This recreation area is part of Lake Texoma

Eisenhower State Park Campground

It has been a while since I visited Eisenhower State Park. On my last visit it ssmed as if the park staff could care less. There was litter scattered everywhere. My neighbors had to complane multiple times to get someone to come to there campsite and clean up the large pile of tolet paper and human fecies that was right next to the picnic table.

(things may have changed since then, I sure hope they have).

The swim area in this park is down a pretty steep gravel trail that I had a hard time navegating. There is very limited bank access since the park sits about 50 feet up from the water line.

There is a  boat ramp, store, food truck, fuel for your boat and bait located at the marina.

I doubt very much that I ill return to this park as there is not much for the mobiity challenged to do.

Great Boaters Park!

I can't even count the times we've camped here.... lots of great campsites.... lots of deer and a few turkeys too...

We love it...

I didn't like it because there isn't campsites near waters edge. #179 is the only campsite where you get a good view of the lake. But it is high on the cliff and you can't get down to the water. The only place to get down is at the swimming area which has a very long stair path. It wears you out. The cliff formations and little caves are kinda cool. But it cost too much to camp there because you have to pay an entrance fee and camping fee. Don't  bring your boat and expect to be able to bring your near where your camping. You have to go in and out of the marina. They don't give out of state Vets or disabled a discount. Whereas if you drive 4 miles across the dam on Oklahoma side of Lake Texoma the campsites are better. You can camp on the lake shore and don't have to pay an entrance fee per person if your camping. I'll never go there again.

Nice view

Our big group has gone to Eisenhower twice. The park is on Lake Texoma. We went to kayak and camp. They have good hiking trails, great campsites, and lots to do.

Group Camping

Campsites offer fire pits, water, electricity, easy access to facilities and trails. There is a swimming area that can be easily accessed. Sites are modern and not so far from a town that you are isolated and without phone service.

Hiking trails are challenging, they are also available to mountain bikes however the trail is challenging. You can also hike on the cliffs, which is the parks unique feature.

Eisenhower

We go all the time for day trips for picnicking, boat rentals and also for camping.  It's less than an hour from my home.  The trails are great and the Rangers are friendly and share a lot of knowledge.  Cool beach with caves.  New   food trailer with great food.  Great fishing on beautiful Lake Texoma.  Bathrooms are always clean. Fellow campers are very friendly.  We love Eisenhower state park.

We Luv!

Some of the camp sites are close together. The trails are good but there are some steep spots and it is rocky too. They do have a cool Beach area but you cant bring your dogs to it. Which I understand but still sucks. Overall a nice place. The park rangers are frequently out to ensure everything is in order.  There is a grill on the fireplace but not a stand alone one. 

nice place close to Dallas 

We loved the proximity to north Dallas. It makes for a nice getaway weekend. We enjoyed exploring the different areas of the park. We noticed most of the trailer/tent sites are almost in pairs. So two sites, have a common grassy area. Makes this park great for camping with friends or for making new friends, as we did! The store are the marina was a great break for ice cream on a hot day. Our friends have a boat on Lake Texoma and their home was only a 15 minute drive from the park.

Great getaway close to Dallas 

Very pretty state park with fairly private sites and standard facilities. Nice swimming area and cool little fishing areas. Large lake good for boating with a busy boat ramp; there is a marina within park boundaries that has a store &amp; rents boats. Nice for kayaking and medium length hiking. Stayed at a shelter surrounded by anthills all around perimeter and have several bites to show for it. Owls and coyotes sounding off at night. Overall good experience and would return (with ant killer).

Scenic hikes & kayaking 

The premium sites at the Elm Point area of the state park campsites is by far the best for views and quiet. Especially in the winter. They do get a lot more wind though, being right at the edge of the lake. But all campsite areas at this park are lovely. I always meet friendly people, and have had great luck with weather conditions. I've camped there in Feburary 2015, March 2017, and January 2018\. What can I say, I love the cold. The lowest temp i've camped here was in January 2018, it got down to 14 degrees with the wind chill. I ended up sleeping in my car that night haha! This park has a lovely swimming area and some huge rocks to play on. Just be careful, they are pretty chossy.

Best site this close to Dallas

**Campground Review:**

For Full VIDEO Review: [CLICK HERE](https://youtu.be/SQ24m4S0pf4)

I decided to visit [Eisenhower State Park](https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/eisenhower) during the last part of November, just before Thanksgiving when the leaves were putting on their final showcase of the season and casting their amber and red tones everywhere. It was absolutely breathtaking to pull into the park and start to see this area unfold around me.

Eisenhower is named for our former president, [Dwight D Eisenhower,](https://www.whitehouse.gov/about-the-white-house/presidents/dwight-d-eisenhower/) who was born in nearby Denison, Texas. Opened in 1958 to tourists as a Texas State Park, the area is divided amongst lake activities and wildlife preservation. In more recent years they have added ATV trails to accompany the bike and walking trails, the swimming beach and the outdoor amphitheater and pavilion.

Day use here is only $5 or for those camping you can easily find a perfect fit for your needs between $12 and $25\. I noticed depending on the loop of camp you are enjoying amenities do vary as to site sizes. All sites except primitive and a single specialty reservation lot were equipped pretty standardly with a metal picnic table and fire ring with grill. The biggest differences were in that some had electricity and water while others had neither. (You can book your campsite online by clicking [HERE](https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/eisenhower/fees-facilities/campsites) )

I really enjoyed the spacing of the campsites, though the area I was visiting for the day had neighbors the spacing managed to mask any noise that might come from their camp. The tree coverage in the area was amazing and shady, I can only imagine this to be a necessary feature during the hot Texas summers.

