Wright Patman Lake in northeastern Texas features multiple campground options managed primarily by the Army Corps of Engineers. Clear Spring Campground provides both lakefront and wooded sites with varying hookup levels, from water and electric to full-service connections. Atlanta State Park, Rocky Point, and Piney Point offer additional camping facilities around the lake, with accommodations for tents, RVs, and in some locations, cabins. The Texarkana area also includes several private RV parks with more developed amenities, including KOA and Texarkana RV Park & Event Center, which provide cabin rentals alongside traditional camping options.
Reservations are typically required at most campgrounds in the Wright Patman Lake area, especially for weekend visits during peak seasons. Many campsites offer concrete pads with good leveling, though site quality and spacing vary considerably between loops and campgrounds. Cell service can be unreliable at certain areas, with visitors reporting limited coverage at Clear Spring Campground. The climate supports year-round camping, though some facilities like Piney Point operate seasonally from March through November. Camping areas generally provide clean restrooms and basic facilities, with certain loops offering full hookups including sewer connections. A visitor commented, "This campground is exceptionally well managed. The facilities are basic, with bathhouses throughout, centrally located dumpsters, walking trails, and grounds workers constantly working."
Lakefront sites are consistently rated highest among campers, offering direct water views and easier access for water activities. The B loop at Clear Spring is particularly noted for its lake views, with sites B1 through B14 being especially desirable. Wildlife sightings are common throughout the campgrounds, with many visitors reporting deer encounters, particularly in the wooded areas. While the campgrounds are generally peaceful, some visitors mentioned unpleasant odors in certain areas, especially when the wind isn't favorable. Many campgrounds feature tall pine trees providing ample shade, a welcome feature during hot Texas summers. A camper noted, "We stayed for a quick night en route north. Site B14 was a pull through with an actual deck looking out on the lake. It was beautiful and easy to set up in the dark, fit our RPod and a truck easily."
$14 - $200 / night
"Clear Spring Campground on Wright Patman Lake was only half full for our weekend stay which may have contributed to it's quiet and relaxing atmosphere."
"The facilities are basic, with bathhouses throughout, centrally located dumpsters, walking trails, and grounds workers constantly working. The location on Wright Patman lake is awesome."
$14 - $16 / night
"Atlanta State Park is nestled pretty far off the beaten path (nearest highway) deep in the pineywoods. It sits on the edge of Wright Patman Lake near the Texarkana region on the Texas side."
"Another beautiful park on Wright Patman Lake, with a few full hookup sites. Beautiful area, tall pines, beach area, dock, boat launch. Beautiful park!"
$24 - $28 / night
"Close to the water and had good views. Lake still flooded so boat ramp and beach were closed. Put boat in at piney woods up the road. Friendly deer and squirrels and nice short hiking trails."
"This site was not very level but we had great views of the lake out the front and side of our MH. It had a grill with table, picnic table and a fire ring."
"We woke around 8 am my husband didn't have correct change and in comes Dr Jekyl. My husband and I found the exact change and all was well."
"Second time through here on our way to Houston, this will always be our stop in and out of Texas! Great place, super clean, big spaces!"
"Sites are right next to each other. They had some cute cabins."
$14 - $26 / night
"Nice little campground, but because of the size, don’t expect to be “away from it all.” Nice playground for those with kids. Rocky Point campground (also COE) is just around the corner."
$12 - $24 / night
"The view was beautiful, easy to find and drive to. We were able to get a spot right next to the boat ramp and the site had plenty of parking space for our camper, boat and truck."
"Has disc golf, trails, a pavilion, a basketball net, boat dock, volleyball net, and a swim beach. Apparently they also have church services on Sunday."
$75 / night
"Nice Location near the lake. Away from center city but close enough if you need something. Long and short term sites! We love nearby and plan to take our camper just for fun one night!"
"The views of the lake are particularly nice."
GuideGreat campground, level, spacious sites, full hook ups. Beautiful park all around. It was very cold when we were there and the restrooms didn't have any heat. Probably don't need it most of the time. Other than no heat, the facilities were nice. Great stay .
GuideDrove up, did primitive for $6, electricity, sewer and water hookup was $12 for one night. View of the lake was beautiful. Plenty of open spots in December, also had bathroom with showers that worked and were clean. Would come again. Cash only
RangerDispersed campsites around the lake. Zero services or amenities. No dumpsters, no water, no restrooms. ATT phone service is very limited. I have 1 bar. Very nice area, with boat ramp. At night, I listened to an owl close by and coyotes in the distance.
LegendWonderful lakeside sites. Shaded woods sites are full hookups. Screen cabins, fantastic rv group area.
TravelerWe called and let the office know we were 30 minutes away and the park office was closing in 5 minutes. Shannon said she would wait for us! She was so helpful and even offered to help us hook up as we arrived just as it was getting dark. She also let us know that she was on call and said to let her know if we had ant issues. Bathrooms were spacious and clean. Easy on off interstate and food/gas nearby. Small dog park but nice to let pups off leash for a bit. With fan on we didn’t hear the traffic from road. Perfect spot for overnight stay for 2 adults &our pups.
GuideSmall stone roads that were clean and nice. Sites are very close together, but well maintained. Full hookups and pull through sites. Dog park and bath houses. Only complaint was the road noise was very close and when a semi tire blew it was extremely loud. All utilities are nice and neat on concrete slabs.
RangerWe just did an overnighter here but if we're ever in the area again I'd stay. Lots of great waterfront sites, looks like a fisherman's paradise.
