Atlanta State Park is on the south shore of Wright Patman Lake, about 11 miles (18 km) northwest of Atlanta, Texas. This is about 18 miles (29 km) southwest of Texarkana, Texas. The entrance to the park is off Farm to Market Road 1154.
History
In past centuries, the Caddo Indians settled in this area and worked the land as farmers. Many pioneers traveled across the area to use the ferry that crossed the Sulphur River. The State of Texas acquired the land for Atlanta State Park in 1954 under a long-term lease with the Department of the Army.
In spring 2016 Wright Patman Lake flooded the park and destroyed bathrooms and the amphitheatre. Texas Parks and Wildlife closed the park for more than two months.[4] An old-growth pine forest was inundated with ten feet of water that killed many of the trees. Reforestation efforts are in progress with trees that can better tolerate flooding.[5]
Atlanta State Park provides access to Wright Patman Lake for boating and fishing, and has a sandy beach area for swimming. Picnic and overnight camping areas are available. The park has 4.5-mile (7.2 km) of hiking trails.