Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
Located in Live Oak County, Texas, Choke Canyon State Park encompasses a diverse landscape of brush country, rolling hills, and extensive wetlands surrounding the 25,670-acre Choke Canyon Reservoir. Established in 1982 primarily to provide recreation and wildlife habitat, the park covers approximately 6,896 acres and is managed by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. The reservoir is a critical water source and supports a healthy fishery, making the park a top destination for bass fishing, catfish angling, and waterfowl hunting. The park’s varied habitats attract over 300 species of birds, including the endangered whooping crane during migration seasons, positioning it as a birdwatching hotspot. Visitors can enjoy hiking along multiple trails that traverse the thorny brush and mesquite-covered uplands, or boat and kayak across the reservoir’s calm waters. Campgrounds range from developed sites with full amenities to primitive areas closer to the water’s edge, catering to a wide range of preferences. Notable landmarks within the park include the scenic Eagle's Nest Overlook, which provides panoramic views of the reservoir and wildlife below. The park is also part of a larger wildlife management area that conserves native flora and fauna while providing opportunities for outdoor education and research. Its remoteness and natural setting appeal to anglers, hunters, photographers, and nature lovers seeking solitude and quiet beauty in South Texas.
