The Outdoors in New London, Texas
City & County Parks
Municipal and county parks, greenspaces, and recreation areas in and around New London.
- Overton City Park
Source: © OpenStreetMap contributors
Lakes Near New London
Lakes and reservoirs within about 30 miles of New London, by approximate straight-line distance. Access, boating rules and camping vary by lake, so check with the operator before you go.
- Lake Cherokee · ~14 mi
- Lake Tyler · ~14 mi
- Lake Gladewater · ~21 mi
- Lake Striker · ~21 mi
- Martin Creek Lake · ~21 mi
State Parks & Natural Areas Near New London
Public lands within reach of New London — state parks, natural areas, and historic sites managed by Texas Parks & Wildlife — with approximate straight-line distance from town.
- Martin Creek Lake State Park · Rusk County ~21 mi
- Tyler State Park · Smith County ~25 mi
- Caddo Lake State Park · Harrison County ~52 mi
- Daingerfield State Park · Morris County ~53 mi
- Mission Tejas State Park · Houston County ~53 mi
- Lake Bob Sandlin State Park · Titus County ~55 mi
Distances are approximate straight-line miles from New London. Source: Texas Parks & Wildlife Department — park locations
New London sits in the rolling Piney Woods of East Texas oil country, in Rusk County near Kilgore. For a small town, it offers good access to lakes, woods, and the green countryside that make the region a fine place to get outside.
Here's how to enjoy the outdoors in and around New London.
Lake Cherokee and Area Lakes
Northeast of New London lies Lake Cherokee, a private residential reservoir set in the wooded, rolling country of the area, popular for fishing — bass, catfish, and crappie among the catches — along with boating and lakeside living. Public access is limited, so most visiting anglers head to Lake Tyler.
Beyond Lake Cherokee, the region offers more: Lake Tyler to the west, the lakes around Henderson and Kilgore, and other area reservoirs, all within a reasonable drive for additional fishing and boating. For anglers and boaters, the lake country near New London is a real perk.
Piney Woods and Country
Around New London, the landscape is classic East Texas — rolling hills, tall pines, hardwood bottoms, and farm-and-ranch land, with the oil-field equipment that's part of the region's character. Quiet country roads wind through the woods and fields, perfect for scenic drives and enjoying the rural outdoors.
The green, wooded surroundings give the area its peaceful feel, and the countryside offers room for hunting and getting outside. For those who love the rural Piney Woods, the land around New London delivers the scenery and space of East Texas oil country.
Parks and the Region
In and around New London, community parks and green spaces provide everyday recreation for families. The town's setting amid the woods and near the lakes keeps the outdoors close at hand.
The broader region adds even more, with Tyler's outdoor attractions — the famous Rose Garden and Tyler State Park's pine-shaded lake and trails — a short drive northwest. Between Lake Cherokee, the surrounding Piney Woods, the area lakes, and the nearby parks, New London offers a satisfying range of outdoor options for a small town.
FAQ: Outdoors in New London
Yes. Private Lake Cherokee lies about 18 miles northeast of New London — a scenic reservoir popular for fishing (bass, catfish, and crappie), boating, and lakeside living in the rolling Piney Woods. Lake Tyler and other area lakes are also within a reasonable drive.
New London offers fishing and boating on nearby Lake Tyler and private Lake Cherokee, scenic drives and hunting in the surrounding Piney Woods, and access to other area lakes. Tyler's outdoor attractions, including Tyler State Park, are a short drive northwest.
Yes. Lake Cherokee, a private residential lake about 18 miles northeast of New London, is a popular fishing reservoir known for bass, catfish, and crappie, along with boating and lakeside recreation. Its wooded, scenic setting makes it a pleasant spot for a day on the water.
New London sits in the rolling Piney Woods of East Texas oil country — tall pines, hardwood bottoms, farm and ranch land, and the oil-field equipment that's part of the region's character. Quiet country roads make for scenic drives and outdoor recreation.
East Texas guides
Region-wide guides that put New London in context — where to go, what things cost, and how people actually live here.
Best Lakes in East Texas
A fact-checked guide to 17 East Texas lakes, from Lake Fork's trophy bass and Caddo Lake to Toledo Bend, Sam Rayburn and Lake Tawakoni. Sizes, species, access and rules come from TPWD.
Read Guide →Best Hiking Trails in East Texas
East Texas hiking trails checked against park and Forest Service sources: Tyler, Daingerfield, Mission Tejas and Martin Creek Lake state parks, the Four C Trail and the Sawmill Trail.
Read Guide →East Texas State Parks Guide
Twelve East Texas state parks from TPWD: Tyler, Caddo Lake, Atlanta, Lake Bob Sandlin, Tawakoni, Purtis Creek, Cooper, Martin Dies Jr. and more. Camping, cabins and passes.
Read Guide →Fishing in East Texas: Complete Guide
A sourced guide to fishing Lake Fork, Lake Palestine, Cedar Creek and Lake Athens: bass slot limits, where TPWD says the fish are, and Texas license rules.
Read Guide →Business Owner?
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