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Pat Mayse Sanders Cove Recreation Area provides multiple pet-friendly camping options around a scenic lakefront setting. The Corps of Engineers campground features electric hookups, water access, and designated areas where dogs can accompany their owners throughout the grounds. Dogs must remain leashed at all times while in the campground, and owners are responsible for waste cleanup. Campers appreciate the hiking trails accessible directly from the campground where pets can exercise along the shoreline. Sites vary from wooded interior spots to waterfront locations, with most offering picnic tables and fire rings. The campground has been consistently maintained with clean facilities that accommodate both tent and RV camping, with sites spaced adequately for privacy.
Multiple pet-friendly camping options exist around Powderly, including Sanders Cove, Pat Mayse West, and Pat Mayse East campgrounds. These locations provide year-round access for camping with dogs, with water and electric hookups available at most sites. Shady Oaks RV Resort offers additional accommodations including cabin rentals that accept pets. The campgrounds surround Pat Mayse Lake, providing excellent shoreline access for dogs who enjoy swimming. Several campsites feature level, shaded areas ideal for setting up with pets during summer months. Visitors should note that while pets are allowed throughout these campgrounds, they must be supervised at all times, especially during wildlife encounters. The camp hosts regularly patrol the grounds ensuring rules are followed, maintaining a family-friendly environment for all campers, including those with four-legged companions.
"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. The campsites are spacious."
"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,I have 2 freezers full of meat's for the winter in South Texas"
from $16 - $100 / night
Check Availability"The campground had decent star views and was a short walk to clean pit toilets. The showers were a short drive away and were also clean."
"This COE campground is a pretty decent as far as COE campgrounds go, there is some obvious flood damage to some of the sites near the water with a few not useable at all."
from $16 - $24 / night
Check Availability"Not sure what to expect, was clean on a lake and no bugs. We were rookies in camping. Host were fantastic"
"These cabins have 2 bedrooms, a full bathroom and kitchen and a nice porch overlooking the lake. The cabin was pretty nice compared to most state park cabins but it definitely wasn’t resort quality."
"This place was pretty busy the weekend we camped here but we booked early and found a spot away from others. The water is brown but nice and cold for the summer so we couldn’t complain!"
"There is a lot of grass area which was nice because we love to play KOOB and throw the freesbie for our dog."
"Can walk down the hill from J9 to get to the shore. Shore is limestone, full of fossils. Very clean and mowed. Bath house is quite a way away from these sites but in good shape."
from $14 - $100 / night
Check Availability"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. We will be back!"
from $45 - $55 / night
Check Availability"The campsites closest to the lake are pretty crowded together and not many sites have established fire rings, those that do are the user created variety. But the campground is kept up."
"clean quiet campground beside Hugo lake stayed in C07 for two weeks concrete pads covered table, grill and fire pit. with access to a shower house with clean individual shower toilet combos"
from $15 - $24 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $20 - $60 / night
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GuideThis park is close to highway and great for overnight stay. The park has pull through full site hookups. The park has a pond that is the center of the entire campground. The park has two dog parks available as well for those traveling with pets.
Two things I loved:
One thing I didn’t love: Really close to others for extended stays.
ScoutWe learned about this campground through the owners activities with Veterans. We stayed for 7 days and we were able to have totally relaxed days as well as very active days. Right next to the river for kayaking, canoeing or just relaxing. Off-road vehicle trails a petting zoo on site. Check the web site for activities, there may be live music or a large gathering scheduled which may or may not be your thing. The only reason I rated it 4 stars is that it’s a work in progress. New cabins were being added and more trails were being cut while we were there.
TravelerWas going to reserve. However, they do not allow pets!
LegendThis is a beautiful, well kept campground. The people that work there are real nice. Its real peacefull. 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. The campsites are spacious. Lots of shade trees. Pets are allowed. It is a quit campground. The campground A & G have vault toilets. The shower house is up near the entrance. I believe that loop C has a shower. Loop A does not have a shower but the main restroom and shower is within walking distance. They give you 1/2 price off if you have an Access Pass. From Paris, TX, take HWY 271 north 12 miles to FM 906 W and follow it 1 mile to CR 35920. Turn left into the park following signs.