Since I was only able to enjoy the park for a day, after enjoying one of the campsites for a lunch, I took to the hiking trails and explored the many areas there are to check out. I was most excited about the swimming beach, it reminded me of the beaches I had seen in Nevada nestled along the Colorado River in groves of mountainous rocky mountains. It felt secluded and while the beach area itself was a mix of rocks and sand, it could be a great retreat on a warm day for some fun with the family. The steps down to the beach captured my attention, I later noticed the same steps repeated by the marina and also by the amphitheater. They were unlike poured concrete and made for a more organic feel to the landscape. Created by bags of concrete hardened then used as pavers the surface provided a perfect step that was both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

**A few things to remember about Eisenhower:**

In this area throughout camp and other parts of the property you might see bats, armadillos, beavers, coyotes, deer, opossums, rabbits, bobcats, raccoons, foxes, squirrels and roadrunners. In addition, during warm months you can see a variety of snakes hiding on rocky surfaces so always be aware of your surroundings and remember to keep your food items secured inside your vehicle.

*   The Lake is a BIG draw. This is one of the more popular stops along the massive Lake Texoma. Because of this you can take advantage of fishing, utilize the boat ramp and boat houses or rent one of the many watercraft they have to offer. [CLICK HERE](https://tpwd.texas.gov/fishboat/fish/recreational/lakes/texoma/) for more information about the lake, requirements of fishing and boating, activities available and any current advisories.
*   There is an interpretive guide online which will completely give you a better perspective of the park and some of what it has to offer. [CLICK HERE](https://tpwd.texas.gov/publications/pwdpubs/media/pwd_br_p4503_0032k.pdf)

**Rating:**

Overall I would give the State Park a 4 of 5 stars. I feel as though the park is large enough to accommodate large groups, essential during the busy lake season including holidays such as the 4th of July, Memorial Day and Labor Day. With the spacing it provides, not only can it accommodate crowds but it can make for a still enjoyable experience when visiting on these busy seasons.

Activities vary for those seeking non-lake related things to do, this is of great interest to me as a traveler who does not often hit the lake on one of my adventures. I like that there is an option for someone like myself to be able to if I choose however it isn’t the sole focus of the site.



Eisenhower State Park

Stayed a night at this park. I preregistered and thought I was ready to go. The gate guard said I still had to go inside to check-in. They couldn’t find all of my info and it took forever to get straightened out. The State employees made me feel like a criminal. Ridiculous!

Nice but Check-In was Slow

This park is very large! There is camping for everyone here! Great marina, fishing, hiking, kayaking and camp fires! All types of RV and tent sites! The swimming beach is the best, but you have to walk way down a hill to get to it! 

Yes everything is bigger in Texas!

One of my first and favorite state parks in Texas.  Several nice hiking trails, fond memories of Daddy/Daughter camping trips, and a quick escape to a relaxing &amp; restful place an hour north of Dallas!

Nice Getaway from Dallas!

Our camping site was 022 On Armadilla Hill


Beautiful place 

Nice and quiet state park.  Trails are decent for biking and hiking, lots of fossils to look at on the shore, and paddling is great here.

Always a good stay

We didn't stay here overnight. We only came a couple days. We stayed at Bonham which is 15/night instead of here that's 25/night.

Beautiful everything! Even the bathroom is gorgeous with granite walls!

Swimming area and trails along the cliffs are exquisite.  Great wifi as well.  

Expensive but BEAUTIFUL 

Spent one night here on our way to Tulsa. Our back-in site was a little tight but manageable. We had to disconnect because it was not long enough for trailer and truck. We parked the truck sideways in the entrance to our site. It had a picnic table and fire ring. The pad was asphalt and had a drop-off on the door side so we had to prop up the stairs. The lake was beautiful and we let the dogs swim. I would stay here again.

Nice spot for an overnight

Nice camp sites, well spaced for privacy, hiking trails everywhere, and cliffs all around the lake. Beautiful place all around. 

Peaceful Get Away

This state park has really beautiful lake views. It can be a little tricky getting down to the lake as it is surrounded by rocky cliffs on the Texas side. Lots of fun trails. 

Lakeviews 

Not a huge fan of camping in state park campgrounds, but this is a very nice option. Had a group campout here with those new to camping. Having easy access to bathhouses and power made it easier to have more people show up.  Eisenhower has great hiking options and sells firewood on site
 

Nice state park

I have camped here many times. The park is well maintained and offers beautiful hiking trails and scenery. It is also safe with plenty of staff making rounds to ensure everyone's safety. I have stayed at their pull through camper sites, shelters, as well as tent camping with no complaints. The park is also undergoing construction upgrades and new paved roads ATM but the areas are clearly identified on their website. Definitely a family friendly park with plenty of wildlife to enjoy!

All around excellent 

I was just passing through on a road trip and needing a cheap place to spend the night, but this was the kind of park I’d actually come back to and hang out in. The camp sites are spread out and clean. The lake views are beautiful. There are tons of activities like hiking, fishing, or paddle boarding.