• ATVs are welcome at Eisenhower State Park in Texas.atv airborne image by MAXFX from Fotolia.com
  
  Eisenhower State Park on the shores of Lake Texoma, north of Dallas, is the only Texas state park that allows all-terrain vehicles, according to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. It is named after Dwight David Eisenhower, the 34th President of the United States, who was born in nearby Denison. ATV trails are just part of the attractions of this 423-acre park, which also has areas for hiking, biking, fishing, swimming, boating and water skiing.
  
  

Park Geography

• Eisenhower State Park is approximately 70 miles north of Dallas on the shores of Lake Texoma, along the border between Texas and Oklahoma. The terrain includes rocky bluffs along the shoreline, woodlands and grassy uplands. Many types of wildflowers bloom from March through November, sharing the land with a variety of trees such as oak, dogwood, cottonwood and redbud. Area wildlife includes armadillos, foxes, coyotes, bats and beavers, with migrating birds such as bald eagles and pelicans adding seasonal interest. The lake fish are catfish, bass and sunfish.
  
  Eisenhower State Park
  
  50 Park Road 20
  
  Denison TX 75020-4878
  
  903-465-1956
  
  

Park Features

• Park features include picnic sites, playgrounds, restrooms with showers, campgrounds with water and electricity and RV sites with water, electricity and sewer. Fishing enthusiasts will appreciate the lighted pier and facility for cleaning their catches. Boaters can use the courtesy boat dock and launching ramp or visit the Eisenhower Yacht Club, a private marina with boat rentals and other services.
  
  

Trails

• Ten acres are reserved for ATVs and mini-bike riders at the beginner level. A four-mile trail is available for hikers and mountain bikers. About half of this trail is appropriate for beginning bikers while the other half, with steep grades, is for those with intermediate skills. A half-mile nature trail, with signs identifying parts of the local habitat, is reserved for walkers.
  
  

Licensing and Regulations

• ATVs in Texas must have titles but do not need to be registered at the county tax office or at the state Department of Motor Vehicles. ATVs are part of the Texas Off Highway Vehicle Program (OHV) and must have a current OHV decal for riding on any public land, including city, county, state and federal property. Purchase the decals from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department by calling 512-339-8917 or from any of the outlets listed on the OHV website. OHV decals expire on August 31 each year. Failure to display a current decal could result in a fine. ATVs on public land are required to have a brake system, a muffler, head lights, tail lights and a spark arrestor qualified by the US Forest Service.
  
  

Considerations

• The Texas Off Highway Vehicle Program encourages trail users to follow the guidelines of the Tread Lightly Program. The five Tread Lightly principles, according to the organization's website, are summarized as travel responsibly, respect the rights of others, educate yourself, avoid sensitive areas and do your part. Remember these principles with the acronym TREAD, the first letter of each principle.