Johnson Branch Campsites — Ray Roberts Lake State Park
We were in the walnut loop, spot 52 and it was awesome. Plenty of room and the site backs up to the lake so we could walk a path from our site to the lake to fish.
4 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Isle du Bois Campsites at Ray Roberts Lake State Park features equestrian campsites with built-in horse pens at each site, making it ideal for travelers camping with horses. The park offers several dedicated equestrian trails perfect for riding throughout the 1,400-acre park. Campers frequently spot wildlife including deer while riding the trails. The equestrian sites provide ample space for horse trailers with nearby water access. Equestrian camping areas are separate from standard camping loops, creating a more specialized experience for horse owners. The park maintains both primitive sites and developed campsites with water and electrical hookups, accommodating various camping preferences. Many equestrian campers appreciate the well-maintained trails and spacious sites that can accommodate multiple horses.
Horseback riders can access miles of trails directly from the equestrian campsites without needing to trailer to trailheads. The trail system connects riders to scenic lakefront views and wooded areas throughout the park. Trail difficulty ranges from beginner-friendly flat terrain to more challenging routes with moderate elevation changes. Water access points along the trails allow horses to drink and cool off during rides. Ray Roberts Lake State Park requires proof of negative Coggins test for all horses entering the park, and reservations for equestrian sites are recommended well in advance as they often fill quickly during peak seasons. Horse camping is available year-round, though spring and fall offer the most comfortable riding conditions with moderate temperatures and blooming wildflowers or fall colors.
"Roberts Lake State Park has two main campgrounds, the Isle du Bois unit and Johnson unit. These are what I would call twins. They are very similar in layout, scenery and activities."
"Bring your horses for a equestrian trail as well. Great beach for some sand castles and swimming. And don't forget to hit the Dam store and get the dam special. Good burgers there."
Available this weekend
from $15 - $60 / night
"One of the more expensive Texas state parks. Standard electric at 25/night. Large bathrooms and lots of trash bins. Actual pay phones (who knew those still existed?)"
"Couldn't see the parking lot due to brush, but it was a very short walk and that was nice."
Available this weekend
from $15 - $60 / night
"Many spots are have direct access to the lake to launch a kayak or SUP, boat launch in the day use area."
"We had a nice view of Lake Lavon. Grills and tables vary by site, some are very old, but many have been replaced."
"I avoided any rough spots in the road and arrived at a LONG and roomie site with a beautiful view of the lake."
from $14 - $150 / night
"They offer water access, electricity, are near facilities, have tables and fire pits. Many of the sites overlook the lake or have easy access to the lake."
"Lake is nearby, and fishing permits in Tx are cheap and easy to grab online. Fairly quiet, but the sites themselves are private a shaded for the most part."
from $25 - $100 / night
"They also were doing drive in concerts while we were there!"
"Nothing to knock you socks off, but it’s a great campsite close to home and nice for a quick getaway. Has the feel of being somewhat remote since it’s out by the lake."
"Doesn’t have a lot of bells and whistles but does have sewer, lake views, wide open spaces, and clean! Great food places nearby."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $14 - $30 / night
"The park at lakeside had recently flooded but we were not there to go to the water and our site was not effected at all."
"Larger rigs are more accomdated next to the lake. But call ahead to see which sites have 50 amp, you'll need it I summer time. Beach is great."
from $17 / night
"My boys jumped in the pool even though it was 55* outside and said it was a fun experience."
"Truly a great place for the money and close to anything you would ever need."
We were in the walnut loop, spot 52 and it was awesome. Plenty of room and the site backs up to the lake so we could walk a path from our site to the lake to fish.
Folks want different things out of campsites. For me, it's scenic beauty, quiet for work and mental health, and nice places to take my dog. This checks all the boxes!
None of my reviews will be useful for amenities or activities because I just don't use them. I can't tell you about bathrooms, fishing, etc. I can tell you the water is very soft and feels slick or soapy even after you rinse. I have onboard reverse osmosis and wouldn't recommend drinking city water anywhere in Texas. There's too much oil production here and gas and chemicals are all over.
The staff at the gate were pleasant and said, "You must be David," when I pulled in, which was very nice and made it easy and welcoming.
Texas has many undiscovered and wonderful public lands, whether you're really camping or just working remote, watching the deer, or seeing the sunrise over a lake from your bedroom window. Get out here and come see them!
