The city of Mexia and three local landowners donated the land creating the park in 1935.

[3] From 1935 to 1942, Civilian Conservation Corps Company 3807(C) built roads, recreational facilities, the concession building and a 423-foot (129 m) dam of limestone, concrete, and soil across the Navasota River, creating Lake Fort Parker.

The park was dedicated by former Texas Governor Pat Neff and opened to the public in May 1941.

Day use, overnight camping, group barracks, an activity center, and a picnic pavilion are all available for rent.

As an independent nonprofit, Old Fort Parker is not part of the state park.