Lake Somerville State Park offers camping, hiking, and birding on two units near Caldwell

The park has two main units: Birch Creek on the north shore and Nails Creek on the southwest shore. A 13-mile trail called the Lake Somerville Trailway connects them. The trailway is open to hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders. The full park complex has nearly 40 miles of trails. Both units have campsites with water and electricity, primitive sites, and equestrian campsites with showers.

The 11,000-acre reservoir has good fishing. You can catch hybrid bass, largemouth bass, white bass, crappie, and catfish. You do not need a fishing license to fish from the shore inside a state park. Your state park pass or day-use fee covers that. If you fish from a boat, you still need a valid Texas fishing license.

The park is also a popular spot for birdwatchers. A bird checklist is available at both unit headquarters. The park fills up fast, especially on weekends. Make reservations through the TPWD online system before you go.