Tyler State Park expecting thousands of visitors for July Fourth weekend

TYLER, Texas ( KETK ) – The extended Fourth of July weekend is around the corner and people across the state have plans to celebrate at Tyler State Park.

“It’s our mission to make sure that you feel that you’re in another world and the natural world you can escape,” Zane Hudson, with the Tyler State Park, said.

For the first time Randy Froehlich and his family made the five-hour drive from South Texas to see what East Texas has to offer.

“It’s really nice. The trees and the scenery is beautiful. My granddaughter and I took a long hike this morning through some of the trails and we really enjoyed that, so it’s been a very enjoyable time,” Froehlich said.

According to Tyler State Park, every single campsite was booked for the anticipated weekend. Park operators are bracing for most visitors to start rolling in on Thursday.

Hudson said overnight campers should check-in early to beat the crowd.

“Come ready to be waiting in line for a little bit. They’ll get you in and out in no time and do it with a smile, but when it comes to that, everything is jam packed booked. You’re going to have some neighbors,” Hudson said.

Park officials said this is the busiest season and reservations are encouraged for day passes.

“Make day reservations because we do actually get booked out where we run out of parking spots here and then we have to turn away anyone that doesn’t have reservations,” Hudson said.

The Froehlich family also has plans to venture out of the park for a tour of the Rose City.

“We’re going to go to the rose garden. We’re going to go to the aviation museum,” Froehlich said.

Park operators said Smith County is not currently under a burn ban, so campfires are allowed.

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