Lake Somerville Nails Creek State Park - Texas Parks and Wildlife

06/16/2026

***Notice***

Due to high water levels, the Newman Bottom access gate is closed until further notice.

Update: The gate at Irwin Bridge is back open as of 6/18.

Additionally, recent heavy rainfall may have caused flooding on trails in low‑lying areas. Visitors are encouraged to use caution, avoid flooded trails, and be prepared for changing conditions.

We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to ensure the safety of all park visitors. Please check for updates before your visit.

06/12/2026

*Notice*

The gate at the Newman Bottom access road is now open.

06/12/2026

Nails Creek is HIRING a Customer Service Representative!

This position is responsible for performing entry-level customer service work including general clerical duties, front desk operations, revenue collection and accounting for daily revenue for the Nails Creek Unit of Lake Somerville State Park.

If interested in joining a high-performing, mission-driven team serving Texans through stewardship, service, excellence, integrity, and teamwork, apply below.

Apply here:
https://capps.taleo.net/careersection/802/jobdetail.ftl?job=00058609&tz=GMT-05%3A00&tzname=America%2FChicago
Watch our video on how to apply for jobs with Texas Parks and Wildlife:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u4azv4u_hXU

05/25/2026

On Memorial Day, we reflect on the courage and dedication of those who laid down their lives in service to our country. Their sacrifice allows us to enjoy the natural beauty and outdoor experiences we treasure today.

As you visit the park or spend time with loved ones, we encourage you to honor the memory of these heroes and appreciate the freedoms they have protected.

05/21/2026

**Notice**
The gate at the Newman Bottom access road is closed until further notice, due to the rising creek levels.

05/16/2026

Wow! Nails Creek is absolutely glowing right now. 💛🏵🌞🌻

​If you’ve been looking for a sign to pack up the camera, lace up your boots, and get outside, this is it. The Black-Eyed Susans have completely taken over the fields down by the water, and honestly, pictures barely do it justice. It is a total sea of gold out here under those big Texas skies.

​Take a look at what’s waiting for you right now (we just snapped these today!). There is nothing quite like a warm breeze moving through a massive field of wild blooms. Come out, take a deep breath, and soak it all in.

​Quick reminder for the trail: We love these flowers as much as you do! Please stick to the paths and leave them standing tall so the next person gets to experience this view, too.

​Drop your favorite Nails Creek trail photos in the comments below, we want to see what you're finding out there! 👇

05/12/2026

***Notice***

Lake Somerville is currently at 236.58 ft, which is about a foot and a half below the normal pool level of 238 ft. Thanks to recent rainfall, the Nails Creek boat ramp is now open.

Because Nails Creek is on the shallow end of the lake, some boats may still have limited launching ability depending on your equipment and experience.

📸 Updated photos from today are included to show current conditions.

If you have any questions, please call our office at (979) 289‑2392.

05/04/2026

05/01/2026

Thought I’d discovered giant wild asparagus at Nails Creek State Park… but it turns out they are actually yucca plants getting ready to bloom! 🌱Sometimes nature has the best sense of humor. 😄

That tall “asparagus looking” stalk is the flower spike, and all those little bumps are buds that will soon open into beautiful creamy white flowers, just like the photos of the same yucca in full bloom last year. Nature loves to surprise us when we’re out exploring.

If you’re visiting Birch Creek, Nails Creek, or hiking along the Trailway, keep an eye out for these beauties. Once you learn to spot them, you’ll start seeing them all over the area!

02/14/2026

We are HIRING a Maintenance Specialist III at Nails Creek!

Under the direction of the Maintenance Supervisor, this position performs complex (journey-level) building maintenance and construction work. Responsible for assisting with daily maintenance and repairs of facilities, grounds, and equipment of Lake Somerville State Park-Nails Creek. Performs preventative maintenance (cleaning/inspecting) of facilities, group areas, grounds and camping areas as needed. Operates all types of equipment such as trucks, tractors, mowers, power tools and other gasoline powered equipment.

Provides quality visitor services by issuing permits, collecting revenue, providing information, and registering visitors using an automated registration system.
Assists with enforcing park rules and regulations to ensure visitor safety and protection of park resources.
Performs resource management tasks and interpretation of natural resources.
If interested in joining a high-performing, mission-driven team serving Texans through stewardship, service, excellence, integrity, and teamwork, apply at the link below.

TO APPLY:
https://capps.taleo.net/careersection/802/jobdetail.ftl?job=00055545&tz=GMT-06%3A00&tzname=America%2FChicago