RangerI camped here with my 12 year old cousin here and he absolutely loved it. There is free admission but it costed 12 dollars for the site which was really cheap. pets are allowed and they have clean hot showers
ScoutWild, yet docile horses will approach you. You can pet them and feed them by hand. Tall trees and gorgeous campsites. Donkeys hee-hawing, birds singing, and fire flies glowing. Scattered ponds throughout this 100 acre plot. Feel free to explore the nature or just chill at your campsite. Rick Parent, the friendly wolf-rescuing author and musician, will be your contact for your stay. He will have your spot mowed and ready before your arrival. He is kind, welcoming, and such a treat to visit with. There are minimal mosquitoes, so that was certainly a relief. You will be about 12 minutes away from the nearest Walmart, in case you forget some camping supplies. We had to go there to buy more carrots for the horses. (40 pounds of carrots). I highly recommend that everyone go check this place out! Share the energy of this beautiful land and always remember to pack out what you pack in.
RangerEvery so often my family and I will venture into Oklahoma to do some camping and hiking. About 5 years ago we came to Kiamichi Park and enjoyed our time there. There is a lot of grass area which was nice because we love to play KOOB and throw the freesbie for our dog. There is also a lake nearby called Hugo Lake which was amazing because we went to the lake to cool off, and our dog enjoyed swimming. People were fishing in the lake as well, and kayaking too. The kayaking looked like a blast. We looked for places nearby to rent, but couldnt find any. If you have your own I would recommend bringing one because the lake is gorgeous. We also enjoyed biking on the trail, running, and hiking. There is a boat ramp next to the lake as well. We also saw people horseback riding on the trails. There honestly was so much stuff do it! We loved it and stayed super busy.
GuideWe stayed a couple of nights in our travel trailer at a spot in the Bust Campground. The campground we stayed in was very nice with easy access to the water. I could also tell that some camping spots were upgraded for ADA compliance, which looked spacious and neat. The lake is pretty small but there is nice for fishers and there is a swim area in walking distance from the campground. The restrooms and showers were also in walking distance. However, there was some trash and old tires by the lake behind our camp spot.
LegendFor My Full Video CLICK HERE
I always look for campground which have a unique location, interesting features or points of interest which appeal to me for exploring by day. When I was challenged to visit the Dancing Deer Meadow Campground by the Dyrt on a recent Bounty Mission I was more than a little excited by the location itself. Nestled on a stretch of land which borders the Red River, I knew the location would allow me to enjoy a unique set of activities all within a 2 hour drive of my home. However with recent rainfall I was a little unknowing of what exactly to expect since the River does often overstretch its bounds and create flooding onto low laying lands in the area.
I called into my camp hosts to assure that all would be ok with my what was going to be 2 nights of camping on their two separate campgrounds. What was going to be Riverfront beach camping on one night and meadow camping another was adjusted accordingly because of recent rains and they had already moved my reservation to the high ground meadow camping to ensure my optimum enjoyment.
When I arrived I could see why before even arriving to the campground, the Red River, which I am very familiar with and typically has large sand bar shores was flowing like a mighty river instead of a casual stroll and the sand bars were nowhere in sight.
The Campground:
Dancing Deer Meadow is a part of a multi campground privately owned facility which rests just inside the Oklahoma border in a small community referred to as Garvin. Once crossing the river from the Texas side immediately you will find a small gas station and gaming center which is very convenient for any last minute camping needs. Just beyond that less than a mile is a small double gate with a winding drive which carries you around to the property itself.
