Pat Mayse Lake near Arthur City, Texas sits at approximately 451 feet above sea level with water temperatures ranging from 45°F in winter to 85°F in summer. The 7,680-acre reservoir features multiple camping options along its 62 miles of shoreline, with most campgrounds situated within pine and oak forests that provide natural shade during hot summer months.
What to do
Kayaking on calm waters: Pat Mayse Sanders Cove Recreation Area offers excellent conditions for paddlers. "This lake doesn't have a marina so there is not too much boat traffic. There are boat ramps and docks. I plan on taking my kayak next time. It looks great for kayaking," notes Melanie W.
Geocaching adventures: Families can enjoy treasure hunting at Sanders Cove where one reviewer mentioned, "Boating, grilling, yard games, geocaching and more!" according to Natalie S., making it an interactive outdoor activity for all ages.
Night sky viewing: The limited light pollution at COE Pat Mayse Lake Pat Mayse West Campground provides good stargazing opportunities. Rick G. confirms, "This is a nice campground with decently wooded sites... The campground had decent star views and was a short walk to clean pit toilets."
Fishing tournaments: Sanders Cove hosts regular fishing events throughout the year. Dude R. explains, "There is a serious fishing tournament held every year, Uncle Jesse Big Bass Classic Fishing Tournament, started by Denver Pyle who played Uncle Jesse on The Dukes of Hazzard fame."
What campers like
Spacious campsites: Pat Mayse West receives praise for its generous site spacing. Tammie L. shares, "This is a large campground, lots of room between sites! Good place to go for a family camping spot! Shade and level sites!"
Clean facilities: The campground hosts work hard to maintain sanitation standards. According to Gari-Ann L., "Gate attendants were friendly and helpful. B loop has a nice group camp section that is set back just off the main B loop, which would be great for families."
Well-maintained trails: COE Pat Mayse Lake Pat Mayse East features walking paths for exercise and nature viewing. "The Camp host Kathie has put so much appreciated work into improving this place! Looks great!!" mentions Kristie H.
Boat access: Multiple boat ramps make water activities convenient. "With two boat ramps you will have no issues putting your boat in the water," explains Dude R. about Sanders Cove.
What you should know
Site leveling requirements: Not all sites are naturally level. At Hugo Lake State Park, Elizabeth B. advises, "The spot was unleveled but that's no big deal if you have leveling blocks."
Weather preparation: Sudden storms can affect camping conditions. Kristi B. shares from experience, "We got some rain which sucks but we never let a little rain ruin our camping adventures."
Limited amenities at some loops: Facilities vary between campgrounds. Micah W. reports about Pat Mayse East, "Both loops actually do have vault toilets and no running water. The campground seems set up pretty well for RVs."
Seasonal insect activity: Be prepared for potential insect encounters. One camper at Hugo Lake noted, "I noticed within a few hours of setting up camp that roaches started invading my gear."
Tips for camping with families
Group camping options: Hugo Lake Kiamichi State Park offers areas designed for multiple families. "There is a lot of grass area which was nice because we love to play KOOB and throw the frisbee for our dog," explains Analia F.
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature children's play areas. Shady Oaks visitor Rodney T. confirms, "Friendly staff, a playground for the kids, right across the highway from the lake, and a family friendly bar and grill located right at the campground."
Swimming spots: Lake access points allow for cooling off during hot months. "Our family had such an amazing time tent camping on the water!" writes Kristen S. about Sanders Cove.
Pet-friendly trails: Dogs are welcome on most hiking paths. Angela H. shares, "I've camped all around Pat Mayes lake since I was a kid. Sanders Cove is the most up to date facilities on the lake and I believe the only one with showers. The hiking trails are great!"
Tips from RVers
Extended hookup hoses: Be prepared with longer-than-standard equipment. B.H. advises, "Water access is sometimes very far from the campsite and sometimes right on each site there is no consistency, so an extra hose is advisable."
Solar alternatives: Raymond Gary State Park Campground works well for solar setups during sunny weather. Michael S. from Pat Mayse notes, "Due to rain and cloudy weather spent 3 nights for electrical hook up, I have solar system so with long periods of no sun just as easy to plug in and pay versus running generator."
Concrete pad availability: Many sites offer solid, level bases for RVs. Jim B. shares about Hugo Lake, "Level concrete pads, electric and water with water views."
Cellular connectivity: Most campgrounds maintain usable signals. Alivia R. confirms at Raymond Gary State Park, "Friendly staff, easy to access, not far off main road. My Verizon phone system works well and my Verizon hotspot."
Ranger
