Bonham -- Bonham State Park, a scenic and serene 261-acre state park built around a 65-acre lake, is enjoying another successful year with more visitors and increased revenue. For residents of the metroplex, Bonham State Park has become a quiet and relaxing oasis amid the hustle and bustle of urban sprawl spreading across North Texas.
And this park just keeps getting better. Visitors to Bonham State Park can now rent paddleboats, along with the canoes that have been available.
All trailer sites have been renovated by extending the parking pads and upgrading all the sites to include 50 amp hook-ups. The park staff is now selling souvenirs at the Park Headquarters (perfect for stocking stuffers for Christmas).
Built in the 1930s by Civilian Conservations Corp -- and much of their craftsmanship remains -- Bonham State Park continues to be an important economic driver for the region.
No one knows this state park any better than Lee Ellis, manager of Bonham State Park for a decade now and a 26-year employee of Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Mr. Ellis says revenue and visitation will be up approximately 5% over 2011, which, surprisingly, was a very good year at Bonham State Park despite the intense heat and record-setting drought.
Visitors come to camp, fish, picnic, swim or hike and bike on the trails that weave through the park. But if you talk to repeat visitors, there is something else that draws them back to this state park tucked away in the rolling hills of Fannin County.
"Most people tell us they really like the peacefulness of our park," remarks Ellis. "Our visitors are the best I have ever been around since I have been with TPWD."
And Ellis predicts the steady increase in visitors will continue.
"With the population growth of Collin County and the trend of people staying closer to home on vacations, I fully expect this trend to continue," states Ellis.
Ellis says state parks, as a whole, are performing quite well.
"Through July, state parks have now taken in around 1.1 million dollars more than last year for a 3.2% increase," explains Ellis. "This is an exciting trend for us since this shows more and more folks are visiting our parks. I would like to remind everyone that when they register their vehicles they now have the opportunity to add a donation to their fees. This donation will go for the operation and maintenance of your state parks."
Bonham State Park is three miles south of Bonham. From the Bonham Square, take Hwy 78 south and turn left on FM 271 until reaching the well-marked entrance. For reservations, call 512-389-8900.
State Park 24 carries visitors on a tree-lined journey
to Park Headquarters.
Bonham State Park is open seven days a week. Office hours are 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Entrance fees are $3 for adults; children 12 years and under are admitted free.
Mountain bike trails are also enjoyed by hikers.
The park staff is now selling souvenirs at the Park Headquarters (perfect for stocking stuffers for Christmas).
