It is 985.5 acres (399 ha) in Smith County, north of Tyler.

The land was deeded by private owners in 1934 and 1935; original improvements were made by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC).

Activities include picnicking; camping; boating (motors allowed - 5 mph (8.0 km/h) speed limit); boat rentals; fishing; birding; hiking; mountain biking; lake swimming (in unsupervised swimming area); and nature study.

Situated in the pineywoods, the steep dissected hillsides and the lake, with its associated vegetation, provides considerable habitat variety.

Popular fish include crappie, perch, catfish, and bass.