I recommend calling ahead for arrival because they really roll out the red carpet when you do by greeting you and telling you a bit more about the property, the amenities and also the mission they have to help rehabilitate animals. This is where the trip really started to get exciting actually as I pulled in and were greeted by my hosts which not only introduced themselves but also some of the furry friends they have on site including baby raccoons, skunks and foxes, such an amazing treat!! From there they escorted me to the campsite and let me know a bit more about the site itself before letting me get settled in for the evening.
During various points of the year they host nature hikes which allow you to learn more about the native plants. They not only rent sites both on the river and in the meadow for those coming fully prepared like myself, but they also have tents available for rent for those who might not yet own a tent but want to give camping a shot. I think this is a great way for people who do not know much about camping to get a taste before fully investing. These tents are available for only$10 a night.
When the rains have not hindered beach camping their other campsite offers over a mile of beach camping with vault toilets scattered along the beach front to offer you limited amenities. In he meadow fire rings, vault toilets, trash cans and picnic tables are offered under large shade trees. Those trees were a phenomenal retreat for me when visiting from the bright sunlight of first light and during summer provide a cooling shade for those camping at the site.
The site does not offer water or electricity but that wasn’t an issue for me of course because I come prepared for any electronics I could possibly need and always bring my own water anyway because you never know what the water is going to taste like at a location. I do recommend if you are planning on drinking wanter from the river to bring a filtration system which is tested against heavy clay concentrations.
As the night set in the fireflies came out to play and with that and the moisture some pretty large mosquitoes, but that can be expected camping pretty much anywhere in this area. I suggest bring repellant of your choice and also potentially a citronella source to further repel the pesky critters.
The nights here are filled with the echoes of crickets, you can potentially see deer grazing and the sky is filled with millions of tiny white beaming stars which make for the most wonderful of locations far removed from the masses of additional campers. When I was here I had the entire site to myself on a Wednesday evening and really loved the feeling the solitude offered for my experience. This would be a perfect location to bring a family wanting some time in nature and also to experience something a bit different.
I do know that when the river front camping is available those locations are very popular for those wanting to play, fish or even do some light ATVing, however this is not a mud-buggy campsite and they wish to preserve the beaches instead of offering this feature. I really respect that because, unlike a lot of properties which border the Red River where that seems to be everywhere, this offers a place for those who don’t want a party atmosphere and instead truly like to enjoy the natural spaces.
TIPS:
**The Product: **
On this very exciting Bounty Mission I was given the opportunity to test out the ROVR Cooler and share a little feedback about the features of the product. I was very excited because I haven’t had a larger style cooler to travel with in some time and really liked the option to be able to store larger food items as well as drinks when on a longer trip. I really wanted to see how long I could keep items cold for future reference and just how easy or difficult the coolers large style would be to do everything from load to maneuver in my campsite.
Upon first arrival I was shocked as to how large the cooler really was. 60 quarts is very large, large enough to place 2 1/2 24 packs of water and still have room for ice. The cooler was available in 4 color options orange, green, white and blue. I really liked the green so when I selected it I had a grand idea of naming my cooler the Bunny Hulk and taking it everywhere I would go because it would be rugged with its large rolling wheels, tough handle and massive storage bin designed for carrying anything that didn’t need to go inside the cooler. When it arrived I knew my selection was perfect!!
The box itself is massive and unboxing the cooler on my own was somewhat of a task in itself because they pack it for safe keeping from the warehouse to your home. It took me a few moments and a lot of wiggling but finally I was ready to rinse it out and load it up for the big adventure.
I packed my cooking supplies, my meals and camera equipment into the bin which in my small car took up one entire side of my back seat. The cooler itself rode in the other side of the back seat and that was pretty much all the room I had for items unless they would fit in the floorboard. This is one of those coolers I could take with myself and one other person when riding in the car but it does not fit in my compact car trunk and because of the handle cannot ride in the front seat either. If I were in a truck or SUV my space would not be as limited clearly but for a person who travels like I do this is definitely something to consider.
