Ray Roberts Lake State Park offers camping experiences with full hookups, concrete pads, and covered picnic tables near Valley View, Texas. The Johnson Branch unit provides water views with spacious, well-maintained sites for both RV and tent campers. Multiple trails and a swim area enhance recreational options at this 29,000-acre reservoir located 75 miles north of Dallas.
What to do
Hiking and outdoor activities: Eisenhower State Park features trails that give visitors scenic views of Lake Texoma's limestone cliffs. "I like the hiking trails and the amazing beauty of the outdoors. The lake is pretty and probably fun to fish or boat on," notes Laura N. from Eisenhower State Park Campground.
Fishing opportunities: Anglers will find multiple fishing spots throughout the region's lakes. "Great place for fishing kayaking and hiking," shares Tammie L. about the concrete sites with full hookups at Ray Roberts Lake. The coves and inlets provide habitat for various fish species.
Water recreation: Lake Texoma offers swimming and boating options. "You really can't go wrong with Johnson Branch on Lake Ray Roberts," states Chris P. who enjoyed a night at a waterfront site. Many parks provide boat launches, swimming areas, and docks for water access.
Horse camping: Camp Tonkawa Woods & Horse Camp provides facilities for equestrian campers looking to explore regional trails. According to Ashley F., "Tipi sites feature potable water, composting toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings all within easy walking distance."
What campers like
Shaded sites: The tree coverage at many area campgrounds provides welcome relief from Texas heat. "The site I stayed at had the most trees over the sites around us, to give us an 'in the woods' feel," explains Chris H. about Ray Roberts Lake State Park.
Clean facilities: Maintained shower buildings and restrooms receive positive mentions. Robert H. found Johnson Branch Campsites to be "A very clean and well kept State Park. Bath and showers are very clean and warm it is cold today 38 Degrees."
Lake access: Proximity to water ranks high among camper preferences. Monica C. says about Pilot Knoll Park, "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."
Well-designed sites: Campers appreciate the thoughtful layout of campgrounds. "The sites are fairly close together but the grass makes it feel like you have your own little oasis," notes Kerry C. about the sites at Ray Roberts, comparing Johnson Branch as "not near as busy as Isle Du Bois."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Many campgrounds require advance booking, especially during peak seasons. At Lyndon B. Johnson National Grassland, dispersed camping is available without reservations, but Michele A. advises: "Taking the Trinity exit north off the loop around Decatur and using the navigation to the LBJ Grasslands to Park Rd 904 access was easy."
Weather considerations: Summer heat can be intense, and spring storms occur regularly. "In the summer it gets very hot," mentions Alice R. about regional camping conditions, making shade and water access important factors.
Variable site types: Campgrounds offer different hookup configurations. At Thousand Trails Lake Texoma, Tom C. explains, "Full hook ups available. Some have no sewer hook ups. Most are 30 amp, many are 50 amp. Sites range from full sun to full shade."
Distance to water: Not all sites provide direct lake access. "One big issue with this park is the distance to the actual lake itself. You will need a cart or be ready for a hike to the beach area as it is quite a ways from the campground," notes Robert M. about Lake Texoma RV Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Families appreciate recreational facilities for children. "The other nice thing from our site, was that we were about 1/4 mile from a little playground for the kids," shares Chris H. about Ray Roberts Lake State Park Johnson Branch.
Educational opportunities: Sanger - Denton North KOA provides family-friendly activities. Sarah E. recalls, "We learned what native plants we can eat!" during a Cub Scout camping trip in the area.
Swimming areas: Joshua M. from Pilot Knoll Park Campground says, "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."
Cove camping: For families with small children, selecting a site on a protected cove offers safer water access. "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," recommends Monica C.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: RVers recommend checking hookups before setting up. At The Vineyards Campground & Cabins, Rachel P. found, "Nice large concrete spaces with plenty of room for a 44' 5th wheel, tow vehicle and extra vehicle."
Off-grid options: For self-contained units, Michele A. suggests, "Was transiting between central Texas toward Colorado in an off-grid TT and didn't want to venture far off 287 for a comfortable, quiet & safe place to stay for the night."
Road conditions: Several campers note interior roads require attention. Will and Lucinda B. observe about Lake Texoma RV Campground, "The park is very large. The sites are excellent and at least half of the park is comprised of large, pull-through sites."
Weekend rates: RV parks often charge premium rates Friday through Sunday. Mark B. notes about glamping close to Valley View, Texas: "Can't beat 40 per night rate on weekends and 30 during week" at his campground.
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