Ray Roberts Lake State Park provides diverse camping options beyond the equestrian facilities at Isle du Bois. The park spans over 29,000 acres with both Johnson Branch and Isle du Bois units offering camping within a 40-mile radius of Southlake. Situated in the Cross Timbers ecological region, these sites feature a mix of grassland and woodland terrain that supports numerous wildlife species and creates varied riding terrain.
What to do
**Wildlife viewing: Take advantage of abundant deer sightings at Cedar Hill State Park where campers frequently encounter local fauna. "We found a very sloping site with the cement bumpers missing rebar and very unsafe. No after hours phone number and no campground host," notes Caroline D., suggesting a safety check of your assigned site upon arrival.
**Swimming access: Enjoy the designated swimming areas at Loyd Park where the water is easily accessible from most sites. "Great times! 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," according to Debbie T., who found the water activities refreshing during summer heat.
**Horse trail exploration: Expand your equestrian camping options at LBJ National Grasslands where riders find open trails with minimal traffic. "If you are looking for a primitive site then this is the spot. If your looking for a camping area set up for tents then you can find it here," shares Dustin P. The grasslands offer trail riding opportunities with spaces suitable for setting up highlines for horses.
What campers like
**Spacious waterfront sites: Campers at Pilot Knoll Park appreciate the direct water access from their campsites. "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," according to Monica C., who noted the raised gravel areas at each site provide mud-free camping areas.
**Secluded camping loops: Isle du Bois campsites offer good separation from neighboring sites. "The sites are so well manicured and like the other reviews stated, they're cut in a way that gives you privacy. The sites are fairly close together but the grass makes it feel like you have your own little oasis," explains Joyce L., who compared the experience to summer camp.
**Primitive camping accessibility: At Johnson Branch, primitive camping options provide lake proximity without full hookups. "We stayed in the Hawthorne camping circle and got site 62. The site was actually pretty nice. It had the most trees over the sites around us, to give us a 'in the woods' feel," writes Chris H., noting that while tent pads were spacious, some sites sit near walking paths.
What you should know
**Weather variability: North Texas camping conditions can change rapidly, requiring preparation for temperature swings. "It was 111° the long weekend we stayed here but we found a spot with some trees by the lake and had electricity hook ups so it was actually quite nice," reports Jacob V. about Mustang Park at Benbrook Lake, where shaded sites proved essential.
**Reservation requirements: Most lakeside campgrounds require advance booking, especially during spring and fall. "I spent a night at Holiday Park which is one of three on Benbrook lake. It used to be father outside of town, but as the suburbs creep in, it is slowly becoming surrounded," mentions James S., highlighting the increasing popularity of parks near urban areas.
**Terrain considerations: The Cross Timbers region features both open grasslands and wooded areas with varying soil conditions. "The ground is kind of hard to drive a stake into," warns Mesha P. about the LBJ National Grasslands, where primitive camping requires adaptability to local terrain.
Tips for camping with families
**Playground accessibility: Look for campsites near playground facilities to keep children entertained. "We noticed a very small playground with slides and climbing structures across from the restrooms(lots 22-23). My youngest was super excited to see a little library set up at the playground," notes Monica C. about Pilot Knoll Park's family-friendly amenities.
**Beach areas: Select campgrounds with dedicated swimming beaches for safer water play. "We brought our small family of four out to tent camp for the first time this last weekend. I really enjoyed how well kept the grounds were and did love the open space between sites and the water, giving lots of space for the kids to play," Joshua M. writes about his experience at Pilot Knoll Park.
**Wildlife education: Use deer sightings as educational opportunities about local ecosystems. "We came across 5 different groups of them as I was driving around taking in the entire campground. Of course, where there are deer there are ticks. Make sure to use insect repellent and give yourself a check," advises James S. about Holiday Park.
Tips from RVers
**Pad length considerations: Check site specifications for longer rigs, especially at older parks. "The sites are all level and great for the Big Rigs," shares Debbie T. about Loyd Park, but notes that waterfront sites may have different configurations than interior loops.
**Hook-up locations: Position your RV strategically based on utility placement at each site. "I backed in and used my extension power cord because the box was located midway from the rear. Since the space was so long... I could have pulled up a bit," explains Gary W. about East Fork Park, where hookup placement varies by site.
**Shade availability: Balance sun exposure with solar access based on seasonal temperatures. "Sites are spaced far apart all come with fire ring and covered picnic table. We stayed in site 115 great spot close to the water," reports Tammie L. about Loyd Park, where some sites offer partial tree coverage while maintaining views.
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