How do I access Brushy Creek Park?

Brushy Creek Park is a public boat ramp in Texas. There is no entrance fee.

What activities are available at Brushy Creek Park?

Brushy Creek Park supports kayaking, stand up paddleboarding, sea kayaking. The difficulty level is rated beginner, making it great for all skill levels.

What amenities are at Brushy Creek Park?

On-site amenities include boat ramp, parking. Parking: Parking lot available at boat ramp facility.

When is the best time to visit Brushy Creek Park?

The best time to paddle at Brushy Creek Park is during spring and summer and fall and winter. Year-round

What are the water conditions at Brushy Creek Park?

Water conditions at Brushy Creek Park include sheltered, tidal.

Is Brushy Creek Park good for beginners?

Yes, Brushy Creek Park is rated beginner difficulty, making it an excellent choice for first-time paddlers and families. Calm, sheltered water suitable for first-time paddlers. No significant current or wave hazards expected.

Kayakers paddling through a wide open marsh waterway

Activity

KayakingSUPSea KayakingBeginner

Conditions

BayShelteredTidal

Amenities

Boat RampParking

Best Time to Visit

Spring Summer Fall Winter

Brushy Creek Park

Harleton, TX · Boat Ramp · Public

Brushy Creek Park is a public boat ramp on Big Cypress Bayou - Lake O' the Pines near Harleton, Texas. This beginner-level spot offers kayaking, paddleboarding, sea kayaking. Amenities include boat ramp, parking. Best visited in spring and summer and fall and winter.

At a Glance

Water Body

Bay

Launch Type

Boat Ramp

Difficulty

Beginner

Activities

Kayaking, SUP, Sea Kayaking

Parking

Parking lot available at boat ramp facility

Cell Service

Limited

Calm, sheltered water suitable for first-time paddlers. No significant current or wave hazards expected.

About This Location

Free boat ramp on Lake O the Pines in East Texas. Sheltered bayou launch with year-round access near Harleton.

Brushy Creek Park provides free public access to Lake O the Pines, a 19,780-acre reservoir in the piney woods of northeast Texas. The park sits on a sheltered arm of Big Cypress Bayou, so the launch stays protected from the main lake chop that can build on windy days.

The concrete ramp is in good condition with a courtesy dock for loading. Parking handles about 15 vehicles with trailers. This is primarily a fishing lake, and you will share the ramp with bass boats on weekend mornings during tournament season (March through May). Midweek visits are much quieter.

Paddle east from the ramp into the bayou channels for cypress-lined corridors and excellent kayak fishing. Crappie, largemouth bass, and catfish are the main targets. The standing timber in the upper reaches of the lake creates flooded forest paddling that feels more like Louisiana than Texas.

Lake O the Pines is paddleable year-round thanks to the mild East Texas climate, though summer afternoons get hot and the lake sees more powerboat traffic. Early morning paddles from April through October are ideal.

New to paddling? This is a great beginner spot.

Calm bay waters make Brushy Creek Park ideal for first-timers. Make sure you have the right gear:

Kayaks →Life Jackets →Paddles →

Paddling Tips

•Watch for boat traffic, especially in narrow channels and near marinas.
•Explore the shoreline for hidden coves and calm side channels.
•Bring binoculars — bays are excellent for bird and marine wildlife viewing.
•Check for any no-paddle zones or restricted areas near ports.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I access Brushy Creek Park?: Brushy Creek Park is a public boat ramp in Texas. There is no entrance fee.
What activities are available at Brushy Creek Park?: Brushy Creek Park supports kayaking, stand up paddleboarding, sea kayaking. The difficulty level is rated beginner, making it great for all skill levels.
What amenities are at Brushy Creek Park?: On-site amenities include boat ramp, parking. Parking: Parking lot available at boat ramp facility.
When is the best time to visit Brushy Creek Park?: The best time to paddle at Brushy Creek Park is during spring and summer and fall and winter. Year-round
What are the water conditions at Brushy Creek Park?: Water conditions at Brushy Creek Park include sheltered, tidal.
Is Brushy Creek Park good for beginners?: Yes, Brushy Creek Park is rated beginner difficulty, making it an excellent choice for first-time paddlers and families. Calm, sheltered water suitable for first-time paddlers. No significant current or wave hazards expected.

Location data: USGS ScienceBase · Water conditions: USGS NWIS · Weather: National Weather Service · Coordinates: 32.7450, -94.5349