Ray Roberts Lake State Park's Johnson Branch is located 50 miles north of Haltom City and features elevated camping areas that range from 640 to 670 feet above sea level. The climate supports year-round camping with summer temperatures frequently exceeding 95°F and mild winters. Water levels at nearby lakes fluctuate seasonally, affecting beach access at certain campsites.
What to do
Swimming and beaches: Johnson Branch at Ray Roberts Lake State Park provides swimming areas that families enjoy during summer visits. "Great fishing, kayaking, play ground, and swim area. Very well kept up. The store is well stocked," notes one camper. The park maintains designated swimming zones with nearby picnic facilities.
Fishing opportunities: Pilot Knoll Park Campground offers direct lake access for anglers. A visitor reports, "My youngest was super excited to see a little library set up at the playground. We chose Star Wars readers." The park permits shoreline fishing without a license when fishing from designated areas.
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds maintain playground equipment for children. "Check-in was very easy, sites were very clean and well maintained, playground was amazing with an awesome 'roller-coaster' swing that the teenagers even loved," shares a visitor at The Vineyards Campground & Cabins.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: The Vineyards Campground & Cabins earns praise for site layout. "Very Pretty Views. Large Sites with covered Picnic tables. Sites spread nicely with no one on top of you," one camper notes. The campground maintains natural buffers between sites with strategic vegetation placement.
Clean facilities: Cleanliness remains a priority at multiple glamping locations near Haltom City. "Cleanest bathrooms and showers," reports a camper at The Vineyards. Another adds, "Concrete back in sites with full hookup's! Also fire rings, covered patio table's."
Security features: Several parks implement security measures. A visitor at The Vineyards appreciates "Great security visible as well as a coded gate after hours." Northside RV Resort receives similar praise with one camper noting it's "Gated. Level pads. Quiet. Dog park. Play ground. Wifi. Cable. Lake."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Peak seasons require advance planning. "We stayed in site 136 in dogwood canyon, and it was lovely. Next time I'd stay at 137 for a bit more isolation," shares a Johnson Branch visitor, highlighting the importance of site selection.
Fire restrictions: Rules vary by location and season. "Rvs only it shows as tents but no," warns a camper about The Vineyards, indicating inconsistencies between listed amenities and actual offerings.
Weather considerations: Loyd Park visitors note seasonal challenges. "Our site was only a hundred feet from the lake - gorgeous view!" reports a winter visitor. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 95°F, requiring proper hydration and shade structures.
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity: Choose sites near recreational facilities. "Great place to spend the week. Swim beach, playground, everything you could need," recommends a visitor at The Vineyards Campground. Some campgrounds offer multiple playground locations throughout their property.
Educational opportunities: Several parks provide nature programs. "We learned what native plants we can eat!" shares an enthusiastic Cub Scout parent who visited Johnson Branch, highlighting the educational aspects available at state parks.
Family-friendly amenities: Cowtown RV Park offers facilities designed for family comfort. "We stayed for a few nights while traveling through Fort Worth and enjoyed this park. It was a great location, quiet and had a playground for our kids," notes a satisfied parent.
Tips from RVers
Leveling considerations: RV sites vary in construction and maintenance. "Level concrete camp spots. The FHUs were in good working order," reports a Cowtown RV Park visitor, noting the importance of properly engineered pads.
Hookup availability: "It took us no time to level and have our RV ready to use. The hookups were all in working order and easy to access," shares a Cowtown RV Park camper. Most full-service glamping sites near Haltom City, Texas provide 30/50 amp electrical service.
Site dimensions: "We boated, kayaked, rented a golf cart and more. The gold sites are worth it! All concrete sites on the water and stone encased cooking areas," explains a visitor about premium locations at The Vineyards, emphasizing the value of upgrading site selection.
