Lake Tawakoni State Park: Your Guide to East Texas’ Outdoor Playground

January 13, 2026

Looking for the perfect outdoor escape just an hour east of Dallas? Lake Tawakoni State Park offers 376 acres of oak forest, sandy beaches, and some of the best fishing in Texas.


Whether you are an angler chasing a trophy blue catfish or a family looking for a sandy beach to swim in, this park is a must-visit destination. And the best part? You don't have to sleep in a tent to enjoy it.


Merica Inn & Suites is located just minutes away in Wills Point, giving you the perfect "Base Camp" for your lake adventure.


Why Visit Lake Tawakoni State Park?

The park sits on the shore of a massive 37,879-acre reservoir. It’s famous for being a high-energy destination where you can swim, hike, and boat all in one day.


1. World-Class Fishing

Lake Tawakoni is known as the Catfish Capital of Texas for a reason. Anglers come here to catch striped bass, hybrid striped bass, white bass, crappie, and massive catfish.


  • Insider Tip: You do not need a fishing license to fish from the shore inside a Texas State Park. It’s the perfect way to try fishing for free!
  • Facilities:  The park has a four-lane boat ramp and a dedicated fish cleaning station.


2. Water Sports & Swimming

Beat the Texas heat in the cool waters of the lake. The park features a sandy swimming beach area that is perfect for families.


  • Need a boat? You can rent kayaks (including paddles and life jackets) right at the park from a self-service kiosk.


3. Hiking & Birding

If you prefer land to water, explore nearly five miles of trails that wind through the oak forest. Keep your eyes peeled—this is a prime spot for birdwatching and geocaching.


The "Smart" Way to Stay: Merica Inn & Suites

While the park offers camping, spots fill up fast—especially on weekends. Plus, after a long day of sun, sand, and fishing, do you really want to sleep on the ground?


Stay at Merica Inn & Suites instead. We are the preferred choice for serious anglers and families alike.


Attention Anglers: Free Boat Charging & Parking


  • Easy Access: Pull your rig into our spacious lot—plenty of room for trailers.
  • Power Up: Plug into our complimentary outdoor boat charging stations overnight.
  • Launch Ready: Wake up with 100% power and hit the ramps just 15 minutes away.


Comfort & Convenience


  • Clean Comfort: Trade the campground showers for a private bathroom and a clean, soft bed.
  • Fuel Up: Start your fishing trip with our free hot breakfast before you head to the water.
  • EV Friendly: Driving an electric truck or car? We also offer free EV charging stations for our guests.


Essential Park Info

  • Location: 10822 FM 2475, Wills Point, TX 75169
  • Hours: Open daily, 6 a.m. – 10 p.m.
  • Entrance Fee: Adults $5 (Kids 12 and under are FREE)


Don't haul your boat back to the city. Stay where you play.


Link for lake events

Link to book tickets for lake

Outdoor market with stalls of produce under a shaded awning. People browse and shop.

The Insider’s Guide to Canton First Monday Trade Days (And How to Survive It)

January 13, 2026
They call it the " World’s Largest Flea Market ," but that doesn't quite do it justice. Canton First Monday Trade Days is a phenomenon. With over 450 acres of shopping and thousands of vendors, you can find everything from antique furniture and vintage signs to boutique clothing and live plants. It is an adventure every shopper needs to experience at least once. But let’s be honest: walking 20,000 steps in the Texas heat is exhausting. To have the best trip, you need a strategy. Here is our guide to conquering Canton without the stress—and why smart shoppers choose Merica Inn & Suites as their base camp. What is First Monday? Despite the name, the event actually happens Thursday through Sunday before the first Monday of every month. It is a massive, sprawling event divided into different pavilions and open-air fields (like the famous "Arbors" or "Dog Alley"). +1 3 Tips for a Successful Trip Timing is Everything: Serious antique hunters arrive early on Thursday morning to get the best finds before they are picked over. Bargain hunters often prefer Sunday afternoon, when vendors are willing to drop prices so they don't have to load items back into their trucks. Bring a Cart: You will buy more than you expect. A rolling cart or wagon is essential so you aren't carrying heavy bags for miles. Hydrate and Rest: There is a lot of walking. Wear your most comfortable sneakers and take breaks in the shade. The Smart Shopper’s Secret: Stay in Wills Point The biggest complaint about First Monday? The Traffic. On market weekends, the roads immediately around Canton (especially Hwy 19) can become a gridlock. Hotels in Canton often charge "event premiums" and sell out months in advance. The Hack: Instead of fighting for a parking spot at a crowded Canton hotel, stay just 15 minutes west at Merica Inn & Suites in Wills Point. 🚗 Free EV Charging Stations Driving your Tesla or Electric Vehicle in from Dallas, Fort Worth, or Tyler? Don't worry about finding a supercharger in the middle of the flea market chaos. Plug In for Free: We offer complimentary EV charging stations for our guests. Charge While You Sleep : Plug in overnight and wake up with a full battery, ready to haul your treasures home. Skip the Traffic & Save Money Easy Access: We are located an easy drive down the highway. You get to the market fast, but you sleep away from the noise and congestion. Better Value: Our rates are often more competitive than hotels right at the market gates—meaning you have more money to spend on shopping. Relax & Recover After walking acres of fields, you don't want a noisy motel. Come back to Merica Inn to enjoy: A refreshing outdoor pool to cool off. A clean, quiet room with a comfortable bed. Free hot breakfast to fuel up for Day 2 of shopping. Upcoming Market Dates: https://www.firstmondaycanton.com/calendar Ready to shop 'til you drop (into a comfortable bed)?