This is a great campground. Power was good, att service is good and the grounds are very clean. The only downside is no full hookups and the dump station is outside of the gate which they lock at 10pm and don't open again until 10am. So no getting back in while locked and you can't dump except when there are lines.
Lots of different types of sites. Large sites with a lot of privacy. Be sure to look at driveway lengths.
Our family had a fantastic 2 night stay. We’ve only stayed at Johnson Branch on Ray Roberts in the past, and have loved Isle Du Bois. Our site is surrounded about beautiful lush trees and overgrowth. The beach is right up the path and my two boys (4&6) loved playing in the water with the kids. Our site is also two sites from the playground and bathroom/showers, which was super convenient! Will definitely be back and eyeing a site right off the water for some fishing!
Like most of our stops, we only spent one night here, but it was a really nice campground. The sites are large, and being right by the water makes the whole place feel peaceful and relaxing. A big plus was the covered picnic tables and benches at each site, which made it much more comfortable to eat outside without sitting in the direct sun. The only small downside was the bathhouse. It was nice to have your own private bathroom with both a toilet and a shower, but the shower only produced a small stream of water with fairly low pressure. Upgrading the showerheads would definitely improve the experience. It's also worth knowing that you can't access the campground after 10 PM, apparently not even with an access code. Other than those minor issues, this is a really beautiful campground and a great place to stay.
Nice campsite with lots of trees and privacy. Goog picnic table with shelter. Marginal cell phone reception. Clean restrooms.
Stayed in the Lakeside Loop. Very private patio areas. Large park. Pay close attention to site lengths. No margin for error. Swim beach, multiple boat ramps, perch pond and lots of day sites.
I stayed at Wild Plum campsite #124 at Isle du Bois and honestly… 5/5. I’d definitely go back.
The overall vibe was solid. The campsite itself was clean, spacious, and felt semi-private. You can see and hear neighbors a bit, but it’s not crowded or on top of each other. Just know it’s not fully secluded. The lake view was really nice, and there are several little fishing spots around the Wild Plum area. Plus, plenty of trails nearby if you want to get out and walk.
Each site out there has its own little vibe depending on where it sits, but they’re all pretty roomy and well laid out.
A couple things to be aware of…
The walk from the parking lot to the campsite is no joke. It’s gravel, rocks, and some incline. If you’re bringing a lot of gear, you’ll definitely want a cart. I didn’t expect that part.
The toilet situation… yeah, I didn’t use it. It’s a primitive setup with no plumbing, and it was pretty rough. That said, it’s expected for this type of campsite. If you need a better option, you can go up to the pier — those bathrooms have actual plumbing and are way cleaner.
No showers or water at the site either. There is a water spigot near the pier if you need to refill, and you’ll have to drive your trash up to the dumpsters.
Weather-wise, it was super windy when I went (early March), and campsites closer to the water definitely catch that wind. Also, not a lot of shade since the trees didn’t have leaves yet, so keep that in mind depending on the time of year.
On the positive side, I saw a lot of deer in the mornings, which was a really nice touch. No bugs during my stay (I did use a fogger), and the overall environment was peaceful. The park staff was also super duper friendly and helpful, which always makes the experience better.
Also worth noting — there are stores not too far from the park (like Dollar General), which came in clutch. I actually had to grab some super glue to fix a hole in my air mattress, so it’s good knowing you’re not too far from supplies if something goes wrong.
I went solo, and it was honestly the perfect little reset—quiet, scenic, and just enough nature without being too rough.
Good for solo campers, couples, or even families if you’re cool with primitive camping.
Isle du Bois Campsites at Ray Roberts Lake State Park offers dedicated equestrian trails and camping facilities located in North Texas at approximately 700 feet elevation. The park encompasses over 1,400 acres with terrain that includes both woodlands and open grasslands. Winter temperatures average between 40-60°F while summer months frequently exceed 90°F with high humidity.
**Lakeside fishing: Access multiple fishing spots at Johnson Branch Campsites where anglers can fish directly from the shoreline. "Lots to explore and see here! Scenic trails vary in distance but are easy to connect for longer hikes – or walk the shoreline for a nice lakeside view," notes Gretchen N.
**Wildlife viewing: Watch for native animals throughout the park, especially in quieter areas. "Deer will approach your campsite and you're likely to see all kinds of wildlife. A gem of a getaway!" reports Tony C. about the park areas.
