Chandler River Park

River Setting

Right next to the banks of the Neches River in eastern Henderson County, Texas, Chandler River Park sits about a mile east of Chandler town at the Highway 31 bridge. This day-use area provides good access to the river with plenty of space - featuring 2,650 feet of river frontage to the north and 3,000 feet to the south. One of the nicest things about this spot? It rarely gets crowded, so you can enjoy that peaceful river atmosphere without bumping elbows with other visitors.

Fishing Paradise

Anglers will find good fishing opportunities here. The spring white bass run from February to April draws fishing enthusiasts from across East Texas to the riverbanks. Summer brings excellent opportunities to catch blue and channel catfish, while largemouth bass and sunfish bite year-round.

The fishing can be productive - just remember to bring a fishing license before casting your line.

Paddling Adventures

Water lovers will appreciate that Chandler River Park marks the beginning of the Chandler Upper Neches Paddling Trail, which opened in spring 2016. Depending on water levels and how far you want to go, you can enjoy a loop ranging from 1 to 8 miles (typically taking 1-4 hours to complete).

The river's gentle current creates quiet pools and small forks to explore, making this a favorite spot for local kayakers seeking easy access and relaxed paddling. It's a great launching point for longer trips from Chandler to Lake Palestine, and the slow-flowing water welcomes paddlers of all skill levels.

Wildlife Watching

Nature enthusiasts will find plenty to observe here. The park is particularly good for bird watching, but keep your eyes peeled for turtles, fish, and occasionally snakes along the river and trails. The natural setting provides a tranquil backdrop for connecting with nature and spotting local wildlife in their habitat.

Amenities and Access

Getting to and around the park is straightforward. The north side of Highway 31 features a paved lot with space for 100 vehicles, complete with dedicated entrance and exit lanes. Cross to the south side, and you can find a boat ramp with parking for 10 vehicles with trailers.

Kayakers can use the dedicated kayak ramp on the north side, while those with larger watercraft might prefer the drive-down boat ramp on the south side. Basic amenities include several picnic tables near the parking area and a porta-potty for when nature calls.

The maintained walking trails that run alongside the river offer a pleasant way to stretch your legs and take in more of the scenery.

Park Rules

The park operates on a first-come, first-served basis - no reservations needed. Hours run from 6AM-10PM Monday through Saturday and 6AM-8PM on Sunday.

Note that overnight camping and fires aren't allowed, but you'll appreciate how well-maintained the facilities and grounds are kept during the year.