East Fork Park Campground offers RV and tent camping options 20 minutes east of Murphy, Texas, along Lake Lavon. Sites include water and 50/30 amp electric hookups, though road conditions throughout the park often feature potholes and uneven surfaces. The lake-facing campsites provide space between neighbors, with most offering enough room for both camping equipment and recreational activities.
What to do
Lakeside recreation and fishing: Lake Ray Roberts State Park offers numerous outdoor activities with approximately 10 miles of equestrian trails at both the Isle du Bois Campsites and Johnson Branch units. Visitors note that "trail conditions generally remain suitable year-round with brief closures only during extreme weather events." According to Christopher L., "Sites 119-122 (maybe 123) are right on the lake so you can see ducks and do some bank fishing without needing to go anywhere."
Swimming and beach access: Cedar Hill State Park provides designated swimming areas during summer months. Karen B. describes it as a "large park with a variety of campsites. Shaded areas available. Very clean." The park has experienced previous closures due to flooding, so checking current conditions before arrival is advised.
Horseback riding day trips: For riders seeking day-use options without overnight camping, Brockdale Park near Murphy offers equestrian trail access. Danelle I. describes it as "a large parking lot for a boat launch on Lake Lavon and a large Equestrian trail. No camping sites but we have done a picnic here. It's a few minutes from our home."
What campers like
Spacious campsites: Loyd Park receives consistent praise for site layout and amenities. Tammie L. notes, "Sites are spaced far apart all come with fire ring and covered picnic table." Cactus A. adds, "Great bike trails. Friendly staff and lovely sites, each pretty secluded from each other."
Lake views: Many campers appreciate direct lake access at Pilot Knoll Park Campground. Monica C. shares, "We stayed in spot #5 right at the end of the cove. Calm water, large lot land area and clean, easy access to walk right into the lake to swim, and space to dock your boat make the cove side of the park an excellent score."
Clean facilities: Johnson Branch Campsites at Ray Roberts Lake State Park maintains well-kept restrooms and shower facilities. Robert H. recently observed, "A very clean and well kept State Park, Bath and showers are very clean and warm it is cold today 38 Degrees." Joyce L. adds, "Overall, it was well-organized, easy to contact the office, and a great experience."
What you should know
Site conditions vary by season: Several campgrounds report inconsistent maintenance, particularly regarding grass height. At East Fork Park Campground, Jenny S. mentions, "Man, this would have been a great little camp ground if the grass wasn't so overgrown. Nothing like taking a nice shower and then having to walk back to your campsite in 2 feet of grass and get bit up by all the bugs in the grass!"
Limited campground amenities: Some parks offer minimal facilities beyond basic camping needs. At COE Lavon Lake Lavonia, Veronica S. reports, "Clearly geared towards RVers. Each of those sites have water, electricity, and a sewer connection, with a covered cement pad with a grill, a table, and other relevant features. The few tent camp sites were shoved seemingly randomly between and around the RV sites."
Road conditions: Access roads at several campgrounds require attention. Dennis G. notes at East Fork Park, "Bad roads into and thru the park, grass in bad need of cutting, garbage (glass bottles and dirty diapers) on the 'beach'. Sites are fairly well dispersed with water and electric at each. Be careful though, because the asphalt is crumbling and man u have ankle-breaking drop offs between the parking pad and the picnic table."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: When selecting a family-friendly site, consider proximity to play areas. At Johnson Branch, Chris H. shares, "The other nice thing from our site, was that we were about 1/4 mile from a little playground for the kids. The playground wasn't anything grand, but it broke up the days for the kids some, which as all parents know is a gift."
Beach options: For families seeking water recreation, look for designated swim areas. Christina H. notes about East Fork Park, "There was a nice swim area and overall the campground was clean and quiet. There weren't a whole lot of trees and none over the RV pads, so keep that in mind as far as the sun beating down on the camper."
Insect preparation: Several campsites report significant insect activity, especially during warmer months. Jill C. warns about Cedar Hill State Park, "Nice lake but there were fire ants and chiggers all over our campsite!" Bring appropriate repellents and protective clothing.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Several equestrian and RV sites require additional effort for leveling. At Dove Hill RV Park, Roy O. notes, "It appeared that the campground doesn't have any sites that approach level. It is covered solidly with rocks, not gravel and some were quite large. A few of the campers had to have their back wheels off the ground in order to get level!"
Electrical connections: Check amperage availability when booking for horse campgrounds near Murphy. John B. advises about Loyd Park, "Some sites are 50 amp, while all are for 30 amp. Larger rigs are more accommodated next to the lake. But call ahead to see which sites have 50 amp, you'll need it in summer time."
Space for trailers: When traveling with horses, ensure sites accommodate your trailer size. At Johnson Branch, the camping area features "concrete back in sites with full hookups" according to Tammie L., making it suitable for larger rigs and horse trailers.