GuideWe really enjoyed our time at the KOA in Mt. Pleasant. The campground was clean, peaceful, and well-maintained. The staff was friendly and helpful, and everything we needed was close by. Would definitely stay here again!
GuideThis is a great spot! I stayed at the end near the boat dock and was surrounded on three sides by water. I awoke to the sound of waterfowl and enjoyed coffee in the lake breeze. There was another camper a good distance away.
Wright Patman Lake offers year-round camping with elevation ranging between 220-240 feet above sea level. This northeastern Texas reservoir spans approximately 20,300 acres with 170 miles of shoreline. Water levels fluctuate seasonally, affecting campsite availability especially in spring when levels typically rise.
Fishing opportunities: The lake supports various fish species with designated fishing areas near Clear Spring Campground. "Many of the sites are lakefront, others are in shaded loops within a 2 min walk of the lake shore," notes a camper. Another visitor mentions the lake "looks to be a good fishing and water sport area."
Wildlife viewing: Deer sightings are common throughout Atlanta State Park Campground. "Pulling in, we were welcomed by a herd of 23 deer grazing in the common areas," reports a visitor at Rocky Point. The wooded areas provide habitat for various wildlife species.
Hiking trails: Several campgrounds offer maintained trails for different skill levels. At Atlanta State Park, "trails are beautiful and if you piece them together can be challenging. This park is very well maintained. I saw a few trail signs that were brand new and another trail is closed for maintenance."
Lakeside sites: The most popular sites offer direct water access at Rocky Point(wright Patman Dam). "We were in site B5 for 12 days in September and October 2020. This site was not very level but we had great views of the lake out the front and side of our MH." Many campers recommend reserving waterfront spots well in advance.
Clean facilities: Park maintenance receives positive feedback at multiple locations. At Rocky Point, a visitor noted: "Pulling in, the sites have the leaves blown off so you can easily see the paved areas. It's just beautiful!" Another camper commented that Rocky Point is "one of the prettiest sites we've stayed in."
Affordable rates: Several campgrounds offer reasonable pricing with discounts for senior pass holders. A camper at Kelly Creek Park shared: "We stayed one week and it was a quiet and enjoyable campground at a reasonable price."
Weather considerations: Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F with high humidity. "We stayed here in the summer and it was hot and humid. We didn't catch much fish but heat index was over 100," reported a camper at Rocky Point.
Reservation requirements: Most Wright Patman Lake campgrounds require advance bookings. A visitor to Texarkana KOA advised: "Remember to book in advance online! They won't let you in without an online reservation and cell coverage is minimal."
Paper mill odor: Some campers report occasional unpleasant smells depending on wind direction. A visitor noted: "There can be a sewer-like odor that I'm told is coming from a paper mill in New Boston."
Kid-friendly activities: Playgrounds and swimming areas make certain campgrounds better for families. "This camp was clean. Has disc golf, trails, a pavilion, a basketball net, boat dock, volleyball net, and a swim beach," reported a visitor at Rocky Point.
Safety measures: Some campgrounds offer better security than others. "No security after hours and no way to get help after lady leaves at 5," noted a camper at Texarkana KOA, while Texarkana RV Park & Event Center has "a gated entrance for extra security."
Bug prevention: Insects can be problematic during warmer months. "I would recommend bringing a citronella candle there were a lot of bugs at night," advised a visitor at Atlanta State Park.
Site leveling: Many campers report varying pad conditions across Wright Patman Lake campgrounds. At Kelly Creek Park, a visitor observed: "Un-level sites: The sites are rolling grass hills; it is possible to park in a direction that is even (L/R) but may take some finesse."
Hookup variations: Electric amperage and sewer connections differ between loops and campgrounds. At Piney Point, "only a handful are 50 amp, which we were fortunate to get. The park isn't very large (about 50 sites). Exterior sites have more space between them than interior sites."
Site spacing: RV parking configurations vary significantly. "The sites are gravel with a patio and they have 50 amp FHU. Beware of your slide placement before parking, as site poles may be in the way of a slide fully opening," cautioned a visitor at Texarkana RV Park & Event Center.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there cabins available for rent at Wright Patman Lake?
Wright Patman Lake doesn't offer traditional cabin rentals within its public campgrounds. Most camping options around the lake are designed for RVs and tent camping. For those seeking cabin-style accommodations near the area, Texarkana KOA offers cabin rentals with convenient access to Wright Patman Lake. Alternatively, Caddo Lake State Park Campground, located within driving distance, provides cabin accommodations alongside its traditional camping sites, offering a rustic experience in a similar East Texas setting.
What amenities are available at Clear Springs Campground near Wright Patman Lake?
Clear Spring is a Corps of Engineers campground offering numerous sites with full hookups, and many others with electricity and water. The campground features clean restrooms with showers, a boat launch, and dock facilities. Many sites are situated in a pine forest, providing nice shade, while the lakeview sites offer beautiful views (though these typically don't have sewer hookups). The staff are known for being friendly and helpful. The campground maintains a quiet, relaxing atmosphere, and wildlife like deer are frequently spotted within the park.
Where are the best camping spots at Wright Patman Lake?
Wright Patman Lake offers several excellent camping options. Atlanta State Park Campground is nestled in the piney woods with plentiful, well-maintained sites, two boat ramps, and a beach area. The park features tall pines and some full hookup sites. For RV camping, Piney Point provides convenient access just 15 miles from main roads, though it offers less privacy with sites primarily on asphalt pads. Both campgrounds provide beautiful lake views, though Atlanta State Park generally receives higher ratings for its scenic location and amenities.
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