**Beach swimming: Visit the designated swimming areas during warmer months for family-friendly water activities. "There is also a fantastic beach swim area for day use or to visit while your camping. Nice sand and roped off swimming areas with large playgrounds," says Matt S.
**Trail exploration: Walk the extensive trail network that connects different camping areas. "Beautiful park with views to the lake. Very clean showers, nice trails...very family friendly," writes Bryan A., highlighting the well-maintained paths.
**Spacious campsites: Isle du Bois Campsites offers generous room between sites. "There are few campers here in December. Restrooms were clean. Campsites, large and private," shares Eric R. about his winter camping experience.
**Tent camping options: Multiple tent-friendly areas provide different experiences based on your preference for amenities. "Lots of good tent sites both on the water or a short hike to it," explains Dustin P., noting the variety of locations.
**Primitive camping: For those seeking a more remote experience away from RV areas. "I stayed at the Wild Plum (primitive) camping area with my son in early spring. Sites are far enough away that you have to shout at your neighbors, so feel free to stretch out," Christopher L. mentions about the secluded areas.
**Year-round accessibility: Loyd Park remains open throughout all seasons with varying conditions. "Tested out our new camper for the first time - loved this campground, even in the winter! Our site was only a hundred feet from the lake - gorgeous view!" reports David G.
**Reservation timing: Book equestrian campsites well in advance, especially during spring and fall seasons when weather conditions are most favorable for riding.
**Water level variations: Lake conditions can change throughout the year affecting some camping areas. "We went last weekend, water is high, some areas for RV flooded out. Great place to go," notes Augustin T. about seasonal water fluctuations.
**Site selection considerations: Choose sites based on your specific needs for privacy, lake access, or shade. "The primitive sites in the Hawthorne campgrounds are spaced a good distance apart and really give you a feel of isolation. Sites on the perimeter all have lake access where you can pull a boat up," explains Matt S.
**Primitive site distances: LBJ National Grasslands offers more remote options that require planning. "The site we stayed at was at least 300 feet from the nearest spot but no one occupied that spot either time we stayed here so we were pretty much by ourselves," Mesha P. shares about the isolation available.
**Playground accessibility: Select sites near play areas for convenience with children. "One of the nice thing was the tree coverage, like I said. We had a lot of trees so we could but up some lights and a slack line for the kids to play on. The other nice thing from our site, was that we were about 1/4 mile from a little playground for the kids," Chris H. describes.
**Swimming areas with amenities: Cedar Hill State Park offers designated swimming locations with family facilities. "Very nice park with a variety of campsites. Shaded areas available. Very clean," notes Karen B. about the family-friendly environment.
**Animal encounters: Plan for wildlife viewing opportunities that interest children. "We camp here often - by ourselves, and with friends. Beach area and playgrounds are great, although you do have quite a few 'day users.' The park also has a boat ramp," Randy H. explains about the family activities.
**Educational opportunities: Take advantage of ranger programs and nature learning activities when available. "Great place to hike and swim, sites are decent and give a fair amount of space in between. Bring shoes though! Lots of little prickers in the grass down by the lake," advises K7.
**Hookup availability: East Fork Park Campground provides electrical connections and water at campsites. "RV sites have water and 50/30 amp electric and there are 12 tent sites. We had a nice view of Lake Lavon. Grills and tables vary by site, some are very old, but many have been replaced," Ray & Terri F. note.
**Site levelness: Check site descriptions for elevation changes that may require leveling equipment. "Pros: Great views of the water and wildflowers in the meadows. Reasonable price. Everything works and the shaded picnic tables are a plus. Downsides: The pad has definitely broken up over time and isn't level," Melanie and Doug G. observe.
**Access roads: Some parks have rough entry roads that may present challenges for larger rigs. "View was great and camp hosts were very friendly but the roads are horrible! The sites weren't bad and ours was pretty level," Mia D. mentions about road conditions.
**Site spacing: RV sites provide varying degrees of privacy depending on the camping loop. "Five Star Park located just minutes from Dallas Fort Worth. The Park is extremely clean. Campsites are all level and great for the Big Rigs," Debbie T. shares about the RV-friendly accommodations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Savannah, TX?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Savannah, TX is Isle du Bois Campsites — Ray Roberts Lake State Park with a 4.7-star rating from 38 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Savannah, TX?
TheDyrt.com has all 17 equestrian camping locations near Savannah, TX, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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