When I left town for the day I had packed one small bag of ice into the cooler with only bottles of water. I wanted to see how long things could literally sit in the cooler without going hot so I didn’t want to pack food in it for this first outing. Texas is so hot during summer so imagine a 97 degree day then imagine being locked in a car for about 3 hours on that day where temps creep up to almost 130 degrees inside. This was the life of my ROVR cooler on its first outing. I was really going to put that 2 inches of insulation to the test.
By the time I arrived to my campsite late in the afternoon after my day of travel and many stops the single bag of ice had been sitting for over 7 hours with me reaching in and out of the top and sealing it 3 or 4 times. Before dinner I opted to grab some water and check my ice and noticed that it had melted quite a bit. Now typically they do recommend more ice in the cooler than what I initially placed inside of it, but I wanted to see how the bare minimum of one bag could hold up. I was really quite impressed that with the beaming heat it still had large chunks of ice and though there was some melt it was freezing cold inside the cooler itself.
ROVR is pretty interesting because it does offer a variety of attachments for the cooler to customize your experience. There is a cutting board style prep board, umbrella holder, stash bag and even a cup holder which can attach to the cooler in a variety of ways to make it more user friendly. For this trip I went with the bare minimum but will be purchasing attachments in the future to trick out the“Bunny Hulk” because I feel after using the cooler it is worth the investment to upgrade further because I will be using it often.
I used the cooler for a table for cooking and additionally a seat for my campsite itself so I didn’t have to bring an additional chair. It serves many purposes well beyond just being a cooler.
By morning most of my ice had melted away, there were a few remaining chunks but they were few and far between so I opted to drain the cooler of the excess water and see how long the waters themselves would remain ice cold. I didn’t predict they would have much of a chance as temps heated up again to the high 90s but I was surprised to see that the water itself retained the chilling cold throughout the day and was refreshing as ever well into the evening when I arrived back home. I definitely had not expect that!! I left the cooler in the car overnight instead of unpacking it and in the morning when I went to move it around, the water was still chilled.
I was very pleased overall with the ROVR cooler’s ability to keep my items cold. The ice was a bit deceiving and new trip in addition to adding the recommended amount of ice I will probably refreeze a couple bottles of water to keep the temps of the lower levels and upper levels evenly cold. I think this will increase my length of overall cooling for longer trips. I can honestly say that I feel confident putting my fresh veggies and meats in this and safely and securely stowing them away for my trips and might even prepackage several meals for lengthy trips just to cut down on at campsite prep time.
The only downside for me was the amount of space it consumes within my personal vehicle. For solo trips this is not a problem but if I am traveling with friends and there is additional luggage this could really be something to consider in my car.
Pat Mayse Lake area offers several dog friendly campgrounds near Powderly, Texas, situated within the Corps of Engineers managed recreational sites. The region sits at approximately 500 feet elevation with a humid subtropical climate that brings hot summers with temperatures often exceeding 90°F from June through September and mild winters. Many campsites around Pat Mayse Lake feature concrete pads with 30-amp electrical connections, though some sites require extra water hoses due to inconsistent water spigot placement.
Fishing tournaments and boating: Sanders Cove Recreation Area hosts the annual Uncle Jesse Big Bass Classic Fishing Tournament, established by Denver Pyle who played Uncle Jesse on The Dukes of Hazzard. "There is a serious fishing tournement held every year, Uncle Jesse Big Bass Classic Fishing Tournament, started by Denver Pyle who played Uncle Jesse on The Dukes of Hazzard fame, Denvers wife continues to hose this tournement in Denvers name today," notes Dude R.
Kayaking on calmer waters: Pat Mayse Lake provides excellent conditions for kayaking due to limited boat traffic. "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," shares Melanie W.
Geocaching and yard games: Pat Mayse West provides open spaces suitable for group activities. "Boating, grilling, yard games, geocaching and more!" says Natalie S. about her family weekend at the campground.
Hiking trail access: Several campgrounds offer hiking trails for exercise with pets. "The hiking trails are great!" mentions Angela H., who has camped at Sanders Cove throughout her life.
