. I suggest you wear a pair of hiking boots. I have worn my Merrell for more than three years, and my feet love them.

As for clothing, it depends on the weather when you go hiking.

Enjoy your hiking at Eisenhower State Park, TX!