Shaded, spacious campsites: Pat Mayse West Campground features well-spaced sites among trees. "This is a large campground, lots of room between sites! Good place to go for a family camping spot! Shade and level sites!" says Tammie L., noting it would score 5 stars if it had full hookups.
Clean, individual bathroom facilities: Some campgrounds offer exceptional bathroom setups. "Clean quiet campground beside Hugo lake stayed in C07 for two weeks concrete pads covered table, grill and fire pit. With access to a shower house with clean individual shower toilet combos," reports Bob P. about Virgil Point.
Pet-friendly shoreline access: The various loops at Sanders Cove offer different proximity to the water. "We loved our short stop over here. The bathrooms were nice, you have a choice of campground space with the three loops, nicely spaced spots and the lake," shares Tom K.
Family-friendly group camping areas: B loop at Sanders Cove includes a dedicated group section. "B loop has a nice group camp section that is set back just off the main B loop, which would be great for families," reports Gari-Ann L.
Variable site conditions: Pat Mayse East has mixed reviews regarding site quality and bathroom facilities. "The sites are not graded well and would be best set up for RV's. You can choose some wooded areas and some open areas so that shouldn't be a consideration. The bathrooms are dated and little more than a glorified hole in the ground," explains Tom K.
Inconsistent water access: Water hookups can be unpredictably located throughout the campgrounds. "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," warns B H.
Occasional wildlife concerns: Be prepared for insects at some locations. "I noticed within a few hours of setting up camp that roaches started invading my gear. By the end of my second night, I saw more than 10 roaches in various spots in and out of my gear," recounts Rob W. from a stay at Hugo Lake State Park.
Potential flood damage: Some waterfront sites may show signs of previous flooding. "There is some obvious flood damage to some of the sites near the water with a few not useable at all," notes B H.
Reserve group camping areas: Sanders Cove provides dedicated group camping space perfect for family gatherings. "B loop has a nice group camp section that is set back just off the main B loop, which would be great for families," mentions Gari-Ann L.
Explore nearby playgrounds: Hugo Lake State Park offers family-friendly facilities. "Before the rain started, we were able to have a picnic at the picnic pavilion near the swim beach. It had good quality tables and a nice grill and was next to a playground," shares Richard.
Check for pet-friendly swim areas: Most lakefront campgrounds welcome dogs in the water. "The lake is gorgeous. We also enjoyed biking on the trail, running, and hiking. There is a boat ramp next to the lake as well," reports Analia F. about her family trip.
Consider cabin options for less experienced campers: "We rented a resort cabin for a night in May of 2020. We opted for one of their 16 'resort' cabins. These cabins have 2 bedrooms, a full bathroom and kitchen and a nice porch overlooking the lake," describes Richard.
Bring leveling blocks: Shady Oaks RV Resort provides full hookups but may have uneven sites. "The spot was unleveled but that's no big deal if you have leveling blocks. Very beautiful and quiet when we visited in early August," advises Elizabeth B.
Utilize National Guard veteran discounts: Several campgrounds offer military discounts that may go unclaimed. "The lady at the desk was so helpful and informed us about discounts my husband was missing because of his service (National Guard Vet) which has been so greatly appreciated!" shares Elizabeth B.
Consider electrical hookups during cloudy periods: Solar-powered RVs may need campground electricity during extended overcast weather. "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," explains Michael S. from his stay at Sanders Cove.
Check big rig accessibility: Not all campgrounds accommodate larger RVs equally. "This is a nice campground with decently wooded sites. The site I stayed at had water, electric, a picnic table, a fire pit and a lantern post," notes Rick G. about Pat Mayse West.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Powderly, TX?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Powderly, TX is Pat Mayse Sanders Cove Recreations area with a 4.3-star rating from 11 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Powderly, TX?
TheDyrt.com has all 55 dog-friendly camping locations near Powderly, TX, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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